Frequently Asked Questions: 

(Because of further problems and questions regarding application or our study program please contact us: master.mawi@physik.uni-augsburg.de)

Q1: When is the next deadline for applications?

All applications for the summer term 2025 have to be submitted until 1st November 2024.

Q2: Which background do your students have?
We expect a strong background in materials science that is comparable to a B.Sc. in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Augsburg. Our students hold B.Sc. degrees for example in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Nanotechnology, Physics, or Chemistry. Please note, however, that study programs may vary largely between universities. Admission thus depends very much on the individual background, skills, and academic achievements. The following list gives an overview of the curriculum of your fellow students who graduated from the University of Augsburg:

• Materials Science
  Introductory knowledge on all classes of materials: e.g. crystal structure, thermodynamics, properties and defects, solid state analytics
• Engineering
  Statics, mechanics of materials, strength of materials, manufacturing of all classes of materials, e.g. polymers, ceramics, metals, semiconductors
• Physics
  Experimental physics (mechanics, thermodynamics, electodynamics, optics, atomic and molecular physics, solid state physics), theoretical physics (basic quantum mechanics, thermodynamics)
• Chemistry
  General and inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, solid state chemistry, chemical lab practice 
• Mathematics
  Linear algebra, fundamental calculus, differential equations, complex analysis, vector analysis

Your background will be compared with this list.

Q3:  How will you evaluate my application?

We will evaluate the background of your B.Sc. The minimal strict requirements is listed above under „Applications Requirements, Application Procedure, etc.“. For this purpose, you have to list  and describe the corresponding courses from your B.Sc. program during your application under https://vibs.uni-augsburg.de. Furthermore, we offer and recommend an advisory online discussion. Invitations will be sent out after evaluation of your submitted documents.

In addition, your university documents and English certificates will be validated.

Q4:  How to evaluate my B.Sc. courses in terms of ECTS credits for the evaluation form?

One ECTS credit point corresponds to approximately 30 hours of total workload. If your B.Sc. program uses a different credit system, please try to estimate the ECTS equivalent by using and documenting the number of contact hours of your course in one semester.

Q5: Which level in English is required and which certificates do you accept?

Applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of having obtained level B2 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Currently, accepted equivalences to B2 in terms of internationally recognized test methods (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS) are as follows:

• TOEFL TOEFL (paper-based) score of at least 550 or
• TOEFL TOEFL (computer-based) score of at least 213 or
• TOEFL TOEFL (internet-based) score of at least 80 or
• IELTS-Overall Band Score of at least 6.5 (out of 9)

These limits are strict!

Q6: Do I need to provide a language certificate if the medium of instruction during my Bachelor studies was English?
No, in this case it is sufficient to submit the proof that the medium of instruction was English.

Q7: Can I obtain a preliminary estimate from the department about my chances of admission?
Due to the large number of applications, we are not able to offer this service. Please check Q1–Q5 to estimate your chances yourself.

Q8: Are scholarships available?
Information on financing and scholarships can be found  here.

Q9: Do I have to speak German, for studying the Master program 'Materials Science & Engineering'?

All course are given in English, but for getting along in Germany (insurances, accomodation, etc.) and finding a job, knowledge of basic German will be necessary.

Q10: What is the handbook of modules about?

This handbook contains all modules (lectures, seminars, method courses, etc.) offered within the Master program and provides information on the contents of the courses, the competences you should achieve, and the type of exams you will have to pass.

Q11: Do I need to provide a recommendation letter?

No.

Important documents for download

• Study Guide (outdated but probably still useful)

Information for students

Before Application

We strongly suggest that you familiarize yourself first with the Institutes’ various research activities in physics, materials science and engineering.

Study the information given on the pages concerning the International M.Sc. 'Materials Science & Engineering' carefully before submitting your application!

See also:

• German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
• University of Augsburg International Office
• Student Union of Augsburg
• Fachschaft Physik und MaWi (student council for physics and materials science)

Admission Requirements

• For admission to the Master’s program in Materials Science & Engineering, a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in the fields of materials science, physics, chemistry, or materials science and engineering is required. A degree in a related discipline might be deemed equivalent by the examination board, subject to evaluation of the documents submitted by the applicant. In the majority of cases a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering does not provide sufficient knowledge in the scientific foundations for Materials Science.
• All applicants have to submit proof of having obtained at least 12 ECTS credits in Materials Science, 12 ECTS credits in Physics and 18 ECTS credits from Engineering, Chemistry or Mathematics.
• If, at the time of application, your Bachelor’s diploma is not yet available, a current transcript of records must be submitted and the diploma and associated documents submitted within one year of commencing the Master’s program.
• Applicants whose first language is not English must provide proof of a sufficient knowledge of English corresponding to level B2 in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Currently, equivalences to B2 in terms of one of internationally recognized test methods (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS) are as follows:
  • TOEFL TOEFL (paper-based) score of at least 550 or
  • TOEFL TOEFL (computer-based) score of at least 213 or
  • TOEFL TOEFL (internet-based) score of at least 80 or
  • IELTS-Overall Band Score of at least 6.5 (out of 9)

Note: You do not have to submit this proof if you are a native speaker of English or you have graduated from a university where English is the primary language of instruction. In the latter case, please provide supporting documentation. Students with a German 'Abitur' need no further proof of their knowledge of English.

Application

Onlineportal: https://vibs.uni-augsburg.de

All applications for the summer term 2025 have to be submitted until 1st November 2024!!

All applications are required to contain the following documents:

• Fully completed online application.
• Upload all required documents in the online portal.
• Fulfill the required Credit Point Equivalents as mentioned above. Typically one ECTS point correponds to 30 hours of study time, i.e. contact hours plus homework. Note: Applicants who graduated from Augsburg University do not have to submit this form.
• TOEFL proof of at least 550 (for the paper-based test) or 213 (for the computer-based test) or 80 (for the internet-based test) or
• IELTS-test score of 6.5 (of 9)
• Note: You will not have to provide a English test score if you are a native English speaker, or graduated from a university where English is the primary language of instruction. In the latter case please provide supporting documentation. Students with a German 'Abitur' need no further proof of their knowledge of English.
• Please restrain from attaching any additional material!

Entry Requirements

Foreign students have to apply for a student visa at their nearest German Embassy in their home country.

We recommend to do it as soon as you decide to study in Germany.

The 'Residence Act' does not allow to change the entry status whilst in Germany; never enter with a tourist visa!

Please present the following at the Embassy:

1. Our letter of admission ('Zulassung')
2. Our documentation of the course
3. A proof of your financial means (EUR 720/month at least). Be prepared to show a bank statement covering the full expenses for the first year!

See also:

German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

University of Augsburg International Office

Health Insurance

All students at institutions of higher education in Germany have to provide proof of obligatory health insurance at the time of registration. Health insurance can be obtained (usually without any problem) after arrival in Augsburg.

Application for master’s degree programmes with international bachelor’s degree certificates

For further information read the Admission Requirements for students with international bachelor's degree certificates.

• No tuition fees are charged for the Programme, but all students have to pay a semester fee and for student services (including unlimited local bus & tram use). More informaion can be found here. (This applies to all courses offered at the University of Augsburg.)
• Students are responsible for their own housing and living expenses which run, as a minimum, at about EUR 992 per month.
• Note: All non-EU students have to provide evidence that their studies in Germany are financially secured!
• During your studies, you are allowed to work for up to 140 days or up to 280 half-days in each calendar year. See here for jobs for students. Support grants from German sources are extremely limited and available only to highly qualified applicants and under exceptional circumstances.
• You may also want to check for scholarships / stipends etc. with other agencies / institutions (e.g. Federal Training Assistance Act 'BAföG') see also the German Academic Exchange Service.
• Another way of supporting our students is through part-time teaching or research assistantships. There are only a few (!) of these jobs available, but you will have to look for them yourself once you are here. We do not assign teaching and research assistantships beforehand!

First Steps

• A helpful guide on your first steps in Augsburg can be found   here.

Registration

• You have to register officially with the City of Augsburg. Advice on this matter is also given by the here.
• You need also to register officially at the University of Augsburg. The current fee can be found  here (including unlimited local bus & tram use).

Housing

• Students admitted to the program are eligible to apply for a room in a student dormitory, but usually there is a long waiting list. In order to avoid the waiting list, you may purchase a 6-month ' Service Package' after you have obtained the 'Zulassung'.
• Most dormitories are run by the Student Union of Augsburg; they are conveniently located (walking distance or easy tram connection to the university). All rooms are one-person rooms, fully furnished, with a bathroom and cooking facilities. Note: There are no dorms exclusively for men and women.

The language of instruction is English. Each student has to proof good knowlegde in the English language through a appropriate TOEFL or IELTS score. Native English speakers or students which graduated from a Universtiy, where English is the primary language of instruction, are excluded from this prerequisite. But in the latter case, supporting documentation has to be provided.

Though fluent speaking of German is not required, each student will need some basic knowledge of German, in order to get smoothly along in daily live. English is often not enough to communicate successfully in many areas of life in Germany. You probably need to know German if you are looking for a room or a student job, if you have a doctor's appointment or an appointment at the immigration office. We suggest to acquire some basic German before coming here.

Alternatively, there is the possibility to attend German courses in Augsburg. Information about the courses can be obtained at the language center of the University of Augsburg.

If you prefer a private language course for spcific reasons please have a look at private language schools.