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MSc in Physics (Cologne)

University of Cologne Cologne

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  • No tuition
    Tuition
  • Winter and summer
    Intake
  • English
    Language
  • 15 Jan
    Next deadline

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About the programme

The M.Sc. Physics at the University of Cologne is a two-year, research-oriented programme taught in English, with 120 credits and entry in the winter or summer semester; admission is not restricted by a numerus clausus. Required courses include Advanced Quantum Mechanics or Statistical Physics and advanced lab courses. You then choose two physics areas from the research fields covered by the physics institutes of Cologne and Bonn, and an elective part lets you take courses across the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. The second year centres on research modules that lead to the Master's thesis. Graduates work in research institutes and industrial research, public authorities, consulting, software, telecommunications and finance. It suits physics graduates with a solid base in theoretical and experimental physics and mathematics.

Fields of study

Physics(Natural Sciences)

How to apply

APSRequired for Application

APS checks your degree papers. You need it if your degree is from India, China or Vietnam.

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Requirements

What you need to apply for MSc in Physics (Cologne) at University of Cologne

English language

IELTS Overall
5.5/ 9.0
View English requirements details

Proof of English language skills: minimum score 80 (TOEFL Internet-based Test) or comparable proof (e.g. IELTS (score 6.5) or a university certificate stating that English is the language of instruction in your Bachelor program). In case you have done a German Abitur, the respective assessment of your English language skills (B2/C1) is sufficient

German language

View German requirements details

In case you have done a German Abitur, the respective assessment of your English language skills (B2/C1) is sufficient.

Academic requirements

Minimum ECTS credits
180

ECTS are study credits. One year of full-time study is about 60 ECTS.

MOI accepted as English proof
Accepted
View academic requirements details

Tests and documents

Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Required
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Required
Letters of Recommendation
Required
GRE
Not required
GMAT
Not required
View document requirements details

yes, 2 pages

yes

yes

APS verification

APS certificate
Required for Application

APS checks your degree papers. You need it if your degree is from India, China or Vietnam.

Prerequisites

Higher education entrance qualification

You will usually need a higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung - HZB), e.g. an Abitur or equivalent. You can find out more information on the HZB from the Student Application and Registration Office (opens in a new tab) (German language only).

Prospective students with a foreign university entrance qualification or a foreign bachelor's degree can find information and contact options at the International Office (opens in a new tab).

Requirements for admission to a master’s degree

  • Completed bachelor's degree in physics (or equivalent) - applicants must have successfully completed the following courses in their previous degree program in order to be admitted (referring to a program with 180 CP):
  • at least 15 credit points in theoretical physics - with either a course in quantum mechanics or a course in statistical physics required.
  • at least 15 credits in mathematics
  • at least 15 credit points in advanced experimental physics
  • at least 12 credit points in experimental/practical training (e.g. laboratory courses, research projects as part of the degree program)
  • English language skills at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages(TOEFL iBT 72, IELTS 5.5)
  • For international applicants: VPD (opens in a new tab)

Documents checklist

What to prepare for your application to MSc in Physics (Cologne)

Programme-specific documents

Application documents to be submitted

The admissions committee requires the following certificates of education to assess your application:

Abitur certificate (or equivalent university entrance qualification)

Transcript of records

Bachelor’s certificate (or comparable degree). This can be submitted at a later time.

The following are also required for applicants with foreign school and university qualifications:

Officially certified translations of education certificates (where these are not available in German or English)

Preliminary review documentation (VPD) from uni-assist (more information on requesting the VPD can be found on the International Office website.)

Please also submit the following documents:

Letter of motivation

Curriculum vitae

Evidence of English proficiency: score of at least 80 (TOEFL internet-based test) or comparable evidence (e.g. IELTS (score 6.5) or a university certificate showing English as a language of instruction). If you have obtained your Abitur higher education entrance qualification in Germany, the assessment of your English proficiency (B2/C1) on the Abitur certificate will suffice as evidence of English.

These documents are required in PDF format for the online application.

This programme applies directly or via uni-assist. Submit your documents through the correct channel before the deadline.

Open application portal (opens in a new tab)

Apostille and notarization

Requirements vary by nationality and issuing country. Many German universities require certified translations and, in some cases, document apostilles. Verify current requirements directly with the admissions office, or use our document services for guided preparation.

Need help preparing your documents?

Our document preparation bundle covers SOP, CV, LOR, and translation coordination, reviewed by our team.

View document bundle

How to apply

Step-by-step guide to applying for MSc in Physics (Cologne) at University of Cologne

Application procedure

Application procedure link : http://physik.uni-koeln.de/bewerbung-master.html?&L=1 (opens in a new tab)

Uni assist link : https://ww2.uni-assist.de/online/Frontend/Default/index (opens in a new tab)

. For all master's degree programs you need a pre-examination documentation (VPD) from uni-assist eV for the application.

The processing time is approx. 4 - 6 weeks. Please apply for the VPD as early as possible before the application deadline at the UoK.

Uni-assist eV is the “work and service center for international study applications”. Uni-assist evaluates Master’s applications from applicants who have obtained a foreign university degree for the University of Cologne.

2. Application via the UoK application portal Klips 2.0

An application to the UoK is only possible with a valid VPD. The application for preliminary examination documentation at uni-assist alone does not count as an application for a course of study at the UoK.

Selection process

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Application quick facts

APS

Required for Application

APS checks your degree papers. You need it if your degree is from India, China or Vietnam.

Application fee

75 EUR

Complexity

Medium

Address

Please send your application to this address*:

uni-assist e.V.

11507 Berlin

GERMANY

  • You can also use this address for courier services or to send registered mail. If your mail carrier does not accept the address, please send your mail to uni-assist e.V., Geneststrasse 5, 10829 Berlin. This will not increase the transit time.
Open application portal (opens in a new tab)

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Costs

Tuition

FREE

No tuition fees

Semester contribution

320.05 EUR

per semester

Application fee

75 EUR

per application

Estimated year-1 total cost

12,544 EUR

Includes tuition, semester contribution, and estimated living costs.

Plan your total budget for Germany

Use the MS in Germany cost calculator to estimate living expenses, insurance, and your full year-one spend.

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Admission outcomes

Community-reported data from MS in Germany students (2018-2025)

Acceptance rate

38%

3 accepted out of 8 total applications

Grade distributionGerman scale (1.0 = best, 4.0 = passing)

AdmittedRejected
1.02.03.04.0

Based on 7 applications from MS in Germany students 2018-2025.

Based on 8 applications from MS in Germany students 2018-2025.

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