FAQ - Frequently asked questions about the Master's programme at the University of Münster
On this website, you will find answers and additional information regarding your questions.
Do you have more questions? Then contact us via the contact form.
Contents
Study programmes
Master's programmes (non-teaching)
You can find all degree programmes here.
If you have or will obtain a university degree, you can apply for a specialised Master's degree programme at the University of Münster. Most specialised Master's degree programmes are consecutive and require a university degree in the same or related subject/subjects.
Some programmes also require a minimum grade in the university degree, but this does not automatically guarantee admission. Further information can be found in the programme-specific admission regulations in the study guide. These criteria also apply to applications in higher semesters.
English-language Master's degree programmes
You can find all English-language Master's programmes here.
Master of Education
The prerequisite for enrolment in a Master of Education programme is a subject-relevant bachelor's degree from a German university.
Candidates who have earned their bachelor's degree outside of Germany are not eligible for admission to a Master of Education programme at the University of Münster.
You can find more information about the teacher training programme here.
University Admissions Qualification/Admission
What are the admission requirements for the Master's degree programmes at the University of Münster?
You need (in original language and translated into German or English):
- A university entrance qualification (your school-leaving certificates of a secondary, middle, senior or high school )
-
Fitting Bachelor’s degree (Transcript of Records including your actual GPA (grade point average))
- Language skills in German (DSH 2 for most German-taught subjects)
- Language skills in English (for English-language programmes)
(exact information can be found in the admission regulations of the respective degree programme)
If you have a university degree from India, China or Vietnam, you must have it checked and certified by the Academic Evaluation Centre in your capital city. The APS certificate must also be uploaded together with the transcript of records as part of the online application.
Application
How do I apply?
At the University of Münster, you apply for admission online. Here you will find all information on applying for Master‘s programmes.
Special application procedures
The following English-taught programmes have unique application processes. If applying to one of these programmes, please ignore the guidelines above (How to apply?).
M.Sc. in Geoinformatics and Spatial Data Science
M.Sc. in Geospatial Technologies
M.A. in Comparative Public Governance (Double-degree master's Programme)
M.Sc. in Public Sector Innovation and EGovernance
M. Mus.: Musik und Kreativität; Musik und Vermittlung
M.A. Public Sector Innovation and eGovernance
What documents do I need for the Application?
Further information can be found here.
Can I obtain a conditional admission?
There is no conditional admission at the University of Münster.
What deadlines should I be aware of?
Different deadlines apply to different programmes and applicants. We only accept applications during the application period.
In our Study Guide (English-Taught-Programmes) you can find out whether your desired degree programme can be started in the winter and/or in the summer semester.Can I submit documents at a later date?
All required documents must be uploaded to the application info portal by the application deadline. Subsequent submissions after the respective application deadline are not possible.
Will my documents be checked before I apply ?
You are responsible for checking your documents yourself. These will only be checked by the Registrar's Office and the relevant department once your application has been received in full online (including all uploads). A preliminary check will not take place.
Incomplete applications will not be included in the allocation procedure.
Are there examinations for admission?
There are specific entrance examinations for some degree programmes in the music arts and sports sciences.
How to enrol for a higher semester?
An application for a higher semester via the application portal of the University of Münster is required if the desired degree programme is subject to admission restrictions in higher semesters.
You must submit a Placement certificate issued by the degree course advisor, confirming recognition of academic achievement before your application.
More information about the higher semester here.
How long do I have to wait for an admission or rejection?
You can check the status of your application yourself at any time in our Info Portal. After you have submitted your online application, you will have received your application number for logging into the info portal by e-mail. Please check the status of your application at least twice a week. Rejection and admission notifications will be published in the application info portal approximately 2-3 weeks after the application deadline.
Language Skills
Do I have sufficient language skills?
To gain admission to a German-taught degree programme, you need to have very good German language skills.
Please familiarize yourself with the language requirements and our preparatory German language course before applying.The language requirements for our English-taught degree programmes can be found directly on the respective degree programme websites.
Are there preparatory language courses?
The Language Centre of the University of Münster offers international students a "German as a Foreign Language" (DaF) course which prepares them for the DSH examination. Please note that basic knowledge of German (B1) is required to take part in this course.
The course fee is currently 500 euros per semester. Because language course participants are enrolled at the University of Münster, they must pay the regular semester fee as well – about 320euros per semester.
More information on the language requirements here.
Information on applying for the language course.
Which language certificates are recognised?
Here you will find an overview of the recognised German language certificates.
The language requirements for our English-taught degree programmes can be found directly on the respective degree programme websites.
Student financing
How much money do I need each month to study and live?
Students in Münster normally need around € 1000 each month to cover living expenses in Münster without having to work part-time. There are no tuition fees charged for regular degree programmes at the University of Münster; the only exception applies to in-service continuing education programmes. However, at the beginning of each semester, you will have to pay a semester fee of around 320 euros. Language course students must pay an additional course fee of € 500 per semester. The residence permit, if applicable, costs about € 110 per year, and then there are the monthly living expenses.
Studying in Germany involves living expanses. Unlike in other countries, scholarships are not common in Germany. Please clarify your study financing in advance.
How to finance my studies?
The following pages contain information on the expenses of university study and various consultation and support services available at the University.
Can I get a scholarship ?
Because students are not required to pay tuition for degree programmes in Germany (with few exceptions), there are no full scholarship programmes offered at universities.
Partial scholarship programmes are available, e.g. the “ProTalent” scholarship programme at the University of Münster, as well as numerous individual funding opportunities.
Please note that many scholarships have special eligibility requirements, such as excellent academic achievement, volunteer commitment during one’s studies, and in many cases, German citizenship.
If you are interested in applying for such a scholarship, we recommend informing yourself in advance as to whether you meet the requirements and how long the application process takes.
generel information on scholarships and applications.
Information on scholarships for international prospective students
Information on scholarships for students with refugee experience
Accomodation in Münster
Will I get a Dormitory room during my studies?
You will not automatically be allocated a Dormitory room when you are admitted!
Many first-year students apply for a room in a hall of residence in the Studierendenwerk's facilities, but you can expect long waiting times.
Where can I live during my studies?
In our information ‘Living in Münster’ (German) we have compiled all the help we know about. The AStA has also set up a housing exchange (German).
Visa/residence
How to apply for Visa / Residence permit?
International students normally require a visa for study purposes. A tourist visa is not sufficient as you would have to reapply for the correct visa from your home country! Participants of university-preparatory language courses require a visa for study purposes with university preparatory courses. Students who are citizens of EU and EEA member states or Switzerland do not require a visa.
Please inquire in advance as to whether you need a student visa or entry visa to travel to Germany.Click here for further information.
More FAQs for prospective students