• In general, the prerequisite for master’s studies at the University of Potsdam is a first academic degree, such as a bachelor’s degree. Your first degree should be in a subject relevant to the program - in Geoecology or Physics and amounting to at least 180 CPs. Or a first undergraduate degree in the natural sciences with evidence of successfully completed modules amounting to at least:
  • 12 credit points in physics,
  • 12 credit points in earth and environmental sciences,
  • 12 credit points in mathematics,
  • and another 12 credit points in natural sciences related modules.
    Note: That means, in total, you should have accomplished at least 48 CP together in these four fields.
• Since this is an English-language degree program, a very good knowledge of English, corresponding at least to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference, is expected. Knowledge of the German language is not required.

You can read more about the subject-specific admission requirements in the respective admission regulations.

• In general, the prerequisite for master’s studies at the University of Potsdam is a first academic degree, such as a bachelor’s degree. Your first degree should be in a subject relevant to the program - in Geoecology or Physics and amounting to at least 180 CPs. Or a first undergraduate degree in the natural sciences with evidence of successfully completed modules amounting to at least:
  • 12 credit points in physics,
  • 12 credit points in earth and environmental sciences,
  • 12 credit points in mathematics,
  • and another 12 credit points in natural sciences related modules.
    Note: That means, in total, you should have accomplished at least 48 CP together in these four fields.
• Since this is an English-language degree program, a very good knowledge of English, corresponding at least to level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference, is expected. Knowledge of the German language is not required.

You can read more about the subject-specific admission requirements in the respective admission regulations.

If you have an academic degree from a higher education institution outside Germany, you must obtain a fee-based preliminary review documentation (VPD) from uni-assist. This VPD must be submitted along with your application to the University of Potsdam. Please visit the following link for more information: Entrance-qualifications-master

You will need a good working laptop or a similar device. You should be able to check your Emails and other communication channels. Your working device should come with the ability to work on normal statistical programs. Many lectures in CLEWS use programming languages to perform different analyses and modelling processes. For RAM-demanding tasks, the university offers high-performance computers.

The University of Potsdam is using its own application portal. Please apply for the CLEWS Master's program via the University's internal application portal. A step-by-step guide can be found under the following link: Application Guide

Important: Applicants without a German university degree MUST obtain a fee-based Verification of Preliminary Documentation (VPD) from the Uni-Assist plattform paid by the applicant. Please visit the following link for more information: Entrance-qualifications-master

Once you have received an admission notification and meet all enrollment requirements, you can proceed with enrollment in the CLEWS Master's program.

Enrollment Period:

Winter Semester: August 15 - October 15 (It is strongly recommended to enroll as early as possible to avoid any potential delays in processing.)

Enrollment is completed exclusively online through the University Admissions Portal. After you have entered the information required for enrollment, all documents needed for enrollment must be uploaded in the University Admissions Portal.

More Information about the enrollment process can be found under the following link

It is not possible to catch up on content. There are no bridging courses for this master program.

For enrolment deadlines, please refer to your admission notification. We recommend to apply for enrollment as early as possible after you received your admission notification. The procedure including the hand in of missing documents takes time. Please find enrollment deadlines here: Dates & Deadlines.

Erasmus+ is an international exchange program of the EU that helps students to study at a European partner University in a European country abroad.

Your time abroad with Erasmus+ can be done in one or two semesters during your master’s program. The application deadline is the 31. January for the consecutive winter term. If you get a place at one of our partner Universities and fulfil all requirements you will receive financial funding during your stay abroad.

Information about the Erasmus program is frequently shared by the institutes and by the international office. CLEWS students have the great opportunity to apply for places at partner universities from two institutes: The partners from the "Institute of Environmental Science and Geoecology" and the partners of the "Institute of Physics and Astronomy"!

This Master's program is structured to award 120 credit points and is ideally completed within four semesters. However, we recognize that students often extend their period of study beyond this timeframe for various reasons. Engagements such as part-time work, participation in language courses, or opportunities to study or undertake projects abroad can lead to an extended duration. As a result, most students complete their degree in five to seven semesters. We encourage students to plan their studies considering these factors to ensure a smooth and enriching educational experience.

For some students the start at Uni Potsdam is not only a new stage in life but also a big challenge. In order to make the start as convenient and welcome as possible, Uni Potsdam initiated a program to connect international and local students: Buddy–UP.

You can also check out the PANGEA project.

Additionally: If you wish to pursue a Master's degree at the University of Potsdam we highly recommend to follow the Application Guide. A good overview for international applicants can be found here: overview from abroad. Also it might of interest to you to contact: International Office or check out Visa: Welcome Center.

We recommend that you deal with accommodations in a timely manner and that you also consider accommodation in the surroundings of Potsdam. Information is provided hier:

• Welcome Center UP: https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/welcomecenter/preparation/housing/housinginpotsdam.html
• Studentenwerk Potsdam: https://www.studentenwerk-potsdam.de/en/housing/our-halls-of-residence#/
• Shared apartments: https://www.wg-gesucht.de/en/
• International office: https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/international/incoming/students/housing

If you have a direct enquiry about subletting offers, you can also contact the "Coordinator Housing Contingent for International Students" Mr. Aiko Vredenborg via Email: housing-for-incomings@uni-potsdam.de

The University of Potsdam does not fund your study. You have to pay your own living costs. But there are scholarships you can apply for. Uni Potsdam provides a great overview here: Scholarships or here: Finance. There is also an overview on Jobs and work besides studies here: working student.