FAQs
Bachelor of Science
You can find all the important answers to your questions about studying here: A-Z Study FAQ.
Master of Science
Application
When is the application deadline for the M.Sc. SSE?
You can apply from March 1 to May 15 for the follwing winter semester. There is no summer intake for the M.Sc. SSE except for those switching from another Master's program (lateral entry).
Am I eligible for the program?
Unfortunately, we do not review applications as they come in, so we cannot evaluate your degree until you have submitted your application with all of the necessary supporting documents. However, if you thoroughly read our website and our selection statute, you will be able to estimate whether you are eligible for our master’s program and if the program is the right choice for you or not. We cannot predict your admission chances beforehand.
Is there any guidance on how to apply?
Yes! Our step-by-step application guide provides detailed instructions to help you through the process. Be sure to check it out for all the necessary information.
How do I submit my application?
Our application process is now completed entirely online. Unfortunately, this aspect is not yet noted in our selection statute. All documents have to be provided electronically. We do not accept hard-copy versions of applications or any other documents send via mail. Applications via e-mail are also not possible and will be ignored. The application process is carried out by the department and university itself, so you will apply through our online application portal. To apply for the SSE master’s program correctly, all applicants must complete the online application in full and submit it electronically via the application portal. Uni-assist does not process applications for the master’s program SSE. You can find a step-by-step application guide on our website, which is very useful in explaining each step of the application process.
Do I need to submit a CV / motivational letter or letter of recommendation?
No, these documents are not required for your application and cannot be submitted in the online application portal. Please refer to the Admission Requirements for our Master's programme to see which documents you need to submit or take a look at our step-by-step application guide. Any CV, motivational letter, or letter of recommendation provided will not be considered by the selection committee and will not influence their decision.
How much does it cost to apply?
There is no application fee for the master's program Sustainable Systems Engineering. However, you are required to provide a number of documents and certificates with your application. Be prepared that those are associated with fees and charges.
Can I send my application documents via e-mail?
No, see How do I submit my application?
What should the uploaded documents look like?
Applicants will be asked to provide electronic copies of their documents. Documents must be color scans of the original and clearly legible. In the case of translations, the original is the certified translation and the guidelines for certification apply.
What does an officially certified copy look like?
An official certification can be provided by any public body or government agency that has an official seal or stamp (Dienstsiegel). Examples include registration offices (Bürgerbüros) or the local registration offices of the State Residents’ Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt), as well as embassies and consulates if foreign academic records are to be certified. The institutions (schools, higher education institutions) that originally issued the record in question can also certify a copy of that record as well as sworn translators.
Which proof of English proficiency shows a CEFR B2?
The list of accepted language certificates can be found here
What if my proof of English proficiency is not valid anymore?
You can only use valid scores. If your scores have an expiration date please make sure that the scores are at least valid until the application deadline May 15th.
Do I need to speak German?
Although a few elective courses are taught in German, it is perfectly possible to study the M.Sc. Sustainable Systems Engineering entirely in English. Hence, German proficiency is not required for your studies. However, it will make your life (and job hunting after graduation) in Freiburg much easier if you speak a bit of German.
Does the program include German language courses?
The M.Sc. SSE program does not comprise German language courses. However, as a student you have access to plenty of language courses at the University of Freiburg or at other institutions, some at cost, some for free. You should definitely learn German while you are here. Living in a country and spending time with natives is the best way to learn the language. And it will increase your chances for a job in Germany afterwards by a lot.
Admission & Rejection
When will the results of the selection process be announced?
The exact timing differs slightly from year to year, but the selection committee's decision is usually announced sometime mid-June. If the grade of your Bachelor degree does not meet the admission requirements, your application may be rejected earlier.
Can I be admitted early?
There is no early admission to the program, because all eligible applicants take part in a ranking (more info in our selection statute). This can only happen after the application period has ended. You will be informed about the outcome as soon as possible.
Defer / postpone my admission? Can I join for the next semester/year?
It is not possible to postpone the admission granted for one year/semester. You will need to re-apply.
Is there a waiting list and a chance to be admitted later if I was not offered a seat?
There is no waiting list for the M.Sc. SSE program. The fact that some admitted applicants will not (be able to) accept the offer is already factored into the number of applicants that are admitted. If you were not offered a seat, there is unfortunately no chance of being admitted for this year's intake later.
Can I reapply if my application was rejected?
If your application was rejected due to your position in the ranking, you can reapply during the next application period in spring. However, if your application was rejected because your Bachelor degree does not fulfill the necessary requirements, reapplying would be futile.
Can I make up for missing credits?
If your Bachelor degree does not meet the necessary requirements, you cannot be admitted to the program. It is not possible to take additional classes to make up for the missing credits.
Finances
Do you offer any scholarships?
Information about scholarships are available here.
How much are the tuition fees?
Information about tuition fees are available here.
How much is the cost of living in Freiburg?
Information about the cost of living are available here.
Do I have to send a proof of my financial resources?
No, not to the University of Freiburg. International students will, however, need to submit such a proof to the German Embassy or Immigration Office (Ausländeramt) when applying for your visa.
Can I work during my studies?
Information about student jobs are available here.
Content
Where do I find a more detailed description of the program's content?
If you would like to find out details about modules and courses offered by the SSE program, check out its current module handbook.
Is the course mostly theoretical or does it have some practical modules as well?
It is both theoretical and practical. Which prevails depends on your choice of lectures/lab courses. In every topic we have at first to teach the theoretical basics before going into practical modules.
Dates
When does the M.Sc. SSE start?
The M.Sc. SSE starts every winter term (October). No summer semester entries possible.
What is the duration of the course?
The duration of the M.Sc. SSE is 4 semester resp. two years.
When does the teaching period start and end?
Winter term starts on October 1st, every year, and ends at the end of March. Teaching period in winter term starts around October 15th, and ends around February 15th. Summer term starts on April 1st, every year and ends at the end of September. Detailed timetables can be found here.
The "orientation week" takes place in October the week before lectures start, i.e. 8.-12. October 2018. Some events might even take place the week before.
We highly recommend every new student to arrive on time for the orientation week; ideally already around October 1st.
When does the exam period start and end?
In winter term the exam period at Faculty of Engineering starts around mid February and ends at the end of March. In summer term the exam period starts around mid August and ends at the end of September. Detailed timetables will be published by the exam office a few weeks before exam registration starts.
Accommodation
Does the University of Freiburg offer accommodation? How to find a room?
Information about housing are available here.
Enrollment
What do I need to enroll at the University of Freiburg?
Please read all about enrollment/matriculation here. The enrollment process is handled by the Registration Office.
When is the enrollment deadline?
The deadline for enrollment/matriculation is usually around mid of October. The exact date will be given on your letter of admission. Please make sure you arrive on time.
Do I need to enroll in person or can I send my documents by post?
You can either drop off your documents in person or send them by post. Pay attention to the office hours of the Registration Office if you plan to come in person.
Can I get an extension on my enrollment deadline?
Under certain circumstances, you may be granted an extension of the enrollment deadline by a few weeks. Get in touch with the program coordinator if you have reason to believe you may need an extension.
Visa/residence permit
Who do I contact if I need an additional document fo my visa proceedings?
If you need details confirmed which are not given in your letter of admission, such as the language of instruction etc., please send an email to study[at]inatech[dot]uni-freiburg[dot]de. Different embassies/consulates ask for different confirmations, so please be precise about what you need confirmed.
How can I get the residence permit?
Students who intend to stay for a longer period of time in Germany have to have a residence permit. The responsible authority is the foreigner’s office. For the residence permit you will need the following documents:
proof of enrollment from the university, a proof of financing and a valid health insurance.
A residence permit for the purpose of studying is issued for a period of two years and has to be extended before the two years run out. When you are going to extend your visa you always have to show a valid insurance contract.
Career perspectives
What are the prospects with a degree in Sustainable Systems Engineering?
Information about your life after your studies are available here.