What are the application deadlines? Deadlines for EU applicants and non-EU applicants are different.

All courses start in winter semesters, summer semester starts are not offered!

Non-EU applicants:

May 1 for the regular M.Sc. courses (upcoming WS)

EU applicants (EU natives and students with an EU degree):

1 July for the upcoming WS

EU and non-EU for the stipend Program: December 1 (for the WS in the following year)

Important: The application portal will only open 3-4 weeks prior to the respective deadline stated above.

To be admitted to our MSc programs at the University of Bonn, a BSc degree (or equivalent) in Physics (or related fields) is required.

In particular, we require applicants to have successfully completed the following coursework by the time the semester starts:

 In experimental physics: Courses in atomic, molecular, solid-state, nuclear, and / or particle physics corresponding to at least 15 Credit Points in total, as well as
Lab courses corresponding to at least 15 Credit Points in total;
In theoretical physics: Courses in quantum mechanics and statistical physics corresponding to at least 15 Credit Points in total.
In case it is not evident from your transcript that you fulfill these criteria (e.g. due to additional coursework), please address this in your application.
Our Master courses in Physics and Astrophysics are designed as "consecutive Master" courses, i.e. a solid foundation in physics is required. Applicants should have prior knowledge not only of classical mechanics (including Lagrange and Hamiltonian formulations) and electrodynamics (Maxwell equations and their solutions), but should also have taken introductory classes in atomic, molecular, solid state and nuclear/particle physics.

Applicants also have to prove that they have taken at least two lab courses performing experiments individually or in small groups and worked out written analyses of these experiments. Just watching someone else doing the experiment is not sufficient.

Finally, the Master course requires prior knowledge of non-relativistic quantum mechanics (including the axioms of quantum mechanics, the Schroedinger equation and its time-independent solution for the harmonic oscillator and the hydrogen atom, the angular momentum algebra, and time-independent perturbation theory) and of thermodynamics and statistical physics (energy conservation, the principle of entropy, the canonical ensembles, introductory quantum statistics).

These requirements apply to both the Master in Physics and the Master in Astrophysics. Having taken an introductory course in astronomy and/or astrophysics is certainly helpful for the Master in Astrophysics, but is not mandatory.

All information on neccessary documents and language certificates.

Curriculum Vitae
One-page essay indicating your motivation for joining the program (in German or English)
Certified copies of each university degree and/or a statement about degrees you plan to complete before joining the BCGS
Certified copy of your transcript of records
Certified copy of the school leaving certificate (or an equivalent degree of qualification for access to universities) In some coutries this is also called 'High-School Diploma and it enabled you to move on to higher education facilities/University.
Proof of English language proficiency: TOEFL (80 points, internet-based) or equivalent, e.g. IELTS (score 6.5), or an official document stating the language of instruction issued by the university of the candidate. (German applicants: a certificate about English proficiency issued by your thesis advisor.)
Two letters of recommendation (German applicants: minimum one).
Students who studied at Bonn or Cologne University do not need to send certified copies.

During the application process we only require proof in form of a PDF of you having registered with APS. The final certificate is not requied for application. It is possible to register without directly paying the fee with APS by chosing 'offline payment' as the payment option.

Not having the final certificate at this point is not a criterium which will influence the selection process.

Final enrollment for our courses will not be possible without the APS certificate, even if you receive a stipend or your application was positive and you were selected for the regular MSc course.

We would also like to strongly point out that we have had cases where the process of obtaining the certificate took several months, and it is not possible to receive a Visa without it, so do make sure you apply as soon as possible.