Application

The MSc Ocean and Climate Physics begins every winter term. Applicants need to submit their complete application annually between 15 February and 31 March.

Application procedure

You will need to complete the Online-Application available on Universität Hamburg’s application portal during the application period. Please create a user account, enter your information online, and submit your application electronically.  (Please note that you can apply for one program only!)

Note that your application can only be considered if your complete application documents reach us by the application deadline. This deadline is final; no extensions can be granted.

Documents to submit

Please submit uncertified copies of all documents. For documents not issued in English or German, a certified English translation is required.

Copy of first university degree (e.g. BSc in Geophysics/Physical Oceanography from Universität Hamburg or equivalent degree with at least 90 CP in mathematical-physical courses) or confirmation of forthcoming degree with current transcript of records (including GPA)
Letter of application indicating the reasons for your study request, especially as regards your interest in the subject as well as in a scientific further training
Short curriculum vitae including professional experience or internships (if any) which are relevant for the MSc-course
Confirmation about sufficient English language skills to follow scientific lectures, to give presentations and take examinations in English, and to write an English master thesis. This can be based on your own assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions: Application

This FAQ addresses the most common questions in regards to the application process, the requirements and the "Ocean and Climate Physics" program in general.

What is the application deadline?

For the Master program the application period is from 15th February to 31th March every year. Be aware that this is the application period for International Master programs and therefore it has a different application period compared to non-international programs.

What are the necessary requirements for applying? Where do I need to apply?

The necessary requirements for application and how to apply can be found on this webpage.

In which language should my application, my papers and results be?

Your motivation letter should be in English. Your reports, transcript of records and papers can be in English or German. Documents in any other language needs to be officially translated.

How long should the motivation letter be?

Your motivation letter should be informative and not longer than one page of text.

I do not have a university degree in Geophysics/Physical Oceanography. Can I still apply?

To be accepted for the M.Sc. Ocean and Climate Physics, your university degree needs to include 90 ECTS in maths, physics, numerics and/or fluid dynamics.

For all the students without a background in physical oceanography we offer an introductory course in physical oceanography in the first half of the first term.

I have a degree in physics. Can I apply for the program?

If you studied Physics you are invited to apply. For all the students without a background in physical oceanography we offer an introductory course in physical oceanography in the first half of the first term.

I do not have a German highschool degree as a university entrance certificate (German Abitur). How can I check if my foreign degree is also valid as a higher education entrance eligibility?

You should check if you foreign degree is accepted from the following webpage.

I completed my Bachelor of Science outside of Germany. How can I check if my foreign university degree is valid?

If you obtained your first degree abroad, your certificate will be reviewed during the application procedure in the Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Natural Sciences (MIN).

I still wait for final grades of my Bachelors thesis. Can I still apply?

You may still apply, if you expect to complete your degree within the upcoming summer semester. Please hand in your current transcript of records (ToR) with your application.

Do I need to proof my English skills?

We need a confirmation about sufficient English language skills to follow scientific lectures, to give presentations and take examinations in English, and to write an English master thesis. (This confirmation can be based on your own assessment.)

Do I need to speak or learn German for the program?

All the mandatory courses are in English and most of the courses you can choose for the ADDITIONAL module in the program are in English. For living in Germany it could be useful to learn at least some German. Universität Hamburg offers some courses and information for international students who like to learn German

Does the Universität Hamburg have any special tuition fees for international students?

Universität Hamburg does not charge tuition fees. Yet, an administrative handling charge of approximately 330 € must be paid per term/semester. With this fee you also receive a ticket valid for unlimited travel by the public transportation in the Hamburg metropolitan area.

When does the program start?

The program starts every year in October. To allow everyone to settle in, lectures typically start on the Monday next to October 15th.

Does this program offer any scholarships?

The institute offers no scholarships. You have to find a scholarship by yourself if needed. A good place to start searching is the webpage of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) or at the webpage of international program for all students and alumni (PIASTA)