Here we answer the most frequently asked questions about the MA NIA program. You will find the information on admission in the university’s regulations. Please read these carefully.
https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/studium/studying/legalfoundations/zulassungsordnungen-fuer-master
Your first degree should be in a subject relevant to the Master's program, e.g. in the political, administrative or social sciences.
According to the Subject-Specific Admission Regulations for the Master’s Degree Program in National and International Administration and Policy at the University of Potsdam (§ 3 Admission requirements) you require
a) a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a degree-granting institution or similar institution of higher education, or an equivalent institution in the Federal Republic of Germany, in a social-sciences degree program if this degree program
OR
b) a degree at a university abroad, insofar as there is no essential difference between the qualifications earned abroad and those qualifications mention under a)
Whether your university certificate is equivalent to German educational standards and entitles you to apply for a master program will be determined by uni-assist e.V., a registered association of which the University of Potsdam is a member.
You have to prove English language skills that correspond at least to the C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. To find out which certificates the University of Potsdam recognizes, please click here.
Yes. Starting from winter semester 2021, applicants are also required to submit a certificate of German language proficiency that is at least equivalent to A2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). To find out which certificates the University of Potsdam recognizes, please refer to this page.
You can apply both for the summer and winter semester. The application deadline for the winter semester is June 1 and December 1 for the summer semester.
The application is done via the application platform uni-assist e.V. A step-by-step instruction for the application process can be found here. Furthermore, a video on how to apply for a master's degree program at the University of Potsdam can be found here.
Please donot send applications and supporting documents directly to the University of Potsdam. Applications directly submitted to the University of Potsdam by post or via email will not be processed and not be considered.
No tuition fees are charged for the master's program National and International Administration and Policy, only an administrative semester fee of about 300 euros. This fee includes a 6-month ticket for the use of local public transport in the state of Brandenburg and Berlin. The exact composition of the fees can be found here.
The University of Potsdam itself does not award scholarships to international students. Information on scholarship providers can be found here.
Students' monthly financial burdens naturally vary according to their personal circumstances and standard of living. On this page, however, prospective students will find some guidelines to better plan their finances.
The staff of the International Office offers assistance.
The exact matriculation deadline can be found on the notification of admission. Please enroll as early as possible to ensure a smooth start to your studies.
The University of Potsdam compiled a web site with the most important information as well as a few pointers. This includes information on the introductory events, a quick guide to planning your studies and assembling a weekly schedule and much more.
Furthermore, the International Office provides information on its consulting services (e.g., health insurance) and announces social events on its welcome site.
Newly enrolled students receive their account for PULS (the university’s study and examination portal) together with their student ID card.
There are certain deadlines for enrolling in courses as well as for cancelling enrolments, which are usually mid-November (winter semester) or mid-May (summer semester). The exact deadlines for registration, enrolment, and withdrawal from courses in master's programs can be found here.
It is possible to do an internship as part of the elective compulsory module (M. 10). Please refer to the Discipline-Specific Regulations for Study and Examinations for MA NIA to get more detailed information (hours, internship report etc.).
The University of Potsdam supports students in this matter. Legal information for international students and assistance in finding an internship can be found here.
We recommend you to start as early as possible and to also consider apartments in the surrounding area. You can apply for a room in one of the student dormitories of the Studentenwerk or you can look for private accommodation. For more information click here.
For many students, starting at the University of Potsdam means the beginning of a new phase in their lives.
A good opportunity to get to know your fellow students is the MA NIA introductory session, which takes place in the first week of the lecturing period and where you will receive important information about the program and study/examination organization. You will also meet your MA NIA tutor in this session.
In order to make the start into the study program a little easier, especially for international students, there is a so-called buddy program between international and local students.
In addition, it is advisable to explore the pages of the International Office for their offers.
Yes, the Center for Languages and Key Competences (Zessko) offers numerous language courses. To take advantage of the courses offered, you must register via PULS. If you already have knowledge of a foreign language, you must take a test to determine your language level.
Universität Potsdam
Professur für Politikwissenschaft, Verwaltung und Organisation
August-Bebel-Straße 89, Haus 7
14482 Potsdam
Tel.: +49 331 977-3509 (Sekretariat)
Fax: +49 331 977-3615
E-Mail: sek-kuhlmannuuni-potsdampde