• 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 - e.g. in Geoecology, Environmental Science or Physics 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 - e.g. in Geoecology, Environmental Science or Physics 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.

Knowledge of programming languages and their usage is desired. It is not required but we highly recommended to have at least a basic understanding in programming.

Be aware that programming is one of the core methods of the CLEWS program. Students will deal with programming exercises and deepen their knowledge in several courses throughout the program. The main languages used in CLEWS are R and Python.

In case you have not dealt with programming so far, be aware that you should have a sustainable motivation to catch up and close knowledge gaps yourself!

You can apply for CLEWS from the 1st April for each winter semester.

As sooner you apply as better are your chances to prepare yourself well for studying in Potsdam. For instance  to managed to get a VISA (if needed) and a place to stay in Potsdam/Berlin. More informations about the application period you can find here

Application is firstly processed by uni-assist e.V. Any documents not submitted via uni-assist will not be considered. Also we cannot afford preliminary evaluations of application documents or transcript of records.

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"!

There is no tuition fee for the study program CLEWS. However, students have to pay a regular administrative term fee (in German called "Semestergebühren") which includes a 6-month ticket for all public transportation in the state of Brandenburg and in Berlin. More details on the composition of those fees can be found here. More information on the semester ticket can also be found in German on the website of the "Allgemeinen Studierendenausschusses (AStA)" of the University of Potsdam.

Besides this, the CLEWS program contains one mandatory field excursion in the mountain region of the Alps. The CLEWS excursion is around 1 week and will happen in August or September in the end of the 2nd semester. Each student needs to pay 50% of the costs per person, which amounts in total approximately ~200€. The other 50% of the costs are funded by the University.

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/
• International office: https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/international/incoming/students/housing

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.