Master's Degree Application via University Admissions Portal
Available Programs of Study – Master (PDF)
Catalog for all programs of study leading to a master’s degree currently available at the University of Potsdam. It includes important information regarding application, admission, and registration.
We are pleased that you have decided to pursue a master's degree at the University of Potsdam!
If you apply for a master's degree program, we will review whether your professional qualifications fulfill the requirements for master's studies in your chosen program. An application must be submitted for consecutive master's degree programs, regardless of whether they are with or without admission restrictions.
In our course catalogue you can check if your desired master’s program is admission-restricted. Please note that you can apply for some degree programs only either for the summer or the winter semester. Please review the course catalogue to see whether it is possible to submit an application for a first semester in your desired master’s program for the winter and/or summer.
The application period for admission into the first and an advanced semester to the winter semester starts on April 1.
The application period for admission into the first and an advanced semester to the summer semester starts on November 1.
The application deadline for the different master’s degree programs varies and depends on the current admission status.
For consecutive master’s degree programs not related to teacher training with admission restrictions (with NC), the application deadline is June 1 for the winter semester and December 1 for the summer semester.
For consecutive master’s degree programs not related to teacher training without admission restrictions (no NC), the application deadline is August 15 for the winter semester and February 15 for the summer semester.
For an overview of the current application deadlines for your desired master’s degree program, please visit the website Application Master.
2. Application via the Admissions Portal
Please enter your data in accordance with your proof of identification (ID card, passport).
Your contact details will be used to mail the respective notifications. If you also need to apply for a residence permit, please make sure that your data meets the requirements for a visa application.
Choose your desired master’s degree program and semester of study. After that, you can enter information on your academic training and the documentary evidence required for the master’s degree program. You will be prompted to upload your documentary evidence and additional documentation in the relevant sections. You complete your application by submitting your online application form.
To ensure a timely application, you must have submitted the online application form and all required documents (see item 3. Application documents) by the application deadline at 11:59 p.m. CET/CEST via the button ‘Submit application’.
After submitting your online application, you can view the status of your application in your ‘Submitted Applications’ overview. Information about the outcome of your application is available in the admission and enrollment portal. Your admission or rejection notification will be made available in the admission and enrollment portal as a PDF and sent via the postal service to the address you have provided. Processing times may vary for each master’s degree program.
Assuming that you are able to provide all the information and have the required documents on hand, an online application takes an average of 20 minutes.
Please note that only complete applications can be submitted and processed. You must have entered all mandatory information and uploaded all required documents before you can submit your application electronically.
Please do not send any documents by mail or e-mail to the University of Potsdam. Documents sent to us by mail, fax and/or e-mail will not be processed.
When applying for the first semester of study, you will need to upload the following documents as pdf:
1. Proof of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent first degree from a higher education institution by submitting your certificate of completion and your diploma. If applicable, also submit your diploma supplement.
If your diploma does not show proof of our subject-specific academic admission requirements, please submit a confirmation of your modules completed and credit points acquired (e.g. module performance overview, transcript of records) in addition to your certificate of completion and your diploma.
For an application without a formally completed degree, the following minimum number of credit points must be documented at the time of application with a current transcript of records or confirmation issued by the institution of higher education regarding the current total number of credit points up to that point:
- at least 140 credit points for bachelor’s degree programs with a total of 180 credit points
- at least 170 credit points for bachelor’s degree programs with a total of 210 credit points
- at least 200 credit points for bachelor’s degree programs with a total of 240 credit points
2. Evidence of the content and structure of your academic training. This can be, for example, module catalogs, study and examination regulations or a syllabus.
3. If applicable, preliminary review documentation (Vorprüfungsdokumentation) by uni-assist e.V.
If you are submitting an academic degree or academic records from a higher education institution abroad, you must also upload a document on the evaluation of the degree as an entrance qualification for master’s studies (preliminary review documentation – Vorprüfungsdokumentation or VPD) via the admission and enrollment portal. Please refer to the following website for information on how to apply for a VPD.
Applying for a VPD does not count as an application for the degree program. Be sure to allow enough time to apply for a VPD; the average processing time at uni-assist is 4 to 6 weeks.
The VPD must be submitted via the admission and enrollment portal by the application deadline.
4. If applicable, translations by a sworn translator. If your academic transcripts were issued in a language other than German or English, a translation of these documents by a sworn translator must also be uploaded via the admission and enrollment portal.
5. If applicable, placement notice for first or advanced semester entry.
Prospective students who are or were enrolled in a related master's program and want to transfer to the Univesity of Potsdam can find information on how to obtain a mandatory placement notice on this page. Students who are currently enrolled in a master's program at the University of Potsdam and want to transfer into another master's program can find information on how to receive a placement notice on this page.
6. Additional program-specific documentation for each master’s degree program
Admission information: No numerus clausus restriction I Summer semester 2024
Application deadline: February 15, 2024
Please submit the following in addition to the aforementioned documentation:
(1) Proof of English language skills that correspond at least to the C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) with a certificate listed on the page Required Language Skills for University Studies under English Language Skills Level C1 (CEFR). The Examining Board issues decisions regarding credentials on a case by case basis.
In-depth information about academic admission requirements of this master's degree program can be found in its subject-specific admission regulations. Information about its content and structure can be found here.
Admission information: No numerus clausus restriction I Summer semester 2024
Application deadline: February 15, 2024
Please submit the following in addition to the aforementioned documentation:
(1) Proof of English language skills that correspond at least to the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) with a certificate listed on the page Required Language Skills for University Studies under English Language Skills Level B2 (CEFR). The Examining Board issues decisions regarding credentials on case by case basis.
(2) Applicants who do not hold German citizenship: Proof of German language proficiency at the level C1 (CEFR) or higher with a certificate listed on the page Required Language Skills for University Studies under German Language Skills Level C1 (CEFR).
In-depth information about academic admission requirements of this master's degree program can be found in its subject-specific admission regulations (German version: Germanistik).
Information about its content and structure can be found here.
Admission information: No numerus clausus restriction I Summer semester 2024
Application deadline: February 15, 2024
Please submit the following in addition to the aforementioned documentation:
(1) Applicants who do not hold German citizenship: Proof of German language proficiency at the level C1 (CEFR) or higher with a certificate listed on the page Required Language Skills for University Studies under German Language Skills Level C1 (CEFR).
In-depth information about academic admission requirements of this master's degree program can be found in its subject-specific admission regulations (German version: Geoökologie). Information about its content and structure can be found here.
Admission information: No numerus clausus restriction I Summer semester 2024
Application deadline: This degree program does not accept first semester applications for the Summer semester intake.
Please submit the following in addition to the aforementioned documentation:
1) Proof of English language skills that correspond at least to the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) with a certificate listed on the page Required Language Skills for University Studies under English Language Skills Level B2 (CEFR).
(2) Proof of modern foreign language skills such as Spanish, Russian, Polish that correspond at least to the level of B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The master's degree program Geschichtswissenschaften recognizes the following qualifications:
French B1 (CEFR)
- Certificate of general higher education entrance qualification with documentation of French as a foreign language, or a certificate of a higher education entrance qualification with confirmation of the B1 level (CEFR)
- UNIcert certificate: I
- telc B1
Italian B1 (CEFR)
- Certificate of general higher education entrance qualification with documentation of Italian as an advanced course
- UNIcert certificate: at least I
- Esame CILS, Università per Stranieri di Sienna, Niveau: CILS 1
- Esame CELI, Università per Stranieri di Perugia, Niveau: CELI 2
- Esame PLIDA, Dante Alighieri, Niveau: PLIDA B1
- Esame IT, Università degli Studi Roma Tre, Niveau: ele.IT
- telc B1
Spanish B1 (CEFR)
- Certificate of general higher education entrance qualification with documentation of Spanish as a foreign language, or a certificate of a higher education entrance qualification with confirmation of the B1 level (CEFR)
- UNIcert: at least I
- telc B1
- CELU Básico
- DELE B1
Russian B1 (CEFR)
- Certificate of general higher education entrance qualification with documentation of Russian as a foreign language, or a certificate of a higher education entrance qualification with confirmation of the B1 level (CEFR)
- UNIcert: at least I
- TBU
- TRKI 1
- telc B1
Polnish B1 (CEFR)
- Certificate of general higher education entrance qualification with documentation of Polish as a foreign language, or a certificate of a higher education entrance qualification with confirmation of the B1 level (CEFR)
- UNIcert: at least I
- Certificate Polish as a Foreign language Poziom
- ECL B1
The Examining Board issues decisions regarding other modern languages and other credentials not mentioned above on a case by case basis.
(4) Applicants who do not hold German citizenship: Proof of German language proficiency at the level C1 (CEFR) or higher with a certificate listed on the page Required Language Skills for University Studies under German Language Skills Level C1 (CEFR).
In-depth information about academic admission requirements of this master's degree program can be found in its subject-specific admission regulations . Information about its content and structure can be found here.
Admission information: No numerus clausus restriction I Summer semester 2024
Application deadline: February 15, 2024
Please submit the following in addition to the aforementioned documentation:
(1) Proof of English language skills that correspond at least to the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) with a certificate listed on the page Required Language Skills for University Studies under English Language Skills Level B2 (CEFR). The Examining Board issues decisions regarding credentials on a case by case basis.
(2) Applicants who do not hold German citizenship: Proof of German language proficiency at the level C1 (CEFR) or higher with a certificate listed on the page Required Language Skills for University Studies under German Language Skills Level C1 (CEFR).
In-depth information about academic admission requirements of this master's degree program can be found in its subject-specific admission regulations (German version: Jüdische Studien). Information about its content and structure can be found here.
Admission information: No numerus clausus restriction I Summer semester 2024
Application deadline: February 15, 2024
Please submit the following in addition to the aforementioned documentation:
(1) Proof of English language skills that correspond at least to the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) with a certificate listed on the page Required Language Skills for University Studies under English Language Skills Level B2 (CEFR). The Examining Board issues decisions regarding credentials on a case by case basis.
(2) Proof of Hebrew skills, of at least the Hebraicum level.
In-depth information about academic admission requirements of this master's degree program can be found in its subject-specific admission regulations. Information about its content and structure can be found here.
Admission information: No numerus clausus restriction I Summer semester 2024
Application deadline: February 15, 2024
Please submit the following in addition to the aforementioned documentation:
(1) Proof of English language skills that correspond at least to the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) with a certificate listed on the page Required Language Skills for University Studies under English Language Skills Level B2 (CEFR).
(2) Applicants who do not hold German citizenship: Proof of German language proficiency at the level C1 (CEFR) or higher with a certificate listed on the page Required Language Skills for University Studies under German Language Skills Level C1 (CEFR).
In-depth information about academic admission requirements of this master's degree program can be found in its subject-specific admission regulations.
Information about its content and structure can be found here.
Admission information: No numerus clausus restriction I Summer semester 2024
Application deadline: February 15, 2024
Please submit the following in addition to the aforementioned documentation:
(1) Proof of English language skills that correspond at least to the B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) with a certificate listed on the page Required Language Skills for University Studies under English Language Skills Level B1 (CEFR).
(2) Evidence of the acquisition of basic scientific work techniques for preparing and writing scientific papers and texts is required. This includes, for example, evidence analogous to the basic academic skills taught in the Bachelor of Mathematics (e.g. analysis and presentation techniques, critical discussion skills, research techniques and criteria for scientific writing). Evidence may include course content, term papers, seminar papers, dissertations, and presentation slides.
In-depth information about academic admission requirements of this master's degree program can be found in its subject-specific admission regulations.
Information about its content and structure can be found here.
Admission information: No numerus clausus restriction I Summer semester 2024
Application deadline: This degree program does not accept first semester applications for the Summer semester intake.
Please submit the following in addition to the aforementioned documentation:
(1) Proof of English language skills that correspond at least to the B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) with a certificate listed on the page Required Language Skills for University Studies under English Language Skills Level B1 (CEFR).
(2) Proof of Russian or Polish language skills that correspond at least to the B1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, if Russian or Polish is not the applicant's native language. The master's degree program Osteuropäische Kulturstudien recognizes the following qualifications:
Russian B1 (CEFR)
- UNIcert certificate: I
- TBU
- TRKI 1
- telc B1
Polish B1 (CEFR)
- Certificate of higher education entrance qualification with documentation of Polish as a foreign language, or a certificate of a higher education entrance qualification with confirmation of the B1 level (CEFR)
- UNIcert certificate: I
- Certificate Polish as Foreign Language Poziom podstawowy
- ECL B1
The Examining Board issues decisions regarding credentials on a case by case basis.
(3) Applicants who do not hold German citizenship: Proof of German language proficiency at the level B2 (CEFR) or higher with a certificate listed on the page Required Language Skills for University Studies under German Language Skills Level B2 (CEFR).
In-depth information about academic admission requirements of this master's degree program can be found in its subject-specific admission regulations (German version: Osteuropäische Kulturstudien). Information about its content and structure can be found here.
Admission information: No numerus clausus restriction I Summer semester 2024
Application deadline: February 15, 2024
Please submit the following in addition to the aforementioned documentation:
(1) Proof of English language skills that correspond at least to the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) with a certificate listed on the page Required Language Skills for University Studies under English Language Skills Level B2 (CEFR). The Examining Board issues decisions regarding credentials on a case by case basis.
(2) Applicants who do not hold German citizenship: Proof of German language proficiency at the level C1 (CEFR) or higher with a certificate listed on the page Required Language Skills for University Studies under German Language Skills Level C1 (CEFR).
In-depth information about academic admission requirements of this master's degree program can be found in its subject-specific admission regulations. Information about its content and structure can be found here.
Admission information: No numerus clausus restriction I Summer semester 2024
Application deadline: February 15, 2024
Please submit the following in addition to the aforementioned documentation:
(1) Proof of English language skills that correspond at least to the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) with a certificate listed on the page Required Language Skills for University Studies under English Language Skills Level B2 (CEFR). The Examining Board issues decisions regarding credentials on a case by case basis.
(2) Applicants who do not hold German citizenship: Proof of German language proficiency at the level B2 (CEFR) or higher with a certificate listed on the page Required Language Skills for University Studies under German Language Skills Level B2 (CEFR).
In-depth information about academic admission requirements of this master's degree program can be found in its subject-specific admission regulations. Information about its content and structure can be found here.
Admission information: No numerus clausus restriction I Summer semester 2024
Application deadline: February 15, 2024
Please submit the following in addition to the aforementioned documentation:
(1) Applicants who do not hold German citizenship: Proof of German language proficiency at the level C1 (CEFR) or higher with a certificate listed on the page Required Language Skills for University Studies under German Language Skills Level C1 (CEFR).
In-depth information about academic admission requirements of this master's degree program can be found in its subject-specific admission regulations (German version: Romanische Philologie). Information about its content and structure can be found here.
Admission information: No numerus clausus restriction I Summer semester 2024
Application deadline: February 15, 2024
Please submit the following in addition to the aforementioned documentation:
(1) Proof of English language skills that correspond at least to the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) with a certificate listed on the page Required Language Skills for University Studies under English Language Skills Level B2 (CEFR).
(2) Applicants who do not hold German citizenship: Proof of German language proficiency at the level C1 (CEFR) or higher with a certificate listed on the page Required Language Skills for University Studies under German Language Skills Level C1 (CEFR).
In-depth information about academic admission requirements of this master's degree program can be found in its subject-specific admission regulations .
Information about its content and structure can be found here.
Admission information: No numerus clausus restriction I Summer semester 2024
Application deadline: This degree program does not accept first semester applications for the Summer semester intake.
Please submit the following in addition to the aforementioned documentation:
(1) Proof of English language skills that correspond at least to the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) with a certificate listed on the page Required Language Skills for University Studies under English Language Skills Level B2 (CEFR).
(2) Proof of modern language skills such as French, Italian or Spanish that correspond at least to the level of A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The master's degree program Vergleichende Literatur- und Kunstwissenschaft recognizes the following qualifications:
French A2 (CEFR)
- Certificate of a degree from a French-language degree program at an accredited institution of higher education
- Documentation of having had French at high school for four years
- UNIcert: at least I
- telc A2
Italienisch A2
- Certificate of a degree in Italian Philology
- Documenation of having had Italian at high school for four years
- CILS A2
- Esame CELI 1 A2
- Esame PLIDA A2
- Esame IT, Niveau base.it
- Esame DILI; Niveau DILI A2
- telc Italiano A2
Spanish A2
- Certificate of a degree in Spanish Philology
- Documentation of having had Spanish at high school for four years
- UNIcert: at least I
- telc A2
- DELE A2
The Examining Board issues decisitons regarding other modern languages and other creditials not mentioned above on a case by case basis.
(3) Applicants who do not hold German citizenship: Proof of German language proficiency at the level C1 (CEFR) or higher with a certificate listed on the page Required Language Skills for University Studies under German Language Skills Level C1 (CEFR).
In-depth information about academic admission requirements of this master's degree program can be found in its subject-specific admission regulations (German version: Vergleichende Literatur- und Kunstwissenschaft). Information about its content and structure can be found here.
Admission information: No numerus clausus restriction I Summer semester 2024
Application deadline: February 15, 2024
Please submit the following in addition of the aforementioned documentation:
(1) Proof of English language skills that correspond at least to the B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) with a certificate listed on the page Required Language Skills for University Studies under English Language Skills Level B2 (CEFR).
(2) Proof of modern foreign language skills such as Spanish, Russian, Polish that correspond at least to the level of B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The master's degree program Zeitgeschichte recognizes the following qualifications:
French B1 (CEFR)
- Certificate of general higher education entrance qualification with documentation of French as a foreign language, or a certificate of a higher education entrance qualification with confirmation of the B1 level (CEFR)
- UNIcert certificate: I
- telc B1
Italian B1 (CEFR)
- Certificate of general higher education entrance qualification with documentation of Italian as an advanced course
- UNIcert certificate: at least I
- Esame CILS, Università per Stranieri di Sienna, Niveau: CILS 1
- Esame CELI, Università per Stranieri di Perugia, Niveau: CELI 2
- Esame PLIDA, Dante Alighieri, Niveau: PLIDA B1
- Esame IT, Università degli Studi Roma Tre, Niveau: ele.IT
- Esame DILI, Accademia Italiana di Lingua Firenze, Niveau: DILI B1
- telc B1
Spanish B1 (CEFR)
- Certificate of general higher education entrance qualification with documentation of Spanish as a foreign language, or a certificate of a higher education entrance qualification with confirmation of the B1 level (CEFR)
- UNIcert certificate: at least I
- telc B1
- CELU Básico
- DELE B1
Russian B1 (CEFR)
- Certificate of general higher education entrance qualification with documentation of Russian as a foreign language, or a certificate of a higher education entrance qualification with confirmation of the B1 level (CEFR)
- UNIcert certificate: at least I
- TBU
- TRKI 1
- telc B1
Polnish B1 (CEFR)
- Certificate of general higher education entrance qualification with documentation of Polish as a foreign language, or a certificate of a higher education entrance qualification with confirmation of the B1 level (CEFR)
- UNIcert certificate: at least I
- Certificate Polish as a Foreign language Poziom podstawowy
- ECL B1
The Examining Board issues decisions regarding other modern languages and other credentials not mentioned above on a case by case basis.
(3) Applicants who do not hold German citizenship: Proof of German language proficiency at the level C1 (CEFR) or higher with a certificate listed on the page Required Language Skills for University Studies under German Language Skills Level C1 (CEFR).
In-depth information about academic admission requirements of this master's degree program can be found in its subject-specific admission regulations (German version: Zeitgeschichte). Information about its content and structure can be found here.
