German required ?

• Knowledge of the German language is not required.

Knowledge of English > Level B2 (CEFR) !

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:

• Certificate of the general university entrance qualification or a restricted entrance qualification for a university of applied sciences with English as the first foreign language or a university entrance qualification with confirmation of level B2
• UNIcert® II, III or IV certificate
• TOEFL® Internet-Based Test (iBT) or TOEFL iBT Home Edition with at least 75 points
• Cambridge English B2 First (FCE) with at least 160 points
• IELTS or IELTS Online with at least 6.0 points in every test component
• Proof of completion of a program of study at a recognized university with English as the sole language of instruction or with English as a subject in the main or minor field, as a subject in teacher training, or within a comparable combination of subjects. Suitable certificates or documents to prove an English-language program of study include the degree certificate, a transcript of records, a diploma supplement, regulations concerning access to and conduct of studies, or comparable evidence.
• Certificate of the higher education entrance qualification obtained for an Englishlanguage course of education in a country that has English as an official language
• Pearson Test of English - PTE Academic or PTE Academic Online with at least 59 points
• College English Test (CET; China): Band6 with at least 550 points

See the page of the University regarding English Language Skills

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!

If you are currently enrolled in, or have successfully completed, a graduate program related to CLEWS, you must obtain and submit a Semester Placement and the Recognition of Credentials letter from the Chair of the Examining Board to enter the first semester of study. Related programs include 'Environmental Science', 'Physics', 'Earth Sciences' and similar programs. Please visit the following link for more information: Semester Placement and the Recognition of Credentials

You can apply for CLEWS from the 2nd 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

We provide detailed information about studying the CLEWS master’s program at the University of Potsdam on our "Study Info" webpage. Please visit this website for more details.

Our faculty can only provide the admission notification sent via Email. For further questions please consult your local embassy or contact the friendly staff at the International Office of the University of Potsdam. More information on your VISA please find here.

If you wish to pursue a Master's degree at the University of Potsdam we highly recommend to follow the Application Guide. A good overview for international applicants can be found here: overview from abroad. Also it might of interest to you to contact: International Office. Note that it is not necessary to provide your Visa status for the enrollment at University of Potsdam.

Newly enrolled students will receive their account in PULS (the University of Potsdam’s online platform for study affairs) along with their student ID. There are certain deadlines for course registration and for de-registration usually around mid of November. The current deadline for registration, enrollment, and withdrawal period for courses in Master’s degree programs can be found here.

The CLEWS excursion is mandatory for all students and one part of the module “PHY-CM02: Numerical methods (Programming) & Introduction: Climate, Earth, Water, Sustainability”. The excursion's name is “Current changes of the Climate & Earth System: Evidence in the field”. Students go into the field to experience and see the impacts of climate change on the environment and society. 

The excursion will be one full week and take place in the lecture-free period between August and September. It usually takes place in the Austrian Alps and is guided by professors of the CLEWS program. For many students, the summer excursion is the highlight of their study time. Students cook together and have fun during experiencing and learning many new things about environmental issues and climate change in the field.

Costs of the excursion

It is expected that the cost of the excursion will be around €400, which must be paid by the student.

We strive to keep costs for students as low as possible and to communicate them transparently. For this compulsory excursion, 50% of student expenses are subsidised by the university, particularly by the Institute of Environmental Sciences and Geography, and the Institute of Physics and Astronomy. General price increases may lead to higher costs. Any excess amounts paid will be settled and refunded after the field course has ended in accordance with the university's excursion guidelines.

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.

In addition to the core expenses, which include accommodation and program-related costs, students are also responsible for their own meals and transportation to the excursion site in the mountain region of the Alps. To keep food expenses manageable, students are encouraged to purchase cost-effective options from local supermarkets and prepare self-made meals as a group. For transportation, students can opt for train or bus services. It is advisable to book these travel arrangements early, as costs typically increase closer to the departure date. Overall, students should anticipate an additional expenditure of around ~200€ for food and travel.

Whenever you start studying at a university, you have to keep an eye on monthly expenses. The costs for studying at the University of Potsdam are comprised of semester fees and the cost of living. Monthly financial expenses vary among students depending upon your personal circumstances and standards. The following page presents a few guidelines that should make financial planning easier for prospective students: Costs at a Glance