Program details
English
Language of Instruction
Oct, Apr
Available Intake(s)
In the Master's degree course in Physics, students can choose between three specialisations: With the General Physics specialisation, any modules from the course catalogue can be selected. This specialisation offers the opportunity to specialise according to your own preferences. While the course of study contains advanced general lectures about experimental and theoretical physics that leave all options for subsequent career paths open, many of the specialised compulsory elective courses focus on computational physics and materials science, with a particular focus on the optoelectronic properties of micro- and nano-structures (i.e., their fabrication, characterisation, spectroscopic properties, device applications, and theoretical simulation). The Photonic Quantum Technologies specialisation offers an in-depth insight into the highly topical field of quantum technologies, including the courses in Quantum Optics, Quantum Computing and Quantum Information Technology. The PhoQS (Institute for Photonic Quantum Systems) offers excellent research conditions for the course and beyond. The focus area in Optoelectronics, Materials, Devices offers a specialisation in the extremely relevant field of optoelectronic semiconductor elements, optics and photonics. With this specialisation, you will be ideally qualified for demanding tasks in research and industry. The respective specialisation is noted on the degree certificate.
A GCQ360 counsellor can help you with eligibility, documents, and your application timeline.
In the first two semesters, you will attend lectures in theoretical and experimental physics as well as seminars. There is a compulsory course in advanced quantum mechanics in the first semester, but most other courses during this phase are elective courses and can be chosen according to your interests and desired specialisation. The lectures are accompanied by practical classes in which experiments are performed and/or theoretical exercises in which solutions to physics problems are worked out and presented by the students. In addition, you will learn to develop a scientific topic based on existing literature and present it to your fellow students in two seminars. In addition, there are two courses on technical English, which expand subject-related English skills and promote the necessary communication skills for study, research and work. In your second year, you will join one of the research groups within the department and work on a supervised individual research project that will form the basis for your Master's thesis. The special skills and knowledge required for the project are acquired during a preparatory phase in the third semester. After completion of the research project, the written thesis will be submitted at the end of the fourth semester. Usually, the thesis work is defended in a colloquium, which consists of a presentation followed by questions. Course objectives Degree holders have a deep understanding of the fundamentals of physics and have the qualifications for independent scientific work in research and technology. The special expertise in quantum technologies, optoelectronics, materials science, and/or computational physics (depending on the choice of specialisation), represents a key advantage for employment in the optics and electronics industry or in relevant academic institutions. The degree also qualifies graduates to enter PhD programmes in Paderborn or elsewhere. PDF Download | International guest lecturers Language training provided | German language courses: No | English language courses: Yes
As of Sep 7, 2026, verify on the university’s site.
The following is valid for applicants from: all countries For the winter semester: until 31 May The following is valid for applicants from: all countries For the summer semester: until 30 November | Please find more details on this website.
Please apply via uni-assist.
No minimum language level required
Tuition Fee
No tuition fee
This university charges no tuition fee. A compulsory semester contribution (administration, student services and usually a local transport pass) is normally still payable and is not included here.
Looking for living expenses, accommodation, scholarships, placements, or campus facilities? See the university page.
Approx. 330 EUR per semester The fee includes the Deutschlandticket, covering all regional public transport in Germany.
No
Students are eligible to apply for a room at the dormitories of the "Studierendenwerk Paderborn" (affiliated with Paderborn University). As an alternative, students can look for a room or an apartment on the private market. The typical rent is between 350 EUR and 450 EUR per month.
Rent: 400 EUR Health insurance: approx. 160 EUR Food: 350 EUR Free time: min. 150 EUR Semester fee: approx. 330 EUR per semester (55 EUR/month) Miscellaneous: approx. 120 EUR Total approx. 1,235 EUR
No minimum language level required
None
Please find details on the course website.
Yes
Students can obtain paid jobs tutoring, performing technical work, or supporting research projects within one of the research groups of the department.
Cultural and linguistic preparation Visa matters Welcome event
With the DAAD-funded project InRegioFIT, Paderborn University is pursuing the goal of providing international students with targeted support throughout their studies and during their transition into the labour market. The project focuses on the specific regional requirements and circumstances in order to optimally prepare international talent for entering the local labour market.
During the week before the start of each semester, the International Office (IO) offers various orientation and information meetings for all foreign students. The IO also provides support for students from abroad in legal and social matters, and organises excursions and social activities. Students are also welcome to register for free German language courses.
This university has not published its own document list, so this is what a student going to Germany is generally asked for. Confirm the exact list with the university.
Bucerius Law School
Funding
Merit- and need-based awards toward the EUR 25,000 tuition fee
Applicants to the Master of Law and Business (LLM/MLB) programme; early-bird and scholarship deadline is January 15 for the September intake
National Merit Foundation
Funding
Full tuition waiver
For students admitted to an accredited university program, based on financial need and merit.
Il servizio di scambio accademico tedesco (DAAD)
Funding
EUR Research Stays, Scholarships, and Master's Programs
Students from pontifical universities.
Master of Science in Physics (International Physics) is a Master program in Physics offered by Paderborn University in Paderborn, Germany.
Minimum qualification required: Bachelor's degree in physics (or equivalent) The applicant's final grade should be at least 3.0 (according to the German grading system)..
A minimum TOEFL score of 80.0 is required for this program.
No, this program does not require a GRE or GMAT score for admission.
Available intakes include: .
This specific program does not list a dedicated scholarship, but GCQ360 can help you explore other funding and scholarship options at Paderborn University.
This program is offered in Full-time mode, taught in English at the Paderborn campus.
This program has no minimum work experience requirement. No thesis is required to graduate.
Yes -- a GCQ360 counsellor can guide you through eligibility checks, documentation, and the application process for Master of Science in Physics (International Physics) at Paderborn University, Paderborn, Germany.
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