Bachelor of Science in Mathematics University of Passau

This degree programme can be fully studied in English. However, in the core curriculum, it is possible to choose individual modules that are taught in German. The introductory courses in the first two semesters are offered both in English and German.

Are you an inquisitive person who likes getting to the bottom of things? Do you enjoy solving the odd brain teaser? And when you're working on one, do find you can't stop until you've come up with a solution?

Mathematics is both art and science; it is language, precision and beauty. It is also of fundamental importance to nearly all academic disciplines and an indispensable prerequisite for the development of almost any modern technology you could think of.

This degree programme teaches you a wide range of fundamental structures and methods in mathematics, imparting the necessary foundations of mathematical knowledge and skills to further maximise your choices after you graduate: building on the BSc Mathematics, you can continue your studies and specialise in the mathematical field, follow up with a cross-disciplinary second degree, or alternatively enter the job market in a field that calls for a strongly mathematical background.

Once you graduate from this degree programme, you can follow up with a Master's degree programme, such as our English-taught MSc Computational Mathematics.

English-taught degree programme

Almost all courses are taught in English, with only a few minor exceptions.

Features

• Integrated "Counselling Module" and "Introduction to Discrete Mathematics" in the first semester to facilitate transition from secondary school to university
• Excellent staff-student ratio
• The only mathematics programme in Germany that offers AI and Data Science as an elective
• Study in English while simultaneously improving your German skills
• Joint degree option for students enrolled in a teacher training programme with mathematics as a teaching subject
• A great student experience on one of Germany's loveliest university campuses

Career prospects

Mathematicians have outstanding career prospects, as they are highly sought after wherever high-level analytical thinking skills are a requirement. Mathematicians find employment in almost every segment of the public and private sector.

Many mathematicians find work in the financial services industry, in consulting and auditing, market research, logistics, pharmaceuticals and IT, as well as in the research and development departments of high-tech companies. Graduates aiming for a scientific career path at a university or research institute can continue by studying for a Master’s degree.

This degree programme starts in October (winter semester) each year.

The application round starts in early April. As the application deadlines can change on short notice, we ask that you check our application pages closer to the time for the specific dates (and what documents you need to submit).

You will gain the ability to put problems into precise terms, train your conceptual, analytical abstract thinking, logical reasoning and the ability to discover underlying patterns and analogies. You will learn to recognise mathematical relationships in a wide variety of areas, and how to formalise and analyse them. You will develop models of complex theoretical or pragmatic problems and learn to select the appropriate mathematical approach to solving them. This programme places an emphasis on teamwork and oral and written presentation of mathematical facts, as well as on logically sound and consistent analysis and reasoning.

The degree programme is balanced in terms of its theoretical and pragmatic aspects, providing students with a wide-ranging mathematical education while at the same time adopting an application-orientated approach. You will learn the basics of programming, and have access to a comprehensive range of courses on algorithmic mathematics – such as cryptography, computer algebra, image and signal processing, statistics, stochastic simulations and many more.

Moreover, you will gain in-depth knowledge in your chosen elective, allowing you to communicate and cooperate beyond the confines of your academic discipline.

The available elective subjects are:

• Computer science
• AI and data science
• Business administration and economics
• English as a foreign language
• German as a foreign language

All students can complete internships abroad or complete part of their programme at a university abroad.

There is no formal internship requirement for this degree programme. Nevertheless, we recommend that you go to the effort of completing one or more voluntary internships as you study towards your degree. These internship(s) will not be arranged for you; rather, you are responsible for searching for the internship, negotiating the outline (i.e. the job description) and making all necessary arrangements. However, the university can help you with information and hands-on advice. For more details, please see the following websites:

• Future: Careers and Competencies Section
• iStudi Coach

No tuition fees

The semester contribution fee is around 120 EUR per semester. This covers the student services association and bus pass fees. At the time of writing (January 2026), the University of Passau does not charge tuition fees.

You should budget a minimum of 992 EUR per month for your living expenses. If you need a visa to come to Germany, this is the amount you must have available to you (e.g. paid into a blocked account) for each month. Nevertheless, your actual cost of living will vary depending on your lifestyle, and so you should treat this figure as an absolute minimum.

Applicants with an Abitur or European qualifications

Prospective students with a higher education entrance qualification from Germany or the EEA region (e.g. German Abitur or the Austrian Matura) who have English language skills equivalent to B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) can enrol directly on this degree programme during the enrolment period.

Prospective students with non-EEA qualifications

English language requirements: You should provide proof of English language skills equivalent to level B2 (CEFR).

Higher education aptitude tests: In addition to the university entrance qualification, applicants whose qualification was attained outside the school systems of European Economic Area (EEA) member countries are required to achieve the specified results in one of the following aptitude tests:

• Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) with a score of 1,240 or higher
• Test for Academic Studies (TestAS) showing a percentile rank of 80 or above in the Core Module or the Subject Module Maths, Computer Science or Science (digital and paper-based TestAS results are both accepted)
• American College Testing programme (ACT) with a score of 25 or higher (Composite) or in the STEM category (which is calculated from your scores in Maths and Science)
• Joint Entrance Examination (JEE): one of the following:
  • JEE Main with an NTA score of 80 or above
  • or: JEE Advanced rated "qualified"
• College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT; Suneung) with the result "Grade 3" or better

If you are a citizen of the European Union, please contact the Student Registration Office.

To study this degree programme, you need English language skills at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

German language skills are not required at the start of the programme. Students whose prior education was not completed in German should acquire German language skills for everyday life and professional competence (at least at level B1 CEFR) while studying the degree programme.

The application round starts in early April. As the application deadlines can change on short notice, we ask that you check our application pages closer to the time for the specific dates (and what documents you need to submit).

The International Office awards a small number of scholarships to international degree-seeking students who have been enrolled in a Bachelor's programme for at least two semesters or in a Master's programme for at least one semester. You may also apply for a Deutschlandstipendium scholarship, which is open to students of all nationalities. This scholarship has a stipend of 300 EUR per month and runs for one year. You may reapply in subsequent years. Finally, there is a one-off emergency hardship grant available to international students in exceptional cases of unexpected financial difficulties.

For international students, a dedicated career adviser is on hand: the "iStudi Coach" will help you with all your questions about finding work or placements in Germany.

Please note that students from non-EU countries must apply for a work permit at the national job centre if they work more than 240 half-days per year. Students from EU member countries do not require a work permit.

The International Office has set up an accommodation service, which assists international students in finding accommodation.

Rooms in the halls of residence cost between 270 EUR and 550 EUR per month and are fully furnished. Kitchen and bathroom facilities are usually shared, although some rooms have en-suite bathroom facilities. However, please note that the demand for the rooms in the student halls is very high, and there is no guarantee that you will be able to rent one.

Luckily, there is a large number of flats and flatshares available on the open housing market. On average, you should expect to pay somewhere in the vicinity of 350 EUR to 550 EUR a month for these. Landlords usually require a two-month or three-month deposit when you move in, which will be returned to you at the end of the rental period, provided you leave your accommodation in good condition.

• Further details on housing in Passau
• Accommodation service for international students

In addition to the general careers services available to all students in the form of the "Future: Careers and Competencies" section, international degree-seeking students have a specialised service at their disposal: the iStudi Coach offers coaching and advice to international students to help them successfully seek work – anything from internships to career-entry positions – in the German labour market.

The University of Passau

More than 10,000 students from approximately 100 countries are currently studying towards their degrees on our bright, modern campus next to the Inn River and a stone's throw from the town centre and the historical old town.

The five faculties of the university offer degrees at the undergraduate, Master’s and doctoral levels. Currently, 11 degree programmes can be studied entirely in English: BSc Artificial Intelligence, MSc Artificial Intelligence Engineering, MSc Business Administration, MSc Computational Mathematics, MSc Computer Science, MA Development Studies, MA Governance and Public Policy, MSc Information Systems, MSc International Economics and Business, MA International Education and Global Learning, and BSc Mathematics.

A cosmopolitan university

No other Bavarian university has more of its students spending part of their programme abroad – to study, conduct research or gain work experience – than the University of Passau.

The range and depth of language tuition offered by our language centre probably has a role to play in this. Another reason is that our programmes are very international in their outlook – and with some 300 international partner universities to choose from, it is difficult not to be tempted to go abroad for a semester or two or even to complete one of our double-degree programmes offered in cooperation with our global partner universities.

An unparalleled student experience

Passau’s students benefit from a good staff-to-student ratio and from studying on an urban campus of manageable size that is located very close to the town centre.

The facilities on campus are of a high standard. There are bright, sunny seminar rooms, lecture theatres equipped with the latest technology, numerous computer rooms, Wi-Fi access exists throughout the campus, and our well-stocked university library stays open until late into the night on most days.

Student satisfaction at the University of Passau is particularly high and our sought-after graduates typically occupy executive posts in business, social, and academic organisations in Germany, Europe, and indeed all over the world.

Student life

Throughout the semester, there are plenty of events of all sorts on campus and around town, often organised by our very active student societies. Our sports centre has some 40 sports clubs, offering everything from acrobatics to Zumba.

An ideal student town

Passau is situated near the Bavarian Forest at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, and it is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. After two fires that destroyed much of the town in the 17th century, the old town was rebuilt in the baroque style by Italian master builders, which is why you will notice a distinct Italian flair as you stroll through "Bavarian Venice", another name by which Passau is known.

With students accounting for one-quarter of its population, Passau is very much a student town with many galleries, art studios, bars, cafés, clubs and, of course, beer gardens; naturally, there is a modern multiplex cinema. A shopping centre and the nearby pedestrian zone offer a lot of excellent eateries and shops, just a short five-minute walk from campus.

Passau is home to a number of cultural institutions, such as the theatre and the "Scharfrichterhaus" – a restaurant, cinema and political cabaret/stand-up stage where many of Germany’s most popular contemporary comedians started out. Both have productions and acts running throughout the year.

In addition to this, Passau plays host to numerous annual cultural events, including "Europäische Wochen Passau" – a cultural festival which brings international symphonic orchestras, classical ensembles, theatre companies and artists to Passau for about six weeks every year; the Eulenspiegel Festival with predominantly German comedy acts and rock bands; two Oktoberfest-style festivals in spring and autumn; and no list of festivals would be complete without the traditional Christmas Market in front of St. Stephen’s Cathedral every December. Incidentally, did you know that St. Stephen's is home to the world's largest cathedral organ?

Outdoor enthusiasts will be delighted at the many opportunities for hiking, climbing, cycling, and alpine and cross-country skiing in the nearby Bavarian Forest. Additionally, Passau is not far from the Austrian and Bavarian Alps, with their famous skiing areas as well as their mountain biking and hiking trails.