Biosphere Reserves Management (BIOM) Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development

Courses are held in English (100%).

The goal of the study programme is to consistently teach theoretical, methodological, and practical knowledge and skills in biosphere reserve management.

Students will learn to develop sustainability strategies by applying participatory and cooperative approaches. They will gain knowledge of ecosystems and various land use concepts in the context of unprecedented biodiversity and natural resource loss, driven by accelerated climate change and the resulting uncertainty. Cultural and socio-economic challenges as well as opportunities will be identified and reflected upon. 

Graduates can implement the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB) programme and sustainably improve the World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR).

Application periods for the following winter semester:

• from Germany or an EU/EEA country: 1 March to 31 August
• from non-EU countries: 1 March to 1 June

First and second semesters: modules with a focus on communication; political, legal, and international frameworks of UNESCO biosphere reserves; fundamentals of system functionality and change; project management and innovation; land use systems in socio-ecological and socio-economic contexts; governance, administration, and management for biosphere reserves and protected areas, and more

Third semester: carrying out an independent research project (that will be accompanied by a research colloquium) at the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development or a selected institution in Germany or abroad

Fourth semester: completion of the Master’s thesis and its defence as well as additional participation in an accompanying Master’s thesis colloquium

No tuition fees

376 EUR per semester

This includes a semester ticket for public transport in Germany ("Deutschlandsemesterticket").

Approximately 1,000 EUR per month

Applicants from forest, landscape, and environment-related study programmes (e.g. forestry, biology, agricultural sciences, land use planning, and others) automatically fulfil the subject entry requirements for the programme.

Applicants from other programmes (e.g. business administration) will be evaluated individually for assessment of their subject qualification based on the content of their previous study programme(s) and a personal statement outlining their special interest concerning the BIOM programme. Basic knowledge of ecosystems is necessary.

The Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development requires applicants to prove their English skills at a CEFR C1 level or an equivalent level. We accept various international certificates, such as TOEFL, TOEIC, and Cambridge English, as well as a range of other qualifications as proof of English proficiency.

Native speakers do not have to prove their English skills. Also, applicants who completed their studies in English do not have to provide a certificate of their English language skills.

If the proof is not yet available at the time of application, it may be submitted at the end of the re-registration period for the second semester.

Application periods for the following winter semester:

• from Germany or an EU/EEA country: 1 March to 31 August
• from non-EU countries: 1 March to 1 June

At the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development (HNEE), a variety of funding opportunities are available to support students’ international mobility in research, study, and internships—including the Erasmus+ and PROMOS programmes. Students can also apply for scholarships through the STIBET programme, which enables them to complete their studies or receive support for their outstanding commitment. In addition, HNEE awards the Deutschlandstipendium to support students with outstanding academic achievements. Various foundations also offer scholarships to support students throughout their academic journey.

There are two options for accommodation in Eberswalde: the student residence halls, managed by the student service ("Studentenwerk"), or a privately rented room or flat in Eberswalde.

Berlin is 50 kilometres from Eberswalde and can be reached by train in 30 minutes.

Career service

Welcome Centre: information about scholarships, jobs, language courses, the university, and Welcome Centre activities

Horizonte e.V.: association for the integration of foreign students into academic life and society

About 2,300 students from all over the world are registered at the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development. At the moment, 11% of the students come from abroad. Our university was founded in 1992. Eberswalde has been one of the major academic centres of forestry studies in Germany since 1830. Several other federal and regional state research institutions are situated on the Forest Campus.

The town of Eberswalde has a population of 43,000 and is located just 50 km north-east of Germany's capital, Berlin. Eberswalde is the county seat of the district of Barnim in the north-east of the state of Brandenburg. The city is also called "Waldstadt" because there are extensive forest areas around the city. In the north of Barnim, you can find the Schorfheide-Chorin biosphere reserve. The town has had 1,468 hectares of woodland since the 14th century with about 1,000 hectares of recreational forest and 271 hectares of nature reserves and ecologically significant habitats.