Master's in Sustainable Regional Development Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences

Courses are in English. For students who also know German, it is possible to take some of the German-language elective courses in some of the other Master’s programmes (such as the "Regionalmanagement" German Master's programme).

From sustainable land-use planning to circular economy and urban-rural innovation, students of the English-language Master's in Sustainable Regional Development (MRD) care about practical solutions for stronger communities. Sustainable and resilient regions build on their strengths and maximise cooperation for regional development. Located in the German state of Bavaria, Triesdorf has been the preeminent place to learn about rural and regional development for 20 years. On the Triesdorf campus, students benefit from the interdisciplinary approach and practical orientation of the Sustainable Regional Development programme.

The Master's programme combines learning on campus, regional field trips, and some online instruction.

• 15 January for summer semester
• 7 June for winter semester

First Semester:

• Spatial Planning and Development
• Land Use and Resource Management
• Public Relations & Communication Skills
• Scientific Research Methods
• Elective courses

Second Semester:

• Project Management & Agile Methods
• Sustainable Economic Development, Circular Economy
• Regional Value Chains
• Sustainable Regional Development & Best Practices
• Innovation Management, Strategy/ Entrepreneurship Basics
• Elective courses

Third Semester:

• Project study
• Master's thesis with colloquium

Students benefit from international faculty, guest lecturers, international themes, and comparative work. Language training is provided.

No tuition fees

The degree programme is free of tuition, but all students are required to pay moderate semester fees. At the time of publication, these amounted to 72 EUR/semester.

When applying for a visa or residence permit, students need to prove they can afford to study and live in Germany. As of 2025, that is deemed proven if they have at least 992 EUR available per month.

Even for students who do not need a visa, we consider this amount appropriate to cover the cost of living in Germany.

To be admitted to the Master's programme you must have completed (or be about to complete) an undergraduate degree with a grade of at least „good“ (grade point average of 2.5 or better according to the German grading system).

Your undergraduate degree should be in one of the following subjects: Agricultural Science, Horticulture, Forestry, Landscape Architecture, Landscape Planning, Spatial Planning, Geosciences, Economic Geography, Economic and Social Sciences, Political Science, Environmental or Nutritional Sciences or another comparable domestic or foreign degree.

The prerequisite for admission to the Master's degree programme is usually 210 ECTS. Students may also enter the programme with 180 ECTS; you can make up the missing credits from theory or practice.

Applicants who completed their undergraduate degree outside of Germany need to submit a preliminary review documentation ("Vorprüfungsdokumentation – VPD") from uni-assist.

An additional certificate from an Academic Verification Office (APS) in their home country is necessary for applicants with a degree from India, the People's Republic of China, or Vietnam.

Foreign students who do not have a Bachelor's degree (or an equivalent qualification) in English must provide proof of sufficient knowledge of the English language (at least level B2).

You need a computer with internet access. We use Moodle course websites and Zoom.

• 15 January for summer semester
• 7 June for winter semester

International students can apply for support through the following scholarships awarded by our university:

• Germany Scholarship
• Internationalisation of Universities programme of the Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts
• Oskar Karl Forster Scholarship fund for one-off grants for books and learning resources
• Our university may also award scholarships from DAAD’s STIBET programme to provide targeted support to particularly engaged foreign students.

The availability of all scholarships is limited.

International students from the EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland may hold part-time jobs of up to 20 hours per week during the lecture period. Students from other countries are permitted to work outside of the university for a maximum of 140 full days (working days on which more than four hours are worked) or 280 half days per year during their stay in Germany. Alternatively, employment of up to 20 hours per week is also permitted. Student jobs at the university, in university-oriented institutions, or in scientific institutions do not need to adhere to these restrictions. Students can search for jobs in the university's online job platform.

Many local residents and neighbours provide rental accommodations to students near the Triesdorf campus. This creates a strong bond between the university and the village community. It also means that most students can find affordable accommodations within a few kilometres of the campus, either in a student residence or in a shared flat.

The link to the HSWT landlord directory and the directory of landlords provided by the municipality of Weidenbach are available on our website.

The Career Service supports students during their studies and during the transition from university to employment in all aspects of seeking and applying for employment and in acquiring key skills. The free services of the Career Service are open to all students in all semesters. Students benefit from workshops, lectures and e-learning opportunities, career coaching, advice, and application checks. Additionally, special mentoring programmes are offered for female students.

International students receive support from the Welcome Centre of the International Office of Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT).

Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT)

No other University of Applied Sciences in Germany has a comparable range of subjects as consistently focused on green sciences. In the seven departments at our two campuses, we cover ecological, technical and economic topics in 20 Bachelor's and 18 Master's degree programmes. At both Weihenstephan and Triesdorf campuses, we offer our students extensive, practice-oriented expertise in teaching and research.

Roughly 2,000 students are enrolled at the Triesdorf campus, located in a rural setting that balances nature, practical amenities, and history/culture. Connected by train, car, or bicycle, students in Triesdorf enjoy an affordable, peaceful, and safe student lifestyle with larger cities such as Ansbach or Nürnberg nearby.