European Studies (BA) Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg

Applicants must provide proof of their proficiency in German and English (see section on "Language requirements").

Participants can choose to write the Bachelor's thesis in German or English.

The European Studies Bachelor's programme at the Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg has an interdisciplinary social science profile focussing on European integration with a particular emphasis on the European Union. The disciplines included cover the following: political science, sociology, economics, history, and foreign languages. The regular BA programme covers six semesters, including a semester abroad. Language courses (including Western European and Eastern European languages), a semester abroad (usually the fifth semester), and a six-week internship at an institution outside of the university are compulsory.

The programme starts in October.

German applicants: 15 September

International applicants: 15 July via uni-assist

Compulsory Modules:

• Introduction to European Studies
• European Societies
• European Multilevel Governance
• Basics of Historical Science
• Introduction to Economics
• Intercultural Competence
• Introduction to Quantitative Methods
• Introduction to Qualitative Methods
• Language modules
• Semester abroad
• Internship
• Bachelor's thesis and colloquium

Elective modules in social sciences (20 ECTS) and economics or social sciences (10 ECTS). Elective courses in the field of European Studies during the semester abroad (30 ECTS).

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The Bachelor's programme comprises integrated language modules (20 ECTS), a mandatory semester abroad (30 ECTS) and a preparatory course on intercultural communication before going abroad (5 ECTS).

A semester abroad is obligatory. Students can choose from a large number of partner universities. The compulsory course on Intercultural Competence helps students prepare for their semester abroad.

An internship of six weeks is obligatory. Programme coordinators will assist students in finding an appropriate internship.

No tuition fees

Currently, the semester fee is 278.90 EUR. It covers services offered by the "Studentenwerk" (student union) and the student representatives. Enrolled students receive the "Deutschlandsemesterticket" for free use of public transport throughout Germany, along with student discounts in the campus cafeteria and more.

A minimum of 992 EUR per month must be budgeted for accommodation, cost of living, health insurance, books, and miscellaneous expenses. In comparison with many other towns and cities, the rental prices in Magdeburg are still relatively low. There are no tuition fees for the majority of programmes, and the semester fee already includes the cost of bus and tram travel within Magdeburg. The following link provides a fair picture of the cost of living in Magdeburg: Finance.

Higher education access certificate (equivalent to German "Abitur", e.g. A-levels)

Certificate of English language proficiency at level B2 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)

For international students: Certificate of German language proficiency at level C1 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)

All applicants need a certificate of English language proficiency at level B2 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

Additionally, international applicants need a certificate of German language proficiency commensurate with DSH Level 2, TestDaF Level 4, ZOP,  level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, or equivalent.

German applicants: 15 September

International applicants: 15 July via uni-assist

The university provides a limited number of excellence scholarships. Eligible candidates are students in advanced semesters who clearly show above-average results. Scholarships cannot be provided for new students. 

Additionally, you may check the following overview:
Scholarships and funding opportunities for international students.

It is possible to find a part-time job as a research or student assistant at one of the faculties or in the university administration (maximum: 80 hours per month). Other opportunities are student jobs at different companies, restaurants, and shops. Information on how to find a job can be found on our website: Career Service.

The "Studentenwerk" (student union) in Magdeburg manages the on-campus halls of residence (mostly one- to four-room apartments). Currently, the monthly rent ranges from 174 EUR to 421 EUR per room (approx. 12 to 35 square meters), depending on the size and furnishing. Rooms in the halls of residence are limited in number. The accommodation application can be found on the website of the Studentenwerk.
The Studentenwerk assists all new students in finding adequate accommodation, either on or off campus. Private accommodation is available on the Magdeburg accommodation market. However, fully furnished units are in somewhat short supply.