Mathematics Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg

The programme is designed to be completed entirely in English. It is possible, however, to take additional mandatory elective classes in German if one wishes.

Mathematics plays a pivotal role in many scientific disciplines, including physics, engineering, computer science, or economics. It provides basic tools and algorithms for the modelling of climate systems, the simulation of complex fluids, or the optimisation of neural networks and power grids, to mention just a few examples. Many technological innovations that shape our everyday life, such as internet search engines, satnav, dynamic pricing, public-key cryptography, or Chat GPT are rooted in mathematical principles.

The international MSc Mathematics programme in Cottbus has a strong focus on applied mathematics. While the teaching curriculum emphasises the typical abstract theoretical foundation of mathematical methods, the focus on applied maths prepares you to solve practical research problems in fields like science, engineering, data science, or finance.

As a technical university in a region that is currently facing a transition from a coal-mining region to a renewables hub, targeting net-zero carbon emissions, BTU offers numerous interdisciplinary programmes in this direction that are close relatives of the Mathematics programme. The programme features close collaborations between different disciplines and a modern curriculum that includes courses in data science, optimisation, numerical methods, and stochastics. Since many courses are shared between different study programmes, as a maths student, you will benefit from getting in touch with your fellow students (e.g. from Computer Science, AI, Data Science, Engineering, or Physics) at a very early stage, for numerous opportunities to apply mathematical tools to cutting-edge research in energy systems, AI, or sustainable technologies.

A special feature of the Mathematics programme at BTU is that you pick a certain number of courses from Economics or one of the science and engineering study programmes (e.g. Physics or Computer Science), which enables you to prepare for a future career in any of these branches. This also includes the possibility to take language courses to improve employability.

The semester begins in April for the summer semester and in October for the winter semester.

• Applicants with foreign qualifications for admission to higher education: 15 May for the following winter semester and 15 January for the following summer semester
• Applicants with European Union/European Economic Area citizenship: 15 August for the following winter semester and 15 February for the following summer semester
• Applicants with German qualifications for admission to higher education: 31 August for the following winter semester and 1 March for the following summer semester

The degree programme comprises four semesters with a total of 120 credit points.

The degree programme consists of:

• Mathematical Compulsory Modules: 42 credits
  - Seminar Mathematics Fundamentals
  - Seminar Mathematics Specialisation
  - Master's Seminar
  - Master's Thesis
• Mathematical Elective Modules: 44-54 credits
• Applications Modules: 18-28 credits
• General Studies Module: 6 credits

No tuition fees

Apart from a few degree programmes, education offered at the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg is without tuition fees. However, the university does charge a fee each semester (winter semester 2024/25: 373.80 EUR). This covers costs for the student services organisation and the student council as well as the semester ticket.

Studies abroad often have different types of expenses from the ones you know from your home country. You are responsible for covering your own living expenses. Accommodation and other essential living expenses will amount to around 780 to 1,000 EUR per month. Of course, this amount depends entirely on individual lifestyle. The following list gives you an idea of some fixed and variable costs that you should take into account for your stay in Germany.
Monthly costs:

• rent (including utilities): 250 to 450 EUR
• groceries: approx. 160 to 180 EUR
• health insurance, medical fees, medication: approx. 145 EUR
• miscellaneous (clothing, study materials, other activities): 170 to 220 EUR

Total: 780 to 1,000 EUR

The so-called "Deutschlandticket" included in the semester ticket allows you to travel using all local public means of transportation throughout Germany.

A first professionally qualifying degree (at least a Bachelor’s degree) with at least 180 credit points in mathematics or mathematics-related degree programme
The degree is sufficiently close in content if the mathematics course has a comparable scope to the Bachelor's degree programmes in Mathematics or Business Mathematics at BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg.

A certificate of proficiency in English must be provided. Accepted tests and minimum scores include:

• a TOEFL certificate, minimum score of 79 points (iBT)
• an IELTS certificate, minimum 6.0
• a Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (minimum grade B)
• a Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (minimum grade C)
• a UNIcert certificate, minimum grade II

Applicants with a higher education entrance qualification from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Great Britain including Northern Ireland, or the United States of America do not have to submit separate proof of English language skills. Applicants who completed a secondary level degree in English in Germany or in one of the above mentioned countries are also exempted from presenting a formal English language certificate.

Applicants who have acquired their higher education entrance qualification in Germany or at a German school abroad can also submit a certificate of higher education entrance qualification that shows English language skills at least at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This proof can be provided, for example, by presenting an A-level certificate with corresponding confirmation from the school or by providing a document issued by the Ministry of Education in the respective federal state. This certificate must confirm that the required level of English (minimum of B2/CEFR) has been achieved.

German language skills are not required for admission to this study programme.

• Applicants with foreign qualifications for admission to higher education: 15 May for the following winter semester and 15 January for the following summer semester
• Applicants with European Union/European Economic Area citizenship: 15 August for the following winter semester and 15 February for the following summer semester
• Applicants with German qualifications for admission to higher education: 31 August for the following winter semester and 1 March for the following summer semester

Studying at BTU is mostly free of (tuition) fees. Because of this, there are only limited scholarship opportunities for international students. The International Relations Office is nonetheless pleased to be able to award a limited number of scholarships to international students already enrolled at BTU. You can find more information on BTU scholarship opportunities on our websites: https://www.b-tu.de/en/international/international-students/help-advice-on-all-aspects-of-studying/scholarships-1.

There are job opportunities both in town and on campus. Nevertheless, please do not come to Germany expecting to be able to finance your entire studies by working. The study load is high, it is not always easy to find a part-time job and you will need at least basic German skills for many of the available jobs. Students from non-European countries are allowed to work either 120 whole days or 240 half days annually. The 120-day rule is not affected by mandatory internships or student assistance jobs at university. Students from EU member countries, the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland can work without restrictions during their studies in Germany.

BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg is a university with three locations where numerous student dormitories are provided. Students can choose between different room types. The room capacities in our dormitories are limited, thus we recommend to apply as early as you receive your admission letter for an apartment in the dormitories.

In Germany, it is also very common for students to live alone or with friends. If three or more people share an apartment together, this is called a "WG" in German ("Wohngemeinschaft", which means a shared flat). A comprehensive list on student accommodation and housing options at BTU's three locations can be found on our websites, as well as a video about how students live in both Cottbus and Senftenberg.

The BTU Career Center (https://www.b-tu.de/en/careercenter) offers extensive support to international students and graduates, ensuring that students experience a smooth transition into the job market. We help students on their journey to a successful career path by offering seminars, workshops and career advisory services to ensure that students succeed in their job application processes and land great positions.

Our offers include:

• BTU Job Market: online job board for students
• BTU Campus-X-Change and BTU Matching Day: annual job fair and online recruiting event to connect students with employers
• FIT@BTU: a DAAD-funded project that helps students make the transition to a successful career
• Start up your Career in Brandenburg: a project co-financed by the EU and Brandenburg, with the aim of preparing international students for the Brandenburg job market

BTU offers a wide range of support during your preparation for your stay in Germany, your first days on campus and throughout your whole study programme.

Among others, the International Relations Office offers the following services:

• Welcome and Registration Point to offer support during the start of the semester
• Onboarding Info Sessions to inform about important topics regarding the preparation for your studies
• Different excursions and events to take part in and get to know the area

Located on three campuses and with over 70 study programmes, BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg offers a broad spectrum of market-oriented programmes as well as traditional degree programmes.

From the natural sciences and engineering to economics, cultural studies, and even health sciences, BTU offers a wide range of courses. Our 21 study programmes taught exclusively in English are very popular among both German and international students from all over the world.

BTU is partnered with over 220 universities throughout the world, which provides students with a multitude of excellent opportunities to spend part of their time studying or conducting research abroad. Furthermore, in cooperation with our international partner universities, BTU offers a wide range of double degree and joint degree programmes.

Cottbus is located in the northeast of Germany, between the country’s capital, Berlin (100 km), and Dresden (120 km). With a population of approx. 100,000 inhabitants, Cottbus is the second largest city after Potsdam in the federal state of Brandenburg. The Polish border is only approx. 30 km away. The location of Cottbus offers a convenient starting point for trips into the picturesque region of Lower Lusatia. The landscape of Lower Lusatia is characterised by the Spreewald with its small canals and waterways as well as by the Slavonic minority called Sorbs or Wends. Their language, similar to Polish, is still used and spoken in Lower Lusatia. For this reason, many of the road signs and informational boards in Cottbus and the surrounding region are written in both Sorbian and German. 

Cottbus gained importance as a trade centre in the 12th century. Parts of the original city wall from the 14th century as well as the beautiful townhouses around the old market square are proof of the city’s early splendour. Additionally, the city is characterised by buildings from the "Wilhelminian" times of rapid industrial growth in Germany, which occurred towards the end of the 19th century. The city that first rose to prominence with its cloth and linen weaving industry soon evolved into a growing centre of brown coal mining. Today, Cottbus is in the midst of a structural transformation. BTU supports this development with its engagement in the Lausitz Science Park megaproject, which aims to build an appealing innovation landscape.

Senftenberg is the centre of the Lusatia Lake District. Former excavation and mining pits have been flooded in order to create the largest artificial lake system in Europe, with a total of 23 large lakes. The water sports area "Senftenberger See", with its water surface of 1,300 hectares, offers exceptional sailing and surfing opportunities, and it is suitable for all kinds of water sports. Senftenberg has thus become a tourist attraction within the region.