Computer Science (MSc) Saarland University

• Max Planck Institute for Informatics
• Max Planck Institute for Software Systems
• German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI)
• Center for Bioinformatics
• CISPA – Helmholtz Center for Information Security

All courses and seminars are taught in English.

The Department of Computer Science is one of the best computer science departments in Germany (CHE ranking) and part of the Saarland Informatics Campus (SIC).

During the first three semesters, students choose lectures and seminars (90 credit points). They can choose courses (core lectures, advanced lectures, and seminars) in their own fields of specialisation. During the fourth semester, every student has to write a thesis (30 credit points).

We have a unique research environment at the university and the associated institutes: international teams of professors, postgraduates and students collaborate on various fields of research that cover a broad range of subject areas, with particular strengths in the following:

• artificial intelligence
• computational biology
• computational linguistics
• computer graphics
• algorithms and data structures
• computer networks
• image processing and computer vision
• information and database systems
• logic
• programming languages
• computer architecture
• security

Several research groups are among the best in the world in their fields.

International applications are very welcome. Application deadlines are:

• For any winter semester starting in October:
  Early deadline: 15 November (notification at the latest in February of the following year in case of a positive decision)
  Normal deadline: 15 May
• For any summer semester starting in April:
  Early deadline: 15 May (notification at the latest in July in case of a positive decision)
  Normal deadline: 15 November

Students are free to choose courses according to their preferences.
There is no fixed timetable for courses.
Part-time studies are possible.

Internships are possible, but they are not compulsory.

No tuition fees

Students have to pay an administrative fee of 280 EUR per semester only. This includes a pass for free public transport throughout the state of Saarland, payment of premiums for insurance coverage and access to university facilities. This entitles students to eat at the university canteens at reduced prices.

There are no tuition fees, and the cost of living in this smaller city with a vibrant cultural scene is moderate.

You need about 900 EUR per month to cover personal expenses (including accommodation).

Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, with a grade of at least 75%; completed online application form including the following:

• CV
• Statement of purpose
• Complete transcripts of records
• Two references from professors or employers
• English language certificate
• GRE highly recommended but not mandatory

English proficiency at level C1 is essential. Standardised test results (TOEFL, IELTS or CPE) are required. Exceptions are only made for native speakers from Australia, Ireland, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA and those who hold a degree from a university in these countries.

International applications are very welcome. Application deadlines are:

• For any winter semester starting in October:
  Early deadline: 15 November (notification at the latest in February of the following year in case of a positive decision)
  Normal deadline: 15 May
• For any summer semester starting in April:
  Early deadline: 15 May (notification at the latest in July in case of a positive decision)
  Normal deadline: 15 November

Local and national scholarship programmes are available, for example, the "Deutschlandstipendium".

Jobs as tutors and research assistants are available in the department and cooperating institutes each semester. Openings are posted on bulletin boards and on our websites.

Check out also the career portal of Saarland University: https://www.uni-saarland.de/en/institution/career-center.html.

Also check out the welcome centre's guide for general information on working in Germany: https://www.uni-saarland.de/en/global/welcome-center/living-working.

You can choose between student accommodation or private housing in the city centre, for example. More information on accommodation in Saarbruecken can be found here: https://www.uni-saarland.de/en/global/welcome-center/accommodation.html.

The International Office provides support in finding accommodation and registering with university and resident authorities and organises social and intercultural tutoring.

Saarland University offers a special support and guidance service for our international students and visiting scholars. Aside from welcoming new foreign students to the university, we organise excursions and cultural events where students and scholars from abroad can meet German students and colleagues. We also provide support in dealing with official and administrative matters. To encourage interaction between German and international students, the international office also runs a successful peer mentoring programme called "you and me".