Scientific Computing University of Bayreuth

Elite Network of Bavaria

English, German only on request

The past several years have shown that numerical simulations of phenomena in technology and the natural sciences are an essential tool for accelerating development cycles in industry and businesses. While researchers once had to meticulously study the properties of a product on the basis of prototypes, they are now simulated and optimised on computers. Demands for the capabilities of numerical simulation continue to grow with the need for models that are more and more precise, the incorporation of new problem areas such as data analysis (e.g., big data) or stochastic models (i.e. those containing uncertain data). All these fields are encompassed in the young and forward-looking research area of scientific computing.

The field addresses the entire workflow, including modelling; mathematical, numerical, and statistical analysis; optimisation; the implementation of algorithms on high-performance computers; and the visualisation of results. However, little attention has been paid to training students in this development.

The international Master’s programme is geared towards students working at the intersection of mathematics, computer science, and application fields. The objective of the programme is to offer a specialised educational background that enables highly qualified, hard-working students to apply state-of-the-art methods and tools of Scientific Computing to solve challenging problems in modern technology and sciences. This interdisciplinary approach starts with an in-depth understanding of the mathematical core of the problem, provides a wide overview of modern numerical methods for solving differential and integral equations and analysing large amounts of data, and, finally, supplies practical skills and experience in the area of high-performance computing necessary to implement these solutions in the form of numerical software.

In doing so, the programme offers a focused education at the level of a mathematics student that is also attainable by interested students from other disciplines. To this end, special financial support and intensive supervision is provided, which can only be guaranteed within the framework of an elite degree programme, for which the state of Bavaria offers special funding. The contents taught are applied to interdisciplinary problems in modelling seminars. In these seminars problems are presented by well-known industrial partners, who also accompany the solution process. Very talented students can combine the Master's programme with a fast-track doctorate.

1 March to 15 May (winter semester)
1 September to 15 November (summer semester)

The Master's programme is organised in elective and mandatory modules. The elective modules consist of several courses, from which the participants can choose according to their interests. They have to fulfil a certain amount of credit points in these elective modules.

The following four main areas are includes in the elite Master's programme in Scientific Computing:

• Numerical mathematics (numerical methods for different types of differential equations, approximation methods, optimisation).
• Modelling and simulation of many problems from (bio)physics, (bio)computer science, chemistry, engineering sciences and climate/environmental sciences
• High performance computing (data structures, parallel systems and algorithms)
• Scientific computing (complexity reduction, fast and efficient methods, mesh-free methods, data analysis, quantification of uncertainties, multiscale problems, optimisation methods in machine learning)

Each year, a modelling seminar (summer semester) and a status seminar (winter semester) will be held. Students must attend two of each of these events.

An industrial internship and a practical course on parallel numerical methods deepen the learned methods and algorithms.

One of the modules of the programme is dedicated to key skills, such as lecture and presentation techniques, literature research, teamwork or dealing with foreign-language specialist literature. Students have to attend seminars in this module for a certain amount of time.

As a conclusion of the programme, each student writes a Master's thesis on an individual research project in co-operation with industry, with international experts or under the guidance of a professor of the University of Bayreuth. For this purpose, students receive compensation for travel expenses during their research stays.

At the beginning of the programme, a mentor is provided to every student. This mentor can be chosen among the involved lecturers. With the help of the mentor, the participants of the programme are able to design an individual study plan in accordance with their interests. Furthermore, the mentors act in an advisory capacity in the studies or the research interests of their students and can recommend themes for Master's theses.

More details on the modules and a recommended curriculum can be found on the programme website:
https://www.scientific-computing.uni-bayreuth.de/en/module-overview/index.html

The course organisation and the modules were created in corporation with the Elite Network of Bavaria.

A brief overview of the modules can be found in the attached PDF file.

PDF Download

Industrial internship

No tuition fees

In Bayreuth, students do not have to pay any tuition fees.

They pay a semester contribution. It covers your contributions to student services and the student government. Attending the University of Bayreuth (which combines the campus in Bayreuth and our Faculty VII located in Kulmbach) includes a "semester ticket" that allows you to use public transportation in the region. The semester contribution is 163.04 EUR per semester.

The costs of living in Germany, e.g. living, food, clothing, and activities, are about average compared to other European countries. The city of Bayreuth, compared to other large German cities (Munich, Berlin, Hamburg), offers a uniquely attractive combination: low cost of living, affordable housing, and a high quality of life. This makes Bayreuth especially appealing to students, young professionals and families. Whether it's outdoor sports in the nearby Fichtelgebirge, cultural highlights like the world-famous Festival, or the rich culinary scene – the city offers a rich variety of experiences right at your doorstep. 

Bayreuth combines affordability with vibrancy – making it easy to study, live and enjoy life to the fullest.

Here is an example: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en/cost-of-living.

1. A Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, computer science, engineering science or physics (or a degree with equivalent content) with a final grade of 1.9 or better
2. Sufficient specialised knowledge in numerical mathematics of at least 16 credits

Certification of proficiency in English at level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is required.

1 March to 15 May (winter semester)
1 September to 15 November (summer semester)

Scholarships for international students: International students and doctoral researchers have the opportunity to apply for a study grant at the International Office. Limited funding from the State of Bavaria and the DAAD is available for this purpose. The application deadline for the winter semester is 31 August and for the summer semester 28 February. All grants can be awarded for up to two semesters.

Unfortunately, first-semester students cannot be funded, i.e. applications cannot be submitted until the second semester of study for funding starting in the third semester of study. Above all, academic achievements from the previous semester are decisive for the evaluation of the application.

There are many ways for international students to earn money while they study, but there are some restrictions. For more detailed information, please visit the DAAD website.

The University of Bayreuth’s Career Services team provides a central interface between student and professional life. The team offers guidance and support to students of all subjects with regard to starting their careers.

Accommodation for students
Bayreuth and Kulmbach have a number of student dormitories (both private dormitories and dormitories offered by the Association for Student Affairs) and a vast array of private rooms available. Under no circumstances should you assume that you will be assigned a room in the student dormitories! You will need to actively search for a room on your own – either in a private dormitory or on the private market.

More information regarding accommodation for students is available here: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en/accommodation. Please also read the DAAD’s information.

Accommodation for international guests
All other international guests are requested to register via the Welcome Services Database (WelSe).

Accommodation for short visits
For short visits, we recommend searching for accommodation on Airbnb. In addition, a limited number of apartments are available in the Alexander von Humboldt Guest House.

For in between: youth hostels

If you can not find a long-term accommodation from the start, you could look for a living space at the youth hostels directly next to our campus.

https://www.jugendherberge.de/en/youth-hostels/bayreuth/

International, innovative, and interdisciplinary in research and teaching

Top-notch research, state-of-the-art teaching methods, international influences, diversity, and a springboard to a successful career – these are all things the University of Bayreuth stands for.

The University of Bayreuth is a dynamic campus university with currently about 12,000 students (19% internationals). Beyond the interdisciplinary research focus and excellence in teaching, the university has a clear vision of social responsibility and entrepreneurship. In the middle of Kulmbach, our new satellite campus unites the perspectives of natural science, economics, law, social sciences, and behavioural science in one place in a way that has not yet been seen in Germany.

We have a close network of strategically selected, international research partners, and we have strategic partnerships with universities around the globe. A wide range of innovative BA, MA and PhD programmes as well as our international summer schools, are conducted in English. There are presently around 2,500 international students from more than 100 countries on the Bayreuth and Kulmbach campuses. Focus areas in research include Nonlinear Dynamics, Polymer and Colloid Science, Molecular Biosciences, Ecology and Environmental Sciences, New Materials, African Studies, High Pressure and High Temperature Research, Cultural Encounters and Transcultural Processes, Innovation and Consumer Protection, Food and Health Sciences, Energy Research and Energy Technology, Governance and Responsibility.

Our university has an outstanding staff-to-student ratio. Our high performance levels, multidisciplinary collaborations and scientific excellence result in high-ranking positions. In the 2025 THE ranking, the University of Bayreuth achieved the top position 31 among the 1,000 best universities in Germany. We have proven expertise in campus and curriculum internationalisation, which is confirmed by the results of the extended internationalisation audit conducted by the German Rectors’ Conference, a close and successful project cooperation with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and a number of Alexander von Humboldt Awards for our international management and service.

Welcome to our one-of-a-kind campus in Bavaria!
It is both the heart of our university and a source of inspiration. It is where friendships are made, collaboration is initiated, and ideas are conceived, ensuring that our university remains a beacon of innovation. Scientific exchange profits tremendously from the wide variety of disciplines our communicative campus brings together.

For a closer look at our university, have a look here: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en.

Welcome to Bavaria!
75,000 people from 145 nations chose the city of Bayreuth as their new home, and those numbers are steadily rising. Because of its 12,000 students, Bayreuth is the third-youngest city in Germany. Living here means not getting stuck in traffic jams every morning. The short distances in Bayreuth allow you to leave your car at home and to walk or ride your bike to work and to campus.

Career & Networking
The Welcome Service at the University of Bayreuth is here to assist you with any questions regarding living and working in the region of Bayreuth. The team of our International Office provides guidance and support for all international students, scholars, and their families before, during and after their stay at the University of Bayreuth. The aim is to ensure a quick, trouble-free and thus successful start as well as an unforgettable stay on our friendly campus in Bayreuth and Kulmbach.

A good climate for your entrepreneurial spirit
The University of Bayreuth takes its role as a regional motor of innovation very seriously. The Office of Entrepreneurship & Innovation was set up to help students gain the necessary qualifications in the area of entrepreneurial and innovative thinking and acting. In doing so, we nurture our students’ willingness and ability to start their own companies. Our Adviser for Start-Ups provides start-ups and prospective start-ups with confidential guidance and support. Strong innovation and research institutions combined with high-performance medium-sized companies make for a steady rise in workforce and a guarantee for job security.

Your new home away from home
Bayreuth and Kulmbach offer a wide variety of childcare services as well as affordable living space. Step outside your front door and enjoy the recreational activities. Scenic northern Bavaria is great for sports activities: cycling, hiking, mountain-climbing, canoeing, rafting, and skiing are all excellent ways to enrich your leisure time. However, if you do happen to crave the feel of a bigger city now and then, Nuremberg is only a one-hour train ride away and Munich is only two and a half hours away. You can reach Berlin in four hours by car or bus and Leipzig in half that time.

Why you should study in Bayreuth: https://www.gamechanger-campus.de/en/study-in-bayreuth

Have a great start. We look forward to meeting you!