Master of Science in Scientific Instrumentation University of Applied Sciences Jena

Courses are held in English (100%).

Participants can choose to write their Master's theses in English or German.

The first semester includes foundation modules on advanced topics of Applied Mechanics, Electronics, Optics and Scientific Computing. For semesters two and three, students choose a major direction for their studies. Currently, the following directions for specialisation are offered:

• "Design of Precision Instruments" with focus on mechanical design and product development
• "Materials and Processes" with focus on functional materials and micro- & nanotechnologies
• "Applied Optics and Photonics" with focus on optical engineering and image data processing

Semester four is dedicated to research work for the Master's thesis in a company, at a research institute, or at our university.

The language of instruction for the entire curriculum is English. As part of the curriculum, we offer German courses for all levels, which prepare students for thesis work in companies and job entry.

1 May 2026

For more information on the application procedure and deadlines, please refer to https://www.eah-jena.de/en/study-programme/study-program/master-scientific-instrumentation.

The curriculum has a modular structure. Credit points are granted according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) for every successfully completed module. This system facilitates the recognition of course modules studied at different universities. The modules contain lectures, tutorials, seminars and laboratory work according to the requirements of the particular topic. Tutorials in small groups are important for learning how to apply theoretical knowledge. There is close interaction between students and professors. Various modules include laboratory work. Students, usually in groups of two, perform experiments in our well-equipped laboratories. By working in the laboratories, students gain practical skills and deepen and strengthen their theoretical knowledge. The fourth semester is dedicated to work on the Master's thesis, in which a research project or a high-tech development project is carried out. This allows students to work with state-of-the-art science and technology. The research work for the project and the Master's thesis can be carried out at our university, at one of our partner universities, at a research centre or at a research department in industry. It is supervised jointly by the respective institution and our university.

Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule Jena has several well-funded research centres and groups, e.g. in the area of manufacturing technologies, optics or applied artificial intelligence.

The university is connected with industry and external research. These contacts can be used to start the career with the Master's thesis. Companies, universities, and institutes have joined forces in the Thuringian competence network OptoNet e.V.

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Students receive training in intercultural communication, management skills and German business culture in the second semester. Students will be connected with students from different departments to improve their interdisciplinary and intercultural skills. In the third semester, students get trained in the style of scientific writing and presentation specific to German academia and in research culture.

Students are allowed to complete technical modules at our partner universities in Europe or worldwide (e.g. South Korea). Courses at European universities will be funded by our Erasmus+ programme.

The Master's thesis can be completed abroad, funded by our Erasmus+ programme.

No tuition fees

The semester contribution amounts to 273 EUR per semester. The enrolment fee includes free public transport in Germany (Deutschlandticket).

Living expenses depend very much on individual lifestyle. On average, a total amount of 934 EUR per month should be sufficient to cover all expenses. The total amount should cover accommodation, health insurance, food, transport, a monthly fraction of the semester contribution and miscellaneous expenses.

Students must have completed an undergraduate university degree programme in a natural or engineering science (usually a Bachelor's degree). Best suited are degrees in physics engineering, physics, applied physics, microtechnology, precision instrumentation, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, electronics engineering, electrical engineering, instrumentation engineering or materials sciences. Graduates of other engineering or science courses may also fulfil the entry requirements.
Good performance in the undergraduate programme is required.

Good knowledge of English language, demonstrated via a TOEFL score of 550 (paper-based), 79 (Internet-based), or an IELTS overall band score of 6.0. The test should not be older than two years.
Applicants from countries where English is the primary language or who speak English as a native language or students from one of our partner universities may apply to be exempted from TOEFL or IELTS.

Technical equipment: computer or tablet PC, headset, internet connection

Platforms: Moodle

Programmes: BigBlueButton, module-specific software tools (e.g. design and simulation software)

1 May 2026

For more information on the application procedure and deadlines, please refer to https://www.eah-jena.de/en/study-programme/study-program/master-scientific-instrumentation.

1. DAAD Prize: This is awarded with 1,000 EUR, tendered once per year at the EAH Jena. The DAAD Prize honours international students who achieved excellent study results and showed remarkable social or intercultural commitment.
2. End-Of-Study Scholarship of the DAAD: This supports international students to help them focus on the successful completion of their degree courses in the last phase of their studies.
3. Deutschlandstipendium: This is for gifted and talented young people who also show special social commitment.
4. Equal Opportunities Scholarship of the DAAD: The purpose of the scholarship is to provide financial support to international students at the EAH Jena who face special challenges during their studies. The scholarship holders are selected by an independent committee of the university.

It is possible to work on the weekends and during the lecture-free periods.

Student halls of residence ("Wohnanlagen") are operated by the ''Studierendenwerk Thüringen''. The ''Studierendenwerk'' is a non-profit organisation that provides various services to students.
Depending on size and standard of the accommodation, monthly rents for a room can vary from 140 to 380 EUR.

Our International Career Service provides support in preparing application documents and gives job advice, organises field trips and conducts several workshops and events to understand German and European Job Culture. We are focused on the good integration of our graduates into the German labour market. We support various extra curricular language workshops, intercultural workshops, job application trainings as well as several company visits. All of these offers are free of charge and funded by the DAAD.

Welcome Tutor Service (buddy programme): reception at arrival in Jena (pick-up service), support with flat-hunting and during visits to authorities (registration procedure), introduction to the university procedures, campus tour and help with general questions 

Cultural programme: orientation week for national and international students

Social & psychosocial counselling and legal advice: free of charge counselling, included in the semester fee

The University of Applied Sciences Jena (Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule Jena, EAH) was founded on 1 October 1991 as one of the first institutions of higher education of its kind in the eastern German states. Short study periods and a practical orientation form a perfect complement to the education received at traditional universities and technical universities. Currently, the nine departments of University of Applied Sciences Jena offer a wide selection of Bachelor's and Master's programmes covering engineering sciences, business administration and social and health sciences. At present, approx. 4,300 students are enrolled at the EAH Jena. This number includes about 1,000 international students. The teaching staff comprises 124 professors and 29 teachers for special tasks. The EAH's total staff of approx. 500 also includes people engaged in various projects, in administration and in services as well as two apprentices. More than 26,000 m² of floor space, the EAH Jena boasts more than 124 extremely well-equipped, specialised laboratories and rooms for practical courses, seven modern lecture halls and 52 seminar rooms. The teaching rooms, labs and offices are accommodated in five campus buildings of considerable architectural interest.

In the interest of a scientifically profound and practically oriented education, the university cooperates with universities in Europe and beyond. Intensive cooperation is also maintained with industry: world-famous companies like Zeiss, JENOPTIK, Siemens, Bosch, and the industrial research institutions in Jena represent modern technology, up-to-date management and scientific innovation.

Located in the centre of Germany, the city of Jena has a long tradition in optics and instrumentation. In the 19th century, the physicist Ernst Abbe developed the fundamentals of optical instruments and, together with Carl Zeiss, built up Jena's world-renowned optics industry. Today, a large number of research institutes and high-tech companies are situated in and around Jena. Nearly a quarter of the 111,000 inhabitants of the city of Jena are students at the universities. There are many student clubs, cultural arrangements and sports facilities in Jena. The charming landscape around Jena is perfect for outdoor recreation at weekends and on holidays.