Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy: MSc in Astrophysics University of Bonn

University of Cologne

Courses are held in English. Master's theses are usually written in English.

The Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy (BCGS) is a joint programme of graduate studies between the Universities of Bonn and Cologne. It was funded through the Excellence Initiative from 2007 to 2019.

The Master's programme provides a thorough research-oriented scientific education in the field of astrophysics and cosmology. The students learn how to tackle astrophysical problems and solve them using scientific methods, possibly going beyond the current state of knowledge. In addition, courses broadening their expertise into neighbouring, related fields enable the students to understand interdisciplinary contexts.

1 May for non-EU applicants (regular: no scholarship)
1 July for EU applicants (i.e. EU natives and students with an EU degree) (regular: no scholarship)

National and international students interested in joining the BCGS Scholarship Programme have to apply by 1 December for the following winter semester. Selected applicants will be invited to an (online) "admissions academy" (in February/March).

All graduate studies (for Master and PhD) at our department are coordinated by the Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy (BCGS).

The Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy, a joint programme of graduate studies between the Universities of Bonn and Cologne, leads students with a Bachelor's degree in physics (or a related subject) through an MSc phase directly to doctoral studies.

The Master's programme includes one year of coursework: compulsory theoretical lecture and laboratory work, compulsory astrophysics, elective advanced lectures (observational astronomy and modern astrophysics) and seminars. During the second year, work on a research-oriented thesis is required, including project planning.

Research internships are a key element in the research training of the graduate school. As members of a research group, the students start their first small research project. This not only provides initial research experience but also helps with the selection of a topic for the MSc project.

The student becomes a temporary member of a research group for a typical duration of four weeks. Participation in at least one research internship is mandatory for first-year scholarship students and a prerequisite for the honours certificate.

No tuition fees

Students must pay a social fee of approx. 310 EUR per semester ("Sozialbeitrag"), which is used to support student activities and provides free public transport. The exact amount can be found here.

Approx. 970 EUR per month

A qualified BScdegree (or equivalent) in Physics (or related fields) is required, containing 15 ECTS on experimental physics (atomic, molecular, solid-state, nuclear and/or particle physics), 15 ECTS on theoretical physics (quantum mechanics and statistical physics), as well as 15 ECTS on lab courses.

For the MSc programme in Astrophysics, it is certainly helpful, but not mandatory, having taken an introductory course in astronomy and/or astrophysics.

Proof of English language proficiency B2 or higher, e.g. CAE, CPE, IELTS (min. score 5.0), TOEFL iBT (min. 72 points) or an official document stating the language of instruction issued by the university of the candidate

1 May for non-EU applicants (regular: no scholarship)
1 July for EU applicants (i.e. EU natives and students with an EU degree) (regular: no scholarship)

National and international students interested in joining the BCGS Scholarship Programme have to apply by 1 December for the following winter semester. Selected applicants will be invited to an (online) "admissions academy" (in February/March).

Full scholarships for highly qualified students are available in the Scholarship Programme. Members of the Scholarship Programme receive 992 EUR per month for the first year and 465 EUR per month for the second year. Additionally, in the second year, we guarantee access to university related teaching or research jobs to cover the difference to the German BAFöG amount. If the German BAFöG amount is raised, the scholarship will be adapted. Interested students have to apply for the BCGS Scholarship Programme (deadline: 1 December for the following winter semester).

Student assistantships may be available during the programme.

Accommodation is available through the "Studierendenwerk Bonn" (https://www.studierendenwerk-bonn.de/en/accommodation/) or on the private housing market.

The office for international students provides assistance in finding accommodation.

Office for international students (assistance in finding accommodation and support with administrative formalities), mentor system (individual academic counselling), tutor system (studying in small learning groups), cultural and social programmes (excursions, visits, etc.), intensive language courses in German

With its more than 200 years of tradition, the University of Bonn is synonymous with world-renowned research at the highest level. Many of our departments have earned a stellar reputation in comparisons with both national and international competition. This is partly why we are one of 11 Universities of Excellence in Germany and are clearly among Europe’s top universities according to a number of prestigious rankings.

Together with our partners across the world, one of our aims in teaching and research is to help overcome some of the major economic, technological and societal challenges of the future through our joint efforts. In addition to research and teaching collaborations with partners around the globe, the University of Bonn is characterised by its diverse student body with more than 4,800 international students and doctoral candidates from over 135 countries.

The University of Bonn enjoys a high reputation worldwide for its research and teaching, which is also reflected in many international rankings in which it regularly ranks among the top 100 in the world. This international orientation has a long tradition: the university has maintained relationships with universities abroad for a long time. For example, the University of Bonn cooperates with over 300 partner universities from 45 countries within the framework of student exchange programmes. The internationality of the University of Bonn is also reflected in its range of courses: there are now 43 international degree programmes, many of which are taught entirely in English or other foreign languages or lead to a double degree with a partner university.

Good teaching forms the basis for enabling students to think, act and discuss topics scientifically. This is why it is so important for the University of Bonn that there is a lively exchange between students and lecturers. This is the only way to provide a comprehensive and excellent education. As an internationally renowned research university, we place particular emphasis on research-oriented teaching, which will be further promoted in both Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes in the coming years.

As the former capital of Germany and the seat of the United Nations in Europe, Bonn stands for internationality and diversity. It is a beautiful and historic city located on the banks of the Rhine and also known as the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. At the same time, it is a modern, lively and cosmopolitan city with a high quality of life.

The city of Bonn is an international business location that continues to grow dynamically with DAX companies and around 16,000 small and medium-sized enterprises. Close networking between business and science has produced pioneering technologies, e.g. in the information and communications industry or the healthcare sector.

Bonn is known internationally for the location of the United Nations, which now has 25 institutions, and also for around 150 other organisations that operate across national borders from Bonn. The strong growth – especially in knowledge-oriented services – makes Bonn so attractive that the city is predicted to have the highest population growth in NRW. With over 4,800 international students from more than 135 countries, the university contributes significantly to the international flair of the city of Bonn.