Law Studies for Foreign Graduates — Master of Laws (LLM) University of Göttingen

We provide two special additional programmes: a joint degree programme with Nanjing University and a partnership programme with the School of German Law ("Deutsche Rechtsschule", ELTE, Budapest).

The essential courses are held in German, except lectures in international law. The Master's thesis may be written in another language, usually English.

Students may choose from the following areas of law: civil law, public law, criminal law, and basic subjects (such as Roman or German history of law or general political science). The broad spectrum of subjects offers the possibility of various specialisations: commercial and company law, criminology, international commercial law, intangible property rights, public international law, European law or international criminal law, to mention just a few examples.
The basic lectures are accompanied by tutorials of school-class size in order to apply the abstract subject matter of the lectures to concrete cases. Here, students learn methods of analysing cases in a juristic manner as well as how to work with the wording of law.
In support of and complementary to the specialist lectures, an introductory course on German legal terminology and methods and a variety of courses in key qualifications (such as methods of negotiation and mediation, presentation techniques, legal terminology in German and foreign languages) are provided.

Winter semester: 15 April for the following winter semester
Summer semester: 15 October for the following summer semester

The programme takes two semesters to complete.
With the support of their supervisor, students create their individual schedule which must comprise a total of 60 credits (C), divided between the required and optional courses according to the module catalogue in the study regulations:

• 33 C in law lectures and seminars (comprising 6 C in the "German Legal Terminology and Methods" required module, at least 15 C in basic courses, and 12 C in advanced courses)
• 6 C in the area of professionalisation (key skills such as mediation, negotiation, foreign language courses, German language courses on C level)
• 21 C for the Master's thesis

For admission to the Master's thesis, students must have passed examinations in required and optional modules, achieving at least 24 C:

• 6 C in the "Introduction to German Legal Terminology and Legal Working Methods" required module
• at least 15 C in basic and advanced modules. Here, the student must attend courses and pass examinations, choosing at least two out of the four areas of civil law, public law, criminal law, and principles of law (such as history of law, constitutional history, general political science, legal philosophy).

The introductory course and the basic lectures should be attended in the first semester; participation in more specialised courses, such as seminars, is recommended for the second semester.
The programme ends with a five-month Master's thesis in German. Upon the student's request and mutual agreement between the student and the supervisor, the thesis may be written in another language, provided that the topic is of international interest.

None

No tuition fees

The fees are around 400 EUR per semester. This usually includes a prepaid semester ticket, which entitles students to use regional trains and buses in Germany free of charge. University of Göttingen students also receive discounts or free entry to many cultural events in the city. Meals and drinks are available at reduced prices at all university canteens.

The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books are about 850 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age.

Bachelor of Laws or equivalent, generally a four-year study programme covering the three main fields of law: civil law, public law, criminal law, corresponding to 240 ECTS

The programme is open for all law graduates who meet the requirements.

DSH 2, TestDaF 4x4 or equivalent German language tests according to the DSH regulations

Winter semester: 15 April for the following winter semester
Summer semester: 15 October for the following summer semester

Germany Scholarship (Deutschlandstipendium)

or

Lower Saxony Scholarship (Niedersachsenstipendium)

The university supports students in finding part-time jobs in local industries and businesses. A number of student jobs are also available at the university. They are announced on the following website: www.stellenwerk-goettingen.de.
Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or work contract.

Some proficiency in German may be indispensable to find a job. Non-EU students are permitted to work a maximum of 120 full days (240 half days) per year.

The Accommodation Service of the International Office supports international students who are enrolled at the University of Göttingen in finding accommodation and serves as a point of contact for related queries. The Accommodation Service also publishes suitable offers from private landlords in Göttingen and collaborates with the Student Services ("Studierendenwerk"). As the number of available accommodation options in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to contact the Accommodation Service as early as possible.

The Career Service of the university offers individual support for the job entry. Especially for international students aiming for a career entry in Germany, the Career Service provides topic-specific workshops, online learning modules, and a qualification programme.

The "Start Guides" project also offers assistance in developing and realising individual career perspectives in Germany.

If you are interested in the topic of founding a company, start-up support is offered! The university supports you with advice, funding, qualification formats and network contacts.

The faculty offers a career fair once a year (in December).

The International Office provides a wide range of services for international students.

German students help newly arrived students to adapt to the university and the city during their first weeks. There is also an orientation week for new international students, which provides valuable information about Göttingen and the university.

Study Buddy Programme as a part of the project Integration and Diversity at Göttingen University (InDiGU)

Foyer International: Cultural evenings and more for all students

German courses during studies (free of charge)