Modern Indian Studies University of Göttingen

English (100%)

The Master's in Modern Indian Studies is an interdisciplinary programme focusing on economic, political, social, and cultural developments in modern India. In the programme, students seek to address a number of fundamental questions about modern India, including:

• How does India’s cultural and religious diversity affect societal developments?
• How does the democratic system address issues of social inequality?
• How can the dynamics of economic development in a pluralistic society be understood?

As looking for answers to profound questions such as these requires an interdisciplinary approach, there are five research groups at CeMIS:

• Modern Indian History
• Development Economics
• Indian Religions
• State and Democracy in Modern India
• Society and Culture in Modern India

Students wishing to develop a stronger thematic specialisation can choose a study focus on one of the following:

• Anthropology of Power
• Historical Sociology

The focus will be printed on the MA certificate.

• For citizens from the EU/EEA (European Economic Area) OR applicants with a Bachelor's degree from an EU/EEA country beginning in the winter semester: 15 May of the same calendar year. Please note: Applications by citizens from non-EU/non-EEA (European Economic Area) countries without a Bachelor's degree from an EU/EEA country cannot be considered in the application round with a deadline of 15 May.
• For citizens from non-EU/non-EEA (European Economic Area) countries and without a Bachelor's degree from an EU/EEA country beginning in the winter semester: 15 November of the previous calendar year.

Find out more about visa requirements to study in Germany here. Information for applicants from India can be found here.

The MA in Modern Indian Studies is a single major, four-semester programme. As an international study programme that attracts students from around the world, all courses are conducted in English. To obtain a Master's degree, students must complete 120 credits, including a Master's thesis (30 credits).

The Master's programme is designed to offer a great deal of flexibility, allowing students to develop and pursue their own interests and thematic focus within the five interdisciplinary categories. Aside from the two-semester introductory course on Interdisciplinary Studies of Modern India and a course in Academic Writing and Research (24 ECTS), and courses in modern Indian languages (12 ECTS), students are free to elect which courses they take and to choose the theoretical and analytical focus of their thesis. Each student who chooses a study focus will write the thesis in his or her chosen field. Students who do not choose a study focus are free to elect which courses they take and to choose the theoretical and analytical focus of their theses.

German language skills are not required. However, international students interested in learning or improving their German may attend courses provided by the university. Up to 12 ECTS can go towards the Master's degree through the "Professionalisation" area.

Students also have the option of completing a semester abroad. See the section on "Integrated study abroad unit(s)" for more information.

Optionally, students can complete a semester or an internship abroad.

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.

MA in Modern Indian Studies

• Sufficient credits (at least 50 ECTS) in a related field are required. Related fields are development studies, geography, history, gender or diversity studies, Indian studies, Indology, Islam studies, ethnology or cultural anthropology, media studies, political science, religious studies, social and economic history, sociology or economics.
• Proof of proficiency in English is required (see details below).

Applicants from India also need an APS certificate (applicant evaluation or Akademische Prüfstelle). This is a document that verifies proof of qualifications for immigration to Germany. Hence, before applying for a visa, individuals must have the APS certificate in hand. For the application, follow this link. The APS certificate is valid indefinitely and can be acquired before acceptance to the course. All students should complete the APS as soon as possible. More information on applications, documents required and fees can be found here.

Here is more information about the application process and the ECTS system.

Candidates must prove sufficient knowledge in English by minimum achievements in an internationally recognised test. The following applicants are exempt from the requirement to provide proof of a test: applicants who have spent at least one year studying or working in the United States of America, Canada (excluding the province of Québec), the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (including associated territories), the Republic of Ireland, Australia or New Zealand within the last four years prior to receipt of the application for admission.

Further information can be found here.

German language skills are not required for this study programme.

• For citizens from the EU/EEA (European Economic Area) OR applicants with a Bachelor's degree from an EU/EEA country beginning in the winter semester: 15 May of the same calendar year. Please note: Applications by citizens from non-EU/non-EEA (European Economic Area) countries without a Bachelor's degree from an EU/EEA country cannot be considered in the application round with a deadline of 15 May.
• For citizens from non-EU/non-EEA (European Economic Area) countries and without a Bachelor's degree from an EU/EEA country beginning in the winter semester: 15 November of the previous calendar year.

Find out more about visa requirements to study in Germany here. Information for applicants from India can be found here.

Deutschlandstipendium and Landesstipendium Niedersachsen are two independent scholarships that partially support MA students after enrolment. The International Office at the university provides advice and information to international students looking to apply for scholarships in Germany. The DAAD has a comprehensive database of scholarships from multiple funding agencies.

With a regular study visa, students are entitled to work part-time. The university supports students in finding part-time jobs in local industries and businesses and offers an online job portal. A number of student jobs are also available at the university. Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or work contract.

Göttingen offers a range of accommodation options from shared flats and single apartments to student residences.

Demand for student accommodation in Göttingen is high. There is a limited number of places available in student residence halls. Admission or enrolment is not required for applying. Please apply at the earliest here.

Most students rent accommodations in privately-run shared flats or single apartments. At the University of Göttingen, the Accommodation Service at the International Office helps students find accommodation.

In addition to career counselling at CeMIS, the Faculty of Social Sciences offers career advisory services. The University of Göttingen offers additional career advice as well.

The project "Start Guides" 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.

Orientation week for international students
Student counselling
Psychological counselling in English

International Office of the University: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/574687.html

Foyer International: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/2554.html

German courses during studies (free of charge) https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/7710.html