Master of Arts in Governance and Public Policy University of Passau

English is the main teaching language. Some modules in module area B and C are offered in German, but are not required for successful completion of the degree programme.

Politics, economics and sustainability: good governance as key to positive progress

The world has become more volatile, which comes with challenges and opportunities for organisations. Experts in governance and policy need to be able to react confidently to the unforeseen and, crucially, to help shape the future. That is why this Master’s programme features a multidisciplinary curriculum, preparing students for making responsible, well-considered decisions in a complex, dynamic environment.

In the foundation modules, you will study political theory, governance and development or sociology as well as research and quantitative methods. Building on this, the specialisation modules focus on contemporary topics, such as power, inequality, sustainability and the transformation of global political landscapes in the digital, networked age. You'll gain a comprehensive, multi-faceted perspective that will enable you to see the big picture and shape policies effectively. 

This is an accredited programme which has received the Seal of Quality of the Foundation for the Accreditation of Study Programmes in Germany.

Why study governance and public policy in Passau?

• Governance in a changing world: specialise in contemporary and dynamic aspects of governance and policy
• The programme includes knowledge about communications theory, media relations and social media cultures due the close connection between governance and public communication.
• Unique range of courses and excellent staff-student ratio in small masterclasses
• Numerous partnerships with universities abroad, which are particularly useful for students on this degree programme (e.g. France, Hungary, Pakistan, Romania, the UK and the USA)
• One of only seven degree courses in Germany to have been accepted into the Helmut-Schmidt Programme (Public Policy and Good Governance) of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
• Double-degree options with Andrássy University Budapest (Hungary) and University of Ljubljana (Slovenia)

The application round starts in early April. As the application deadlines can change on short notice, we ask that you check our application pages closer to the time for the specific dates (and what documents you need to submit).

The degree programme consists of three module groups and includes a Master's thesis:

A: Foundation modules

You will have to enrol on two compulsory modules from the Governance and State in Globalised Societies module group:

• Perspectives on Governance
• Political Theory and Comparative Politics

...as well as one of the two modules:

• International Politics and Political Aspects of Development
• Sociology

In addition, you will take two modules covering Empirical Research Methods in the Social Sciences.

B: Specialisation modules

In the specialisation modules, the knowledge gained in the foundation modules is enhanced and strengthened with the involvement of other disciplines. At this stage of the programme, you will deal in particular depth with contemporary themes:

• Power, Authority and Democracy
• Conflict, Inequality and Violence
• Regulation and Transformation
• Sustainability and Values

C: Transfer modules

The transfer modules are intended to give students the opportunity to gain (work) experience, foreign language skills or enhanced research skills. Students choose one option from:

• Language course
• Internship
• Research tutorial

Master's thesis

As part of this Master's programme, you will write a thesis on a topic of your choice. You will accumulate 120 ECTS points throughout the programme.

If you choose the internship option in module group C (transfer modules), you will be awarded 10 ECTS credits for completing an internship.

No tuition fees

The semester contribution fee is around 120 EUR per semester. This covers the student services association and bus pass fees. At the time of writing (January 2026), the University of Passau does not charge tuition fees.

You should budget a minimum of 992 EUR per month for your living expenses. If you need a visa to come to Germany, this is the amount you must have available to you (e.g. paid into a blocked account) for each month. Nevertheless, your actual cost of living will vary depending on your lifestyle, and so you should treat this figure as an absolute minimum.

Academic entry requirements

To apply for this degree programme, you need an undergraduate university degree in one or more social sciences or in economics or a law degree. The final grade for your degree must be 2.5 (or better) according to the German grading system. Your final grade will be converted by the university during the application process. If your degree falls short of the minimum grade requirement, you can still be admitted if you can provide an official document from your prior university stating that you were among the best 70% of your cohort (i.e. your fellow students in the same exam period).

To apply, you must provide a (final or preliminary) transcript/Transcript of Records that certifies:

• 60 ECTS credits from modules in the social sciences and/or economics and/or law
• social and/or economic research modules (i.e. mathematics, statistics or empirical social research or similar) in the amount of 10 ECTS credits
• the final/preliminary grade of, or equivalent to, 2.5 (or better)

This degree programme can be completed entirely in English. However, to be able to get by in Germany, students are nonetheless required to have German language skills at level A1 CEFR (beginner's level). If you do not meet this requirement at the time of your application, you will be offered a free beginning German course during your first year of study. By the end of that year, you have to be able to present a German language certificate at level A1 CEFR.

English language requirements

You should provide proof of English language skills equivalent to level B2 CEFR. This must be done at the time of enrolment.

The application round starts in early April. As the application deadlines can change on short notice, we ask that you check our application pages closer to the time for the specific dates (and what documents you need to submit).

The International Office awards a small number of scholarships to international degree-seeking students who have been enrolled in a Bachelor's programme for at least two semesters or in a Master's programme for at least one semester. You may also apply for a Deutschlandstipendium scholarship, which is open to students of all nationalities. This scholarship has a stipend of 300 EUR per month and runs for one year. You may reapply in subsequent years. Finally, there is a one-off emergency hardship grant available to international students in exceptional cases of unexpected financial difficulties.

For international students, a dedicated career adviser is on hand: the "iStudi Coach" will help you with all your questions about finding work or placements in Germany.

Please note that students from non-EU countries must apply for a work permit at the national job centre if they work more than 240 half-days per year. Students from EU member countries do not require a work permit.

The International Office has set up an accommodation service, which assists international students in finding accommodation.

Rooms in the halls of residence cost between 270 EUR and 550 EUR per month and are fully furnished. Kitchen and bathroom facilities are usually shared, although some rooms have en-suite bathroom facilities. However, please note that the demand for the rooms in the student halls is very high, and there is no guarantee that you will be able to rent one.

Luckily, there is a large number of flats and flatshares available on the open housing market. On average, you should expect to pay somewhere in the vicinity of 350 EUR to 550 EUR a month for these. Landlords usually require a two-month or three-month deposit when you move in, which will be returned to you at the end of the rental period, provided you leave your accommodation in good condition.

• Further details on housing in Passau
• Accommodation service for international students

The university provides advice on job hunting, jobs, and career-entry positions at German and international companies, here and abroad. These include personal interviews, advice, and training courses on how to apply as well as intercultural and soft skills training.

International students have access to a dedicated career adviser – the "iStudi Coach" – who helps students find internships and apply for student jobs and career-entry positions at German companies. The iStudi Coach also coaches international students on German labour market practices, how to write applications, and so on.

Related links:

• Future: Careers and Competencies section
• iStudi Coach

The University of Passau

More than 10,000 students from approximately 100 countries are currently studying towards their degrees on our bright, modern campus next to the Inn River and a stone's throw from the town centre and the historical old town.

The five faculties of the university offer degrees at the undergraduate, Master’s and doctoral levels. Currently, 11 degree programmes can be studied entirely in English: BSc Artificial Intelligence, MSc Artificial Intelligence Engineering, MSc Business Administration, MSc Computational Mathematics, MSc Computer Science, MA Development Studies, MA Governance and Public Policy, MSc Information Systems, MSc International Economics and Business, MA International Education and Global Learning, and BSc Mathematics.

A cosmopolitan university

No other Bavarian university has more of its students spending part of their programme abroad – to study, conduct research or gain work experience – than the University of Passau.

The range and depth of language tuition offered by our language centre probably has a role to play in this. Another reason is that our programmes are very international in their outlook – and with some 300 international partner universities to choose from, it is difficult not to be tempted to go abroad for a semester or two or even to complete one of our double-degree programmes offered in cooperation with our global partner universities.

An unparalleled student experience

Passau’s students benefit from a good staff-to-student ratio and from studying on an urban campus of manageable size that is located very close to the town centre.

The facilities on campus are of a high standard. There are bright, sunny seminar rooms, lecture theatres equipped with the latest technology, numerous computer rooms, Wi-Fi access exists throughout the campus, and our well-stocked university library stays open until late into the night on most days.

Student satisfaction at the University of Passau is particularly high and our sought-after graduates typically occupy executive posts in business, social, and academic organisations in Germany, Europe, and indeed all over the world.

Student life

Throughout the semester, there are plenty of events of all sorts on campus and around town, often organised by our very active student societies. Our sports centre has some 40 sports clubs, offering everything from acrobatics to Zumba.

An ideal student town

Passau is situated near the Bavarian Forest at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, and it is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. After two fires that destroyed much of the town in the 17th century, the old town was rebuilt in the baroque style by Italian master builders, which is why you will notice a distinct Italian flair as you stroll through "Bavarian Venice", another name by which Passau is known.

With students accounting for one-quarter of its population, Passau is very much a student town with many galleries, art studios, bars, cafés, clubs and, of course, beer gardens; naturally, there is a modern multiplex cinema. A shopping centre and the nearby pedestrian zone offer a lot of excellent eateries and shops, just a short five-minute walk from campus.

Passau is home to a number of cultural institutions, such as the theatre and the "Scharfrichterhaus" – a restaurant, cinema and political cabaret/stand-up stage where many of Germany’s most popular contemporary comedians started out. Both have productions and acts running throughout the year.

In addition to this, Passau plays host to numerous annual cultural events, including "Europäische Wochen Passau" – a cultural festival which brings international symphonic orchestras, classical ensembles, theatre companies and artists to Passau for about six weeks every year; the Eulenspiegel Festival with predominantly German comedy acts and rock bands; two Oktoberfest-style festivals in spring and autumn; and no list of festivals would be complete without the traditional Christmas Market in front of St. Stephen’s Cathedral every December. Incidentally, did you know that St. Stephen's is home to the world's largest cathedral organ?

Outdoor enthusiasts will be delighted at the many opportunities for hiking, climbing, cycling, and alpine and cross-country skiing in the nearby Bavarian Forest. Additionally, Passau is not far from the Austrian and Bavarian Alps, with their famous skiing areas as well as their mountain biking and hiking trails.