Study Geosciences in Germany

The geosciences uncover the composition of our planet by relying on scientific methods based on mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology. In contrast to a course of study in geography, the influence of humans and the interaction of people with their environment is not the focus.

A number of subject areas belong to the field of geosciences:

• Geology: The focus is on the composition and structure of the earth’s surface – you primarily learn about rocks and soils.
• Geoecology: In this field, you will research both natural and human-influenced ecosystems.
• Geophysics: Your focus is mainly on the physical properties of the earth.
• Hydrology: The element of water takes centre stage and you learn everything there is to know about the different types of water bodies on earth.
• Meteorology: Simply put, you will study the weather and climate.
• Mineralogy: This research area is about the formation of minerals and the exploration of rocks.
• Oceanography: You will deal with the dynamic processes of seas and oceans.
• Palaeontology: The focus is on the origin and development of life on earth.

If you decide to study geosciences, your degree programme will be quite theoretical. If you decide to study applied geosciences, your degree programme will be more practically oriented. You can then expect that internships will be a compulsory part of your studies.

Field trips to the outdoors are usually offered in both fields of study. You will have the opportunity to work in the field, examine soil samples in the laboratory or collect and analyse data with the help of computer simulations.

Later in your studies, you will also have the option to specialise in in-depth modules. Depending on the courses offered by your higher education institution, you can choose between geoinformatics, hydrology, oceanography, glaciology or geotechnics.

Since a degree programme in geosciences is based on the natural sciences, you should definitely enjoy and be interested in the subjects of mathematics, chemistry and physics. It is also an advantage if you have a good knowledge of biology and geography.

The work of geoscientists is often accompanied by research stays and excursions in the field. Therefore, you should also enjoy travelling and be able to rough it out for longer periods of time.

Degree programmes in geosciences are mainly offered at universities. There, the standard period of study for a Bachelor’s degree is usually six semesters. The Master’s degree is often set at four semesters.

Formally, you need a general or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification. Some higher education institutions also allow you to enrol in a Bachelor’s programme in geosciences with a relevant professional qualification.

Most higher education institutions offer geoscientific courses of study without further admission requirements. If a numerus clausus is imposed, i.e. a minimum grade, it is usually not particularly high. Generally, you don’t have to worry that your final grade point average will keep you from being admitted to most higher education institutions.

In most cases, you will not be charged tuition fees at public higher education institutions in Germany. However, at some institutions, you will have to pay fees if your home country is outside the European Union or if you want to attend a specific Master’s programme.

What you usually have to pay, however, are the so-called semester contributions. This flat-rate fee, as the name suggests, is charged every semester. Depending on your higher education institution, you can expect to pay a fee of between 100 and 400 euros. It usually covers the funding for the student union and, if applicable, administrative costs. Sometimes your semester contribution covers a ticket for local public transport or you can purchase a discounted ticket. Depending on where you study, this may be valid for the city, the region or even for all of Germany. Ask your higher education institution whether such an offer is currently available. 

Unfortunately, the remaining costs for your studies cannot be defined so precisely. Depending on where you live, there are big differences in rent prices and food expenses. In contrast to small rural towns, popular big cities are usually more expensive. In any case, student halls of residence are usually your cheapest option. As soon as you have decided on where you want to study, you should start looking, as halls of residence can fill up quickly. Here, you can find information on local halls of residence and the respective application process for most cities.

However, your final monthly costs are also largely dependent on you. If you pay attention to your own expenses, you can save a lot of money in one place or another.

To finance your studies in Germany, you should also find out about scholarships. There are many different scholarship programmes and excellent grades are not the only deciding factor. You can learn more about scholarships here and find suitable programmes directly on My GUIDE.

As a graduate of the field of geosciences, you can typically find a job in companies active in resource extraction, civil and underground engineering, or water supply. Your career might also lead you to work in public administration, architects’ offices, or consultancies and, naturally, research.

Which industry you ultimately end up in also depends on which major you have chosen.

As a geoscientist, your starting salary depends strongly on the industry in which you apply. If you apply for a job in the public sector, you will be paid according to the collective agreement. In the private sector, your salary can be significantly higher or significantly lower than the collective agreement. Once you have gained a few years of professional experience, your salary can rise significantly, depending on the sector.

Find out more information on the current labour market in this field by searching job listings on the website of the Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency). If you want to research careers and prospects after studying geosciences, discover more here (only available in German). Take a look around! Learn more about your opportunities as an international skilled worker in Germany and the requirements on the Make it in Germany website.