4 semesters
English
Free (104 EUR/sem)
Winter
The University of Passau is a renowned institution located in the heart of Bavaria, Germany. The MA Development Studies program at the university offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complexities of global development. Students in this program have the opportunity to engage with critical issues such as poverty, inequality, and sustainability, while also gaining practical skills in research and project management. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in international development, policy analysis, and advocacy. With a strong emphasis on global perspectives and real-world experience, the MA Development Studies program at the University of Passau is an excellent choice for those passionate about making a positive impact on the world.
Fields of study
How to apply
What you need to apply for Development Studies at University of Passau
B2/IELTS 5.5
You should also have basic knowledge of German (level A1 CEFR) to help you in your everyday life.
To be eligible for a place on this degree programme, you must have: • An above-average university degree (Bachelor's, Magister, Diplom, state examination) from a university in Germany or abroad based on at least three years of study in social sciences, i.e. economics, anthropology, demography, empirical social or human geography, sociology, political science, administrative science or any other equivalent degree with a minimum of 60 ECTS credits in one or several of these disciplines. (Any past achievements and qualifications gained in 'Wirtschaftswissenschaften' (combined business and economics programmes) must be derived specifically from economics ('Volkswirtschaftslehre') modules) • Out of the 60 ECTS credits referenced above, 10 ECTS credits must come from empirical research methods, such as data collection, data analysis, mathematics and/or statistics. Please note that a general course in research methods is not enough and does not count in this case. • The final grade for your undergraduate degree should be equivalent to 2.5 or better according to the German grading scale or ranked among the best 50% of your cohort. • Adequate knowledge of English at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Lan guages (CEFR), unless English is your native language or language instruction for your prior education. International applicants with a university degree from abroad must provide proof of German language profi ciency at level A1 CEFR (beginner's level). If you do not have proof of German proficiency at the time of appli cation or enrolment, you can submit it during your first year at the University of Passau.
Application before completion of your undergraduate degree You can apply for a place on this programme before completing your undergraduate degree, provided you will have achieved at least 140 ECTS credits by the time teaching starts on the Master's programme. You will have to submit your transcript of records, which must show how many regular semesters of study you have completed, how many ECTS credits you have attained, and that your projected final grade is expected to be 2.5 or better according to the German grading scale. Among the 140 ECTS credits, there must be 60 ECTS credits in social sciences, including 10 ECTS credits in empirical research methods. You will have to provide proof of having completed your undergraduate degree to the Student Registration Office by a 30 September the following year. This deadline cannot be extended by taking a leave of absence
If you completed a non-[ECTS](https://www.uni-passau.de/en/apply/personalised-instructions#ECTS) degree, please contact [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) with your transcript of records.
International applicants with a university degree from abroad must provide proof of German language profi ciency at level A1 CEFR (beginner's level). If you do not have proof of German proficiency at the time of appli cation or enrolment, you can submit it during your first year at the University of Passau.
[M.A. Development Studies - University of Passau](https://www.uni-passau.de/fileadmin/dokumente/studium/inf...)
What to prepare for your application to Development Studies
A chronological curriculum vitae.
Your university degree in a social science or economics. The final grade of for your undergraduate degree should be equivalent to 2.5 or better according to the German grading scale or ranked among the best 50% of your cohort.
Your transcript of records must show that a minimum of 60 ECTS credits were attained in one or several of these disciplines:
Anthropology, demography, empirical social or human geography, sociology, political science, administrative science or economics.
Out of the 60 ECTS credits referenced above, 10 ECTS credits must come from empirical research methods, such as data collection, data analysis, mathematics and/or statistics. A general course in research methods is not enough and does not count in this case.
An English language certificate at level B2 CEFR, unless you are a native speaker of English or have completed your schooling or first degree in English.
You may be required to submit additional documents depending on the country where you have acquired your academic qualifications. Please see uni-assist's country-specific information page for details.
If you have studied in China, India, or Vietnam, the APS certificate is mandatory.
A copy of the identity page of your passport. EU citizens may send a copy of their national identity card instead. Please black out sensitive information, such as the passport number, but make sure your name, nationality and date of birth are clearly legible.
Application during the final semester of your undergraduate degree
If, at the time of your application, you cannot provide your degree certificate due to still being enrolled in the final semester of your undergraduate degree programme, you must submit the transcript of records thus far available. If admitted to the programme, you must then complete all modules and submit all work for your undergraduate degree before the start of teaching on the Master's programme.
This programme applies directly or via uni-assist. Submit your documents through the correct channel before the deadline.
Open application portalApostille and notarization
Requirements vary by nationality and issuing country. Many German universities require certified translations and, in some cases, document apostilles. Verify current requirements directly with the admissions office, or use our document services for guided preparation.
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View document bundleStep-by-step guide to applying for Development Studies at University of Passau
Apply via
direct
Mode
online
Application fee
75 EUR
Estimated time
Varies by programme
Complexity
Varies
Address
Tanja Rieger, Innstraße 41, 94032 Passau
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Tuition
FREE
No tuition fees
Semester contribution
104 EUR
per semester
Application fee
75 EUR
one-time
Estimated year-1 total cost
12,112 – 12,112 EUR
Includes tuition, semester contribution, and estimated living costs. Range accounts for lifestyle differences.
This programme has restricted admission (NC). Admission is competitive and based on academic performance.
Additional fee information
The University of Passau does not charge tuition fees for its regular degree programmes: an unbeatable deal for world-class education!
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