phd in materials science in germany

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Materials Science

Doctoral Research

Research Career at our Department

The Department of Materials and Geosciences provides dedicated early career researchers an excellent research and work environment.

There are two ways of gaining a doctorate:

• Traditional – doctoral candidates carry out research individually under the supervision of the supervisor and are not bound to a mandatory programme of studies.
• Structured – doctoral candidates do their studies within the context of a structured doctoral programme, mostly in a group with other early career researchers.

Here you can find further information on doctoral studies at TU Darmstadt.

Doctoral students in Materials Science are invited to become a member of the graduate school Materialium .

Doctoral Positions

Here you will find current available vacancies of our research groups. In addition, you can get an overview of the focus areas and other offers on the following pages:

• research groups (materials science)
• research groups (applied geosciences)

You can also find additional jobs in the central job portal of TU Darmstadt.

Oral Doctoral Exams

Currently no news available.

Instruction video conferencing system

Instruction of the video conferencing system (external notebook) room 128 &228.

• Turn the Beamer on with the On button
• Connect your external device with the VGA- or with the HDMI- Cable. If you want to connect your device with the HDMI Cable, first connect the HDMI-VGA adapter
• Connect your external device with the USB cable (USB3.0)
• Make sure that the LED in the control panel is set to “ext” green, you can toggle between “ext” and “int” with the Switch button.
• Now open Powepoint and start your Powerpoint presentation (F5). Press the windows key and open Zoom, sign in, join a meeting and share your screen.
• Please check if the microphone, camera and speaker are set as shown in the manual as PDF to the pictures
• If the Camera and the Microphone don´t appear in Zoom, click the USB-switch and wait 10 seconds

This is how you share your screen:

• Click on share screen
• Click on “screen”
• After you shared your presentation you have to click on your Powerpoint presentation

Instruction of the video conferencing system (Local PC) Room 128 &228

• Turn on the Beamer with the On button
• Turn on the pc
• By pressing the “Switch” button on the VGA port, make sure that the LED in the control panel is set to ”int” green (it may take up to 15 seconds after pressing the Switch button).
• Now open Powepoint and start your Powerpoint presentation (F5). Press the windows key and open Zoom, sign in and join a meeting and share your screen
• Please check if the microphone, camera and speaker are set as shown in the manual as PDF to the picture.
• If the Camera and the Microphone don´t appear in Zoom, click the USB-switch and wait 10seconds
• Click on “Share Screen”
• Click on “Screen”
• After you shared your presentation, click into your Powerpoint presentation once again.

Download of Instruction room 128 & 228

• Instruction as pdf (Local PC & external Notebook) (opens in new tab)

Instruction of the video conferencing system Room 77 (general)

• If the display of the control panel is black, please touch the display with your finger. After ca. 5 seconds, the display is then active.
• You can now control both beamers separately. By selecting the respective ON/OFF button. Switch the beamer you want on or off..
• Please check that the beamers can only be switched on or off one after the other with a delay.
• If at least one beamer is switched on, select the respective source input for its control.
• The following functions are available:
• – int. PC : Local PC
• – ext. VGA : VGA-port for external device
• - ext. HDMI : HDMI-port for external device
• You can control the beamers separately by tapping the respective source input. Please note here that for technical reasons there may be a brief flickering of the display (duration approx. 10 sec.) because the input sources are synchronized..
• To create a freeze image during operation of both beamers, tap the FREEZE key. The image of the projector is frozen. On the other beamer you can now continue your presentation. Tap the FREEZE button again to release the function.

Instruction of the video conferencing system Room 77 (Local PC)

Switch on the PC and beamer.

Now start OBS Studio

in OBS Studio click on “Start Virtual Camera”.

Switch back to the ''Desktop (without closing OBS Studio) and start Zoom

Log in and join the meeting

In the audio and video settings, check that “Echo Cancelling Speakerphone (2- Devio SCR USB Audio)” and “OBS Virtual Camera” are selected.

Now share your screen

Press '' share screen ''.

Select '' screen ''.

Now start PowerPoint (without closing Zoom or OBS Studio) and open your presentation and start the presentation (F5).

Links & Downloads

• Instruction as pdf

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Prospective Doctoral Candidates

Doing a Doctorate at TU Darmstadt

Promoting Early Carreer Researchers

Jane Gottschling

dekanat@matgeo.tu-...

work +49 6151 16-22242 fax +49 6151 16-22239

Work L2|01 79 Peter-Grünberg-Straße 2 64287 Darmstadt

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Best Global Universities for Materials Science in Germany

These are the top universities in Germany for materials science, based on their reputation and research in the field. Read the methodology »

To unlock more data and access tools to help you get into your dream school, sign up for the  U.S. News College Compass !

Here are the best global universities for materials science in Germany

Karlsruhe institute of technology, technische universitat dresden, rwth aachen university, technical university of munich, university of erlangen nuremberg, university of munich, technical university of berlin, technical university of darmstadt, humboldt university of berlin, free university of berlin.

See the full rankings

• Clear Filters
• # 71 in Best Universities for Materials Science
• # 226 in Best Global Universities  (tie)
• # 79 in Best Universities for Materials Science
• # 186 in Best Global Universities  (tie)
• # 99 in Best Universities for Materials Science
• # 199 in Best Global Universities  (tie)
• # 122 in Best Universities for Materials Science
• # 79 in Best Global Universities

The Technical University of Munich, sometimes called TUM, is a public institution that was founded in 1868. The... Read More

• # 123 in Best Universities for Materials Science
• # 256 in Best Global Universities  (tie)
• # 130 in Best Universities for Materials Science  (tie)
• # 47 in Best Global Universities

The University of Munich is a public institution that traces its roots back to 1472. It is situated in Munich – the... Read More

• # 139 in Best Universities for Materials Science  (tie)
• # 304 in Best Global Universities  (tie)
• # 188 in Best Universities for Materials Science
• # 615 in Best Global Universities  (tie)

• # 211 in Best Universities for Materials Science
• # 61 in Best Global Universities

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin is a public institution in Germany that was founded in 1810. The university’s campuses... Read More

• # 217 in Best Universities for Materials Science  (tie)
• # 87 in Best Global Universities

The Free University of Berlin is a public institution that was founded in 1948. The university has three main campuses... Read More

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• TUM Graduate School
• Technical University of Munich

Doctorate at the Technical University of Munich

Doctoral candidates at TUM work on challenging academic questions , and are supported by prominent researchers. TUM Graduate School encourages an environment in which academic knowledge and professional qualification are perfectly interwoven. On the following pages, you will find all the information you need about doing a doctorate ​​​​​​​ at TUM.

Doctoral Candidates

Supervisors

About TUM Graduate School

30.04.2024 Call for applications - Hermann Eiselen Science Award

21.04.2024 Call for applications - Schmidt Science Fellows 2025 cohort

18.04.2024 Ausschreibung: Schnieder-Preis Junge Macherin

12.04.2024 Call for Abstracts - TUM Sustainability Day

Courses & Events

04.06.2024 TAT Talks – Spotlight on Global Collaborations with Impact

16.05.2024 Fireside chat: Global science, global career

25.04.2024 Forschen in politisch herausfordernden Kontexten: Fokus VR China

16.04.2024 TUM.Additive PhD Seminar 

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PhD Studies & Research

Science and research in Germany are characterised by a distinguished infrastructure, a wide variety of disciplines, well-equipped research facilities and competent staff. Germany offers various career opportunities for international PhD students and researchers.

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The Joint European Doctoral Programme in Advanced Materials Science and Engineering ( DocMASE ) is an international PhD programme with the participation of universities in  Germany, France, Spain and Sweden .

The DocMASE Programme was funded with Erasmus Mundus scholarships. The last intake with this funding started in 2015 and expired in 2019.

Within this programme, PhD students studied at:

• UdS – Universität des Saarlandes, Germany
• LTU – Luleå tekniska universitet, Sweden
• UPC – Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Spain
• UL – Université de Lorraine, France
• LiU – Linköping University, Sweden

Although the DocMASE Programme does no longer get a financial support by the EU, the  DAAD  provides each year a number of  scholarships  within the Graduate School Scholarship Programme (GSSP) . These scholarships are intended for students starting doctoral thesis work at the Saarland University in Germany.

The Materials Science and Engineering Department ( MSE ) of Saarland University is recognised as one of the leading centres of Materials Science in Germany. The department is formed by 11 chairs covering the wide spectrum of this field. Scientific research at the university is particularly enhanced by intensive collaboration with distinguished research centres established on the university campus, such as the Leibnitz Institute of New Materials ( INM ), the Fraunhofer Institute for Non-Destructive Testing ( IZfP ), and the Material Engineering Center Saar ( MECS ).

Former research topics  of PhD candidates can be found here.

Application and funding

Applicants have to use this application form . Applications must be received through our  online application system .

DocMASE is aimed at candidates with a Master’s (or equivalent) degree in Materials Science and Engineering, or other related subjects such as Physics or Chemistry.  Very good English knowledge  is required, German knowledge will be an advantage. The DAAD  scholarships are available for non-German candidates  that have not lived more than 15 months in Germany. 

The DAAD funding is for up to three or (in the case of developing and emerging countries) for up to four years and will cover:

• a monthly scholarship rate of currently 1000 €,
• a country-dependent travel allowance,
• a combined health, accident, and liability insurance,
• if necessary, a rent subsidy and family allowance

The aim of DocMASE is to provide a high-level research structure for the best students from Europe and the world. Research projects in close cooperation with two universities of the consortium are available. Co-mentorship is an integral part of the project, thus students will be assigned an advisor from each university where he/she carries out the research work. 

Students can opt for an academic or an industrial focus in their research. Throughout the PhD, doctoral students are required to go to one of the partner universities for at least six months, and additionally to one of the associated partners for at least two weeks.

• DFH-PhD-Track
• Universität des Saarlandes
• HR EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH

Programs for Graduate and Master Students

Do you study life sciences or medicine?

Are you interested in a bachelor's, master's ,  or doctoral thesis at our institute?

Then you are welcome to apply directly to our directors and research group leaders. 

You can find information on the various doctoral programs at the Göttingen Campus , in which our institute participates, here. If you have general questions regarding your application, please contact our coordinator Antje Erdmann (see contacts on the left).

All our students doing research at the institute for a thesis or doctoral thesis must be enrolled at a university at the same time. With a few exceptions, academic titles in Germany are only awarded by the nationwide universities. The institute, therefore, cooperates closely with the University of Göttingen in the IMPRS doctoral programs listed below, where our directors and research group leaders also teach and give seminars.

International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS)

Max Planck School Matter to Life

Max Planck School of Photonics

There are also programs for young scientists within the framework of further cooperations between the institute and the University of Göttingen, the Max Planck Institutes for Dynamics and Self-Organization and for Experimental Medicine as well as the German Primate Center. These include:

• the  European Neuroscience Institute Göttingen  (ENI)
• the  Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience   Göttingen  (BCCN Göttingen)
• the  Göttingen Excellence Cluster nad DFG Research Center  Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain (CNMPB)

• General Information
• Tuition fees

Application & Admission

Language requirements, program features.

• List of Universities

2742 Study programs

Study Materials Science in Germany: 53 Universities with 76 English Degree Programs

All important info for international students in germany (2024/2025).

Germany is a unique location to study an English-taught Master’s degree in Materials Science. Programs offered often teach their students broad and interdisciplinary knowledge of the topic, but you can also find courses with a focus on specific materials. Thus, you can find a program that specializes precisely in your area of interest.

Graduates of Materials Science can profit from a very attractive job market in Germany and may end up working in the automotive industry, in the medical technology industry or the recycling industry. Furthermore, Materials Science degrees in Germany hold a high reputation internationally and can significantly advance students’ chances to find employment anywhere in the world.

You should also note that the future of STEM subjects is bright in Germany and supported by the German leadership, who launched a network to support this subject group in 2008. Browse your options in the StudyFinder and discover which program will be the perfect fit for you!

Study Programs in English

Universities

Universities in International Rankings

€ 0 (57 programs for EU citizens, 48 programs for Non-EU citizens)

€ 9,000 per semester (1 program for EU citizens/Non-EU)

Winter Semester

between May 15 and May 01

Summer Semester

Top-ranked German Universities in Materials Science

public Technical University

No. of Students: approx. 47,000 students

Program Fees: € 0 - € 6,000 (per semester)

public University

No. of Students: approx. 36,000 students

Program Fees: € 0 (per semester)

No. of Students: approx. 38,000 students

No. of Students: approx. 27,000 students

Tuition Fees

3 english degree programs for materials science in germany.

Justus Liebig University Giessen Giessen

Sustainable chemistry.

Clausthal University of Technology Clausthal-Zellerfeld

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences Kleve

Application Deadlines

Winter Semester 2024/2025

Summer Semester 2025

Winter Semester 2025/2026

Open Programs

56 programs

35 programs

68 programs

Application Requirements

Master’s degrees in Materials Science typically admit students who have an academic degree in a related subject such as Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or some engineering degrees. For most programs, entrance tests or interviews are not part of the admission process, students must simply submit required documents (first degree certificate and a transcript of records). These typically include your CV, a letter of motivation and sometimes letters of reference. Additionally, you will have to prove your English language abilities with a language certificate.

Application Modes

Application process.

TU Darmstadt Darmstadt

Functional advanced materials engineering with artificial intelligence for sustainability (fame ais).

HECTOR School of Engineering and Management Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) · Karlsruhe

Mobility systems engineering & management.

Leuphana University Lüneburg Lüneburg

TOEFL Scores

Cambridge Levels

5 (2 programs )

70 (2 programs )

B1 Preliminary (PET) (1 program )

7 (2 programs )

100 (1 program )

C2 Proficiency (CPE) (14 programs )

University of Bayreuth Bayreuth

Biofabrication.

Munich University of Applied Sciences Munich

Paper technology (continuing education).

Civil Engineering

3-36 semesters

→ View all programs with online courses

Master of Arts

Master of Business Administration

Master of Engineering

Master of Science

Bachelor of Engineering

Bachelor of Science

Winter intake

Summer intake

Winter & Summer intake

List of all German Universities offering English-taught Study Programs in Materials Science

Aalen University

Program Fees: € 0 - € 1,500

M.Sc. (Master of Science)

Anhalt University of Applied Sciences

Program Fees: € 850

M.A. (Master of Arts)

Chemnitz University of Technology

Program Fees: € 0

Clausthal University of Technology

Dresden International University

Program Fees: € 5,370

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• Two ways to get your PhD
• Find your PhD position

How to apply for a PhD

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Find your PhD position in Germany

Before you start your search ....

Before you start your search you should know that there are different PhD models:

• Individual doctorate  or
• Structured PhD programmes

What's the difference? Check out our  overview of the various ways to do your PhD in Germany  

Find your individual doctorate

The "traditional" or "individual" path to a PhD remains the most common in Germany. An individual doctorate involves a thesis or dissertation that is produced under the  supervision of one professor . This form of PhD study offers a great deal of  flexibility , but demands a high degree of  personal initiative  and responsibility.

How to find your PhD supervisor

In Germany there is no central admissions or selection office for doctoral students. Therefore, your first step is to find a suitable professor who is willing to be your supervisor.

One way to find a supervisor is to look for a university institute that matches your area of research. The following online search engines might help you find a suitable supervisor:

• GERiT – German research institutions GERiT is a website containing information on approximately 29,000 research institutions in Germany. GERiT allows the user to search easily by location or subject. It provides all the information needed to choose an institution at which to research, study or do a doctorate. www.gerit.org
• Finding a PhD position PhDGermany publishes PhD openings in Germany that specifically target international applicants. Accordingly, in most cases the working language is English. Fluent knowledge of German is only required for certain special positions. PhDGermany helps you find the right PhD opening or supervisor for your doctoral thesis and assists you with the online application process. www.phdgermany.de
• Higher Education Compass   This database provides up-to-date information from universities about doctoral opportunities in Germany. The search engine enables you to carry out targeted searches on the basis of departments, admission requirements and form of doctoral thesis. www.higher-education-compass.de

Furthermore,  your contacts with your professors or previous university  could help direct you to a suitable department or potential supervisor in Germany.

It is also helpful to attend  academic conferences  in your own subject area. There you will be able to exchange information and make contacts ­– and perhaps even find a future PhD supervisor.

Find your structured PhD programme

DAAD/Ausserhofer/Himsel

Structured PhD programmes in Germany are frequently very similar to the PhD programmes in English-speaking countries, in which a  team of supervisors  look after a  group of doctoral students . Around 12,000 doctoral students from abroad – roughly one in four – do their PhDs in structured programmes. As a rule, it is possible to complete a doctorate in four to five years.

Where to find your PhD programme

There is no central database of all structured PhD programmes in Germany. You can usually find these programmes directly through the respective universities, graduate schools or non-university research institutions. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) database is also a good place to look. Here you will find a large number of PhD programmes that are specially aimed at international doctoral students.

International doctoral programme database

Are you interested in an international doctoral programme in Germany? This DAAD database presents a selection of roughly 230 international doctoral programmes in Germany. The database can be searched according to different criteria.  www.daad.de/international-programmes 

Doctoral programmes at universities

Many universities offer structured doctoral programmes, which they publicise on their websites. The Student Advisory Service or Graduate Centre at the respective university will also provide help here. You can find the relevant addresses using the Higher Education Compass provided by the German Rectors’ Conference. www.higher-education-compass.de

​​​​​​​DFG-funded research training groups

Research training groups are also funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation, DFG) for a period of up to nine years. Their key emphasis is on the qualification of doctoral researchers within the framework of a focused research programme and a structured training strategy. www.dfg.de > Current Research Training Groups

Helmholtz Research Schools, Colleges and Graduate Schools

The Helmholtz Association is Germany’s largest scientific organisation. In collaboration with various institutions of higher education, Helmholtz Association research centres have established structured PhD programmes under the auspices of Helmholtz Graduate Schools, Helmholtz Research Schools and Colleges.  www.helmholtz.de > PhD Candidates 

Leibniz Graduate Schools

The Leibniz Association connects 97 research institutes that conduct problem-oriented research and provide scientific infrastructure of national and international importance. Together with universities they run structured PhD programmes in Leibniz Graduate Schools. www.leibniz-association.eu > Leibniz Graduate Schools

International Max Planck Research Schools

The Max Planck Society specialises in innovative basic research and its institutes are able to offer up-and-coming researchers excellent infrastructure and support. The website lists the programmes available at International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS):  www.mpg.de > International Max Planck Research Schools  

Max Planck Schools

In Germany, the best researchers in a specific field are often work at different universities and non-university research institutions spread throughout the country. The Max Planck Schools serve as hubs which gather this distributed knowledge. Here, the brightest minds in their fields have come together from within the scientific community to interconnect in faculties made up of active researchers. Students gain access to these unique networks, learn in close personal exchange from leaders in their fields and their peers, and enjoy access to outstanding infrastructure. Currently, three Schools are operating in the fields of Cognition, Matter to Life, and Photonics. www.maxplanckschools.de

Where can I find out about requirements?

Application procedures  differ from programme to programme . The precise requirements and deadlines can be found on the website of the respective university, research training group or graduate school. You should therefore first choose a PhD programme and/or graduate school.

You've found the position you want to apply for, but how does applying to a potential supervisor or structured PhD programme work in Germany? Find out more here.

DAAD/Jan Zappner

We help you navigate through the large number of job portals that specialise in openings for academics and scientists. These are some of the sites that may get you started.

DAAD/Uta Konopka

Check out our brochure

Doing a phd in germany (2019, 40 pages).

This booklet for (prospective) international doctoral students presents the different options for doing a doctorate in Germany. It explains the formal requirements and gives some practical advice on finding the right supervisor or doctoral programme. It also outlines different sponsorship and funding options.

• CHE University Ranking
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International Programmes 2023/2024

Materials Science and Engineering (MSc) Materials Science and Engineering (MSc)

Karlsruhe institute of technology • karlsruhe.

• Course details
• Costs / Funding
• Requirements / Registration
• About the university

Cluster of Excellence 3D Matter Made to Order (3DMM2O)

100% of teaching in English possible

For German and international applicants:

• until 30 September every year for the upcoming winter semester
• until 31 March every year for the upcoming summer semester

We strongly recommend that international applicants hand in their application earlier as the transfer to Germany takes some preparation, e.g. applying for a visa and finding a place to stay during your studies.

Candidates with outstanding study results may apply for the  Carl Zeiss Foundation Qualification Stipend .

Please find more information regarding application requirements and deadlines on our website: https://www.3dmattermadetoorder.kit.edu/msc_program.php .

EU students: no tuition fees Non-EU students: 1,500 EUR

Master’s programme Materials Science and Engineering

The interdisciplinary Master’s programme Materials Science and Engineering at the Department of Mechanical Engineering of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) prepares students for exciting careers creating and improving materials for modern technologies and innovative applications. Possible application areas are, for example, composite materials for fuel-efficient lightweight concepts in automotive, high-performance functional materials for more powerful information and energy storage systems, or biocompatible materials for medical equipment.

The German track of the programme was established back in 2011/2012. Since the winter semester 2020/2021, the two-year Master’s programme can also be studied in English or bilingually. In the English-taught track of the Master's programme, students from different disciplinary and cultural backgrounds are brought together in an enriching environment. An excellent support ratio as well as German courses help international students in familiarising themselves with living and studying in Germany.

Excellence in Teaching and Research

The English track of the programme is made possible in cooperation with the Cluster of Excellence 3D Matter Made to Order (3DMM2O) , which is jointly carried by KIT and Heidelberg University. New courses led by Principal Investigators of 3DMM2O are part of the programme with the objective to lay the foundation and specifically prepare international students to continue their work in the cluster after graduation.

KIT's Material Science courses have gained a considerable reputation since 2012. For example, the journal U.S. News ranks KIT Materials Science at the top of German universities in 2020. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021, Materials Sciences at KIT are ranked second in Germany and among the top 50 worldwide. Additionally, the new Material Research Center for Energy Systems (MZE) on KIT Campus South aims at forming a stronger network between KIT, Fraunhofer Society, and relevant companies.

After starting the degree with comprehensive major courses in Materials Science (Thermodynamics, Kinetics, Materials Characterisation, Simulation, and Properties), students choose two out of four focal courses, thereby deciding their specialisation according to their interest: Functional Materials, Materials Processing, Computational Material Science, or Structural Materials.

Furthermore, the programme includes a mandatory nine-week internship. This allows students to gain contacts and insight into the world-leading German industry sector.

In the Master's thesis in the last semester of the programme, students independently work on a problem according to scientific methods. The two-year programme is awarded with 120 ECTS.

• Projects with partners in Germany and abroad

Nine-week integrated internship

• Other (e.g. state level)

Approx. 154 EUR

Between 600 to 800 EUR/month, depending on the personal situation

Carl Zeiss Foundation Qualification Scholarship The Carl Zeiss Foundation funds a qualification scholarship programme, which supports up to four MSc students in the HEiKA Graduate School on Functional Materials per year. Support includes not only a stipend of 800 EUR per month for a year, but also enables scholarship holders' participation in the HEiKA Graduate School on Functional Materials, thereby providing the opportunity to learn and network at the doctoral level. Applications for the Carl Zeiss Foundation Qualification Scholarship may be submitted from 15 May to 30 June. Successful applicants will be contacted by 30 July.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent degree in the field of Materials Science and Engineering (or equivalent) with above-average grades The Bachelor's degree has to be completed with a minimum of 180 ECTS points or within a regular period of study of at least three years. (If the Bachelor's degree has not yet been conferred by the closing date for applications, but will be completed before the registration, you can apply with a preliminary transcript of records.)
• Knowledge in  Metals and Materials Physics, Ceramics, Polymers, Functional Materials, Higher Mathematics, Technical Mathematics, Experimental Physics, and Inorganic and Applied Chemistry
• English Language Proficiency

Entrance Exam

If applicants do not exactly fulfil the skills described above, they may nevertheless be enrolled in the study programme if they prove to have the skills required for the study programme by passing a written entrance examination at KIT.

The entrance examination takes place at the end of the application phase of the summer or winter semester at KIT Campus South (Kaiserstr. 12, 76131 Karlsruhe). The admissions committee decides on the necessity of the applicant's participation in the entrance examination on the basis of the previously submitted application documents. Applicants must register for the entrance examination via the online portal at least 14 days before the date of the entrance examination.

More information:  www.3dmm2o.de/msc_application.php

English language proficiency (TOEFL iBT: 88 points or more, IELTS: at least 6.5 overall and no section below 5.5)

Application portal for German applicants

Application portal for international applicants

At the end of your online application, you will be asked to print your application documents and send them by post to the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT).

Very good possibility of finding part-time employment in relevant institutes of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

International Campus & Living

Studierendenwerk Karlsruhe

KIT Career Service 

KIT International Students Office (IStO)

• Cultural and linguistic preparation
• Visa matters

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

In 2009, following a successful bid in the German Universities Excellence Initiative, the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) was founded in a merger of the Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe GmbH and Universität Karlsruhe (TH). Fulfilling the functions of both former institutions, KIT combines tasks of a university of the state of Baden-Württemberg with those of a centre of the Helmholtz Association in the areas of research, teaching, and innovation. In 2019, KIT was selected as a University of Excellence in the German Excellence Strategy.

With more than 9,000 employees, 24,300 students, and an annual budget of about 900 million EUR, KIT is one of the biggest research and education institutions worldwide. It reaches top results in international rankings in engineering and technology and especially in the natural sciences.

KIT is especially known for its engineering department, which not only has a long and successful tradition but also a reputation for its dominance in the number of intakes at the university. This is reflected in KIT being ranked highly in the discipline Mechanical Engineering, e.g. fourth in Germany in the Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2019.

KIT is an institution of top research, excellent scientific education, and a prominent location of academic life, life-long learning, comprehensive advanced training, unrestricted exchange of know-how, and sustainable innovation culture.

For the standards of excellence to be accomplished in the best possible way, KIT’s research covers the complete range from fundamental research to close-to-industry, applied research and from small research partnerships to long-term, large-scale research projects.

University location

KIT's campus lies on the Kaiserstrasse, the main street of Karlsruhe, and it borders on the Hardtwald Forest, a perfect place to take a stroll. The campus is almost 60 hectares large. The proximity to Alsace and the mild climate of the Rhine River gives the Baden metropolis an almost Mediterranean flair in the summer. Known worldwide, the city has a fan-like ground plan thanks to the Margrave Karl Wilhelm von Baden-Durlach. Founded in 1715, Karlsruhe is the second-largest city in the federal state of Baden-Württemberg. It is also known as the "Residence of Justice" because the seat of Germany's two supreme courts (the Federal Constitutional Court and the Federal Supreme Court) is located in Karlsruhe.

Karlsruhe lies in south-western Germany on the western edge of Baden-Württemberg and has over 300,000 residents. The city enjoys many diverse leisure, culture, and sports options, which offer something for everyone.

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All degree programmes from A-Z

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Materials Science

Master of science; tuition language: english.

The following English language content is for information purposes only. The legally binding content can be found on the corresponding German website.

Changes in study regulations from winter semester 2024/25 on

The study regulations for this degree programme will be reformed with effect from 01.10.2024. If you are interested in enrolling for the winter semester 24/25 (or later) and would like information on the new study regulations, please contact the Materials Science Office for Student Affairs .

Description

The M.Sc. Materials Science programme is entirely taught in English. The programme focuses on the understanding, the synthesis and the characterization of functional materials such as energy materials, magnetic or electronic materials. Courses on theoretical materials science include quantum mechanics, non-equilibrium thermodynamics, and continuum mechanics.

FAQ on admission

Module Handbook (opens in new tab)

Study Regulations with Semester Course and Examination Schedule

Study Regulations with Semester Course and Examination Schedule (English. The English translation is for information purposes only. The legally binding document is the German version.)

Course Catalogue

Institute of Materials Science

The M.Sc. Materials Science at TU Darmstadt – from students for students

More Videos

General Information & Admission

Related degree programmes.

Chemie (M.Sc.)

Energy Science and Engineering (M.Sc.)

Physics (M.Sc.)

Physik (M.Sc.)

Career Perspectives

Almost all economic sectors are based on the availability of high-performance materials that have to meet increasingly complex demands. It takes specialists for the development of novel or improved (i.e. more efficient, more sustainable, cheaper and/or multifunctional) materials and related processes, particularly regarding the technological progress and the growth of the world population with simultaneously increasing scarcity of raw materials and energy.

Graduates can find employment in areas such as material development, material technology (i.e. the development of new production and processing methods), applications engineering, materials testing/quality control, and failure analysis. Thus, Materials Scientists can internationally find work in the industrial sector and research institutions but also, for instance, in administration or the insurance sector.

The M.Sc. degree qualifies for a dissertation through which you obtain a Ph.D. This opens up higher career paths.

TU Darmstadt Career Service

International Admission

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Materials Science

Master of Science 

Start of studies: winter or summer semester Standard Period of Study: 4 semesters Teaching Language: English

Copper (Cu) atoms arrange themselves via diffusion into nanoplatelets in an aluminium-copper alloy and influence the mechanical properties. Atomistic simulations allow a deep insight into the fundamental mechanisms that take place in our materials. Here, so-called kinetic Monte Carlo simulations were performed based on quantum mechanical calculations.

Simulation of a dislocation in a niobium crystal. Dislocations are of fundamental importance for the deformation of metallic materials. Their movement through the crystal and interaction with other dislocations determines what a metal can withstand. Atomistic simulations can be used to improve the properties of materials.

Sodium batteries

During the first year of your studies in the Master’s in Materials Science program, you will deepen the basic knowledge acquired for your Bachelor’s degree. At the same time, the knowledge and skills in two specialized areas are built up to follow the current state of research.

In the second year of study, an individual research project in the form of a "Master Thesis" is completed within one of the many materials science research teams. The outstanding infrastructure of the University of Stuttgart makes the broad selection of these fields of specialization possible. The current catalog offers the following for instance:

• Advanced materials characterization
• Functional Materials
• Inorganic materials chemistry
• Materials Theory and Simulation
• Metals and Structural Materials
• Nanomaterials and Surfaces
• Plastics engineering
• Soft Matter and Bio-Materials

The Master’s program Materials Science

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Which interests and skills should I have?

You should have an interest in mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Also important is being able to think in an interdisciplinary fashion within the natural sciences realm and liking mathematical-analytical thinking.

You will also need to demonstrate at least a basic command of the English language, since the lectures are given in English. Please refer to the admission regulations for details.

What job prospects are available to me after graduation?

The degree allows you to choose from a wide offer of occupations ranging from material selection and counseling to quality management. It qualifies you to work independently and autonomously in industrial research as well as basic research in public institutions.

Approximately half of all Masters of Science in Materials Science students earn their PhD and thereby specialize themselves in academic working techniques. Compared to many other subjects, earning a PhD is not mandatory in Materials Science: The employment prospects within industry are not any lower without a PhD title. Should you be striving for an academic career path though, then earning a PhD is a necessity. The strong academic environment in Stuttgart makes for relatively favorable conditions to earn a PhD as well as an academic career path.

Studying abroad

Studying abroad: what opportunities does my study program offer.

The University of Stuttgart and the Chalmers University (Gothenburg, Sweden) offer a Double Degree Master for the study programs Materials Science and Materials Engineering . The successful students of the Double Degree Master program are awarded a master degree in Materials Science from the University of Stuttgart and a degree in Materials Engineering from the Chalmers University.

The participants of the Double Degree Master program will finish the first two semesters in Stuttgart. Starting with the 3rd semester the study will be continued in Gothenburg and completed with the Master Thesis. 

The study periods in Stuttgart and Gothenburg are complementary; the study course in Stuttgart is more scientifically oriented whereas the study course in Gothenburg has a focus on engineering.

The Double Degree Master program is addressed to dedicated and motivated students with very good course achievements, which are enrolled in the Master Materials Science program in Stuttgart. Per year 5 positions are available. Acceptance proceeds via an admission process. Interested students can send an application between October 17th and November 18th to the dean of the study program in Stuttgart (Prof. Grabowski) who will make the selection. The application documents should contain the Bachelor certificate with the marks, a CV and a letter of motivation.

The application should be sent to Prof. Dr. Blazej Grabowski.

• Program Structure (Macroplan) of the 2-year M.Sc.-Double Degree
• Prof. Dr. Blazej Grabowski

Studying abroad: what opportunities does the University of Stuttgart have to offer?

Are you interested in going on exchange for a semester or two? Or would you rather do some research or attend a language course? Have you ever thought of joining a Summer School or planned an internship abroad? Whatever you have in mind for your exchange, the International Office will help you make your stay abroad an unforgettable experience. The first step will be to sign up online for our information sessions at the International Office that are offered on a regular basis. We look forward to your registration!

• Studying abroad information sessions, partner universities, language requirements, application deadlines, scholarships

Application and admission: how do I get a place at the University?

Admission requirements.

As a consecutive program for graduate students, the Master Courses in Material Science require an approriate Bachelor degree. Beside the dedicated material topics (e.g. physical metallurgy, crystallography, materials chemistry, mechanisms of mechanical strength, polymeric materials, ceramics), a qualifying bachelor program must have a strong record in natural science and mathematics. You must demonstrate a sound introduction to solid state and organic chemistry as well as quantum and solid state physics. As a rule, a classical program in Mechanical Engineering or Mechantronics does not represent a sufficient preparation, except with an extraordinary focus on materials.

The complete information on the admission process, required knowledge of English, and the criteria for the assessment of professional suitability can be found in the admission regulations.

• General information on Master's admission

Language Requirements

The Master course Materials Science is taught in English. A German language test is therefore not necessary in order to be accepted. 

In order to study you must show proof that you have advanced English skills of at least level C1. You will need either:

• one of the following tests with the indicated results: TOEFL PBT: 575 points; TOEFL CBT 225 points; TOEFL iBT 90 points; IELTS mind. band 6.5; Cambridge ESOL CAE/CPE or 
• at least six semesters on a Bachelor’s study program in the English language. In this case provide a written confirmation of your home university that the medium of instruction was English or
• Germans and foreigners with German education: the proof of five years of English instruction at school ("Sekundarstufe I und II"), with a grade of at least 4.0 in the last two years, is sufficient.

The following documents are required for your application

• Bachelor and /or diploma degree (certified copy)
• Certificate with the cumulative grade of your degree
• Transcript of records, indicating all courses with the grade and the number of credit points and /or the number of hours.
• Certification of your English fluency (see above).
• mathematics,
• physics and physical chemistry
• general chemistry
• organic chemistry and polymer science
• quantum mechanics
• material science

If one of the indicated documents is missing the application can not be considered.

The admission process

Your application will go through an admission process, which is performed by the admission board of the study course Materials Science. In the admission process, points will be awarded as follows:

Maximal 80 points can be achieved, if the curriculum of your Bachelor and the Bachelor in Materials Science at the University of Stuttgart show strong correlation in the contents of mathematics, physics, chemistry and materials science.In addition, maximal 20 points can be achieved if you have obtained your Bachelor degree with particularly high marks.

It is therefore possible to reach maximal 100 points. With more than 80 points, you will get the admission for the Master directly. If less than 60 points have been assigned, you are not admitted. Between 61 and 80 points, you may be invited for an interview at the university in order to clarify your qualification.

How is the program structured?

Study schedule.

• Module Scheme / Curriculum Master By clicking on the individual modules you will get to the module description in C@MPUS.

Module Handbook

The Module Guide describes the modules and the required courses belonging to the module. The Module Guide (also called module handbook) is published in the Campus Management System C@MPUS.

• Module Guide in C@MPUS (please click on the book behind the study program's name)
• Program structure in detail

Details on the program structure are published on the students' website.

Important Websites

• Institute for Materials Science
• Information leaflet on Materials Science
• German Society for Materials Science (DGM) [de]
• Information on Master's degrees

Accreditation

Ralf Schacherl

Fachstudienberatung Materialwissenschaft

• Profile page
• +49 711 685 61941
• Write e-mail

Student Counseling Center

• +49 711 685 82133

Physics Major to Conduct Research in Germany

Associate professor of physics George Marcus and Matt Willard '26 (SUNY Geneseo photo/Matt Burkhartt)

Physics and biophysics double major Matt Willard ’26 has received a 2024 DAAD RISE scholarship to intern this summer at Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany. Willard, from Tonawanda, NY, is the tenth Geneseo student to win a RISE award.

RISE (Research Internships in Science and Engineering) Germany  offers undergraduate students from North American, British, and Irish universities a fully funded opportunity to complete a summer research internship at German universities and research institutions. A record 2,358 applications vied for 370 scholarships in this year’s DAAD competition. Biochemistry major Abbey Hanes ’25 won a RISE scholarship earlier this spring.

“The research by Dr. Mathias Kläui and his team focuses on microelectronics and spin insulatronics for ultra-low power information transport, fields that have piqued my interest recently,” says Willard. “I am particularly intrigued by the real-world applications of improving logic systems using this new nanodevice technology, which builds on my previous research on optical and particle physics.”

Geneseo is noted for its undergraduate student research opportunities. In US News & World Report ’s 2024 Best Colleges list, Geneseo landed #2 for undergraduate teaching in the Regional Universities—North category, tied with Loyola University Maryland and Marist College.

“Annually, around 500 Geneseo students earn directed study academic credit for research, and many of those are involved in summer research experiences through internal and externally funded grants like DAAD RISE,” says Sue Rubright , sponsored research proposal developer. “Approximately 250 student research/travel grants, assistantships, and fellowships are funded by the Geneseo Foundation, Student Association, and endowments.”

Student/Faculty Research

Willard’s research last summer in the laboratory of George Marcus , associate professor of physics, involved developing a particle time of flight detector to measure an energy spectrum of incident deuterons and protons. It was used for an experiment at the multi-terawatt laser at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) in Rochester, NY.

LLE is dedicated to research into the interaction of intense radiation with matter and education in science and technology. Faculty in the Department of Physics and Astronomy have grown a decades-long collaboration with LLE under the leadership of SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor Stephen Padalino .

“Hundreds of our majors have had the opportunity to perform funded research with LLE, a world-class facility, often leading to them pursue graduate research or employment there,” says Marcus. “Matt was heavily involved in building, testing, and deploying a new instrument in a remarkably successful experimental campaign during the summer following his first year.”

“Summer research at Geneseo gave me hands-on experience with optical equipment and troubleshooting prototype designs, as well as a glimpse into what a career in physics research will be like,” says Willard. “Studying under Dr. Marcus provided me with the kind of valuable insights only possible from being mentored by one of the most decorated and highly knowledgeable professors on campus.”

Willard plans to obtain a master’s or doctoral degree in nuclear, condensed matter, and particle physics to work as either a research professor or at the US Department of Energy.

STEM undergraduates interested in the DAAD RISE or other summer research programs should contact Director of National Fellowships and Scholarships Michael Mills at  [email protected]  or 585-245-6002. Visit Fellowships and Scholarships for more information about all the DAAD programs and other nationally and internationally competitive scholarship and fellowship programs.

—Michael Mills

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