How can I improve the chances to get accepted for admission?
It is highly recommended to write a short letter of motivation (1 page), detailing 1) your background, 2) why you think that you fit the program, and 3) your research interest and which of the seven specializations you would like to pursue within the program (Archaeobotany, Archaeometry, Geoarchaeology, Paleoanthropology, Paleogenetics, Stone Age Archaeology, or Zooarchaeology). The professors will take the final decision on your application and a letter of motivation can always be helpful with that.
What is the teaching language? Do I need to speak German?
All courses within the M.Sc. program are taught in English, consistent with its international scope. Skills in written and spoken German are helpful but not required.
The students have ample opportunities to participate both in lab work and archaeological excavations. Our lab spaces are state-of-the-art and archaeological excavations take place all over the world.
Semester fees at the University of Tübingen are currently about 160 Euro per semester. Semester fees include a fee for the student service, an administration fee, and the student union fee. Every student has to pay the semester fee. Find more information here:
Students from partner organisations https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/international/university/partnerships/ have a high chance for non-EU tuition fee waivers, and will therefore merely pay the very low EU tuition fees. The list of partners is not exhaustive – please contact Prof. Dr. Monique Scheer Vice-President for International Affairs E-mail To inquire about the possibility of a tuition waiving for your own case.
Rent for private accommodation will be more expensive. The Studierendenwerk provides more information and manages university accommodations for enrolled students for the intended length of studies (2 years for MSc): https://en.my-stuwe.de/
Are there any funding opportunities for MSc students within the university?
In Germany, it is uncommon that master students are funded through the university. For funding, we highly recommend looking into third-party scholarships and stipends. Helpful links are:
Our experience shows that students have good chances of gaining sponsorship from their home country. Your national organizations should be able to help you further here.
Are there possibilities of finding part-time employment?
A great option for gaining practical work experience all while earning some pocket money are student research assistant jobs within the institute. These research assistance positions may not extend 20h per week, as all study programs at the University of Tübingen are designed as full-time study programs. Often, it is about 450 Euro a month. Other options are of course looking for jobs outside of the university.
Accommodation is available through the Student Services organization (“Studierendenwerk“). Rooms in student accommodation cost approx. 250 to 450 Euro per month. Private accommodation is more expensive and can take some effort to find as Tübingen is a very attractive place to live. To make sure you find a suitable place to live, you should start looking as early as possible. We recommend you apply for student accommodation through the “Studierendenwerk” at the same time that you apply for admission to the Master's program (https://en.my-stuwe.de/housing/halls-of-residence-tuebingen/ and https://en.my-stuwe.de/housing/faqs/) and send in a copy of your notification of admission as soon as you have received it. (Your application won’t be finally processed before the “Studierendenwerk” has received proof of your admission). For further information, check out the “Studierendenwerk” website on housing in Tübingen (https://en.my-stuwe.de/housing/). Outside of the university further offers exist and can be found online.
The University of Tübingen offers many different services that offer helpful advice to those planning on studying in Tübingen as well as to students who are already enrolled here – whether they are just beginning their studies, are well into their studies, or are finishing their studies and planning a career. More information is available on the following website: https://www.uni-tuebingen.de/en/study/advice-and-info.html
Can you tell me something about the University of Tübingen?
Innovative. Interdisciplinary. International. Since 1477. These have been the University of Tübingen’s guiding principles in research and teaching ever since it was founded. With this long tradition, the University of Tübingen is one of the most respected universities in Germany. Recently, its institutional strategy was successfully selected for funding in the Excellence Initiative sponsored by the German federal and state governments, making Tübingen one of Germany’s eleven universities awarded with that title of excellence. Tübingen has also proven its status as a leading research university in many national and international competitions – in key rankings Tübingen is listed among the best universities for the Humanities and Social Sciences as well as for Science and Medicine.
The student community “Fachschaft” has organized a peer outreach program in order to provide you with peer assistance before, after, and during your move to Tübingen. Please feel free to reach out to the Fachschaft (nwafachschaftspam prevention@gmail.com) with any questions, concerns, or just to say hi. They will do their best to help you with any questions related to bureaucracy, housing, opportunities, and just generally adjusting to Tübingen. As well, the Fachschaft offers a great way to get engaged and meet fellow students in the program. Please feel free to join the Fachschaft Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2603182083238761/
