FAQ for prospective students (Master)
We have compiled questions and answers about the application process here, especially for international students on the Master's degree programs at the Faculty of Spatial Development and Infrastructure Systems. If your question is not answered here, please write to the relevant address for your degree programme or contact the Department of International Affairs.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
(Select a topic to view the answers)
Application deadlines
Integrated Water Resources Management, Natural Resources Management and Development, Renewable Energy Management
- DAAD EPOS Scholarship: August 1 to September 30 of each year for admission in the following year. Application via the online registration form and by e-mail to application-daad@th-koeln.de.
- German applicants / foreign applicants with a German Bachelor's degree: May 1 to June 12 for admission in the same year. Application via the Campus Management System (CaMS) of TH Köln.
- Applicants with a foreign Bachelor's degree: February 1 to March 31 for admission in the same year. Application via Uni-Assist.
Integrated Water Resources Management with focus on Middle East/Northern Africa region (IWRM MENA)
- DAAD EPOS Scholarship: September 15 to November 15 of each year for admission in the following year. Application via the online registration form and by e-mail to IWRM-MENA-application@th-koeln.de.
- German applicants / foreign applicants with a German Bachelor's degree: May 1 to June 10 for admission in the same year. Application via the online registration form and by e-mail to IWRM-MENA-application@th-koeln.de.
- Applicants with a foreign Bachelor's degree: February 1 to March 31 for admission in the same year. Application via the online registration form and by e-mail to IWRM-MENA-application@th-koeln.de.
Environment & Resources Management with focus on Latin America & the Caribbean (ENREM Double Degree)
All applicants: The application deadline is January 31 of each year for admission in the same year. Application by e-mail to info-enrem@th-koeln.de and pmpca@uaslp.mx.
Admission requirements for a Master's degree program
I have a bachelor’s degree. Am I eligible?
You are formally eligible for a master’s program at the Faculty of Spatial Development and Infrastructure Systems if you hold a bachelor’s degree in the field of engineering, natural sciences, geography, architecture or environmental sciences with a clear relation to the master program. Other study programs might be considered. You must show a strong relation (minimum 15 ECTS in relevant modules) to the desired field of study through your previous studies.
Is there a required Grade Point Average (GPA)?
The required GPA for studying one of the master programs at the Faculty for Spatial Development and Infrastructure Systems is 3.0 according to the German grading system (1 being the best grade, 4 being the minimum passing grade). Additionally, the selection board will evaluate all applications on a competitive basis.
What documents do I need to apply for a master’s program?
The following documents must be submitted:
- Copy of your bachelor’s degree (including a Transcript of Records with individual grades)
- Copy of your school-leaving certificate (e.g. High School Diploma)
- Proof of English proficiency (e.g. TOEFL IBT 79; IELTS 6.0)
- For ENREM: proof of Spanish proficiency
- Motivation letter (1 page, English)
- Curriculum vitae
- Project idea for your master’s thesis (2 pages, in English)
Are there any guidelines regarding the research proposal?
The research proposal should be written in a scientific way (references, correct quotation and reference list at the end) - shortly introducing the topic, a problem statement, potential methods to apply in the research and expected outcomes (if possible). The research idea should be in line with the goal of the master’s program the subject must be of importance regarding the current scientific discussion.
I am still waiting for the results of my bachelor’s degree and I have not graduated yet. Can I apply and present the final result after the deadline?
No. You must have graduated at the time of application in order for all documents to be complete. Otherwise, your application cannot be considered.
What is a school leaving certificate?
A school-leaving certificate is the final diploma you receive after finishing your secondary education, usually including the grades of your last year in school. It qualifies you to study at university.
Do I need an English language certificate if the language of instruction of my bachelor’s degree was English?
Yes, you still need to prove your English proficiency via an internationally recognized test. We accept the following certificates: IELTS (minimum score 6.0 in all parts), TOEFL minimum score 79 (at least high-intermediate-level in each parts), and Cambridge ESOL (minimum FCE). The test results must not be older than 5 years at the time of application.
As native English speaker and in case you are a citizen of a country with English as official language, you need to prove that the language of instruction at both your school and university was English.
Do I need German language proficiency?
No, German language proficiency is not required for the application since the study program is conducted in English. However, we strongly recommend learning basic German (A2) before your arrival, so you will be able to manage bureaucracy and to participate in university life.
I am still waiting for the results of my English test. Can I apply now and submit the results after the deadline?
No. Applicants must submit all required documents by the end of the application period. We cannot make any exceptions.
Can you check my application documents before I apply?
No. Due to the high amount of applications we receive every year, we cannot give individual feedback during the application process.
I am from India, Vietnam or China.
Applicants from India, Vietnam or China need to provide an APS certificate upon application. An APS certificate is a document check of your academic history (grade transformation, authenticity check, evaluation of your specific university entrance qualification to German universities). It is needed to apply for your visa to Germany.
Requirements for a DAAD EPOS scholarship
I have a university degree. Am I eligible?
You are formally eligible for a master’s program at the Faculty of Spatial Development and Infrastructure Systems if you hold a bachelor’s degree in the field of engineering, natural sciences, geography, architecture or environmental sciences with a clear relation to the master program. Other study programs might be considered. You must show a strong relation (minimum 15 ECTS in relevant modules) to the desired field of study through your previous studies.
Please note: Only university graduates with at least two years of relevant professional experience after graduation can be considered for the scholarship.
Is there a required Grade Point Average (GPA)?
The required GPA for studying at the Faculty for Spatial Development and Infrastructure Systems is 3.0 according to the German grading system (1 being the best grade, 4 being the minimum passing grade). Additionally, the selection board will evaluate all applications on a competitive basis. For DAAD scholarship you have completed your academic degree with far average result (upper third).
Which country do I have to come from to be able to apply for a scholarship?
Only university graduates from DAAD’s list of eligible countries can apply for the scholarship.
What additional documents do I need?
Additional required documents for DAAD scholarship applications:
- DAAD application form
- DAAD checklist
- 1 recommendation letter from your employer
- Certificate of your current employer
- Proof of 2 years of professional experience
- Recommended: German language proof of at least beginner’s level (A1)
DAAD requires an academic degree that has been completed no more than 6 years prior to application. I graduated 7 years ago. Is it still possible for me to apply?
This is a condition DAAD likes to see fulfilled, so other applicants are likely to be given preference. However, in case your application is very outstanding and convincing, it is possible that you may still be awarded a scholarship. The decision whether to apply or not is up to you.
Application process - Application as self-payer (without scholarship)
When and how can I apply?
NRM/IWRM/REM
- German applicants/Foreign applicants with a German bachelor’s degree: You have to apply online via TH Köln's campus management system. The application period is from early May to June 12th (subject to change)
- Applicants with a foreign bachelor’s degree: You have to apply online via Uni-Assist. The application period is from early February to March 31st.
IWRM-MENA
- German applicants/Foreign applicants with a German bachelor’s degree: The application period is between May 1st and June 10th of each year for admission in the same year. You have to apply via online registration form and via e-mail to IWRM-MENA-application@th-koeln.de
- Applicants with a foreign bachelor’s degree: The application period is between February 1st and March 31st of each year for admission in the same year. You have to apply via online registration form and via e-mail to IWRM-MENA-application@th-koeln.de.
ENREM
- All applicants: The application deadline is on January 31st of each year. You have to apply via e-mail to info-enrem@th-koeln.de and pmpca@uaslp.mx.
Do my documents need to be certified?
The entire application process is online; therefore, your documents do not need to be certified. Please upload scans of your original documents. We reserve the right to check these documents during the enrollment period.
Do I need translations of my documents?
If your documents are issued in a language other than German or English, you are required to submit a translation into German or English by a sworn translator in addition to your original documents.
Are there any application fees?
- German applicants/ Foreign applicants with a German bachelor’s degree: The entire application process is free of charge.
- Applicants with a foreign bachelor’s degree: Depending on your home country, Uni-Assist charges between 55 and 75 euros for your application.
When will I be informed about the results of the selection process?
- German applicants/ Foreign applicants with a German bachelor’s degree: TH Köln will inform you about the final admission results in July. Please wait until TH Köln contacts you about the results of the selection process; we cannot offer any individual feedback until the process is finished.
- Applicants with a foreign bachelor’s degree: Uni-Assist can take up to 6 weeks after applying to process your application. TH Köln will inform you about the final admission results by mid/end of June. Please wait until TH Köln contacts you about the results of the selection process; we cannot offer any individual feedback until the process is finished.
- ENREM: TH Köln will inform you about the final admission results in March. Please wait until TH Köln contacts you about the results of the selection process; we cannot offer any individual feedback until the process is finished.
Application process - Applying for a DAAD EPOS scholarship
When and how can I apply?
NRM/IWRM/REM
- The application period is from August 1st to September 30th of each year for admission in the following year. You have to apply via online registration form and via e-mail to application-daad@th-koeln.de
IWRM-MENA
- The application period is from September 1st to November 15th of each year for admission in the following year. You have to apply via online registration form and via e-mail to IWRM-MENA-application@th-koeln.de
ENREM
- The application deadline is on January 31st of each year. You have to apply via e-mail to info-enrem@th-koeln.de and pmpca@uaslp.mx
Do my documents need to be certified?
The entire application process is online, therefore your documents do not need to be certified. Please send scans of your original documents. We reserve the right to check these documents during the enrollment period.
Do I need translations of my documents?
If your documents are issued in a language other than German or English, you are required to submit a translation into German or English by a sworn translator in addition to your original documents.
Are there any application fees?
The entire application process is free of charge.
When will I be informed about the results of the selection process?
- NRM/IWRM/REM: TH Köln will inform you about the final admission results by the end of January. Please wait until TH Köln contacts you about the results of the selection process; we cannot offer any individual feedback until the process is finished.
- IWRM-MENA: TH Köln will inform you about the final admission results in April. Please wait until TH Köln contacts you about the results of the selection process; we cannot offer any individual feedback until the process is finished.
- ENREM: TH Köln will inform you about the final admission results in March. Please wait until TH Köln contacts you about the results of the selection process; we cannot offer any individual feedback until the process is finished. Please note that acceptance to the master's program does not guarantee a scholarship.