Living and studying
Contact
If you have any questions about your studies:
Download
Module handbook
You can find the module descriptions and the offered courses directly in the campus management system Stud.IP. You can also download a PDF version of the module handbook.
Facts and Data
- Duration: 4 semesters
- Degree Award: Master of Science
- Language: English
- admission limited (30 students/year)
- Special admission requirements
Languages: All modules are taught in English.
Official university information about the Data Science and Machine Learning programme:
Study & Exam Information - Data Science and Machine Learning
Application deadline
International applicants:
Applications via uni-assist open on 15 March and close on 30 April for non-EU students and on 15 July for EU students. (To ensure a smooth admission process, we strongly recommend submitting your documents by 15 June.)
Applicants with a German Bachelor's degree:
The application period via the university opens on 1 June and closes on 15 July.
Living and studying
Financial Aspects
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Semester contribution
Approx. 400 EUR per semester incl. Germany-wide public transport
Costs of living
You should expect to spend about 1000 EUR per month to cover personal expenses (accommodation, health insurance, food, etc.).
Funding opportunities
Possibility of finding part-time employment
We offer many student jobs. These jobs are usually offered (once the students have studied here for a few months) in the areas of tutorials and research assistant work.
The international office of the university also has contacts to companies that are willing to employ international students.
Please keep in mind that finding a student job is much easier if you speak some German.
Accommodation
The student union (Studentenwerk) owns and runs several different student accommodation buildings around the city. Although student rooms in Germany are typically rented unfurnished, the "Studentenwerk" also provides furnished rooms for international students at affordable rates. They also help with finding private accommodation for international students.
There are also several ways to find private accommodation including:
- local newspapers, e.g. the NWZ
- Websites like www.wg-gesucht.de, where apartment listings can be narrowed down by desired criteria, such as number of flatmates or facilities available
- The "Schwarzes Brett" (notice board) on Stud.IP and several boards in the student canteen / "Mensa" building on campus (if you are still looking once you arrive in Oldenburg)
Career advisory service
- Individual study and career counselling by the programme coordinator
- Study and Career Counselling Service of the university
- Career Day of the university
Support for international students
The international office and the study and career counselling services of the university offer many events and support for international students.
- Welcome event
- Buddy programme
- Tutors
- Accompanying programme
- Specialist counselling
- Cultural and linguistic preparation
About the city
"Oldenburg is a modern and growing city with a tremendous quality of life and more than 170,000 inhabitants. Irrespective of whether you want to enjoy Oldenburg as a tourist, come as a student or plan to live and work in our beautiful city – you are always welcome!
We invest in new housing, more places in daycare centres and, of course, in a necessary infrastructure with streets, educational institutions or the prerequisites for the digital future. All the above-mentioned points are important conditions for participation in events and life in our city.
For many years, these topics have been the focus of my work, and successes are visible in many places. At the moment, numerous flats and houses are built in all districts of Oldenburg. Since 2014, we have invested more than 130 million EUR in care facilities. Other objectives of our work are a good cultural and educational offer as well as a strong commitment to climate protection.
Oldenburg offers an abundance of leisure activities as well as support for education and integration. With the Carl von Ossietzky University, the Jade University of Applied Sciences, the Private University of Applied Sciences for Business and Engineering as well as more than 70 schools of general education, vocational colleges, technical colleges and private schools, we are the region's centre of education. Our thriving economy also offers excellent prospects to companies.
These are just some examples of a successful and positive urban development which makes Oldenburg such a lively and attractive city. Convince yourself – Oldenburg is always worth a visit!"
Excerpt from: https://www.oldenburg.de/sprachversionen/gb.html
For further information, please visit the following website: https://www.oldenburg.de/
Frequently Asked Questions (for applicants)
When do courses begin and end?
Unlike institutes in many other countries, German universities run on a winter/summer schedule. The winter semester begins officially on 1st October; the summer semester on 1st April. Students can only be admitted to our programme for the winter semester.
Classes start mid-October.
You can find the dates of the lecture periods and semester breaks in the academic calender of the university.
Does it matter if I don’t speak German?
The Masters course is taught in English and you can complete all modules without knowledge of German. However, knowing German will improve your integration in Germany and enhance your chances of finding a job.
If you wish to either start learning or improve your German, the university offers free language courses. Credit points from these can also be counted towards the requirement of the Master's programme.
Courses range from beginner level to academic writing classes for more advanced speakers- placement tests (for every level except beginner) are available at the start of each semester. See the language centre website for more information and the very early! dates of the tests and registration dates. Please be aware that places in German courses are limited. Inform yourself and register early to save your place!
Do you accredit former study periods and work experience?
Modules from prior studies or competencies from work experience can be accredited towards the Master's degree if they are comparable to the competencies you will gain in our modules. The programme coordinator can advise you which modules can be accredited. Please contact the Student Service Center for help with the formal recognition process. The PLAR (Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition) project makes the accreditation of work experience transparent for students and the university.
How much are tuition and fees?
There are no tuition fees at German universities. There is a university fee of approximately 400 EUR per term which includes the "Semesterticket" for free public transport, low priced food at the cafeteria, free theater, a discount on cinema tickets and using the bike repair shop. All students have to pay this fee.
What costs should I take into account when moving to Germany?
Renting a room in one of the halls of residence costs around 210-450€ per month (including utilities) depending on the size of the room and facilities available. Rooms in a private shared apartment (Wohngemeinschaft, or WG, in German) tend to be more expensive.
Public transportation within Germany is free with your Semesterticket, which is included in the semester fees.
It should also be noted that health insurance is a requirement for all students, though you may already be covered by insurance from your home country or, for EU citizens, an EHIC card. German health insurance will cost approximately 130€ per month, depending on factors such as age and other background information.
Average total monthly expenses for students in Germany are approx. 1000€, although this varies significantly with individual spending habits. This would include rent, insurance, university fees, food and drink as well as recreation.
To make payments (including university fees) easier, it may be useful to open a German bank account- this is usually free for students, as are cash withdrawals. In order to apply, you are likely to need ID, confirmation of university enrolment and evidence of being registered as a citizen in Oldenburg.
I need a scholarship: Where can I find information?
Unfortunately, we cannot directly offer scholarships for our programme. However, there are plenty of scholarship possibilities from foundations, the university, the DAAD etc. Please refer to the following website to find more information on scholarships and links to scholarship databases.
When do I need to provide the final Bachelor's certificate?
The final Bachelor's certificate is needed by 1st April the year after enrolment.
As an international student, how should I apply for the course?
Students who have completed a Bachelor's degree outside of Germany have to apply through www.uni-assist.de. The application period runs from mid March - 30 April for non-EU students and 1st May - 15 July for EU students. EU students are strongly advised to submit their documents early, by 15th June.
Those who have previously completed a degree in Germany can apply directly to the university. The application period runs from 1st June - 15th July at the university.
How can I find accomodation in Oldenburg?
The student union (Studentenwerk) owns and runs several different student accommodation buildings around the city. Although student rooms in Germany are typically rented unfurnished, the Studentenwerk also provides furnished rooms for international students at affordable rates. They also help with finding private accomodation for international students.
There are also several ways to find private accommodation including:
- local newspapers, e.g. the NWZ
- Websites like www.wg-gesucht.de, where apartment listings can be narrowed down by desired criteria, such as number of flatmates or facilities available
- The Schwarzes Brett (“blackboard”) on Stud.IP and several boards in the Mensa building on campus (if you are still looking once you arrive in Oldenburg)
What kind of documents/permits (e.g. visas) would I need to study in Germany?
Students from within the EU, the EEA or Switzerland do not need a visa to study in Germany. Those coming from other countries should apply for a visa at the German consulate in their home country. If this applies to you, you will also need to apply for a residence permit from the Ausländerbüro (Foreign Office) in Oldenburg.
All international students (as well as those coming from within Germany) have to register as a citizen of Oldenburg within 1 week of their arrival at the Bürgerbüro (Citizen’s Office).
My visa is delayed. What do I do?
The admissions office issues admission letters stating the latest day of arrival and registration at the university. For international students who have issues receiving their visa on time, it is possible to get an extension from the admissions office. It is NOT possible to start your studies any later than the day mentioned in this extension letter.
Who can help me as an international student with organisational issues?
For help regarding the study programme, please contact our coordinator Dr. Kerstin Bleichner.
Application information for international students can be obtained from the admissions office. Send an email to admission.master(at)uni-oldenburg.de.
For questions specific to international students, you should contact the International Office (IO).
The IO runs a welcome week for international students at the beginning of the academic year. In addition to numerous social events, they also provide information about:
- Enrolment at the university and registering as a citizen in Oldenburg
- Study facilities, an introduction to the library and online Stud.IP systems
- Cultural aspects of living in Germany
- Support services and societies
You can also sign up for a newsletter and the facebook group from the IO.
Another source of help when you arrive is the “buddy” program- German students who are already settled in Oldenburg volunteer their time to help new international students. This help includes, but is not limited to: signing into accommodation, showing you around the city and finding the nearest facilities (e.g. supermarkets)
Where can I find more information?
There is a great deal of general advice for foreign students available on the following websites: