Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Curriculum like?

Here you can find out what the Curriculum looks like.

The Module Handbook describes the structure and courses in detail.

• Download the Module Handbook valid for students starting prior to winter term 2022-23
• Download the Module Handbook valid for students starting winter term 22-23 and after

What are the specializations offered?

During a 2-year master course you can specialize in following majors:

• Photonic Materials & Devices 
• Quantum Optics & Spectroscopy
• Biomedical Photonics
• Optical Systems 
• Solar Energy

For more information on the research related to the specializations, please refer to the “Research Areas” or find an overview of the specializations in the Module Handbook .

How to describe a professional profile of a KSOP graduate?

A KSOP graduate is an interdisciplinary and holistically educated individual. How you define yourself, as a physicist or an engineer, depends on which specialization you take. 

What are my job perspectives after graduating?

With study plans tailored to your needs, the KSOP Master Program prepares every student for exciting careers in the field of Optics & Photonics. Moreover, we offer to the best graduates the opportunity to enter the KSOP Ph.D. program creating a basis for world-class research. Also, KSOP helps its students to get in touch with the industry early e.g., via a compulsory industry internship, company visits and networking events.

Our graduates pursue a career as Application & Development Engineers, Optical Designers, International Project Managers, Software Developers and System Architects, Quality and Product Managers, Technical Sales & Service Engineers or pursue a Ph.D. and work as postdocs in academia afterwards.

Find more information about working in Germany on the “Make it in Germany” website.

How high is the employment rate after graduating at KSOP?

Most of the KSOP master students pursue their Ph.D. in "Optics & Photonics" and easily find employment in industry or a postdoc in research institutes. Every graduate who has obtained a good final grade and does not wish to pursue their career in academia, finds an employment in the industry.The factors which make a KSOP graduate a strong candidate are:

• Career workshops (such as "Application Documents"; "German Business Culture"; "Interview Training"....)
• Work experience gained during the mandatory internship
• Networking events
• Partnership with the industry such as ZEISS, BOSCH and Polytec, which offers the advantage of career perspectives to our graduates.
• German language courses to improve the chances to find employment in Germany.

Does the program include an internship or work-placement scheme?

KSOP fosters a close cooperation to the German Optics & Photonics industry. The curriculum includes an 8-week long mandatory internship, which can be conducted in the industry or research institute. You can find further detailed information in the Module Handbook.

• Download the Module Handbook valid for students starting prior to winter term 2022-23
• Download the Module Handbook valid for students starting winter term 22-23 and after

What are the services offered by the KSOP Office Team?

The KSOP Team offers an all-round assistance in English from the moment you show interest in the study program until you graduate:

• Assistance for your application procedure (personalized assistance via email; online info sessions with Q&A )
• Assistance for your arrival at Karlsruhe (e.g., assistance for speeding up your visa process)
• Orientation for a smooth start in your studies (administrative help; personal help; socializing events)
• Assistance during your studies
• Networking events
• Organization of workshops for gaining soft skills
• Graduation Ceremonies
• Alumni events

Will I be guided and offered help when I arrive in Karlsruhe?

That is for sure! There is going to be an orientation week for 1^st semester students. The KSOP Office and senior students are going to help you with all the administrative steps, schedule your course schedule, as well as getting to know your study colleagues, the city and the campus.

Is there an open house day?

You can visit anytime, preferably during class time, so you can join a sample lecture.
Here you can find the actual timetables
You can also contact the OSKar (our university student group)

It's best to make an appointment and stop by the office so you can get your questions answered in person. For this purpose, you must schedule an appointment via email by contacting msc∂ksop.kit.edu

When does the program start?

The program starts in the winter term, October 1 each year.

How long is the study period at KSOP?

The regular period of study is 4 semesters.
The winter term starts on October 1 and ends on March 31 each year.
The summer term starts on April 1 and end on September 30 each year.
Each semester lasts 6 months.

Find out here all the dates and deadline at the KIT.  

When is the application deadline?

The application portal opens in December. There are two different ways you can apply, through one of the early admission deadlines or the regular admission deadline.

Early Admission Deadlines:

1. January 8
2. February 19
3. March 26

Regular Admission Deadlines:

• June 15 for non-EU applicants
• September 15 for EU and German applicants

Find out how to strengthen your profile in the "Application requirements" tab in these FAQs and start collecting the application documents now

When do I receive an answer about my application?

You will receive the final decision about your application within 8 weeks after the application deadlines. This includes the three early admission deadlines, meaning the earlier you apply the earlier you receive an answer. You can regularly check the status of your application on the application portal. Soon after that, you will receive an email from our office announcing that your letter of acceptance has been uploaded to the application portal. 

When is the deadline for the Max Planck School of Photonics scholarship program?

Find all the information regarding the application for a Max Planck School of Photonics scholarship program here. 

When is the deadline for handing in the English Proficiency Test examination score?

The English Proficiency Test examination scores must be handed in during enrollment at the beginning of October. If you are submitting a KSOP scholarship application, be sure to attach the English Proficiency Test scans to the application form and send them in via email to mscapplication∂ksop.de within the application deadline (June 15 for non-EU students and September 15 for EU and German students).

Attention! Only TOEFL, IELTS, CAE, CPE and UNIcert certificates sent directly by ETS by will be taken into account (institution code of KSOP: B618).

Note: Please be sure your certificate is valid until the date of your enrollment in October.

What are the costs?

The Master Program of the Karlsruhe School of Optics & Photonics (KSOP) is funded by the State of Baden-Württemberg and therefore has no tuition fee for EU students and low tuition fees for non-EU students.
Find more information about the costs of the study program here.
Find more details about living costs here.

Are there scholarships for studying at KSOP?

Our scholarship program is currently under review. You can apply for the Max Planck School of Photonics scholarship or the Erasmus Mundus EUROPHOTONICS scholarship. 

How can I finance my studies besides a KSOP scholarship?

We made a list of external scholarship providers.

You can also look for a student job. Find here a Job offers databank.
You can also apply for a research assistant job by contacting the institute which works in the field of your interest. Find here a list of the participating institutes.

Can I be exempted from the tuition fees?

Read here for information regarding an exemption of the tuition fees.

Is the course of study at KSOP admission restricted?

The Master's program in "Optics & Photonics" is not admission restricted.

What are the accepted degrees?

We accept applicants with 180 credits in the following bachelor degrees:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Optics & Photonics
• Computer Science
• Mathematics
• Biology
• Biotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Note: Even if your degree is not listed above, it is possible to be admitted to our program. It is very important that you have at least 12 credits in both math and physics. If you are uncertain, you can send an email to msc∂ksop.kit.edu.

What are the general admission requirements?

Find the general admission requirements here.

What are the language requirements?

German is non mandatory but helpful. For applying and studying at KSOP it is not necessary to speak German as all courses are held in English. However, if you already studied the German language, it shows that you are really interested in studying in Germany and in the German culture. It will help you to get along well in your daily life. It also improves your chances to get a high-level internship, master thesis or finally a job in one of our partner companies. To enhance your language training, German courses at different levels are offered

English is mandatory. Applicants should prove that their English proficiency is good enough to actively participate in lecture discussions and to study. Please make sure you apply with one of the following English language proficiencies:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with minimum 88 points for your internet-based test.

Attention! The certificate has to be sent to us directly by ETS (educational Testing Service). Only TOEFL certificates sent directly by ETS by will be taken into account (institution code of KSOP: B618).

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) band with a minimum of 6.5.
• CAE (Lifelong)
• CPE (Lifelong)
• UNIcert at least at a level II

Attention! Send us a copy including the Test Report Form (TRF) number and we will confirm it with the IELTS Verification Service.

The above mentioned certificates may be left out if:

• Your native language is English (In this case, please select “Native speaker” on the dropdown menu of the application portal.)
• You studied in an English-speaking country or you have completed your former study program in English (In these cases select “Declaration of English proficiency issued by school” on the dropdown menu of the application portal. You must also hand in the final certificate or the transcript of records of your former study program which specifies that the official language of instruction is English or an extra official document by your former study program stating that the teaching language is English.)

Attention! Your English proficiency certificates will be required when you enroll at KIT so make sure that your English test is valid at least until mid-October.

Please check the application procedure for further information about the language requirements or send an email to msc∂ksop.kit.edu if you have any doubts.

Is my final grade good enough?

The final grade of your previous studies is very important. We expect a minimum GPA of 70% and as the admissions process is very competitive, your chance of being admitted is much higher with a GPA of 70% or more. The average applicant applies with a GPA of 80-90% or higher. Moreover, a solid knowledge in physics and mathematics (at least 12 credits each) is fundamental for being accepted to KSOP. Even if the GPA is an important indicator for us, we will screen your application holistically. Therefore, as there are multiple and diverse aspects which define a good candidate, you may apply even if your GPA is below 70%. 

Note: The GPA depends on the grading scale and the minimum and maximum passing grade. If not shown on the transcript, please attach this scale to your application documents

How can I strengthen my profile?

To strengthen your application, you can get more background knowledge in Optics & Photonics e.g., by doing an internship in a related company or participating in a related research project or workshop. It is also important to have good letters of recommendation from your professors and to show your motivation related to Optics & Photonics in your motivation letter. Please be aware that very good grades and a profound knowledge in mathematics and physics are mandatory for all applicants. We do not expect that you fulfill the GRE PHYSICS as an entry criterion.

Find the list of the mandatory application documents and the selection criteria here.

What are the steps for a successful application?

• Step 1 – Collect the application documents.You can start collecting the documents for your application in advance and get in touch with us if you have any questions several months before the application period starts msc∂ksop.kit.edu.
• Step 2 – Open the application portal on your browser and register. Click on the green “Register” button at the top left in order to start your online application.
• Step 3 – Fill in the application form and upload the required documents.
• Step 4 – Do not forget to click on “Application summary” (in the left side menu) and then on “Submit application” (top center of the page) by one of the three early admission deadlines (January 8, February 19, or March 26) or by June 15 for non-EU applicants and September 15 for EU and German applicants for the regular admission deadline.

Where can I check my application status?

Your application status will be visible in the application portal  where you filled out the online application form. Each application will go through different states of processing which will be indicated in the application portal. Therefore, please keep your login data. The final decision will be communicated by 8 weeks after each deadline. Soon after that, you will receive an email from our office announcing that your letter of acceptance has been uploaded to the application portal.

How do I apply for a KSOP scholarship?

The KSOP scholarship is currently under revision. Stay tuned for announcements.

I already have a master degree/I am currently studying. How do I apply?

Please apply like all the other applicants. The same deadline applies for all applicants for that particular year. You should mention all your studies in your CV and attach your official transcripts to your application documents.

Can I recognize previous achievements?

The procedure to know if a transfer of credits from your previous master's program to the KSOP Master's Program is applicable only after your enrollment at KIT. Meanwhile, we suggest you read our module handbook in order to get an idea of which credits may be transferred. After you have been formally admitted to the KSOP M.Sc. program, you can start applying for credit transfers but there is no guarantee that your credits will be transferable.

• Download the Module Handbook valid for students starting prior to winter term 2022-23
• Download the Module Handbook valid for students starting winter term 22-23 and after

Can I apply for more than one graduate program at KIT?

You can apply for a maximum of 3 admission-restricted programs at the same time. Find more information (only in German) here. In addition to the three admission restricted study programs at KIT we suggest you apply for the EUROPHOTONICS Master Program. Please note that the application deadline is February 1 of each year. Find here more infortmation.

What should I consider regarding the application documents?

We only accept English or German documents. If your documents are in another language, please provide an official translation.

The following PDF documents must be uploaded to the application portal by the application deadlines:

• High school diploma/school leaving certificate
• Master entry qualification (e.g., Bachelor´s degree / Graduate diploma) the official translation may be in English or in German
• Commendatory letter (or letter of recommendation) in English or in German
  • Please forward this form for your letter of recommendation to your referee.
• Motivation Letter in English
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) in tabular form and in English
• Proof of extracurricular involvement may be in English or in German
• Former studies - Certificate of other previous studies (e.g., a practical semesters at another university) the official translation may be in English or in German
• If you obtained your degree in the People's Republic of China, Mongolia, India or Vietnam. Please attach your APS certificate in the "HZB" section by clicking on the APS Certificate (pdf) "+ New Document" button. Click here to find more information about this topic.  

Early Admission Deadlines:

1. January 8
2. February 19
3. March 26

Regular Admission Deadlines:

• June 15 for non-EU applicants
• September 15 for EU and German applicants

The following documents must be handed in upon enrollment at the KIT in October:

• All the originals of the abovementioned documents (except for the KSOP scholarship application)
• The English proficiency test you have mentioned in the dropdown menu while applying in the application portal
• In case you have applied with a preliminary transcript of records, you must hand in the diploma of the completed degree (e.g., Bachelor´s degree / Graduate diploma)

What should I consider regarding the letters of recommendation (or commendatory letters)?

• One letter of recommendation is mandatory for a successful application.
• At least one letter of recommendation is needed from a professor of your current university. Ideally, you should ask the professor with whom you wrote your Bachelor thesis.
• If you have already had the opportunity to gain work experience, you can add a letter of recommendation from your employer or manager.
• The letters must be uploaded in the application portal.
• The letters can be written in German or in English.

Find the form for the letters of recommendation here.

Additionally, your referees can directly send the letters of recommendation to the KSOP Office via email (msc∂ksop.kit.edu) by the application deadline (June 15 for non-EU applicants, September 15 for EU and German applicants).

Is there a specific prompt for the letter of motivation?

The letter of motivation should not be longer than one DINA4 and should be written in English. Please upload your letter of motivation to the application portal. 

My final results are not out yet! Can I apply?

If the Bachelor degree is not yet available before the application deadline, but will be completed before the enrollment, you can apply with a preliminary transcript of records. Upon enrollment you must hand in your diploma (e.g., Bachelor´s degree / Graduate diploma) or final transcripts of records (deadline October 31). If your final diploma is not available by the deadline, please get in touch with us msc∂ksop.kit.edu.

When and how should I send the APS certificate?

The Akademische Prüfstelle (APS) reviews the documents of applicants from China, Mongolia, Vietnam and India who wish to apply to study in Germany. The APS certificate is not necessary for degrees from German universities or other non-Chinese universities, or universities in Macau, Hong Kong, or Taiwan. Please upload your APS certificate on the application portal in the "HZB" section by clicking on the APS Certificate "+ New Document" button.
Find more details about non-Chinese degrees here 
Find the FAQs of the APS website here.
Find the KIT information regarding APS here(Under: "Country-specific requirements") 

Find more details about Indian APS certificate here

Where do I find the KSOP scholarship application form?

The scholarship program is currently under revision. Stay tuned for announcements.

What is a “certificate of duration of previous studies”?

We need a certificate that your previous study program fulfills the minimum length of three years which is the equivalent of 180 ECTS credit points. A description of the study program will be sufficient.

Do I have to submit a GRE test?

 We do not expect that you fulfill the GRE PHYSICS as an entry criterion.

I have already attended a very similar lecture from the curriculum in a previous study program/extramural course. Is it possible to have this achievement recognized?

Achievements from previous study programs/extramural courses may be recognized if the competences you have acquired are equivalent to those that shall be replaced. If you want to have a previous achievement recognized, please follow the instructions from the figure and hand in the application form together with a course description and a transcript of records to Jurana Hetterich (jurana.hetterich∂kit.edu) from the KSOP Examination Office. Be aware that your application must be sent within the first semester of enrollment.

I am planning a semester abroad. How can I procede?

With respect to study abroad programs and learning agreements please contact:

• Gisela Schlüter & Anastasia Wandler (ETIT Faculty): erasmus∂etit.kit.edu
• Jurana Hetterich (Europhotonics program: jurana.hetterich∂kit.edu

The interdisciplinary research structure of KSOP forms the basis for the Master and Ph.D. programs. Currently, KSOP encompasses professors from 17 institutes and the four different faculties Physics, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, Chemistry and Biosciences, as well as Mechanical Engineering. The research and educational concept have been established to optimally reflect the spirit of multidisciplinary research among scientists and engineers. Therefore, all research areas are strongly interlinked and most institutes feature research projects in more than one of the five research areas.

All Ph.D. positions are fully financed, either through a employment contract or through a KSOP scholarship (which will be arranged by your supervisor). Some of the prestigious scholarships funded by our partners.

The KSOP Ph.D. program is English taught in the prestigious research environment of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT).  It´s training concept is provided with advancing competencies.

Since successful careers in industry and academia often require leadership and interdisciplinary knowledge, KSOP emphasizes management skills, which are taught in a mandatory module or an optional MBA Fundamentals Program within KSOP.

To support their endeavor, two independent advisors and a mentor accompany the research work of the doctoral researcher.

In addition to that, KSOP fosters an active network amongst its members - active or alumni. The KSOP team regularly involves the researchers into Ph.D. Seminars, which take place once every three months and offers insights into the research work of all five research areas within KSOP. A scientific exchange with international peers and leading scientists is facilitated through international conferences and networking events with academia and industry.

During the KSOP scientific events, researchers will:

- reach out an international audience by presenting their research achievements in poster sessions

- get exposure to the latest advancements worldwide

- meet leading experts in the different research areas of the KSOP program

The research project is assigned by the group leader. The doctoral student will finalize the topic of the doctoral thesis with his/her supervisor.

On the online application portal you will select the research area you are interested in.

There are three access channels to KSOP:

- You can apply to KSOP if your Ph.D. supervisor belongs to the KSOP principal investigators.

(Feel free to contact the working group leader/members directly of those groups that you are most interested in working with as a doctoral student.)

- You can apply for an advertised position by a KSOP principal investigator.

(Find out about open positions by choosing a research area and having a look at the institute´s websites. Some open Ph.D. positions are advertised on the KSOP webpage as well.)

- If you are interested in working in research as a doctoral student in one of our five research areas, you can speculatively apply for a research position.

Either way, please apply and upload your documents to the online application portal:

We will carefully screen all applicants and select candidates whose qualifications fit our program and current needs best. We will consider your application holistically during the initial screening and will contact you if you are selected to continue in the recruitment process.

To be considered for a position, please make sure that your application is complete. Please understand that we are only able to consider applications that reach us via the application portal.

You can apply any time for a Ph.D. position. If you are applying for an advertised position, which has a deadline, it must be submitted within this deadline.

The minimum credits required for your application being considered are:

180 Credits in your Bachelor’s Degree

120 Credits in your Master’s Degree

The degree certificate must be submitted at the time of enrollment the latest.

If you do not have your Master’s degree by the moment of the application, we need a certificate of completion of your studies issued by your university or institute, which states that you have already completed all your exams and that you will be awarded with a Master’s degree with at least the minimum grades.

You can start your online application any time and upload the documents one at the time and then submit your application while approaching the end of your studies. We recommend getting in touch with a suitable KSOP principal investigator for the research you would like to pursue while completing your Master’s studies and then apply for a Ph.D. at KSOP.

Please note that once you submit your application, it cannot be subsequently modified in the application portal. If you wish to modify your submitted application, please contact us by email.

Click here to find a detailed list of the application documents that are required for an application for the Ph.D. program at KSOP. These documents must be certified and translated into English or German.

There are no enrollment and study fees for a doctoral student at the KIT.

You should expect living expenses between €800 and €1300, depending on your choice of accommodation and life style.

Yes, after defending successfully you will receive an official internationally recognized Ph.D. degree by the Karlsruhe Institute of technology (KIT).

Yes, you will receive a final certificate stating that you have completed the training offered by KSOP.

Click here for more information about the Ph.D. training concept

Applicants and newly enrolled students will be assisted in the application process and in the first steps for a smooth start in Karlsruhe.

It is mandatory for people living in Germany to have German health insurance. While there are many different health insurance providers, here are three of the largest health insurance providers in Germany. Please apply for only one health insurance provider.

• TK
• AOK 
• Barmer GEK

For questions about visa requirements, please refer to page 2 of the Pre-Arrival Guide.

If you need assistance with your visa application, please let us know as soon as possible via the “Visa Assistance Request” form, which you can find in the "Information Download" section.

How do I get to Karlsruhe and Karlsruhe School of Optics & Photonics?

If you are landing in Frankfurt International Airport, there are high-speed trains that bring you to the Karlsruhe Main Train Station (Hauptbahnhof).

From the Karlsruhe Main Train Station, you can take

A tram:

• Tram S1 (direction Hochstetten)
• Tram S11 (direction Neureut)
• Tram 4 (direction Waldstadt)
• Get off at “Herrenstraße”, from there it is less than a 5-minute walk to Karlsruhe School of Optics and Photonics.

Buy a ticket for the tram at the ticket machines at the tram stops or in the tram (EUR 2.60 per ride availablefrom).

A taxi: taxis are available in front of the Karlsruhe Main Station at every hour.

For more details check the Directions.

Where are lectures taking place?

Lectures take place at the KIT Campus and at the International Department.

Here is the link to the KIT Campus Map and the App KIT Navigator.

How accessible is Karlsruhe?

Karlsruhe is located in Baden-Württemberg in the south-west of Germany. Is a university city, in which student residents are a great part of the inhabitant. Karlsruhe is well connected to travel to different cities in Germany and Europe, thanks to a comprehensive network of trains, busses and an airport. It is very convenient to move within the city as well.

Find out more about the city of Karlsruhe, in which KSOP is located.

How accessible is KSOP (Karlsruhe School of Optics & Photonics)?

Karlsruhe School of Optics and Photonics is a 5-minute walk from Kaiserstraße (King’s Road), the high street in Karlsruhe.

The area in which KSOP is located is where the most university facilities, institutes, laboratories, libraries and offices are. In addition, many shops and supermarkets are only a stone’s throw away, making shopping relative hassle-free.

The magnificent Schloss (Palace) and the Schlosspark (Palace Garden) are also right next to KSOP and students have the possibility to engage in sports or just enjoy leisurely strolls in a peaceful green environment.

Do I get assistance once in Karlsruhe?

This are the most important steps:

1. Joining the German National Health Insurance
2. Matriculation at the university
3. Registration at the Karlsruhe Resident Registry Office
4. Opening of bank account
5. Getting a German mobile phone number
6. Renewing student visa at Foreigners’ Office

The Student Office assists the newcomers in points 1), 2), 3) and 4) during the Orientation Week. Please submit the necessary documents when the student office asks for them.

It is important for all students to have a bank account in Germany, as you need to transfer the semester fees from a German bank account. Therefore, it is advisable to open an account as soon as possible.

A German mobile telephone number will be especially useful for foreign students who want to avoid international roaming fees and keep in touch with family and friends.

Reminder: Please inform the Student Office of any changes to your contact information, be it your address or mobile telephone number.

What is the Erasmus Mailing List Karlsruhe?

It is a mailing list for undergraduate and Master students. If you subscribe, you will receive a large quantity of emails by other students about:

Party invitations, household equipment, bikes, rooms for rent…

Of course ´you will be able to send yourself a mail to the list in case you need or offer something. You can subscribe to the Erasmus Mailing List Karlsruhe , also on Facebook.

Where should I go to register myself as a foreigner to the new city and for Visa extension?

For the registration at Karlsruhe click here.

For Visa extension click here.

What is a Welcome Package?

The welcoming package is a gift for every student of a university of Karlsruhe and for everyone who's apprenticing company and/or vocational school is located here in Karlsruhe. You will find more information here.

Info brochure.

ATTENTION! You only receive the welcome package when living in the inner city of Karlsruhe (not Landkreis=Suburbs of Karlsruhe)

Is the student card working as a tram ticket?

You can use the KIT Card as a tram ticket daily from 18:00 to 05:00 all over the KVV-Net for free. All you need is to print out your matriculation certificate from the KIT student portal and have it with you. The certificate is available after the semester has started.

As a new student, you will receive a free semester ticket for trams and busses to move in Karlsruhe around the clock.

Note: you need to register in Karlsruhe to receive the free semester ticket!

Where can I buy a second hand bicycle?

1. Fahrradhaus Kramer: Hardtstr. 9
2. Rad & Tat: Waldstr. 58
3. Schäfer: Gritznerstr. 1
4. Strebel & Co.: Zirkel 23
5. Südstern: Erbprinzenstr. 4-12
6. Newspapers
7. Quoka
8. Eukalyptus
9. Ebay Kleinanzeigen

Some useful links about life in Germany

Information about studying and working in Germany: https://www.study-in.de/en/
Studying in Germany: https://www.justlanded.com/english/Germany
https://www.young-germany.de/topic/study
Working in Germany: https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/
Pre-Arrival Guide

Just Landed helps you by topics like visas, housing, jobs and finance.

What kind of student accommodations are available in Karlsruhe and what would be the likely cost?

Student residencies and private accommodation are both available.

The student residences are cheaper but also have long waiting lists.

We suggest you to register early at several dorms and to look for a flat on the private market in addition.

Here an overview of the rental costs in Karlsruhe (City).

• 200 – 300 Euro for a single room in student residences
• 300 – 450 Euro for a room in a shared flat
• 450 – 650 Euros for a one-person apartment
• 600 – 850 Euros for a flat for two persons

Outside of Karlsruhe the rent is cheaper.

Where do I find accommodation in and around Karlsruhe?

What is the average cost of living in Karlsruhe?

Here you can find a synopsis of the average cost of living for a student in Karlsruhe.

I do not have a scholarship. What can I do?

We have collected some information about scholarships that might be interesting for you. Please have a look at the external scholarship providers here.

Are there opportunities to work at the KSOP institutes to fund my studies?

Do I need a technical preparation in mathematics?

To ease your start in the Master of Optics & Photonics, it is helpful if you know about the following mathematics topics:
• Fourier series and Fourier transformation
• Taylor series
• Use of delta-distribution
• Use of Levi-Cevita pseudotensor

• Complex analysis including subjects such as residue theorem, Cauchy's integral theorem, the concepts of analytic/meromorphic functions

An excellent text book that covers all these aspects is “Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences” from Mary L. Boas that can be easily found in the web but many other books are just as useful. Also, the book "Mathematics for Physics: A guided tour for graduate students” by Michael Stone and Paul Goldbart would  be quite useful. That can be found here: https://goldbart.gatech.edu/PostScript/MS_PG_book/bookmaster.pdf 

Notes on complex analysis can be found here: https://www.rpi.edu/dept/phys/Courses/PHYS6520/NotesOnComplexAnalysis.pdf 
Moreover, much of this material is covered in a myriad of sources in the web and you can easily find this out by yourself.

Do I need a preparation in lineal algebra?

To ease your start in the Master of Optics & Photonics, it is helpful if you know about the following topics:
• solving of (large) linear systems of equations, computing determinants, basic understanding of vector algebra
• different coordinate systems such as spherical/cylindrical coordinate systems, scalar product, vector product
• differentiation and interaction in multi-dimensional spaces
• partial derivatives, line integrals, surface integrals, volume integrals
• gradient, divergence, curl, Stokes’ theorem, Gauss’s theorem

A comprehensive course can be found here.

Do I need a preparation in differential equations?

To ease your start in the Master of Optics & Photonics, it is helpful if you know about the following topics:
• ordinary differential equations
• partial differential equations
• boundary value problems, initial value problems

• concept of a Green’s function to solve differential equations

A comprehensive course can be found here: http://www-thphys.physics.ox.ac.uk/people/AlexanderSchekochihin/ODE/2018/ODELectureNotes.pdf or https://webusers.imj-prg.fr/~nicolas.lerner/pde-m1-lerner.pdf 

If you don’t feel familiar with all of the mentioned topics, we recommend you to use the time until the start of your studies to update your mathematics knowledge. For your preparations our professors recommend the following books: “Mathematical Methods for Physicists” by Arfken and Weber or “Rechenmethoden für Studierende der Physik im ersten Jahr” (only in German available).

What do I have to do after my graduation if I want to work in Germany?

Blue Card
The Blue Card is a legal status and identity card for citizens of non-EU countries. It is issued for highly qualified people, who want to work in Germany and other countries in the European Union.

The requirements and more information can be found on the official website of the European Commission or on the official website of the Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales).

Deregistration: What do I have to do if I won't stay in Kalrsruhe anymore?

You can find the information on deregistration and the formalities of the KIT here.

What are the possibilities to stay in contact with KSOP?

KSOP is proud for the continued cooperation with its alumni. They keep in contact as KSOP ambassadors. The goal is to help interested students with their application and, since they have successfully started their working life, they can help with finding a suitable job. You can look them up here and contact them via E-Mail or check their LinkedIn Profiles to find out where you might be successful with an application.

What are the tips on working in Germany?

On the website "Make it in Germany" you can find relevant information on working in Germany e.g. Visa requirements, job listings, living etc.

Does the KIT offer support on finding a job?

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology offers advice for graduate students who are looking for a job via its Office for Relationship Management. The homepage has its own “Job Portal”.

The Office for Relationship Management also provides information about upcoming career fairs, ideas on how to improve your application and more.

Find more information here

If you have an innovative idea and want to start something completely new, the Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at the KIT could help you in this case. You will find more information on their website.

Are there any job offers of the optical industry or institutes in or around Karlsruhe?

Yes, there are a lot of. Our premium partners Bosch, ZEISS and Polytec offer jobs in and around Karlsruhe regularly.

Here you can find all the current job offers.

Does a career fair take place in the near future?

Once a year the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) offers its career fair on the Campus South or as a virtual event, where you can get in contact with the industry. You can find the exact dates here.

How do I apply for a job offer here in Germany?

The requirements for applications vary from country to country. On this site you can find useful tips and helpful application hints.

On which portals can I search for job offers?

Here is a list of some portals where you can check on job offers:

www.jobboerse.arbeitsagentur.de

www.stellenanzeigen.de

www.stepstone.de

www.yourfirm.de

www.absolventa.de