For Aspiring M.Sc. Applicants

Applicants who are planning to apply

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.

What are the specializations offered?

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

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:

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.

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 1st 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:

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).

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:

Proof of one of the above tests is not required for applicants with:

  • an Abitur certificate, whereby the foreign language English must have been studied for at least 5 years up to the degree that entitles you to university entrance and the final or average grade of the last two years of learning the language course must be at least German grade 4 (sufficient) or at least must correspond to 5 points; or
  • a university degree from a university with English as the only language of instruction and examinations in the degree program completed; English as the sole and official language of the completed course must be indicated in the diploma supplement, in the transcript of records or in the degree certificate; other confirmations of the language of instruction and examination will not be accepted as proof of language proficiency; or
  • a higher education entrance qualification from a school that teaches exclusively in English; English as the sole and official language must be confirmed by the school administration.

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.

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
  • 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: