OpenFieldPotsdam International Climate and Earth Sciences DAAD Excellence Scholarship
Fully funded DAAD merit scholarship supporting outstanding international master's candidates admitted to Earth and Environmental Science programs at Potsdam.
University of Potsdam: Degree Programs, Scholarships & Research Guide
Located adjacent to Berlin amidst historic Prussian palace grounds and the prestigious Albert Einstein Science Park, the University of Potsdam (Universität Potsdam) is Brandenburg's premier research university. Deeply integrated with world-leading non-university research institutes (GFZ, PIK, AWI, Max Planck), Potsdam offers zero public tuition fees and world-class scientific training.
Verified degree programs and opportunities
Review checked academic pathways and funding options below:
Master of Science in Data Science and Machine Learning
English-taught master's curriculum covering deep learning, statistical inference, distributed stream computing, and scalable big data algorithms at Campus Griebnitzsee.
GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences & Potsdam Doctoral Fellowship (TV-L E13)
Three-year salaried doctoral research appointment based at the Albert Einstein Science Park on Telegrafenberg investigating satellite gravimetry and earthquake hazard modeling.
Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces Joint Research Placement
Advanced experimental research placement situated in Potsdam-Golm exploring biomimetic materials, self-assembling polymers, and mechanical properties of natural tissues.
Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI) Digital Health & Cloud Engineering Practicum
Semester-long software engineering practicum developing scalable cloud database architectures, privacy-preserving medical records systems, and clinical AI assistants.
Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) Postdoctoral Fellowship
Two-year postdoctoral fellowship at PIK modeling global earth system tipping elements, monsoon transitions, and socioeconomic climate impact scenarios.
W2 Professorship in Global Climate Governance and Public Policy
Tenured full professorial appointment directing international research on European Green Deal implementation, energy transition policy, and carbon border adjustments.
Admissions, language requirements & application process
- Master's admission eligibility
- Accredited Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant discipline (minimum 180 ECTS credits) with a German equivalent grade of 2.5 or better.
- Doctoral admission eligibility
- Master of Science or equivalent graduate degree satisfying Brandenburg higher education doctoral regulations, plus written supervisory confirmation from a Potsdam faculty member.
- Language proficiency
- For English-taught programs: IELTS Academic 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all subtests) or TOEFL iBT 80+. For German-taught courses: DSH-2 or TestDaF 4x4.
- Research statement / Proposal
- Curriculum vitae, detailed bachelor module description/syllabus, and academic statement of research interests.
- Application fee
- €0 direct application via university portal or €75 via uni-assist for international credential evaluation.
- Required documentation
- Certified degree certificates, official transcripts with grading rubric, English language certification, CV, and passport copy.
Tuition fees and verified scholarship systems
The University of Potsdam charges zero tuition fees for all regular undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs for domestic, EU, and non-EU international students alike. Students pay only a mandatory semester administrative fee (Semestergebühr) of approximately €316, which includes a comprehensive Berlin-Brandenburg public transit ticket (Semesterticket).
Verified faculty profiles and research leaders
Distinguished researchers and laboratory heads at University of Potsdam:
Prof. Dr. Johan Rockström
Professor of Environmental Science & Director of PIK · Planetary boundaries, Earth system resilience, Global sustainability, Freshwater resources
Prof. Dr. Christoph Meinel
Professor of Internet Technologies and Systems & Former CEO of HPI · Internet security, Cloud computing, MOOC platforms, Tele-health technologies
Prof. Dr. Carsten Fallnich
Professor of Applied Physics and Nonlinear Optics · Ultrafast lasers, Nonlinear photonics, Frequency combs, Optical spectroscopy
Important verification note
Facts reflect official University of Potsdam documentation reviewed 2026-10-15. Degree admissions, scholarship awards, and employment positions are subject to formal university review. OpenField does not charge students application fees.
Reviewed 2026-10-15 · Editorial standards · Report an issue