How to Join: Application Guide for the International Master in Geophysics with information about the application process, required documents, eligibility criteria, and important deadlines — helping you understand how to apply and what is needed to submit a complete application.
The International Master's Program in Geophysics accepts applications for winter term 2026/2027 starting from 01 November 2025.
| Applicant group | Application deadline | Final grade submission deadline1 |
|---|---|---|
| German and EU citizens, Bildungsinländer2,3 | 15 July 2026 | 06 October 2026 |
| Non-EU citizens | 28 February 2026 | 15 July 2026 |
1If you have not yet completed your bachelor's degree at the time of application, you may submit your final grade by this date. However, your application itself must still be submitted by the application deadline.
2Includes citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and family members of EU citizens residing in Germany.
3You count as an "Bildungsinländer" if you hold a bachelor's degree from a German university (a master's degree does not qualify).
To apply for the International Master’s Programme in Geophysics:
Below you’ll find detailed information about the first application (Faculty of Geosciences). For details about the second application, please visit the International Office website.
Please note: The LMU International Office may have its own specific requirements regarding how applications must be submitted (e.g. online or by post). If you are required to send documents by mail, make sure to allow enough time for delivery so that your application arrives before the deadline.
Submit the following documents as PDFs via the application portal:
The International Master's Program in Geophysics of LMU and TUM is a research oriented program with a strong focus on modelling and simulation. As such we expect our candidates to possess above average skills and knowledge in at least one of the following fields and a sound background in at least one other:
In your essay please describe in detail
The essay forms an integral part of the evaluation of your application. Thus, it should be well crafted.
Please also note the following:
Submit one PDF containing:
Additional documents:
Do not upload high school documents – only higher education documents are relevant.
All documents must be submitted in their original language and also as certified translations into German or English if that is not their original language.
Applicants must demonstrate C1-level or higher (CEFR). Preferred documentation:
Alternative proofs may be accepted by the selection committee if a corresponding request is made as part of your online application. Alternatives proof might e.g. be
A decision on alternative proofs is made on a case-by-case basis. In general a standardised test is preferred.
Each application is reviewed independently by two members of the selection committee based on:
| Criterion | Max Points |
|---|---|
| Field of bachelor’s degree | 25 |
| Grade of bachelor’s degree | 25 |
| Essay (content and quality) | 50 |
The total score is averaged and classified as:
| Score | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 0–64 | Not qualified | Rejected |
| 65–74 | Ambiguous | Interview invitation |
| 75–100 | Qualified | Acceptance letter issued |
We will perform an online interview with candidates whose application cannot be decided based upon the three criteria above. The interview will be conducted by the two reviewers and will form the basis of the final decision of our selection committee.
For German and EU citizens, and Bildungsinländer:
– Application deadline: 15 July 2025
– Final grade deadline: 06 October 2025
For non-EU citizens:
– Application deadline: 28 February 2025
– Final grade deadline: 15 July 2025
You must submit two applications (in some cases):
More information on the second application is available on the International Office website.
Please upload the following documents as PDFs via the corresponding application portal:
Additional documents may be required depending on your country of study, such as:
Documents must be in the original language and, if applicable, come with certified translations in German or English.
Yes. You must submit your application before the application deadline, even if your final bachelor’s grade is not available yet. You can hand in proof of your final grade later, as long as you do so by the final grade deadline.
Your application is graded on:
– Field of your bachelor’s degree
– Final grade
– Essay content and quality
Results:
– < 65: not qualified
– 65–74: interview
– 75–100: qualified
Neither LMU nor TU Munich charge tuition fees for the international master's programme in Geophysics. However, there is a small fee for student services and a basic "semester ticket" for public transport. Further information and current numbers can be found here.
Finding affordable accomodation in Munich can be quite a challenge. Please note that LMU Geophysics is in no position to provide help in this respect. Also note that, contrary to other countries, German universities typically do not operate dormitories. You will need to find accommodation on your own.
The following information by LMU concerning Housing in Munich might be of help in this process. Additionally you might check the information by TUM on how to find accomodation.
For more detailed information about the programme structure, course content, and specialisation options, please visit the programme page for current students.