Index

How are letters of reference to be submitted?

We do not need letters of reference as original document. Scans of the document are fine and can be submitted by the applicant or the referee. There is no template for letters of reference. The referees can write references in whatever format they prefer.

Are there tuition fees?

No, there are no tuition fees. All students have to pay is around 120 € per semester for Student Services. More information on the costs of living can be found here.

Who can officially recognise documents?

There are a number of ways to have your documents recognised. It depends on the nature of the document with country-specific requirements applying in certain cases. The most common institutions for the recognition of document are the following:

  • University
  • Embassy
  • Notary
  • Certified translator

Do I have to submit officially recognised copies of my documents?

In the first stage of the the application process documents do not have to be officially recognised.
If you are to proceed to the second stage, however, it will be necessary to submit officially recognised documents. At the time of matriculation (September / October) you will be required to provide the originals of all documents (in the original language and in an official translation if the originals are not in German or English).

What grades are expected?

Applicants‘ grades should be equivalent to the German ‚good‘. Grades from countries outside Germany will be considered on the basis of publicly accessible information on the grading standard in the respective country. If applicants can provide official information on the grading system in their country or at their university this will be duly considered.

Do I have to provide proof of German language skills?

International students must provide proof of German language skills at level A1, even if they study exclusively in English. This is intended to support their capability to study at a German university and to live in Germany. If this proof cannot be provided at the time of matriculation it may be submitted until one year after matriculation. The university offers courses to achieve the required level free of charge.

What English language skills are required?

If the previous university degree was completed in English it is not necessary to submit a further proof of your English language skills. Otherwise a certificate of TOEFL iBT with a minimum score of 85 points or an IELTS score of at least 5.0 must be provided. Your command of English during your telephone interview will also be taken into account.
For German applicants (and „Bildungsinländer” – international students who completed their secondary education or a university degree in German) the High School Diploma might be accepted if it certifies sufficient English language skills.

Which bachelor’s degrees are accepted?

A bachelor’s degree in physics or a relevant engineering subject qualifies to apply for a place in the MAOT programme. The most common degrees held by our current students are physics, electrical engineering (including related programmes such as telecommunication) or an optics-related course. Students with very diverse backgrounds have also been admitted, however. The list below contains some of the bachelor’s degrees previously completed by current students:

  • Avionics engineering
  • Biomedical engineering
  • Computer science
  • Vehicle technology
  • International production engineering
  • Nanotechnology
  • Life science engineering
  • Materials science
  • Mechatronics
  • Sustainable energy engineering
  • Thermal power engineering

Can I apply if I have not yet completed my bachelor’s degree?

Yes, this is possible. Many applicants are still in the fifth semester of their bachelor’s degree at the time of the application. They can apply with the latest transcript of records which shows all courses they have completed along with the grades achieved.

If admitted, however, they will have to have completed the bachelor’s degree at the time of the matriculation (around September/October). In individual cases, the graduation documents for the completed course can be submitted up to one year after matriculation if not yet available.

Should I apply to MAOT or the Max Planck School of Photonics?

MAOT is part of the Max Planck School of Photonics (MPSP). Students who join the MPSP with a bachelor’s degree take the MAOT or another master’s course (in Jena or Karlsruhe) during the MPSP qualification phase. The MAOT office is involved in the evaluation process for applications to MPSP. Admission to MPSP will also lead to admission to the MAOT programme.

You can, however, also apply directly to MAOT. The application requirements are similar but not exactly the same.

  1. If you feel you meet the requirments for the MPSP school we recommend applying there as admission to MPSP includes a scholarship that MAOT cannot provide. You can name MAOT as your preferred master’s course for the MPSP qualification phase.
  2. If you are rejected by MPSP you can still apply to MAOT. You will not be automatically rejected but your application will be evaluated like any other with the same chances of admission. Please note that you still have to follow the MAOT application procedures. Your MPSP application cannot be simply forwarded.
  3. If you do not feel you currently meet the requirements for MPSP you can still apply for a place on the MAOT programme. You can apply to MPSP after graduation from MAOT provided that you graduate with very good results.

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