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The Master's program in Laws in International Banking, Securities and Finance at Goethe University Frankfurt is a comprehensive and specialized postgraduate course designed for graduates aiming to deepen their understanding of the complex legal frameworks governing the financial industry on an international scale. This program offers an in-depth exploration of key legal issues related to banking law, securities regulation, financial market supervision, and corporate finance from a global perspective. Students will engage with a wide range of topics such as the regulation of financial institutions, compliance, risk management, cross-border transactions, and the legal intricacies of securities markets. Emphasizing practical application alongside theoretical knowledge, the program equips graduates with the skills necessary to navigate and influence the highly regulated financial sector effectively. It is ideally suited for those pursuing careers in international law firms, financial regulatory agencies, banks, securities commissions, and corporate legal departments involved in international financial operations.
The curriculum combines lectures, seminars, case studies, and practical exercises to provide a balanced education grounded in current legal standards and emerging trends. Students will also benefit from the university's strong connections with professional financial institutions and regulatory bodies, offering valuable networking opportunities and insights into the latest industry developments. The program is conducted predominantly in English, catering to an international student body and preparing graduates for the global financial environment. Graduates of this program will acquire advanced legal expertise, analytical skills, and practical knowledge essential for shaping legal strategies and ensuring compliance within the ever-evolving landscape of international finance. Upon completion, students will be well-positioned to pursue legal advisory roles, compliance management, or policy development in the dynamic world of international banking, securities, and finance.
Forms of assessment
Examinations, group assignments, take-home assignments, class participation and class presentationsCourse objectives
We strive to provide our students with a solid and comprehensive legal and financial education set in a dynamic learning environment, thereby giving them the legal training they need to excel in their careers.Language requirements
Proficiency in English must surpass a level of TOEFL 580, CBT TOEFL 237, IBT TOEFL 92 (ILF's Institutional Code with TOEFL is 5984), Cambridge CAE (grade C or above), or IELTS 6.5, unless your native tongue is English. You should request that the test centre send a copy of the official test results directly to the ILF. If the testing schedules do not allow for the results to be available by the application deadline, you should state in your application when the results will be available.Academic requirements
Graduates holding a first degree in law, business or economics from Asia (especially mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) and who have good academic records are eligible to apply to join our LLM International Finance programme.Enrolment fees
Goethe University charges an administrative fee of approx. 360 EUR per semester (less than 730 EUR per year). This includes a ticket for public transport. The "magic ticket" entitles you to use buses, trams, and the underground in Frankfurt and the surrounding area. You can even use the regional trains to travel to various other cities in Hesse, e.g. Marburg or Giessen.Costs of living
The cost of living in Frankfurt depends on personal requirements and lifestyle. However, students should expect minimum expenses of approx. 940 EUR per month. This calculation is based on the following items: 800 EUR for rent, food, clothing, and study materials, around 81 EUR for compulsory but almost comprehensive health insurance, and approx. 59 EUR for the administrative fee (including free public transport).Job opportunities
In Frankfurt, 44,000 companies and organisations have approx. 464,000 employees on their payrolls. In addition, Frankfurt is the financial centre of Germany, with 350 banks, including the European Central Bank, 150 foreign banks, and the fourth-largest stock exchange in the world. Furthermore, Frankfurt is home to various cultural and research institutions. These are key players in a flourishing economy, offering students and graduates interesting jobs and internships. During your studies, there are plenty of job opportunities either at Goethe University itself (e.g. as a tutor or research assistant) or you may look for jobs and internships elsewhere in the greater Frankfurt area. Job opportunities are particularly interesting for students from abroad, e.g. at the airport and the trade fair. The "Studentenwerk" as well as the Career Services at Goethe University can help you to find a suitable offer. After you graduate, it is comparatively easy to find a job in the greater Frankfurt area, since it is one of the strongest employment regions in Germany. Furthermore, due to new laws, students from non-EU countries may also receive a work permit after graduation.Funding opportunities within the university
Students will receive a scholarship of 1,600 EUR (10% of the tuition fees) if the ILF receives the application by 28 February.Arrival support
An orientation meeting will be organised for incoming students in October of every year in order to acquaint the students with administrative and organisational matters.Additionally, Goethe University offers:
Internationaler Studientreff (IST)
A project for international and German students. Consultation hours, "get-together", international bar evenings, excursions in and around Frankfurt, and a buddy programme!
Check the website for more information:
http://www.uni-frankfurt.de/IST
Erasmus Student Network (ESN)
The ESN is also present in Frankfurt and helps international students to get accustomed to life in Frankfurt and Germany. They also organise several "get-together" events like parties, pub crawls, quiz nights, and many more.
Check the website for more Information:
http://unifrankfurt.esngermany.org/
International "Stammtisch"
Each semester, an international "Stammtisch" (a regular group meeting, mostly at a bar or restaurant) will be offered to ERASMUS/DAAD/SOCRATES scholars and German students planning to go or returning from abroad. In a pleasant atmosphere, students can exchange experiences and tips on studying abroad, dealing with student life in Frankfurt, and making new friends.
Services and support for international students
The International Office of Goethe University offers a comprehensive range of advice and services on issues of visa/immigration, financing your studies, social life, and personal matters.See: http://www.uni-frankfurt.de/38294574?
At the International Study Center (ISZ) at Goethe University, ongoing German language support is available. ISZ offers several options to improve your language proficiency, such as a tandem project (language exchange, e.g. Spanish-German), German language courses (preparatory and continuous), and language training during your academic programme.
Check the website for more information:
http://www.uni-frankfurt.de/43662305
The student union ("AStA", http://asta-frankfurt.de/) provides advice and entertainment. Faith-based organisations offer opportunities for worship and intercultural exchange.
See: http://www.esg-frankfurt.de/
See: http://www.khg-frankfurt.de/
Accommodation
Frankfurt am Main offers a wide variety of accommodation, from university dorms to privately rented apartments. The biggest providers of dorms are the "Studentenwerk" (student services, http://www.studentenwerkfrankfurt.de) and churches.The 19 dormitories offer more than 1,700 different accommodation units starting from 120 EUR per month for a single room to up to 450 EUR for a family apartment of 45m².
For further information, see: http://www.studentenwerkfrankfurt.de/en/consulting-service/international-students/accommodation/.
We strongly recommend that students contact such organisations as soon as they receive their letter of acceptance to the programme, as these rooms are in high demand.