Laws in German Law for Foreign Graduates

Program Description:

The Master’s program in Law for Foreign Graduates at the University of Passau is a specialized advanced degree designed to provide international students with comprehensive legal knowledge and practical skills necessary for successful integration into the German legal system. This interdisciplinary program aims to bridge the gap between foreign legal education and German law, fostering a deep understanding of legal principles, procedural rules, and socio-economic contexts relevant to Germany and the European Union. Students enrolled in this program will benefit from a rigorous curriculum that combines foundational law courses with specialized modules on German legal procedures, European law, and comparative legal systems.

The program is suited for graduates holding a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Law or related fields, who wish to expand their expertise and enhance their career prospects within Germany or internationally. Classes are delivered by experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields, offering insights into German civil, criminal, and administrative law, as well as international and European legal frameworks. Emphasis is placed on developing practical legal skills such as legal research, writing, advocacy, and negotiation, preparing graduates for professional roles in law firms, corporations, governmental agencies, or further academic pursuits.

Students will have opportunities for internships, workshops, and interactive seminars that provide real-world experience and networking platforms. The university also offers language support for non-German speakers, ensuring that students can effectively engage with legal texts and participate in practical training sessions. The program facilitates a multicultural learning environment, encouraging dialogues on the intersection of national and European laws, and fostering cross-cultural competence.

Graduates of this program will receive an official Master’s degree recognized by the German authorities, qualifying them to pursue further legal qualifications or to work in various sectors requiring advanced legal expertise. The University of Passau’s Law for Foreign Graduates program is committed to equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and international perspective needed to succeed in the global legal marketplace and contribute meaningfully to the legal community in Germany and beyond.

Educational organisation

During the first semester, students are made familiar with the foundations of German Law and legal research. They attend the first part of a foundation course (either German Civil Law or German Constitutional Law; 20 ECTS credits), a research seminar for LLM students (10 ECTS credits), and three further subjects of their choice (approx. 5 ECTS credits each). During the second semester, students attend part two of their chosen foundation course, one further legal subject, and write their thesis (15 ECTS credits). The overall coursework amounts to 60 ECTS credits.

Study abroad unit(s)

There is no study abroad requirement for this programme.
If you wish to study abroad, assistance in selecting scholarship programmes, consultation, and information is offered by the International Office:

International Office
Innstrasse 41
94032 Passau
Germany
Phone: +49 851 509 ext. 1160, 1161, 1162 or 1163
Website: http://www.uni-passau.de/en/international/

Internships

There is no formal internship requirement for students completing this programme.
If you wish to complete a voluntary internship, you are responsible for searching for an internship, clarifying the outline and making all necessary arrangements. We recommend that students complete an internship, as it allows them to gain valuable work experience in a selected occupational field whilst still at university, while at the same time offering them the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills acquired in their studies. This also allows them to reflect upon their career aims and establish contact with potential future employers.
Your primary contact for all employment-related matters is the Careers Service.
For more details, please see: http://www.uni-passau.de/en/careerservice/.

Forms of assessment

Foundation Module: two written exams, of which one has to be passed
Elective Modules: one oral examination per subject
Research Seminar: research paper
Master's thesis
The overall mark is the weighted average ECTS grade of all modules.

Course objectives

Graduates will be able to collaborate with German lawyers in the context of international cooperation. They will have the required knowledge to explain matters of German law to clients in their home jurisdiction and explain their home country's laws to German legal professionals.

Language requirements

Proficiency in German is required at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, evidenced by a DSH-1 or equivalent German language certificate. Students from partner universities are usually exempt from this language requirement.

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

University entrance qualification in conjunction with a law degree equivalent to a German long-cycle undergraduate law qualification at the Master's level (i.e., 'Erste Juristische Prüfung/Staatsexamen' - state examination).

Enrolment fees

The enrolment fee amounts to 70 EUR per semester. This comprises the student association contribution of 52 EUR and the semester bus pass, which costs 18 EUR.

Costs of living

As a bare minimum, you should budget for about 660 EUR per month for accommodation, food, transport and other activities. Your actual expenses will vary depending on your lifestyle. Here is a breakdown of typical monthly expenses:
Rent: 180-350 EUR
Food: 150-250 EUR
Public transport: included in the semester contribution
Books/other: 50-100 EUR

Job opportunities

For international students, a dedicated career adviser is on hand. The iStudi Coach will answer all of your questions about finding work or placements in Germany or abroad.
http://www.uni-passau.de/en/istudi/
Please note that students from non-EU countries must apply for a work permit at the national job centre if they would like to work more than 240 half-days per year. Students from EU member countries do not require a work permit.

Funding opportunities within the university

In general, scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic performance; applicants' financial situations are only taken into consideration to a minor degree and scholarships (especially those from the university) are not usually awarded before the commencement of studies. If you intend to apply for a scholarship while you are still in your home country, please contact the German Embassy or the German Consulate at your earliest convenience.
http://www.uni-passau.de/studium/waehrend-des-studiums/kosten-finanzierung/stipendien/

Arrival support

Twice a year, at the beginning of each semester before lectures start, the International Office holds orientation weeks for new international students. These are designed to help students settle in, make new friends quickly, and get to know important contact people. All international exchange students are required to attend the orientation weeks, and attendance is strongly recommended for international degree-seeking students.
For more details, please see: http://www.uni-passau.de/en/intl-orientation-weeks/.

Services and support for international students

The International Office provides advice, information and assistance. Under the student buddy scheme, each international student is paired off with a German student buddy who helps the international student with all organisational and personal matters.
For more information, please see http://www.uni-passau.de/international or write to international@uni-passau.de.

Accommodation

Most students in Passau live in privately rented flats, often shared with other students. A number of rooms are also available in our halls of residence. Some of these halls of residence are within walking distance of the university and others are more conveniently reached by bicycle or bus. However, all of our halls of residence are less than thirty minutes from the university.
A room on the private market costs about 200-350 EUR a month. Landlords usually require a deposit of one or two months' rent when you move in, which will be returned to you at the end of the rental period, provided you leave your room in good condition.
The International Office can arrange for accommodation for either six months (one semester) or one year (two semesters). However, this service is subject to availability.
Rooms in halls of residence cost 200-270 EUR per month. These are fully furnished, with kitchen and bathroom facilities.
For more details, see: http://www.uni-passau.de/en/study/campuslife/accommodation/.