Mathematics International

Algebra, Geometry and Computer Algebra (also including Algebraic Geometry, Singularity Theory, Number Theory, Computer Algebra, Cryptography)
Analysis and Stochastics (also including Functional Analysis, Differential Equations, Computational Stochastics, Image Processing, Stochastic Analysis)
Financial Mathematics, Statistics and Probability (also including Stochastic Control, Insurance Mathematics, Time Series Analysis)
Industrial Mathematics: Modelling and Scientific Computing (also including PDE, DAE, Systems and Control Theory, Numerics, Simulation, Biomathematics)
Optimisation (also including Linear and Non-Linear Optimisation, Location Theory, Scheduling Theory)

Educational organisation

With their application, students choose a specialisation from:

• Algebra, Geometry and Computer Algebra
• Analysis and Stochastics
• Financial Mathematics and Statistics
• Industrial Mathematics: Modelling and Scientific Computing
• Optimisation

All students have to collect 120-132 credit points, of which six credits are given for two seminars and 30 for the Master's thesis, which is written during the last semester. The remaining credit points must be earned from lectures in the following categories:

• Specialisation 36-40 cp
• Pure Mathematics 18-21 cp
• Applied Mathematics 24-27 cp
• Non-Mathematical Subject 6-8 cp

In all areas of specialisation, the duration of studies in the Master's programme is four semesters. The fourth semester is reserved for preparation of the thesis.
The academic year at the University of Kaiserslautern is divided into two semesters, a winter semester (1 October until 31 March) and a summer semester (1 April until 30 September). During the winter semester, most of the lectures are held from the end of October until the end of February, and during the summer semester from the end of April until the end of July. The programme normally commences at the beginning of the winter semester, but it is also possible to start in the summer semester.

Study abroad unit(s)

Study abroad semesters and double degrees in cooperation with selected European partner universities are possible.

Forms of assessment

Oral examinations between lecture periods
A credit point system supports international compatibility and guarantees high transparency of the work accomplished.

Course objectives

The programme motivates students to accomplish independent research at a high scientific level.

Language requirements

English (TOEFL score 550/213/80 or IELTS band 6, or proof that English was the language of instruction in the student's previous course of studies)
Knowledge of German is not necessary in order to be accepted into the programme. However, basic knowledge has to be proven in an internal exam within one year.

Academic requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mathematics (equivalent to the local Bachelor's programme) with above-average results

Enrolment fees

• Enrolment fee: approx. 200 EUR per semester, includes e.g.: free transportation in the area around Kaiserslautern (up to 100 km), more than 50 free university sports courses and more
• Assessment fee: 50 EUR single payment for the verification of foreign certificates
• Recommended: German Language & Orientation Course for international Master's students: 650 EUR single payment

Costs of living

High standards of living at low costs:
Monthly costs: in total approx. 600-650 EUR to cover all personal expenses.
E.g.: accommodation: approx. 230 EUR; health insurance: approx. 80 EUR; food: approx. 200 EUR
Costs of living - a snapshot on regional prices

• Meal in refectory: 2.40 EUR
• Loaf of bread: 1.20 EUR
• Orange juice (1 litre): 1.00 EUR
• Rice (1kg): 0.90 EUR

Job opportunities

Student assistantships are available on a competitive basis. Excellent students have good chances of finding jobs in research projects, but these are not usually granted in advance. Support in finding a job as a student assistant is available through the International School for Graduate Studies (ISGS).

Funding opportunities within the university

The department has a scholarship programme for excellent international students. Recipients receive approx. 600 EUR per month.

Arrival support

International School for Graduate Studies (ISGS) at TU Kaiserslautern:
Lending a hand in every phase of your stay
Before Your Arrival...
Effective pre-arrival communication helps you to regulate application, visa, residence permit and housing affairs. We supply any information and assistance needed to manage the application procedure and arrange accommodation on demand, and provide support on an individual basis by completing your documents for arrival.
Once You Are Here...
One major task of the ISGS team is to help the students settle into and become part of the university's community. The welcome-package includes pick-up from the train station and drop-off at the student's apartment as well as support with first shopping and highly individualised support in administrative and organisational issues, e.g. enrolment, registration with local authorities, opening a bank account and insurance matters.

Orientation Course - A prelude to German communication, academic culture & daily life. This course is offered twice a year prior to the start of the lecture period (6-8 weeks). It includes intensive language training, administrative support as well as cultural and social events. You will improve your knowledge of German and learn about our teaching styles and methods. In short, this course enhances orientation on campus, in town and in the student community. Once having established a foothold, you will have a clear mind for efficient studies or research!
http://www.uni-kl.de/isgs

Services and support for international students

The International School for Graduate Studies (ISGS) cares for international graduates & PhD candidates from the time the students decide to come to Kaiserslautern until the students graduate or leave the university. We lend a hand during every phase of your stay!
Besides the individual support during the pre-arrival phase and warm welcome, we will provide you with continuing support that will enhance your learning:
Mentoring Your Studies and Research...
Whether during your studies or research, ISGS offers a variety of cultural and social events as well as extra-curricular activities enhancing your professional skills - such as workshops in academic culture or intercultural communication - which are supplementary and free. These are highly recommended for your personal development.
Jump-Start Your Career...
The ISGS offers professional development training on teamwork and leadership, time management and cross-cultural training as well as specific language training with regard to job applications. To achieve outstanding success with regard to your thesis, the variety of our special offers for PhD students during the final period at university is permanently growing.
The ISGS establishes meetings with reputable contacts from science and industry within our Career Services and sets up visits to factories, company headquarters and research institutes in order to help the students launch new careers.
http://www.uni-kl.de/isgs

Accommodation

The majority of our students live in residence halls located on or close to campus. Unlike in other countries, German dormitories are not owned or operated by the university, but by external institutions. The "Studierendenwerk" operates several large halls of residence in Kaiserslautern. Students submit housing applications directly to the Studierendenwerk, which typically have a waiting period. For international Master or PhD students, the International School for Graduate Studies (ISGS) at TU Kaiserslautern aims at arranging accommodation in these residence halls or in private accommodation within its pre-arrival service.
The halls of residence have modern single, double or shared apartments with kitchenette, bathroom/WC, and modern facilities as well as internet access.

• Fully-furnished:
  • Kitchenette: no plates & pots, etc.
  • Bed & mattress (no blankets & pillows)
  • Wardrobe
  • Shelf, table, chair (no computer)
• Rent: 200-280 EUR

Since accommodation is not automatically guaranteed with admission, a request for accommodation to ISGS is advisable.
http://www.uni-kl.de/international/master/prospective-students/travel-accommodation/accommodation/