FAQ

Eligibility & Application Process

When is the next IOCM intake? When are the next application deadlines?

IOCM takes in new students for winter terms only.
IOCM's next intake is for the winter term 2023/2024.

The application-window has opens on 1 April 2023.
The application deadline for international applications is 30 April 2023.
The application deadline for German applicants is 31 May 2023.
Can you take a look at my application documents and tell me what my chances are ahead of the application process?

The selection committee decides on each application. It is not possible to provide information on individual chances ahead of the application process.
Could we have an informal conversation about the programme in advance so that I can find out whether I want to apply or not?

Due to time and personnel constraints, we can only help with concrete questions and problems. General conversations about the program’s suitability are not possible.
I have a university degree in an unrelated field, but I have work experience relating to IOCM. Can I still apply to the programme?

Generally: yes! Given your background you might qualify for a "Track 2" application to our programme. Please find further information on how to apply here.
When do I know whether my application was successful? When are the letters of admission being sent out?

The selection committee meets twice (about four to five weeks after each deadline) and will inform each applicant about their decision as soon as possible thereafter.
Please direct questions concerning the status of your admission decision to master@uni-jena.de
I cannot obtain some of the required documents due to the coronavirus crisis. What can I do?

Please contact master@uni-jena.de
Can I apply through uni-assist? Is the application only online?

Applying to the IOCM program is only possible through our university website. Please find further information on how to apply here.
I am unsure whether I meet all the criteria for a "track 1" application. Do I need to indicate whether my application is for track 1 or 2?

You do not need to indicate whether your application is for track 1 or 2. Your application will be categorized by the selection committee.
Can I submit additional documents (e.g. internship certificates) with my application?

You can submit any additional documents you deem relevant, including proof of work experience, stays abroad, or language proficiencies. These additional documents can only be taken into consideration if they are in English or German.
What is meant by "provide proof of final thesis"? We don't have final theses in our BA. What am I supposed to do?

Please contact master@uni-jena.de
Does my high school transcript of records qualify as a university entrance certificate/school leaving certificate?

Please contact master@uni-jena.de

Languages

Which English language certificates do you accept?

Please find a list of accepted English language certificates here.
I am an English native speaker. Do I need to provide proof of my English language proficiency?

English native speakers are not required to provide proof of their English language proficiency.
Does my English language BA programme qualify as proof of my language proficiency?

Your BA programme can qualify as proof of your English language proficiency only if the programme's language of instruction is English. Since English language proficiency is very important to us, you are strongly encouraged to provide an English language certificate as additional proof of your language proficiency.
Due to the coronavirus crisis, I cannot take the tests for most of the English language certificates on your list. Only the expensive TOEFL home-based test is available at the moment. Could I hand in my certificate at a later date, given the current circumstances?

While we are aware of the difficulties of the current situation, your application can only be considered if it includes a proof of your English language proficiency. Some of the English language certificates we accept can be earned remotely. See the list here.
Is knowledge of the German language required?

No, you are not required to speak German for any part of the curriculum.

Studying in Jena & Funding

Is teaching in the context of the current coronavirus pandemic on-site or online?

We have returned to on-site teaching. All students are required to be present in Jena for the first, second, and fourth term of the IOCM programme.
How much is the tuition?

There is no tuition fee for our programme, only a so-called "semester contribution" of about €250 per semester, which covers administration fees and a mandatory public transportation ticket.
Where can I find information about scholarships?

There are several independent funding agencies in Germany that you could turn to, including the German Academic Exchange Service. For more help with scholarships for international students, please follow this link or contact our International Office at incoming@uni-jena.de. Among others, you can apply for a "Deutschlandstipendium", which is a scholarship funded by our university. The deadline for applications is usually in spring. If you meet the criteria, we encourage you to apply. You can hand in the proof of being accepted in our IOCM programme after the deadline. Further information you will find at: here
Do you have dormitories for international students?

German state universities do not have on-campus housing. However, the state student services ("Studierendenwerk") offers rooms/apartments in student residences at reduced rates. Please find more information on student housing in Jena hereExternal link. You will also find information in this guidepdf, 80 kb.
Can I continue my full-time job at a different location and study remotely?

The IOCM is a full-time study program with on-site teaching. It is neither possible to complete the programme remotely nor in addition to the working hours of a full-time job.