APPLICATION PROCEDURE

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree from a German university, or an equivalent degree from a foreign university (equivalency is judged by the International School of Graduate Studies (ISGS)) in the following fields:

• Psychology,
• Linguistics,
• Computer Science,
• Biology
• Cognitive Science.

Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree in another related field (e.g. Social Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Philosophy, Language and Speech Pathology etc.) may also apply, but should clearly explain in their motivation letter how their previous studies and experience have suitably prepared them for a Master’s program in Cognitive Science.

Important: Please do not send individual inquiries about whether your degree is suitable. The admissions committee will carefully review all applications and make the decision collectively. So, we cannot confirm in advance.

2. Applicants are expected to have:

• A solid foundation in basic descriptive and inferential statistics (e.g., regression, ANOVA). Please make sure to highlight your background in statistics and empirical research in your motivation letter.

Prior experience with empirical research (for example, through a class project or a Bachelor’s thesis) is not required, though it is highly advantageous. 

3. Proof of English proficiency is required. Details can be found here: applymsc.sowi.uni-kl.de/english-proficiency/. 

• Accepted tests and minimum scores are:

  TOEFL iBT: 80+ (or TOEFL PBT: 550+)

  IELTS: 6.0+

• If you are a citizen of an English-speaking country (e.g., USA, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, etc.), you are exempt from this requirement.
• Applicants whose degree program was conducted entirely in English are exempt from this requirement. Proof of this must be provided when submitting the documents.

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

Detailed information on all necessary documents, including degree certificates, transcripts, language certificates, and additional supporting materials, can be found on the official application portal: applymsc.sowi.uni-kl.de.

Important: All applicants are  expected to submit a motivation letter as part of their application. A strong motivation letter is essential and it should clearly explain your academic background, relevant experience, and why you want to pursue the Master’s program in Cognitive Science. 

APPLICATION PORTAL

Applications can be submitted online → applymsc.sowi.uni-kl.de

Deadlines for the application to the Master program for candidates from foreign countries needing a visa are …

• for the winter semester: April 30 (The online application portal is open from March 11 - April 30 each year.)

For German candidates, the application deadlines are …

• for the winter semester: August 31 

Note: You do not have all the necessary documents at hand for the online application? No Problem! 

You can start your application by uploading the documents you already have and add the remaining ones later. Your application will only be considered once all required documents are submitted. We will notify you through the application portal if any additional documents are required. Applications will only be assessed after the application fee has been paid.

Applicants who have not yet received their Bachelor’s diploma may still apply, provided they can submit the diploma by the time of enrollment. Missing credits are acceptable if completion is expected.

For questions about the application process, please contact the International School of Graduate Studies (ISGS): www.uni-kl.de/en/international/home/ or email applymsc@sowi.uni-kl.de

Full details on application and admission can be found on the ISGS application website: Master Programs in English

EVALUATION PROCEDURE

Each application will be evaluated by the Examination Board in an assessment procedure based on the documents provided. The Examination Board will then decide to either accept or reject the application for the current application period.

IMPORTANT DATES

The Master’s program in Cognitive Science only begins in the winter semester. If you are unable to start on time due to visa delays or other reasons, you will need to postpone your enrollment to the following winter semester.