IMES FAQ Prospective Students

There are no fixed dates on when the application process starts. Generally, the process starts about two or three months before each deadline. For exact dates, please contact the support team of uni-assist and Klips 2.0.

The specific dates for each application cycle however will be published in time on our homepage.

Can I apply with a degree that is not related to environmental topics?

Since IMES is an interdisciplinary program, generally, applications with every background are welcome. No prior natural science education is needed since the first and second semester courses are meant to bring both groups on the ''same level''.

However, to increase your chances if your prior degree was not in environmental related topics, make sure to mention/highlight your interest/experience in environmental related topics (e.g. courses, working experience, etc.) and provide proof.

Can I apply for IMES if I already have a Master’s degree and/or PhD? Which grade is considered in the evaluation process?

Generally, you are welcome to apply. If you apply, you need to follow the general process and upload all required documents; in general there is no different procedure if you already have a Master's degree and/or PhD. Please note that you are not exempt from submitting your Bachelor's degree; it is your Bachelor's degree that will be taken in consideration in the evaluation process, especially regarding the final grade.

However, please keep in mind that prospective students who only have a Bachelor’s degree need to be prioritized.

Is it compulsory to submit proof of English language skills?

Yes, it is complusory. You must submit any one of the English language certificates as listed here, unless English is your first language or you graduated from an university where the language of instruction and examiantion was solely English. Unfortunately, there are no other exceptions.

Can I apply with an older English language test score?

You may apply with an older TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC, Pearson PTE Academic test score unless it is older than two years.

The other valid English language certificates as listed here generally do not expire.

Can I apply with an older letter of recommendation?

Unfortunately no. The letter of recommendation should be specifically written for IMES.

What should a letter of recommendation include and who can it be written by?

The letter of recommendation should include statements on why you are qualified for IMES and must be written by someone who can vouch for your academic skills and recommend you for our program. This person can be e.g. a professor, employer etc.

What language should the letter of recommendation be written in? Are there any formal requirements?

The letter of recommendation can be written in either English or German, we have no preference. The letter is to be uploaded via Klips 2.0 in pdf-format along with the other required documents. There are no formal requirements from our side.

Is it compulsory to submit two letters of recommendation?

Yes, it is compulsory, otherwise your application will be dismissed as incomplete.

What are the regulations on translated documents? Which must be officially translated, which can be translated by me?

Generally, everything needs to be translated officially.

Can I submit any documents after the deadline?

Generally, this is not possible. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please also note that after submitting the necessary documents via Klips 2.0, they cannot be amended/corrected. Therefore, please make sure that you upload the right documents before finally submitting the entire application.

Can I apply with an incomplete Bachelor's degree?

Generally no, but there are two exceptions where the application is possible under the following conditions:

An application with an incomplete Bachelor's degree is possible if the applicant can prove that he/she has already completed 150 ECTS. Therefore he/she will have to submit a preliminary transcript including a preliminary total grade average. The grade average must include all work to date. Conditional admission may then be granted as qualified acceptance. The admission to IMES expires if proof of the Bachelor's degree is not given by September 30th.
An application with an incomplete Bachelor's degree is also possible if the applicant can prove that he/she has completed 180 ECTS but is missing the final certificate of the Bachelor Degree. Therefore he/she will have to submit his/her preliminary transcripts. Conditional admission may then be granted as qualified acceptance. The admission to the master course expires if proof of the Bachelor degree is not given by September 30th.

I want to apply with a degree from China, India, or Vietnam and have questions on the APS certificate.

To find out more about the requirement of the APS certificate, please read the information of the International Office carefully.

I applied in the past year(s), but did not receive an admission. Do I still need to apply as stated on your homepage or are there any exceptions in my case?

Unfortunately, there are no exceptions. You need to follow one of the stated procedures, depending on which applies to you.

Uni-assist sent me a VPD document marked as ‘’faulty’’. Can I still apply?

If your VPD was marked as ‘’faulty’’ your application will not be considered. The reason behind the requirement of the VPD is to make sure, that only applicants with a degree comparable to a German degree can study at a German university. If you think the assessment was wrong, please contact uni-assist directly.

Is IMES a ''1-Fach-Master'' or a ''2-Fach-Master'' program?

IMES is a ''1-Fach-Master'' (''1-subject-master's-degree'') and not a ''2-Fach-Master'' (''2-subject-master's-degree'') program.

Please choose ''1-Fach-Master'' when applying (via Klips 2.0).

What does ''Konsekutiver Master'' and ''Zweitstudium'' mean and what applies to me?

A ''Konsekutiver Master'' (''consecutive master's degree'') is a master's degree that can be studied directly after completing a bachelor's degree and that builds on the bachelor's degree.

A ''Zweitstudium'' is a second degree after completing an other degree.

Therefore, if you already have a master's degree, please choose ''Zweitstudium'' of the same kind (this would be a Master's degree in this context).

If you have a bachelor's degree but not a master's degree, please do not choose ''Zweitstudium'', but ''Konsekutiver Master''.

I want to apply for a higher semester, how should I proceed?

Please contact us through our contact form. Please attach your transcript of records and module descriptions of your past studies.

Please note: Due to limited seats for IMES that it is rare that students can be admitted for a higher semester. You have more chances to study IMES if you apply for the first semester.

My contact information (e.g. e-mail address) changed. What should I do?

You can easily change your account information in uni-assist and Klips 2.0 in your account settings. If issues occur, please contact the uni-assist and Klips 2.0 support team.

How long does it take to receive a response after the application deadline passed?

Depending on the individual number of applications each year, it can take several weeks to receive a response after the application deadline on Klips 2.0 passed.

However, we work hard to notify each applicant as soon as possible so he or she has enough time to get everything done for instance to come to Germany and prepare to study IMES.

The IMES office kindly asks you to refrain from inquiries on how long the evaluation process will take.

The status on Klips 2.0 still says that my documents have not been checked. Should I worry?

No, there is no reason to worry. It is a technical error that we are working on. Be sure that we received your application and in the process of reviewing it.

You will receive an answer from us, whether you have been admitted or not, once the evaluation and selection process is closed.

The IMES office kindly asks you to refrain from inquiries on how long it will take to receive a response.

Is there a numerus clausus (NC) for applicants?

The NC depends on the number of applications each year (``örtlicher NC´´). Therefore, it is different every year. From past years experience, the notional cut-off is around 2.0. However, even though your grade is one of the most important factors, the applications are reviewed as whole. If you have special qualifications/experience in environmental related topics, please make sure to mention/highlight them in your application.

Are there special regulations for applicants who have been enrolled in another MA program?

No, there are no special regulations. Depending on if you have an international or German degree that qualifies you to study at a German university you need to follow the respective application process.

Is there a possibility to acknowledge credit points from previous studies?

This is to be decided on a case to case basis, subject to the IMES Examination Regulations, and the decision of the Examinations Committee.

Please be aware that there is no guarantee regarding acknowledgement of credit points from previous studies!

Is it possible to study at a partner university for a semester?

Studying at a partner university is generally possible after the first year. You need to discuss your plans with the IMES manager.

Does the IMES office have a conference grant to cover the cost of registration fee and travel?

The IMES office does not have any direct funds to cover these costs. Perhaps at faculty level, for that please contact the people responsible for internationalization at Mat-Nat Faculty.

What benefit of having an Environmental Sciences degree in addition would you see in regard to jobs and positions?

The answer to this question will depend on what degree you already possess. However, more and more employers seem to be on the lookout for individuals will an explicit environmental expertise. Our graduates have found jobs in multiple areas. Some choosing to further their academic work with a PhD, some choosing to go into public sector positions, and others directly to the industry. There is not one graduate profile because of your ability to tailor the IMES program to your needs and interests.

To get a feeling of what kind of jobs and positions you can look forward to, feel free to look through our ''Job Opportunities'' section. Every institution you find on this list approached us directly saying that they see IMES graduates as a great addition to their work.

UNIVERSITY OF COLOGNE

Faculty of Mathematics and Natural SciencesInternational Master of Environmental Sciences - IMES

IMES FAQ - Prospective Students - Structure

When does the application process start?