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

How to Apply for the IMES Program

The International Master of Environmental Sciences (IMES) is an English-language, interdisciplinary master's program at the University of Cologne. Applications open once per year for the winter semester intake.
This page guides you through the application process based on the type of Bachelor's degree you hold. Please read the instructions carefully and apply early — deadlines are strict.

Application Period

  • Application start: April 1
  • Application deadline: May 15
  • Last day to upload missing documents: May 20 (only if application was submitted on time)
  • Program start: October
  • Final Bachelor's certificate (if not yet complete): must be submitted by December 31

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for IMES, you must:

  • Hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with at least 180 ECTS (Master entrance qualification  - "Masterzugangsberechtigung")
  • Have completed at least 12 ECTS in environmentally related subjects (e.g. environmental sciences, geosciences, biosciences, environmental law, environmental economics) within that qualifying degree (i.e. the Bachelor's or equivalent degree you use to apply for the IMES Master’s program). Please note: Only coursework completed as part of your qualifying degree program will be considered. We cannot accept environmentally related qualifications from any other degree program, extracurricular training, internships, or professional experience.
  • Provide proof of English language proficiency at C1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Applicants who have completed either their university entrance qualification ("Hochschulzugangsberechtigung") or their master qualifying degree entirely in English do not need to submit a separate English language certificate. The English language of instruction must be confirmed in official documents (e.g. diploma, transcript, or institutional letter). Please note: We cannot grant exemptions based solely on nationality or self-declared native speaker status. We accept the following certificates:
  • Still studying? You may apply if you will complete your Bachelor's degree in the current summer semester. To apply, you must submit:
    • Still studying? You may apply if you will complete your Bachelor's degree in the current summer semester. To apply, you must submit:
      • a transcript of records showing your current academic performance (i.e. your current average or mean grade, often referred to as GPA in international contexts), and
      • a document confirming the expected date of your remaining examinations.
      • The final degree certificate must be submitted by December 31. If it is not submitted on time, your enrollment in the IMES program will be revoked.

Please note: Missing grades are not replaced with a grade of 4.0. We consider only the current average of all available, completed coursework at the time of application.

How to Apply

We distinguish between applicants with a German Bachelor's degree and those with an international degree. Please select the path that applies to you.

1. Applicants with a German Bachelor's Degree

Application Steps:

  1. Register and log in to the KLIPS 2.0 portal
  2. Complete your application and upload the required documents:
    • Master entrance qualification ("Masterzugangsberechtigung")
    • Proof of at least 12 ECTS in environmentally related subjects (module handbook, transcript of records or a certificate from your university)
    • CV
    • Motivation letter in English
    • Proof of English proficiency (C1), if needed
  3. Submit your application by May 15
  4. You may upload missing documents until May 20, as long as your application was submitted on time
  5. If you’re still completing your Bachelor's degree:
    • Submit a current transcript and proof of expected graduation date
    • You must submit the final certificate by December 31

2. Applicants with an International Bachelor's Degree

Before applying through KLIPS, you must obtain a “VPD” (Preliminary Review Documentation) via uni-assist. Our International Office provide more detailed information here.

Step 1: Apply to uni-assist

  • Visit: www.uni-assist.de
  • Choose: Hochschule Uni zu Köln - VPD, please select the option “All subjects”
  • Start early! Processing may take up to 6 weeks

Step 2: Apply via KLIPS 2.0

  • Submit your application with the required documents and your VPD via the KLIPS 2.0 portal
  • Deadline: May 15
  • Missing documents may be submitted until May 20 (only if application was submitted on time)

After You Apply

  • You will be notified via email and in KLIPS if you receive an offer
  • Once notified, you have 7 days to accept the offer
  • If not selected immediately, you may receive an offer in the waiting list round, with a 4-day deadline to accept
  • If you miss the deadline, your offer will expire

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