The Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy (BCGS) is a joint programme of graduate studies between the Universities of Bonn and Cologne. It was funded through the Excellence Initiative from 2007 to 2019. Specialisation fields are theoretical and experimental particle and hadron physics as well as photonics and condensed matter physics, and mathematical physics. In addition, courses broadening their expertise into neighbouring, related fields enable students to understand interdisciplinary contexts. These include classes from the Master of Astrophysics programme offered by our department as well as courses at the University of Cologne.
All graduate studies (for Master and PhD) at our department are coordinated by the Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy (BCGS). The Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy, a joint programme of graduate studies between the Universities of Bonn and Cologne, leads students with a Bachelor's degree in physics (or a related subject) through an MSc phase and for the most successful students, to doctoral studies. The Master's programme includes one year of coursework: compulsory theoretical and experimental lecture courses and laboratory work, specialisation courses, elective advanced lectures and seminars in the fields of theoretical or experimental particle physics, condensed matter and photonics. During the second year, work on a research-oriented thesis is required, including project planning.
Course details verified 10 Sep 2026 — intakes, entry requirements and course facts · official source
Intakes & deadlines
Winter semester
Dates confirmed for your profile
Open
Most universities admit on a rolling basis — we confirm the exact application deadline for your profile, free.
A qualified BSc degree (or equivalent) in Physics (or related fields) is required, including 15 ECTS from experimental physics (atomic, molecular, solid-state, nuclear and/or particle physics) and 15 ECTS from theoretical physics (quantum mechanics and statistical physics) as well as 15 ECTS from lab courses.
We confirm the exact costs and the scholarships you qualify for at Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn — free, for your profile. Need funding? Check your education-loan eligibility.
More at Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy: MSc in Physics — FAQs
5 questions
No tuition fee. Checked against the university's own fees page. We confirm the current fee and the scholarships you qualify for — free.
The main intake is Winter semester. Most universities admit on a rolling basis — we confirm the exact deadline for your profile, free.
A qualified BSc degree (or equivalent) in Physics (or related fields) is required, including 15 ECTS from experimental physics (atomic, molecular, solid-state, nuclear and/or particle physics) and 15 ECTS from theoretical physics (quantum mechanics and statistical physics) as well as 15 ECTS from lab courses. English: E.G. TOEFL iBT (since 2026): 4 Reading: 4 Listening: 4 Speaking: 4 Writing: 4 TOEFL iBT (before 2026): 72 Reading: 18 Listening: 17 Speaking: 20 Writing: 17 IELTS Academic: 5.5 Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First.
The programme runs about 24 months full-time.
Yes — shortlisting, SOP, LOR, Resume, application, scholarships and visa guidance are all free. We're paid by partner universities, not by you.
Apply to Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy: MSc in Physics — free help
A counsellor calls you back during office hours — 9am to 8pm IST, Mon to Sat. We are closed right now, so your request is first in line when we reopen.
A senior Vibedu counsellor
Study-abroad expert
Optional — so a counsellor can send your shortlist and documents in writing.
