In scientific cooperation with
In scientific cooperation with
Join our multinational solar community where world-renowned research advances and combines with your studies. Continue studying. Be inquisitive. And get ready to BE THE CHANGE.
Fully taught in English and online, this duly accredited German Master of Science programme caters to professionals, who want to study online at their own pace without disrupting work or family life. Whether you are looking for a new career or already have a busy professional schedule; our master programme shapes around you. We offer part-time, flexible and online learning environment which gives you the freedom to study wherever and whenever you want. Examinations do not require travelling abroad since they are arranged by us in a study centre close to your location.
The University of Freiburg partners with one of the world’s top research institutes in solar energy - Fraunhofer ISE - to provide innovative, insightful and tailored training, so you can be assured that our MSc in Solar Energy Engineering will broaden your knowledge, widen your skill set and greatly improve your future career prospects.
Our instructors are not only international experts and working scientists who lead the way in their fields; they are also dedicated to your studies and professional development. 20-minute e-lectures combined with a great collection of reading material provide you with the latest theoretical understanding of each topic. References - incorporated into the videos - point you to the most relevant sections in the reading material. Your growing expertise is put into practice through case studies in exercise sheets, quizzes and self-assessments. Regular online meetings and lively forum discussions with fellow students, tutors and lecturers will round off your ideal distance-learning experience.
A particular gem in this programme are two obligatory 2-day workshops on campus, in Freiburg, where you get to use the state-of-the-art facilities at the Fraunhofer ISE institute for hands-on practice and research. And if you would like more of that, we are happy to welcome you for a whole research semester, which can be arranged in preparation for your master thesis. On top of that, you are cordially invited to come and visit us during the Campus Phase week which are organized twice a year.
The MSc in Solar Energy Engineering offers you comprehensive, interdisciplinary, technical and scientific training in the field of solar energy production. You will acquire subject-relevant skills, from developing and producing photovoltaic and solar thermal systems to the assembly of complex plants, power stations and energy networks. In particular, you will be able to optimize parts, systems and plants while considering aspects such as innovation, efficiency, cost and service life. This programme offers the opportunity to specialize in one or more sub-areas of solar energy production, such as solar cell technologies, photovoltaic systems, solar thermal technology, material and cell characterization, systems integration, and electricity networks.
The modules offered in the Master programme are repeated annually and are divided into Preparatory, Mandatory and Elective Modules, as well as Research Projects. Your final semester is reserved for the preparation of your Master Thesis.
Certain courses in the Preparatory Modules and the Research Projects can be credited if candidates can provide proof of prior specialized knowledge.
For more detailed information on the course structure and content, please download our List of Modules and the Module Handbook.
Study online and benefit from a real student experience. Throughout your studies you are closely supported by tutors and lecturers in each module. Regular online meetings with your tutors and lively forum discussions give you plenty of opportunity to exchange views and ask questions.
Every six months, you are invited to join our voluntary Campus Phase here in Freiburg, where you get to meet lecturers and students face-to-face. The Campus Phase is a real highlight of the programme and it poses a unique networking opportunity for participants. During this week, students will gain valuable hands-on experience in lab trainings at the high-end facilities of Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy ISE. Invited speakers from scientific field and industry will deepen your understanding and connect you to the growing global community of solar energy practitioners. In addition, you have the chance to explore Europe’s Solar City - Freiburg im Breisgau.
You are not able to attend the Campus Phase in person? No worries. Most of the events are transmitted live online and are also available for later streaming.
During the last year of your studies, you have the tremendous opportunity to join us in Freiburg for a research semester, which will provide the basis for your Master Thesis. For the duration of 3-8 months you will team up with one of our research groups and develop your expertise and scientific dexterity.
Of course, you are welcome to prepare your thesis in your home country too - we will find the option that suits you the best. And - whichever way you decide - we will support you along the way.
Every year some lucky students are presented with the tremendous opportunity to relocate to Freiburg and join one of the scientific research teams at Fraunhofer ISE. Here, you will acquire a special skill-set that will set you in high demand of the industry.
The earnings you receive can cover the living costs and support you to pay a part of your tuition fees. However, there is no guarantee for a position, and you can only apply once you have enrolled as a student in our programme. If you are interested in this option, please talk to us and send us a cover letter and CV.
In the German University system an academic year consists of two terms: the Winter Semester (WS) and the Sommer Semester (SS). The duration of the master studies varies from 4 to 6 semesters depending on the applicant’s previous degrees and knowledge in the fields of semiconductors physics and electrical engineering. An individual assessment acquired before registration to the program provides the basis to determine the individual study plan for each applicant. The costs for one semester consist of:
In total, students are expected to earn 60, 90 or 120 credit points (ECTS) - depending on their previous degrees. Hence, the total costs range between 12,500 € up to 22,500 € assuming a regular study period (without major breaks in between).
Currently, we don’t run any scholarship programmes ourselves. But you can check out the following links for third party scholarship opportunities:
No, not except for your own travel, accommodation, and personal costs. For the Campus Phase, students come to Freiburg to meet instructors and fellow students and to get hands-on experience at our facilities.
Two times during the program, participation is mandatory. So, for travel and accommodation, you need to budget financial resources .
It is challenging for international students to find scholarships once in Germany. We, therefore, encourage you to begin your search for scholarships as early as possible while you are still in your home country. The international office of the university in your homeland, as well as the German embassy or consulate(s), may have information on scholarships for students specifically from your country or your field of study.
Applicants can check the following links for third party scholarship opportunities:
The DAAD is a significant German institution designed for academic exchange. They provide a lot of information concerning everything studying in Germany on their website. They also host the page www.study-in.de, which is specially designed for international students in Germany.
Maybe most interesting is their database about scholarships. Here you can find information on various kinds of DAAD funding for international students, graduates, and postdocs, as well as on funding offered by other selected organizations:
The German page https://www.mystipendium.de/ also offers a lot of information all around scholarship possibilities. But this page is only available in German.
The Student Service Center offers advice concerning scholarships. You can contact them through the following web page:
In many cases, the employees may finance a part of the education costs. If you need an official letter for applying for funding from your company, just let us know – we are happy to provide one.
If there is a public organization, either governmental or non-governmental, in your country which might be a potential sponsor – we also can provide you with a letter and try to support your case. But you need to initiate the contact.
Partially, yes. The smaller we can go in terms of instalments is the payment per semester. This rule is due to the University’s regulations.
Payments must be made before each semester at rates of 4000 to 3500€ for Full and Expert tracks. The master’s thesis semester is 2.000 € for both tracks.
An additional matriculation fee (currently 161 €) applies for each semester; the matriculation fee is subject to change according to the Baden-Württemberg state law. For additional semesters after the official study time, a fee of 500€ per semester will be charged.
Tuition fee payments must be made on time to maintain the student status.
The M.Sc. in Solar Energy Engineering is suitable for highly qualified students who already have an academic background in STEM subjects (physics, chemistry, electronics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, material sciences, computer engineering, etc.).
For prospective students who want to expand their knowledge and skills in the solar energy field, this program is the right choice. Specialists with a production or sales background in solar energy systems or even beginners in the solar energy field can gain in-depth knowledge from this program. This program is also suitable for teachers, researchers, and committed young scientists who want to further specialize in their topics.
The application process for the master’s degree is five steps:
For an initial assessment, please send a filled-in self-assessment form, the transcript of records and certificates of previous degrees, a short statement of purpose, and your CV to contact@studysolar.uni-freiburg.de.
To apply for admission, please send the following documents by post to the correspondence address: University of Freiburg, IMTEK, Solar Energy Engineering, Georges-Koehler-Allee 10, 79110 Freiburg, Germany
o A filled-in and signed application form
o Notarized copies of degree transcripts and certificates
o Proof of work experience
o Notarized copies of your language certificate (see question "What do I need to prove my English proficiency?")
Submit a complete, hard copy application extended to September 30th for the October intake.
About 20 students are admitted to the program each year. A committee of five professors evaluates each application individually. Personal interest, as well as motivation and background, are considered.
Once the Admissions Committee has accepted you, your hard copy documents will be checked for validity at the International Admissions and Services Department of the University of Freiburg.
With your unconditional study offer, you will receive further information on how to enroll on the program and how to pay your study fees.
Students can freely choose in which semester they will join. Each year, in mid-September, we offer one-week-long on-campus events in Freiburg.
Two laboratory workshops that are offered each year are among the highlights of on-campus events. Each laboratory workshop is 2 ECTS. Throughout the week of on-campus events, students can deepen their understanding of solar energy topics thanks to invited speakers from the scientific field and industry. They also connect to the growing global community of solar energy. Besides, they have the chance to explore Europe’s Solar City - Freiburg im Breisgau.
We are purely an online program consisting of asynchronous courses, virtual meetings and more; we do not host any in-presence courses.
However, Students are required to join the on-campus week at least two times during their studies. Students can freely choose in which semester they will join. For details, see the question “Is it compulsory to come to Freiburg for the on-campus events?”
The M.Sc. program Solar Energy Engineering (SEE) is designed to be studied simultaneously parallel to a full-time job, in the student’s desired location, anywhere with a sufficient internet connection. We believe in bringing the latest Solar Energy Engineering knowledge to all corners of the globe as we believe in a global energy transition for a better future.
Certificates enable you to specialize on a particular topic in solar energy to consolidate your expertise and enhance your career opportunities without disrupting work or private life. With an accredited Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS), you earn a joint degree from two prestigious institutions: The University of Freiburg and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE.
Each subject-specific certificate provides you with a flexible opportunity to fortify your knowledge within a short period, simultaneous to your job. CAS consists of 6 different accredited certificates with a study duration of 6 months (or 12 months) and a scope of 10 ECTS each. Discover our part-time and online study offers that are tailor-made for professionals like you! To see the list of available certificates, please follow the link:
https://www.study-solar.com/solar-energy-engineering-certificates
1. First academic degree in engineering or natural sciences (physics, chemistry, electronics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, material sciences, computer engineering, etc.).
2. One year of work experience.
3. Proof of English proficiency; minimum equal to B2 according to CEFR.
Note: Admission with an alternative bachelor’s degree will be considered if the necessary mathematical and technical expertise is proved (e.g., relevant industrial experience).
1. Eagerness to study with some of the most experienced solar energy instructors and leaders of the world.
2. English proficiency on an academic level (equals to minimum B2).
Solar energy has been declared the “king of energy” and has a promising future for various applications. We are at the beginning of a critical decade; the decade of the energy transition, which will play a crucial part in the future of our planet. By studying Solar Energy Engineering with us, you can be a part of this transition and be at the heart of both academy and industry. You can be the change and bring the change, whether in your community or on a global level!
• This program is accredited according to the high standards of German public universities. The SEE diploma will be acknowledged in Germany as well as internationally.
• Our scientific cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE allows students to access the world’s leading research facilities in solar energy for hands-on experience.
• During the program, students will be guided by renowned academic instructors. Our instructors are international experts and scientists who are dedicated to our students’ development.
• The online learning environment gives the freedom to study wherever and whenever students want. Students will be able to learn online, at their pace, without disrupting their professional or private life.
• Students will receive comprehensive, interdisciplinary, technical, and scientific training in the solar energy field. They will acquire subject-relevant skills, from developing and designing photovoltaic and solar thermal systems to the assembly of complex plants, power stations, and energy networks.
• Tutors will closely support students in small and individual groups throughout their studies.
• Students will become a part of our international solar community with students and alumni from all over the world.
The fees for the full track are 25.000 € (7semesters). For the expert track, the costs are 18.000 € (4-5 semesters). The type of track you can follow depends on your previous background and whether you have relevant knowledge of any of our Fundamental Modules.
Payments must be made before each semester at rates of 4000 to 3500€ for respective tracks. The master’s thesis semester is 2.000 € for both tracks.
An additional matriculation fee (currently 161 €) applies for each semester; the matriculation fee is subject to change according to the Baden-Württemberg state law. For additional semesters after the official study time, a fee of 500€ per semester will be charged.
The cost of each Certificate Program is 2500 €. An additional matriculation fee (currently 161 €) applies for each semester; the matriculation fee is subject to change according to the Baden-Württemberg state law. For additional semesters after the official study time, a fee of 500€ per semester will be charged. Payments have to be done before each semester.
Due to the admission regulations, students may only be admitted if they know the English language of at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
English certificates must be handed in as officially notarized copies. Online versions - like, for example, the TOEFL “Test taker report” will not be accepted.
Cambridge FCE, CAE, and CPE,
IELTS - only valid for two years (min. 5.5 Points),
PTE Academic (min. 59 Points),
TOEFL - only valid for two years (72 Points “Internet” / 525 Points “Paper”),
OOPT (min. 61 Points),
telc B2-C1 University, telc C1,
TOEIC (min. 400 Points “Hear”, and 385 Points “Read”).
- Students from a country with English as an official language;
- Students holding a German or Luxembourgish “Abitur” with at least 7 Years of English;
- Students holding a previous degree (BSc) which was taught entirely in English (must be mentioned in the official transcript);
An official certification can be provided by any public body or government agency with an official seal or stamp (Dienstsiegel). Examples include registration offices (Bürgerbüros) or the local registration offices of the State Residents’ Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt), as well as embassies and consulates if foreign academic records are to be certified. German notaries are, of course, also authorized to perform certifications. The institution (school, higher education institution) that originally issued the record in question can also certify a copy of that record, as well as sworn translators.
Certifications issued by attorneys, certified auditors, associations, health insurance companies, and DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) or from AStA (Allgemeiner Studierenden Ausschuss) are not recognized.
1. Certification notice (this is a notice stating that the copy is as per the original);
2. Signature of the party certifying the document;
3. Official seal or stamp. (An official seal or stamp generally includes an emblem. A simple inked text stamp is not sufficient).
If the copy consists of several pages, proof must be provided showing that each page comes from the same document. It is sufficient if only one page bears the certification notice and signature if all pages are stacked up, stapled together, and stamped or sealed in such a way that a part of the official seal or stamp appears on each page (see depiction in the upper left-hand corner of the sample).
Sample certification:
For M.Sc. SEE the knowledge of an engineering bachelor’s graduate is assumed and is required in most lectures. Our experience over the previous years showed that the study is challenging, as the student must find time for it part-time in about 3h/day for 5 days per week. Lack of technical training is an additional challenge. Therefore, the admission restriction is a protection of the freshman from too much challenge.
For students without a strong engineering background, we recommend looking at Certificates Programs, especially: “Crystalline Silicon Photovoltaic” and “Solar Thermal Energy Technology”. These programs still have a bit of Physics, Math and Engineering but could be handled by students without deep knowledge in those areas.
The description of these Certificates Programs can be found here: https://www.study-solar.com/solar-energy-engineering-certificates
One of the M.Sc. SEE application criteria is 1 year of professional experience after the first degree. This professional experience is necessary but does not need to be in the field of Photovoltaics (PV).
The courses are only taught in English. Participants may also choose to write their master’s thesis in German or French after the University committee’s approval.