In scientific cooperation with
Join our multinational solar community where world-renowned research flourishes and flows into your studies. Continue studying. Be inquisitive. And get ready to BE THE CHANGE.
Fully taught in English, 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 can fit around you. We offer a part-time, online and flexible learning environment - giving you the freedom to study where you want, when you want. You don’t even have to travel far for your exam sittings - we arrange them for you, individually, in a study centre close to where you live.
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 Solar Energy Engineering will broaden your knowledge, widen your skills set and greatly improve your future career Prospects.
Our teachers are not only international experts and real world scientists - who are leading the way in their fields - they are also dedicated to your studies and professional development. Short 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 parts in the reading material. Your growing expertise is put into practice through the processing of 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 learning experience.
A particular gem within this programme are two obligatory 2-day workshops on campus in Freiburg where you get to use the state-of-the-art facilities within the Fraunhofer ISE institute for some hands-on practice and research. And if you would like more of that, we will be happy to welcome you for a whole research semester, which can be arranged in preparation for you Master Thesis. On top of that, you are always most warmly invited to come and visit us during the Campus Phases which are organized twice a year.
The MSc Solar Energy Engineering offers you broad-based, 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, costs and service life. This programme offers the opportunity to specialize in one or more subareas of solar energy production, such as solar cell technologies, photovoltaic systems, solar thermal technology, material and cell characterization and systems integration and electricity networks.
The modules offered within 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 within the Preparatory Modules and within the Research Projects can be credited if candidates can give proof of prior specialized knowledge.
For more detailed information on the course, please download our List of Modules or the Module Handbook.
Study online and benefit from a real student experience. Throughout the entire period of your studies you are being closely supported by the tutors and lecturers of 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 poses a unique networking opportunity for everybody participating. During this week, students will gain valuable hands-on experience during lab trainings in the high-end facilities of Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Engergy ISE. Invited speakers from science 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 a 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 prowess.
Of course, you are also welcome to prepare your thesis in your home country - we will find the option that suits you best. And - whichever way you decide - we will support you all 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, long term. Here you will acquire a special skill-set that will set you in high demand of the industry.
The earnings you will receive, cover the living costs and will pay for part of your tuition fees. However, there is no guarantee of a place and you can only apply once you have enrolled as 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. The individual assessment realized before the registration to the program provides the basis to determine the individual study plan of 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 following links for third party scholarship opportunities: