Meteorology and Climate Physics
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Information last verified July 2026
Program Overview
In the master's degree program Meteorology and Climate Physics at KIT, you will benefit from research-oriented teaching, which is fed by close contact with research in the university and large-scale research areas. Your curriculum covers the full spectrum of meteorology and climate physics, from small-scale processes in clouds to climate change. Modelling, i.e. the use of numerical weather prediction models and data analysis with Python, as well as experimental meteorology are components of the study program. The standard period of study is 4 semesters, during which you earn 120 ECTS credits.
You will take the two compulsory subjects "Atmospheric and Climate Processes" and "Applied and Experimental Meteorology". An essential part of the master's degree program is the specialization phase. This is where you prepare to write your master's thesis and deepen your methodological knowledge. Compulsory elective modules from other areas of physics, but also from computer science, geosciences or mathematics and interdisciplinary qualifications such as language courses or courses offered by the House of Competence complete your curriculum.
The study program does not include a compulsory internship. You can complete a voluntary internship during your studies. If it serves the objectives of your studies and covers at least half of the lecture period, you can apply for a semester off (leave of absence). Such an internship offers you valuable experience outside the university and can make it easier for you to start your career later on.
You have various options for integrating a stay abroad into your master's degree program. For example, you can study at a foreign university of your choice for one or two semesters via Erasmus+ or as a freemover. You can also do an internship abroad. In addition, selective mobility is possible via Eucor - The European Campus: KIT students can flexibly attend individual courses in addition to courses at KIT or study full-time for an entire semester or year at an Eucor partner university.
Key Program Features
- • comprehensive training in Meteorology and Climate Physics • studies at one of the largest and most renowned institutions for atmospheric research in Germany • small
- well supervised study groups • high practical component through exercises and project work • research-oriented teaching with high potential for active participation in research projects • for prospective doctoral students: Karlsruhe House of Young Scientists (KHYS) comprehensive training in Meteorology and Climate Physics studies at one of the largest and most renowned institutions for atmospheric research in Germany small
- well supervised study groups high practical component through exercises and project work research-oriented teaching with high potential for active participation in research projects for prospective doctoral students: Karlsruhe House of Young Scientists (KHYS)
Career Opportunities
A master's degree in Meteorology and Climate Physics opens up a wide range of career opportunities. These include, for example:
• research and doctoral studies with a focus on an academic career or
• employment in one of the following sectors:public weather services such as the German Weather Service (DWD) or private weather companiesthe insurance sector, assessing risks due to weather hazardsthe energy sector, producing reliable forecasts and predicting critical situationsclimate services which provide information sources and platforms for decision-makers to adapt and prepare for climate change
• public weather services such as the German Weather Service (DWD) or private weather companies
• the insurance sector, assessing risks due to weather hazards
• the energy sector, producing reliable forecasts and predicting critical situations
• climate services which provide information sources and platforms for decision-makers to adapt and prepare for climate change
Program Curriculum
• Atmospheric and Climate Processes (24 CP)
Components of the Climate System (12 CP)
Atmospheric Processes (12 CP)
• Compulsory Electives (4 CP)
• Transferable Skills (2 CP)
• Components of the Climate System (12 CP)
• Atmospheric Processes (12 CP)
• Applied and Experimental Meteorology (24 CP)
Experimental Meteorology (10 CP)
Applied Meteorology (14 CP)
• Compulsory Electives (4 CP)
• Transferable Skills (2 CP)
• Experimental Meteorology (10 CP)
• Applied Meteorology (14 CP)
• Specialization Phase – Scientific Work (30 CP)
• Master's thesis (30 CP)
Admission Requirements
The requirements for admission to the master's degree program in Meteorology and Climate Physics are based on the current admission regulations:
• bachelor's degreea passed bachelor's degree or at least an equivalent degree in a degree program with essentially the same content at a university, university of applied sciences or vocational academy or at a foreign university, whereby the course must have been completed with a minimum of 180 credit points according to ECTS, alternatively with a standard period of study of at least three years in the subject of Meteorology or a related subject area (e.g. Physics, Mathematics, Geosciences).
• minimum achievement and minimum knowledge in the following areas:Meteorology and Climate Physics amounting to at least 24 credit pointsPhysics amounting to at least 24 credit pointsMathematics amounting to at least 12 credit points If you are missing up to 30 credit points, you may be admitted on condition that you make up the missing credits by the end of the 2nd semester at the latest. Any condition will be set by the admissions commission and you will be informed of this when you are admitted.
• Proof of entitlement to an examinationProof that you have not definitively failed an examination required by the examination regulations in the master's degree program in Meteorology or a related degree program with essentially the same content and that you are still entitled to take the examination
• Meteorology and Climate Physics amounting to at least 24 credit points
• Physics amounting to at least 24 credit points
• Mathematics amounting to at least 12 credit points
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
No tuition fees (German public university — see fee_details)
Semester contribution ~€235 covers public transport (KVV) and student union services.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
No tuition fees at KIT (German public university). Semester contribution of approx. €235 covers public transport and student services. Funding available via DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium, Baden-Württemberg Stipendium, and KIT internal scholarships.
About Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Karlsruhe, Germany
The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is one of Germany's leading public research universities and among Europe's most prestigious institutions for science, engineering, and technology....
University Profile- Application Deadline EU/German nationals: September 30 | Non-EU nationals: July 15
- Language English
- Duration 4 semesters
- Credits 120 ECTS
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