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Optics and Photonics logo
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology logo

Optics and Photonics

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Information last verified July 2026
Tuition No tuition fees (German public university — see fee_details)
Degree Master of Science
Duration 4 semesters
Deadline EU/German nationals: September 15 | Non-EU nationals: June 15
Delivery On-campus
Location Karlsruhe, Germany
Language English

Program Overview

The interdisciplinary master's degree program in Optics & Photonics covers the most important fields of application of optical technologies in addition to in-depth engineering and scientific fundamentals. It is part of the "Karlsruhe School of Optics and Photonics" (KSOP), which also offers a corresponding doctoral program. Admission is open to graduates from various disciplines. To compensate for the differences in the subjects of origin, there are adaptation courses with topics from the bachelor's program. If you have already studied photonics and would like to focus on optical technologies, this master's degree program is the right choice for you. The language of instruction is English and the student body is international. Therefore, in addition to scientific curiosity, intercultural openness is also important in this degree program. The curriculum consists of a compulsory area, a compulsory elective area, a professional internship and the Master's thesis. The compulsory subjects comprise 62 credit points (according to ECTS). Within the subjects, you have options at module level, depending on the subjects. The following compulsory subjects must be taken: In the compulsory elective area, you choose a specialization worth 16 CP. You choose one of the following options:

Key Program Features

  • • international orientation through English-language teaching and students from all over the world • future-oriented topics such as solar energy
  • new materials.... • integrated into current research and industrial applications • highly interdisciplinary • small degree program with good supervision and networking • semester abroad possible without loss at partner universities of the EUROPHOTONICS program • good career opportunities through industry partners
  • internships and KSOP doctoral program

Career Opportunities

Career information is not specified for this program. Contact the university for details about career prospects.

Program Curriculum

The curriculum consists of a compulsory area, a compulsory elective area, a professional internship and the Master's thesis. The compulsory subjects comprise 62 credit points (according to ECTS). Within the subjects, you have options at module level, depending on the subjects. The following compulsory subjects must be taken: • Engineering Optics & Photonics (8 CP) • Physical Optics & Photonics (8 CP) • Advanced Optics & Photonics - Theory and Materials (8 CP) • Advanced Optics & Photonics - Methods and Components (10 CP) • Adjustment Courses (8 CP) • Optics & Photonics Lab (10 CP) • Seminar Course (4 CP) • Interdisciplinary Qualifications (6 CP) In the compulsory elective area, you choose a specialization worth 16 CP. You choose one of the following options: • Specialization - Photonic Materials and Devices • Specialization - Quantum Optics & Spectroscopy • Specialization - Biomedical Photonics • Specialization - Optical Systems • Specialization - Solar Energy The modules available for selection and the subject assignment can be found in the module handbook.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for the master's degree program in Optics and Photonics are based on the current admission regulations: • bachelor's degree a bachelor's degree or at least an equivalent degree in one of the following degree programs: Optics & Photonics Physics Chemistry Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Biology Mathematics Mechatronics and Computer Science or a related degree program with essentially the same content with a standard period of study of at least three years and a minimum number of 180 ECTS credits. • minimum knowledge and minimum achievements in the following areas: Mathematics: 12 credit points Physics: 12 credit points • subject-related aptitude in addition to the above-mentioned admission requirements, the selection commission will assess your academic aptitude in a two-stage process. You must receive at least 105 points to prove your aptitude. 1st stage: In the 1st stage, you must receive at least 70 points in order to receive an invitation to the second stage. The following points are awarded: overall grade of the academic degree: max. 80 points outstanding grade in mathematics: max. 5 points university achievements in Optics and Photonics: max. 10 points letter of motivation: max. 10 points letter of recommendation from a professional supervisor: max. 10 points 2nd stage: an interview is now conducted. The dates are usually announced two weeks before the interview and you will be invited in good time. The interview lasts approx. 30 minutes. You will receive points as follows: presentation and discussion of an activity related to the subject Optics & Photonics: max. 20 points extracurricular achievements related to the subject: max. 10 points intercultural skills: max. 5 points • Optics & Photonics • Physics • Chemistry • Electrical Engineering • Mechanical Engineering • Biology • Mathematics • Mechatronics and Computer Science • Mathematics: 12 credit points • Physics: 12 credit points • overall grade of the academic degree: max. 80 points • outstanding grade in mathematics: max. 5 points • university achievements in Optics and Photonics: max. 10 points • letter of motivation: max. 10 points • letter of recommendation from a professional supervisor: max. 10 points • presentation and discussion of an activity related to the subject Optics & Photonics: max. 20 points • extracurricular achievements related to the subject: max. 10 points • intercultural skills: max. 5 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 logo

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 15 | Non-EU nationals: June 15
  • Language English
  • Duration 4 semesters
  • Credits 120 ECTS