Applicants with a Foreign Degree

Applicants with a foreign degree have to submit their applications via uni-assist between mid-April and the 15th of July of the respective year of admission.

Important: The PACS Master's degree always starts in the winter term. For this reason, you can only find PACS in the uni-assist system when the application phase for the winter term starts!

On this page you will find information about the admission requirements, the application process and a checklist for your application. If you still have questions, please have a look at the PACS FAQ page or contact us at

Maybe you can apply for the Helmut-Schmidt-Program? Check here to see if you are eligible for the scholarship.

Admission Requirements

Previous Studies

Bachelor's degree, university degree, or equivalent degree from a state or nationally accredited institution, a master's degree, or a state examination in social or cultural sciences.
Average grade of "good" GPA (German system: 2.5 or better) with a total of at least 180 ECTS.
The responsible examination board decides on the admission and possible further requirements for studying in Magdeburg.

Applicants from outside the Social Sciences

At least 30 ECTS of the degree must come from social science classes (seminars / lectures in sociology, anthropology, ethnology, political science and social science methods)
The areas of the degree from the social sciences must be completed with at least a "good" GPA.
If you are unsure if you have 30 ECTs in social sciences, send a current outline of your courses to the PACS Study Programme Advisor

Language Certificates

Candidates must demonstrate a level of English equivalent to C1 in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The certificate has to be available at the time of application.
We accept the following language certificates:
If you have obtained a university degree in an English-speaking programme in Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand, the USA, Ireland or Canada we may be able to accept that as proof of English proficiency.

International Experience

Applicants must demonstrate at least three months of relevant work or study experience abroad.

Letter of Motivation

Applicants have to submit a letter of motivation in English (600-750 words), with the following information:
- Explanation of the choice of programme and place of study
- Intended focus of study
- Presentation of previous experiences relevant to PACS (studies and if necessary beyond this)
- Intended career paths after completion of your studies

Application Procedure

Step 1: Assemble your documents

Look closely at the uni-assist website to see what documents you need!
Obtain certified copies of your documents and certificates
If necessary, organize official translations of your documents into English or German
Make copies of your documents!

Step 2: Submit your application online

Register with the online portal my uni-assist
Upload your documents to my uni-assist.
Submit all online applications electronically

Step 3: Pay the processing fees

Uni-assist is unable to process your application before you have paid the handling fee.

Step 4: Finish all of this before July 15th

Checklist for the Application

Letter of motivation (3 pages in English)
Curriculum vitae (in English)
Educational certificates (Bachelor’s certificate or proof of similar degree)
Transcript of courses, respective ECTS and grades (at least 180 ECTS needed for the overall degree)
- Proof of at least 30 ECTS within the field of Social Science
Proof of English language proficiency on C1-level
Proof of relevant academic or professional experience in a foreign country of 3 months or more
uni-assist might ask for additional documents. Please always double check to see what you need for the application (more info here)