Bachelor
English
Mathematics & Natural Sciences
Berlin International Graduate School of Natural Sciences and Engineering (BIG-NSE)
Bachelor
About the Program
The Berlin International Graduate School of Natural Sciences and Engineering (BIG-NSE) is an international doctoral programme that was established in May 2007 at Technische Universität Berlin (TUB). From January 2019 to December 2025, the programme has been partially funded by the Einstein Foundation Berlin (ESB) (www.einsteinfoundation.de) and has therefore temporarily carried the name Einstein Center for Catalysis (EC2/BIG-NSE). Since its inception, it has been closely associated with the Unified Systems in Catalysis (UniSysCat) (www.unisyscat.de) Cluster of Excellence, founded by TUB and eight other institutions in the Berlin area as part of the German government's "Excellence Initiative". UniSysCat conducts high-level research in catalysis across a broad spectrum of disciplines, from natural sciences to engineering. This unique research endeavour in Germany relies on the contribution of highly qualified and motivated young scientists. With the founding of BIG-NSE, UniSysCat set out to recruit the most talented students and early-career researchers worldwide, offering them a broad, high-level structured educational programme to prepare them for participation in cutting-edge research within the cluster. In May 2025, it will be announced whether funding for UniSysCat and BIG-NSE by the German Research Foundation (DFG) will be extended. Please keep an eye on our website (www.ec2-big-nse.de) for updates on new PhD positions, which are expected to start in 2026.
General Requirements
Specific requirements for this program are not in our database yet. The following are typical for this degree and language in Germany — always verify the exact requirements on the program's official page.
Academic qualification
A recognised higher-education entrance qualification (Abitur or equivalent). International applicants may need recognition via Anabin and, if not directly eligible, a Studienkolleg + assessment exam (Feststellungsprüfung).
Language
English proficiency (typically IELTS ~6.5 or TOEFL iBT ~90). Basic German is helpful for daily life.
Typical documents
- Recognised diploma and transcript (certified translations)
- Language certificate
- Passport and passport photo
- Tabular CV (Lebenslauf)
- Letter of motivation (for many programs)
- Application via uni-assist / VPD (for most international applicants)
Which Professions Does This Program Open Up?
Related profession searches from Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BERUFENET) data:
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How do I apply to Berlin International Graduate School of Natural Sciences and Engineering (BIG-NSE) at Technische Universität Berlin?
Most international applicants apply via uni-assist (document verification + APS for some countries). Prepare your secondary/Bachelor diploma, transcripts, language certificate (DSH/TestDaF or IELTS/TOEFL), motivation letter and CV. Non-EU students also need a Sperrkonto (~11,904 EUR/year) for the visa.
- Check requirements — Verify your degree is recognised + meet language/grade thresholds.
- Get language certificate — TestDaF / DSH for German programmes, IELTS / TOEFL for English.
- Submit via uni-assist (non-EU) — Document review + APS if your country requires it (China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, etc.).
- Apply directly or via uni portal — Some universities accept direct applications — check the official programme page.
- Open Sperrkonto + apply for visa — After admission, deposit 11,904 EUR, get health insurance, book embassy appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Berlin International Graduate School of Natural Sciences and Engineering (BIG-NSE) at Technische Universität Berlin
Is Berlin International Graduate School of Natural Sciences and Engineering (BIG-NSE) at Technische Universität Berlin taught in German or English? ▼
This Bachelor programme is taught in English. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.
How much does the Berlin International Graduate School of Natural Sciences and Engineering (BIG-NSE) programme cost? ▼
No tuition fee (only semester contribution). International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.
What are the admission requirements for Berlin International Graduate School of Natural Sciences and Engineering (BIG-NSE) at Technische Universität Berlin? ▼
Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (English), and (for non-EU applicants) a uni-assist application plus financial proof (Sperrkonto ~11.904 EUR/year).
When is the application deadline? ▼
Application deadlines vary: winter semester usually closes on 15 July, summer semester on 15 January. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official university website.
Can I work in Germany while studying Berlin International Graduate School of Natural Sciences and Engineering (BIG-NSE)? ▼
Yes. International students may work up to 140 working days a year without additional permission (a day of up to 4 hours counts as half a day). After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.
How do I apply to Technische Universität Berlin — directly or via uni-assist? ▼
Most German universities accept international applications through uni-assist for document verification. Some unis accept direct applications — check the programme page on the official site.