FAQ
Questions concerning the application process
1. When does the application period begin and end?
For the upcoming winter semester (2025/26) the application period begins on January 23, 2025 and ends on July 15, 2025.
2. Where can I apply?
Applications can be made online via the university portal WueStudy.
You can already register on WueStudy now. This account will then allow you to apply for the degree program during the application period from January 23 to July 15, 2025.
You will find instructions on how to apply via WueStudy here.
Click here to download our brochure.
3. What documents do I have to include in my application?
- Bachelor’s diploma (certified copy and – if not issued in German or English – additionally officially certified translation)
- Baccalaureate diploma (certified copy and – if not issued in German or English – additionally officially certified translation)
- Certificate of qualified practical work experience for at least one year (original or certified copy and – if not issued in German or English – additionally officially certified translation)
- English language test results (original or certified copy and – if not issued in German or English – additionally officially certified translation)
- German language test results (original or certified copy and – if not issued in German or English – additionally officially certified translation) [may also be submitted until the end of the second semester]
- CV covering everything up to the date of application
4. Which language skills do I need?
You must prove your proficiency in English at least on level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
For proof, we accept (for example):
- the certificate of a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 72 points in the Internet-based test
- the certificate of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a minimum score of 5,5 points
- the certificate of Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) with a minimum score of 160 points
- the certificate of the Duolingo English Test with a minimum score of 100 points
- Bachelor’s degree (taught in English)
5. What does 'minimum of one year of qualified practical experience' mean?
In terms of time: Qualified practical professional experience of at least one year is required. If proof of qualified practical professional experience to at least the required extent has not yet been provided at the time of application, this must be submitted to the Faculty of Law by the start of studies; in this case, at least a description of the practical professional activity must be submitted with the application.
In terms of content: Practical professional experience is qualified if it is a prerequisite for the qualifications acquired during the degree program and was generally acquired after the degree program was completed. The practical professional experience must be conducive to the study objective.
Proof: Employer's references, employment contracts or other suitable documents must be submitted from which the necessary information on the duration and content of the activities can be derived. Certificates of employment or certificates of hours worked are issued by the employer. Employment contracts are available to the applicant themselves. Otherwise, certificates are issued by the respective institution where the applicant gained the experience.
6. How can I prove practical work competences of at least 30 ECTS credits?
A distinction must be made between proof of one year's professional experience and proof of professional experience, which can be credited with 30 ECTS. The latter must meet higher requirements. This is required if the Bachelor's degree has fewer than 210 ECTS points.
The content of the proof of professional experience, which can be credited with 30 ECTS, must be more detailed. The content will be reviewed by the examination board to determine whether your practical work experience is suitable for the study objective and whether you can be credited with 30 ECTS. Note to include the following information as detailed as possible:
· Establish the period of your employment i.e. when did you start working at the organization and what is the duration of your employment. Ensure that the dates provided show that you have met the minimum one year of practical work experience after the completion of your bachelor’s degree e.g. January 2024 to present, January 2024 to December 2024 etc.
· Provide your area of expertise and your job title e.g. intellectual property law, data protection, consumer protection law, civil law, criminal law, company law, employment law etc. If you are working as the legal counsel/consultant at an organization, you can provide the areas of specialty that relate to your role. If your profile is available on your company’s website you may also provide a link to your profile for more details.
· Provide a description of your duties e.g. contract drafting, contract review, providing legal advisory to clients, representing clients in criminal or civil proceedings, conducting legal research and analysis etc. Please note that these are examples of general duties, so feel free to add as many details as you can, the more specific the better.
Please note if this letter is not issued in German or English, an official certified translation of the letter must be provided as well.
7. How do I prove legal competences amounting to 15 ECTS in civil, criminal or public law for my non-law bachelor's degree?
Proof of competence in civil, criminal or public law is mandatory for admission. If you do not have any previous legal knowledge, we recommend that you take courses that provide basic knowledge in the legal areas mentioned. We also accept proof of participation in basic university law courses (with exam) if these are worth a total of 15 ECTS. Information on which courses are worth how many ECTS can be found at the respective university. When you apply, we require proof of the completion, duration and content of the courses you have chosen, especially if your university or the courses you have chosen do not follow the ECTS system.
8. What are the requirements for certification and translation?
An official certification is a confirmation of the authenticity of e.g. a photocopy of a certificate. Therefore, only certifications made by an authorized body in the correct form can be accepted. Foreign certificates must be translated by an authorized body if they are not in English or German. We only accept documents in English or German.
Certified copy means that you have to certify the copy itself.
9. Do I need to provide a certified copy for all application documents?
No, you only need a certified copy of your educational certificates. This means you have to send us a certified copy of your Baccalaureate diploma and your Bachelor’s diploma.
For the language test results and the certificate of qualified practical work experience we also accept original certificates.
10. Will I get my application documents back after the application process has been completed?
We are obliged to keep your application documents and therefore cannot return any documents after the application process has been completed. Thus, please only send us certified copies of documents which you need again and not original certificates.
11. How long does it take until I get feedback whether I will be admitted to the program or not?
After we receive your application documents, you will be informed after about 3 to 4 weeks whether you are admitted or not.
Questions concerning the study course
12. Will the courses be held at Würzburg University or online?
All courses are held on campus, but it is also possible to participate in some courses online (hybrid).
13. When will the courses be taught?
This is an extra-occupational study program. This means that the lectures are usually held after 6 p.m. during the week or at weekends.
14. Is attendance compulsory for the courses?
Attendance at the lecture is purely optional and will not be recorded. On-site attendance is only required for the exams. This is different if you want to take the theoretical part of the IT law specialist qualification.
15. My 3rd semester is not enough time for my Master's thesis?
The standard study plan requires you to write and submit your Master's thesis in the 3rd semester. In addition, your Master's thesis must also be corrected and your final oral examination must be taken by the end of the 3rd semester. Please note that the correction may take a few weeks and it may not be up to you when you can take your final oral examination. All of this may mean that you have to start your Master's thesis at the end of the 2nd semester in order to finish on time. However, as this may not be feasible for all students, we also offer you an alternative solution:
If you are unable to complete your Master's thesis in time during the 3rd semester, you must enrol with us for a 4th semester without paying any further tuition fees. You will only have to pay the semester fees of the University of Würzburg (approx. 160€).
16. How long does it take to receive my Master's degree certificate?
After you have submitted the application for your final certificate (see forms here) at the Examination Office, experience shows that it can take one to two months until you receive it.
17. Is there a scholarship opportunity?
Unfortunately, there is no scholarship opportunity so far. However, we are currently working on being able to offer such a programme in the future and of course we also accept external scholarships. You can find more information on external scholarships for foreign students here.
