Master of European Studies (MES)
The Master of European Studies is a one year postgraduate program. It was founded in 1998 in cooperation with the German Federal Foreign Office (Auswärtiges Amt) and the Stifterverband für die Deutsche Wissenschaft. The objective was to meet the increasing demand for competent junior staff with specialist knowledge in EU affairs. The need for EU experts will grow in the coming years due to a big wave of retirements. Additionally, the newly created European Foreign Service might open up additional career options.
The Key to a European Career
Target group
The program is designed for graduates who plan to enter positions in EU institutions, other international organizations, national administration, non-governmental organizations or national/multinational companies. The English taught program is open to young graduates from all over the world. Every year ZEI welcomes participants from up to 19 different nations. The small class of up to 32 students per year allows for comprehensive individual support as well as for a close student network.
International staff teaches EU affairs
The faculty includes experts from different European countries from academia and European institutions, as e.g. the European Commission. They teach comprehensive knowledge of EU matters in law, political science and economics.
Opportunities for Networking and Career Development
In addition to an academic curriculum the program encompasses four field trips to European and German institutions where students get in touch with practitioners and experts “on the spot”. Professional training sessions in the scope of the Career Development Program prepare students for the application process, job interviews and the EU-Concours, the entry test for a career in European institutions. Further, ZEI organizes additional lectures as so called Europe Dialogues.´
Degree: Master of European Studies
After successful completion of all program elements the Philosophische Fakultät (Faculty of Arts) of Bonn University bestows upon the students the degree of “Master of European Studies”. The degree does qualify Germans to apply for a career in the “höhere Dienst” of the federal ministries.
Careers of Alumni
More than 300 ZEI Alumni have successfully started their international careers. A big number work for European institutions and in the Brussels’ spheres as e.g. in consultancies or the lobbying sector. Some of them became leading figures in their respective countries as for instance Antonio Milososki, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Macedonia.
Accreditation
MES was re-accredited by the Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA) in November 2007. FIBAA rated the program with the highest scores, most notably in the following fields: very international, outstanding faculty, excellent combination of theoretical and practical elements in the curriculum, professional social and management skills training, strong practical approach.
University of Bonn – a renowned university in an international city
In accordance with the Bonn-Berlin Act of 1994, Bonn continues to be the second political center of the Federal Republic of Germany. Six of the fifteen ministries have remained here. In 1996 Bonn became the German UN City with by 2009 19 agencies of the United Nations. The UN Campus is located just across the street from ZEI.
The University of Bonn was founded almost 200 years ago and is considered to be one of Germany's and indeed Europe's most important institutes of higher education. As home of learning to over 27.000 students, it enjoys an outstanding academic reputation both at home and abroad.
Tuition fee
The tuition fee for the entire study course is € 6,500. The tuition fee allows access to all courses, field trips and the services of the Career Development Program. Living and housing costs are covered by the individual. ZEI unfortunately cannot provide financial funding to cover the tuition fee or living and housing costs. Please check our website at partners for scholarship and financing options.
