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Welcome to the Department of Geography at Marburg University!

Discover the Department of Geography as an international student

Thinking about studying geography abroad in Marburg?

Watch these under-one-minute videos to see why studying abroad in Marburg is easy, enjoyable, flexible, and full of opportunities — an experience designed to make your semester abroad smooth, inspiring, and fun:

▶ 5 reasons why to study in Marburg (Video)
▶ International students welcome at Marburg University (Video)

The Department of Geography offers a wide variety of courses open to all incoming students, regardless of program type. Many courses are taught in German, but a substantial number of courses are already available in English at both the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels. The Department is continuously expanding its English-language offerings, making it easier than ever for international students to study at the Faculty of Geography in Marburg.

Open to all kinds of international students

We welcome students from a wide range of international programs:

  • ERASMUS+ and other bilateral exchange programs — join classes just like local students do. More information here and here.
  • Marburg International Exchange (MIX): a unique interdisciplinary platform that lets exchange students mix and match courses across departments, build their own study plan, and earn credits that count toward their degree. MIX supports flexibility and academic exploration by opening up modules across many fields — beyond your home discipline. MIX info.
  • MO:VE – MarburgOnline Virtual Exchange: if you’d love an international experience but can’t travel right now, MO:VE lets you take courses online (in English and German!) with students from Marburg and beyond, earn credits and even participate in virtual orientation and cultural activities. More information MO:VE info. 
  • European Track for EUPeace Alliance Students: this exciting initiative offers a special track focused on peace, justice, and inclusivity — and as an incoming student you can earn certificates and stack ECTS credits from courses tied to this track. More information EU Track info.
  • Freemovers: if you’re coming independently (not through an exchange partner), you’re also warmly welcomed — with flexible options to design your own academic path in Geography and beyond. Freemover info.

No matter how you arrive — whether through an official exchange, virtual program, or as a freemover — flexible study arrangements mean you can shape your semester to your interests and your needs.

Course offerings for incoming students

Curious about which courses you can actually take as an incoming student at the Department of Geography? Good news: you’ll find a wide and diverse range of courses open to international students every semester — at Bachelor’s and Master’s level, in German and increasingly in English.

At the Department of Geography in Marburg, students can enroll in or attend courses from a variety of degree programs. These include three Bachelor’s programs — B.Sc. Geography (Monobachelor), B.Sc. Geography (Combined Bachelor), and B.Sc. Sustainability in Business and Space — as well as the opportunity to study Geology as a minor within combined degree programs. On the graduate level, the Department offers three Master’s programs — M.Sc. Physical Geography, M.Sc. Economic Geography, and the M.Sc. Sustainable Development (taught in English). There is also a teacher education program in Geography for Gymnasium (secondary school) teaching leading to the Staatsexamen. As an incoming student, you are welcome to take courses from all of these programs as available and suitable for your study plan.

Flexible semester structure & course scheduling

Studying Geography in Marburg is designed to be straightforward and highly flexible — especially for incoming and international students. The academic year is divided into two semesters:

  • the summer semester, running from mid-April to mid-July, and

  • the winter semester, running from mid-October to mid-February.

This clear structure makes it easy to plan your stay, coordinate your courses, and combine your studies with travel, language learning, or other academic opportunities.

In addition to regular weekly classes, some courses — especially excursions, field courses, and intensive practical formats — are offered as compact one- or two-week blocks, sometimes outside the regular lecture period. This means you can experience hands-on geography in the field without overloading your weekly schedule, and often with greater flexibility.

All exact dates, semester timelines, and course schedules are transparently published online and easy to access. You’ll always know well in advance when courses take place, allowing you to organize your semester smoothly and without stress.

Overall, the semester organization at Marburg University is designed to support international students: clear timelines, flexible formats, and plenty of options to shape your studies in a way that fits your academic goals and personal plans — making your semester in Geography both manageable and enjoyable.

Where to find your courses

All current course offerings at Marburg University are published in the online course catalog (MARVIN). To explore the courses specifically available to incoming students at the Department of Geography, please visit the course catalog here: MARVIN – Online Course Catalog of Marburg University

Within the catalog, courses open to incoming students are listed under the following sections:

  • Marburg International Exchange (MIX)
    → then select “FB19 Department of Geography”

  • MarburgOnline: Virtual Exchange (MO:VE)
    → then select “FB19 Department of Geography”

    Please note:         While MO:VE courses are generally listed in the MARVIN course catalog, the information provided there may not always be fully up to date or complete. For this reason, Marburg University maintains an additional, carefully curated overview of its current MO:VE course offerings. We strongly recommend checking this page for the most reliable and detailed information on available Geography courses within MO:VE.

  • European Track
    → Geography courses (on-campus and online) are usually listed under Topics 2 to 7, so be sure to check these sections carefully.

All courses listed in these sections are open not only to MO:VE, MIX, or European Track students, but also to students coming to Marburg through ERASMUS+, as freemovers, or via other international exchange programs.

The Department of Geography offers a large number of courses every winter and summer semester, giving you plenty of flexibility to design a study program that matches your academic interests, language skills, and personal goals. Whether you want to deepen your knowledge in human geography, physical geography, GIS, sustainability, or interdisciplinary topics — you’ll find exciting options to choose from.

Support for incoming students at the Department of Geography

We know that studying abroad is not just about lectures — it’s about feeling supported and at home. That’s why the Department of Geography offers you access to key contact persons who will help you plan your studies and support you in Marburg:

From course planning to everyday life — you’ll have people ready to help every step of the way.

Life in Marburg

Marburg itself is a wonderful university town. With its historic old town, lively student scene, central campus location, and open international atmosphere, it’s a place students from around the world fall in love with. You’ll find a perfect blend of academic life, cultural experiences, and a welcoming community in this charming city — all within walking distance of your classes.

The Department of Geography is ideally located in the very center of Marburg:

  • Just one minute’s walk from the historic old town and right next to the medieval Elisabethkirche.
  • Surrounded by cafés, pubs, and restaurants, and right next to the new University Library and the Old Botanical Garden.
  • The main train station (Hauptbahnhof) is only 10 minutes on foot, and public transport (public transport bus stops) are right outside the door.
  • The picturesque Lahn River flows directly beside the institute buildings, and a weekly market takes place in front of the faculty every Wednesday and Saturday.
  • During the Christmas season (usually from late November until December 23), the area right in front of the institute around the Elisabethkirche turns into a charming and cozy Christmas market, offering traditional German Christmas pastries, mulled wine (Glühwein), international food specialties, and a wide range of handcrafted gifts and festive decorations.
  • For nature lovers, forests, fields, and the surrounding hills are just a 5-minute bike ride away, perfect for relaxing or exploring after classes.

The combination of central city life and immediate access to nature makes the Department of Geography’s location in Marburg both idyllic and cozy, ideal for study, research, and leisure.

Getting started in Marburg: essential information for incoming students

For essential information about studying and living in Marburg, the Welcome & Orientation pages for incoming students provide a range of support services to help you get started, including an international student orientation programme to assist with administrative formalities and social integration, intercultural training, mentoring and buddy programmes, and links to support and contact points at the university.

The Studying in Marburg page offers comprehensive guidance on academic life before you start, such as explanations of degree structures, online orientation tools, and an overview of study options and resources at the university, as well as practical information about housing and other aspects of student life.

Additionally, Marburg University’s “We Take You Places” podcast is a dedicated series for international students that shares practical advice on topics like finding accommodation, registering and arriving in Germany, managing expenses, health care, orientation, and more to help you navigate student life and study opportunities in Marburg. 

Don’t forget to check out these videos to get a feel for student life and study opportunities here:

▶ Why take an international semester at Marburg University? (Video)
▶ Campus city center (Video) (with a glimpse at the Department of Geography and its vibrant surroundings, beginning from 0:38)
▶ Things to love about Marburg (Video)
▶ Studying and living in Marburg (Video)
▶ Studying Geography in Marburg (Video)

Practical information for your stay in Marburg

The following overview provides practical information about studying and living in Marburg. There is no need to worry — once you arrive, almost everything falls into place easily. The university offers excellent support services and guidance for all practical matters, such as choosing courses, registering for classes and exams, and finding housing. You will also quickly meet fellow students and make personal connections, so your stay in Marburg can be smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free.

  • Tuition & semester fee

    At Philipps-Universität Marburg, there are no tuition fees for students. Only a one-time semester fee of about €400 per semester is required.

    This fee covers:

    • Public transport (semester ticket, see below) for unlimited travel within the regional network

    • Administrative services of the university

    • Student social services, including support from the Studierendenwerk

    • Contributions to student organizations and cultural activities

    This means that students have access to transport, services, and campus life right from the beginning, making Marburg an affordable and student-friendly city.

    For full details, see: Information about contributions and fees

  • Living costs in Marburg

    The typical monthly living expenses for a student in Marburg are around €550–€1,000. This usually covers:

    • Rent (shared apartments: €250–€450, student dormitories: €200–€350)

    • Food and groceries: €150–€250

    • Public transport and semester ticket: included in semester fees (see below)

    • Health insurance: €100–€120

    • Miscellaneous expenses (leisure, study materials, personal items): €100–€150

    This estimate can vary depending on lifestyle and housing choice.

  • Housing in Marburg

    Finding a place to live in Marburg is generally straightforward if you plan ahead. Most students live in student dormitories (Studierendenwerk) or shared flats (WG) / private apartments.

    • Student dorms: affordable, furnished, and a great way to meet other students. Apply early via the Studierendenwerk for the best options.

    • WG / private flats: popular among students who want a bit more independence. Check online portals (e.g., WG‑gesucht) or local student networks.

    Tips: Start your search a few months before arrival, explore different areas of the city, and use multiple sources to find the right place.

    Once you have a place, remember to register your address (“Anmeldung”) at the city office — a simple administrative step.

    For detailed guidance and helpful tips, see:

  • Public transport and semester ticket

    Marburg offers a semester ticket included in the semester fee, which provides unlimited travel on buses and trains within the regional public transport network of Hesse. The ticket is considered very convenient and cost-effective, allowing students to travel across Marburg and Hesse without extra costs.

  • Sports, culture & leisure activities

    Marburg offers lots of opportunities for sport, culture and leisure, so life outside of studies is fun and engaging. The University Sports Centre (Zentrum für Hochschulsport) organises a wide range of courses — from martial arts and dance to team sports, hiking, Zumba, and ski or paragliding excursions — and many students enjoy signing up at the start of the semester.

    Beyond university classes, you can also take part in local sports clubs (e.g. climbing, swimming, ...) and enjoy cultural offerings like music ensembles, theatre performances, art exhibitions and more.

    These activities are great ways to stay active, explore your interests, and meet new people outside the classroom.

    For more details see the university’s sports, culture and leisure activity page.

  • Student jobs & working in Marburg

    f you’d like to earn some extra money or gain work experience during your studies, there are many options for student jobs in Marburg. You can find work on campus (e.g., student assistant roles) or off campus (in cafés, shops, events, etc.) depending on your interests and skills.

    Working part‑time while studying can help you build language skills, expand your professional network and get to know the German work culture.

    Important: Students from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland are generally allowed to work up to a certain number of days per year (e. g., 120 full days or 240 half days); jobs at the university (e. g., as a studentische Hilfskraft) often have more flexibility.

    For full guidance and tips on finding work, see the student jobs page.

  • Course registration

    Course registration is generally done through MARVIN, the university’s online system. If you encounter any issues with MARVIN, registration can also be handled directly with the respective lecturers. It’s important to register early, especially for popular courses.

  • Coursework and examinations

    In many modules at the Department of Geography, students are generally required to complete coursework ("Studienleistungen") and an examination ("Prüfungsleistung"). When both are successfully passed, students receive the module grade, which is mainly based on the examination, since coursework must always be passed but is always ungraded.

    Coursework ("Studienleistungen")

    • Ungraded but mandatory to pass

    • Usually completed during the semester

    • Typically includes small exercises, short written assignments, presentations, or short reports

    • Must be passed to receive credit for the module, but does not contribute to the final grade

    Examinations ("Prüfungsleistungen")

    • Form the basis of the module grade

    • Can take different formats: for example written exams, essays, project work, or oral exams (including group exams)

    • Each module allows three attempts to pass

    • Usually scheduled at the end of the semester: mid–late February (winter semester) or mid–late July (summer semester)

  • More practical information for your stay in Marburg

    For further practical information about everyday student life in Marburg — such as internet access on campus, student ID, UCard details, cafeterias, doctors & pharmacies, phone and postal services, emergency numbers, libraries, and public holidays — please also check the University’s practical Information page. This gives you lots of useful details to make your everyday life in Marburg even easier and more enjoyable.

Come study with us!

The Department of Geography at Marburg University is not just a place to study — it’s a place to grow, explore, and connect. We look forward to welcoming international students from all corners of the globe, helping you take full advantage of a rich academic and cultural experience.

Let your adventure in Marburg begin here!

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