The aim of the Master’s programme is to provide an in-depth understanding of the administrative, legal and social structures – including their procedures – as well as the politics, economy and culture of the Member States of the European Union and the European institutions, against the backdrop of ongoing European integration.

The programme equips you with key professional, methodological, interpersonal and social skills that will prepare you for a career in Europe. Your specialist knowledge in the areas of communication, law, economics and organisation will enable you to contribute competently to the ongoing process of European integration.

The ‘European Public Administration’ programme is an interdisciplinary, career-oriented course. Upon completion of your studies, you will be able to take on senior staff and cross-functional roles within large administrative bodies. As an expert in European public administration, your areas of expertise will span the various administrative levels at both European and national levels.
Other potential areas of employment for graduates of the Master’s programme include NGOs, institutions for cross-border cooperation, associations and foundations, as well as the private sector.

The content of the modules in the Master’s programme is structured around the key question of what Europe-specific knowledge and skills are required to hold positions as a generalist in European affairs:

• Module 1 – European Law
• Module 2 – Historical and Political Dimensions of European Integration
• Module 3 – Tax Law and Economic Aspects of Economic and Monetary Union
• Module 4 – Intercultural Communication in Europe
• Module 5 – EU Policy Areas from Legal, Economic and Social Policy Perspectives
• Module 6 – European Administrative Systems
• Module 7 – Public Administration Management in the EU
• Module 8 – Foreign Language Proficiency (English/French)
• Module 9 – Compulsory Elective
• Module 10 – Internship Abroad
• Module 11 – Master’s Thesis and Master’s Colloquium
• Module 12 – Project

The modules are compulsory. Examinations for the modules usually take place at the end of the semester, following completion of the modules.

A detailed description of the content of each module can be found in the module handbook.

The course content is divided into individual semesters and universities and is organised on a modular basis.

1st semester: Ludwigsburg University (early October – late January)

2nd semester: Kehl University (early March – late July)

3rd semester: International work placement (early September – late February)

4th semester: Either Kehl University or Ludwigsburg University (early March – late July)

Who is the target group for this Master’s programme?

The Master’s programme in “European Public Administration” is aimed at university graduates, particularly those from a university of public administration, or Bachelor’s graduates in the fields of law, economics or social sciences,

• who wish to qualify for a career with a European focus,

• who are aiming to start a career with a European focus in local authorities, state or federal ministries, European administrations (with the possibility of progression to senior civil service roles), NGOs or the private sector.

What are the entry requirements?

The entry requirement is a first degree from a university or university of applied sciences comprising at least 180 ECTS credits. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have completed a degree in one of the above-mentioned fields with above-average results.

As some of the lectures are held in English, a good command of English is also required.

Please note that the application portal will remain open until 26 June 2026, as there have been issues with submitting applications over the last few days due to maintenance work on the portal.

If you are one of the people affected, please try submitting your application again over the next few days and, if the problem persists, please get in touch by sending a brief email to mepa(at)hs-ludwigsburg.de.

To access the application portal, please click here.

Please have the required documents ready in PDF format for uploading:

• Proof of enrolment at HZB
• Curriculum vitae
• Bachelor’s degree certificate (or, alternatively, a recent transcript of marks)
• Letter of motivation in English or French
• Where applicable, proof of German language proficiency and residence permit

Application deadline

The deadline for applications is 20 June each year.

Authorisation procedure

The Joint Admissions Committee of Kehl and Ludwigsburg Universities will conduct selection interviews once the application deadline has passed. This year, the selection interviews will take place online on 7–8 July 2026. The dates for the selection interviews will be allocated by the Student Services Department.

In exceptional cases, the selection interview may, by arrangement, take place on an alternative date. A separate invitation will be sent out for the selection interview.

Information for international applicants

Information for international applicants can be found here.

Application deadline for the 2026 intake:

19 June 2026

Start of the degree programme:

1 October 2026

For information on the Master’s programme in European Public Administration, please refer to the following information sheet:

MEPA Information Sheet

Further links and downloads:

Joint Admissions and Enrolment Regulations

Joint Study and Examination Regulations

Module Handbook (from 2022)

Further information on the Master’s programme in Kehl

What language skills are required?
An advanced knowledge of English (at least B2) is a prerequisite, as some of the modules are taught in English. As a rule, the General Higher Education Entrance Qualification certificate, on which your English language proficiency is noted, is sufficient proof.
International applicants must also demonstrate a very good command of German (at least C1). The following certificates, for example, are accepted as proof: TestDaF, DSH-2 or telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule.
No prior knowledge of French is required to apply. However, a basic knowledge of French should be acquired by the start of the second semester. To this end, an additional ‘French’ course is offered in the first semester to those with no or very little prior knowledge.

How can I prepare for the degree programme?
Before your studies begin, you will receive a study guide containing all the information you need for the first semester; it will therefore serve as an important reference for your time at Ludwigsburg University of Applied Sciences. Please ensure you have read through the study guide before the start of your studies. Any specific questions you may have will then be answered directly at an introductory session.

Is it possible to get in touch with former students to discuss their experiences?
A good way to get in touch with graduates of the programme is via the alumni association “European Masters Association e.V.”  (E-Mail: vorstand [ӕ] european-masters-association.eu) 

What accommodation options are available for students in Ludwigsburg?

There are several halls of residence available in Ludwigsburg and the surrounding area. In addition, a list of private landlords is published on the AStA website. For more detailed information on ‘Accommodation’, please see the ‘Accommodation Service’ section under ‘Student Life’ on our homepage.

What should I bear in mind regarding ‘Master’s programmes following the preparatory service’?
Information on “Master’s programmes following the preparatory service” can be found via the following link on the LBV website. 

Is the Master’s programme eligible for BAföG funding?
The “European Public Administration” Master’s programme builds on a Bachelor’s degree and is therefore eligible for funding under Section 7(1a) of the BAföG. Further information is available from the relevant Studentenwerke in Stuttgart or Freiburg.
 

What funding and financial support options are available for an internship abroad?
Various funding options are available, such as the Baden-Württemberg Scholarship, ERASMUS, PROMOS, etc. More detailed information can be obtained from the International Office in Ludwigsburg or Kehl.

What is the structure of the four-semester programme?
The first semester takes place at Ludwigsburg University of Applied Sciences. During this semester, students acquire fundamental knowledge of subject matter and methodology across all sub-disciplines of European Studies (in particular European law, political science, tax law, economics and intercultural communication).

The programme in Kehl involves practitioners – for example, from national administrations or the European Commission – to a significant extent, thereby strengthening the programme’s practical relevance.

The subsequent practical semester involves an internship abroad at an administrative body with a European focus and offers the opportunity to engage with European issues in a practical setting for half a year.

The fourth semester is devoted to writing the Master’s thesis. The Master’s thesis serves to explore and methodically examine academic issues with a clearly recognisable practical relevance.

What career prospects are available after completing the Master’s programme?
As European integration progresses, there is a growing need in many professional fields for staff who have a Europe-focused education and are capable of operating within a European context. This applies particularly to the civil service: there is a need for Europe-related training, especially given that administrative action is increasingly shaped by the application of European legal standards. Career prospects therefore lie in employment within public administrations at local, regional and national levels, as well as at European level in NGOs or in the private sector.

Does the Master’s degree guarantee access to the ‘Höherer Dienst’?
Successful completion of the Master’s programme constitutes an educational prerequisite for access to the ‘Höherer Dienst’ in the civil service. It therefore enables applicants to apply for a post in the ‘Höherer Dienst’. However, the degree does not automatically guarantee
 

Can I go on to do a PhD with this Master’s degree?
A Master’s degree worth 300 ECTS credits opens up the possibility of doing a PhD. Doctoral studies at the Ludwigsburg University of Public Administration and Finance can be undertaken as part of the ‘Good Administration’ doctoral programme or through the Baden-Württemberg Doctoral Association; however, it may also be possible to pursue a PhD at other universities with this Master’s degree, provided a good final Master’s grade has been achieved.

A warm welcome to the European Masters Association e.V., the alumni network for the Master’s programme in European Public Administration.

The European Masters Association e.V. was founded at a meeting on 11 April 2005 and registered as an association at Ludwigsburg Local Court on 26 July 2005. Its provisional charitable status was recognised by the Ludwigsburg Tax Office.

The alumni network aims to foster contact between the university and its graduates in the fields of research, academia and teaching. Through a wide range of events and activities, we aim to

• contribute to the dissemination of theoretical and practical knowledge in the field of European studies,
• promote the exchange of experiences and provide information on career prospects,
• facilitate dialogue between former and current students, institutions, companies and the two universities,
• promote the mutual transfer of knowledge between graduates, EU experts and the university as a ‘bridge between theory and practice’,
• and support the improvement of the academic quality of the Master’s programme in European Public Administration (M.A.) as well as research and teaching.

Club contact details

E-Mail: vorstand [ӕ] european-masters-association.eu

To access the members’ forum, please click here.

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