How we select our students

JIMES is designed as a true Joint Master’s program. Each year, up to 10 students are selected from each university. Each university — the University of Cologne (UoC) and Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be) University (BVDU) — preselects candidates who meet the eligibility criteria.

Preselection at the University of Cologne

At the University of Cologne, the preselection process determines which applicants will be invited to the joint online interview. This step ensures that only those who meet the academic and subject-specific expectations of the program move forward.

The preselection is carried out by the Admissions Committee at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. It is based on two factors:

1. Formal Eligibility
   You must meet the official admission requirements as outlined on the How to Apply page. This includes:
   • A completed bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field
   • At least 24 ECTS in environmental topics
   • C1 English proficiency (if applicable)
2. Academic Performance
   If the number of eligible applicants exceeds the 10 study places available at the University of Cologne, a preselection is carried out:

• Applications are ranked according to the final grade of your first degree.
• If your degree is not yet completed, your average grade at the time of application is used.
• If no calculable grade is provided, your application will be placed after all others with a GPA.
• In the case of tied rankings, a lottery decides who proceeds.

Based on this combined assessment, a list of 30 candidates is created. Those who qualify are nominated for the joint online interview with the University of Cologne and Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University).

BVDU also preselects their candidates. All preselected candidates, from UoC and from BVDU, are then invited to an online interview.

The email address provided in KLIPS 2.0 is used for all official communication, including the invitation to the interview and any admission decisions. Please ensure it is correct and regularly monitored.

The online interview

Preselected candidates are invited to a 20–30 minute online interview conducted in English. The interview is carried out by faculty  evaluated by faculty from both sides

The interview assesses the following four criteria:

1. Reflection on the fit between prior education and the JIMES Master’s program
2. General understanding of the concept of sustainability
3. Analysis of a current challenge in the field of sustainability
4. Communication skills

Each criterion is scored on a scale from 0 to 6 points, resulting in a maximum score of 24 points. The interview is structured and evaluated according to standardized assessment criteria.

Applicants are ranked based on their total score. If two or more candidates achieve the same score on the final available rank, the decision is made by lot.

After the interview

Aafter the interview, applicants are ranked based on their total score. Admission is offered in order of ranking, up to the number of study places available:

• Applicants who are admitted receive an official admission notification by email from the University of Cologne and are informed via the KLIPS 2.0 application portal within a few days after the interview.
• The offer must be accepted within seven calendar days of notification. If the offer is not accepted on time, it expires and the place is reassigned.
• Reassigned places are offered to applicants on the waiting list. Admission offers from the waiting list must be accepted within four calendar days.
• If not accepted within this time, the place is offered to the next eligible candidate.
• Once all places are filled, applicants who are not admitted receive a formal rejection notice.