PATHS Forced Migration: Europe in a Global Context

PATHS Forced Migration is taught entirely in English, bringing together students from across Europe and beyond into a shared international learning environment. As a student in the European Border Regimes path, you do not simply study migration and borders. You live and study in Germany, Poland, and Greece – countries that are faced with various phenomena of migration.

At Viadrina, nearly every second student is from abroad. This fosters an international community defined by multilingualism, diverse perspectives, and dynamic cross-cultural exchange. Situated directly on the German-Polish border, the European twin city of Frankfurt (Oder) and Słubice provides a unique European starting point for the study of borders, mobility, and displacement.

By the time you graduate, you will have built a strong international academic and professional network – a foundation for careers that operate at European and global levels.

At Viadrina, we are committed to being a university defined by short distances and direct interactions. Our excellent study and learning conditions ensure that, as a student, you remain in personal contact with our researchers. Teaching and research are conducted in an open atmosphere within small learning communities. A wide range of advisory services supports you with any questions you may encounter during your studies.

In PATHS Forced Migration, this principle extends across all ERUA universities. Throughout the programme, academic and administrative coordinators at each partner institution are your direct points of contact for academic and practical support. The research colloquium in your third semester brings the full cohort together for collaborative, research-led learning before you enter the final phase of your studies. Your Master's thesis is co-supervised by academics from at least two different partner universities, ensuring dedicated expert guidance from multiple perspectives throughout your final semester.

In the European Border Regimes path, you gain in-depth knowledge on forced migration, border management, and refugees’ reception, struggles, and agency. Through mobility across three European universities located in countries of transit and reception, hands-on research, and an international classroom environment, you develop interdisciplinary expertise, critical thinking, and practical research skills. The programme combines seminars, fieldwork, and a professional internship, culminating in a joint Master’s thesis assessed by faculty from multiple partner institutions.

As a graduate, you are prepared for careers in

• European and international organisations
• Government agencies
• NGOs and humanitarian organisations
• Policy and advocacy
• Migration and border management institutions
• Research
• Consultancy roles

The programme also equips you for further doctoral studies in the field of migration and border studies, providing a strong foundation for leadership roles in the field of forced migration and border policy.

Academic requirements

To apply for PATHS Forced Migration, you must hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification providing access to Master's degree programmes. Degrees in social sciences, humanities, and related disciplines are directly eligible; applicants from other fields may also be considered with relevant professional experience in migration or related areas.

Language requirements

You must provide proof of English language proficiency at CEFR B2 level or higher.

 Required documents

• Cover letter explaining your motivation for your chosen study path
• CV (Curriculum Vitae)
• Supporting documents evidencing relevant achievements and experience
• At least one letter of recommendation from an academic or professional referee

For the full list of eligible degree subjects, accepted language certificates, and details on the selection process, please visit the PATHS Forced Migration application website.

Admission to PATHS Forced Migration is by selection. Places are allocated on the basis of a competitive assessment by a Joint Admissions Committee comprising representatives from all partner universities. As part of the selection process, you complete an online entrance examination.

You apply online through the PATHS Forced Migration application website, managed by SWPS University as the coordinating institution. International applicants — including those from EU, EFTA and OECD countries — follow a two-step procedure involving eligibility verification before the standard selection process.

Please note: The Admissions Committee reserves the right to offer you a study path different from your initial selection.

Whether you are planning to complete the full degree programme or have questions about arriving and settling in as an international student at Viadrina — we warmly welcome you.

Application and admission (general for PATHS Forced Migration): admissions@swps.edu.pl (SWPS University)

Local queries at Viadrina: Leon Weber, leweber@europa-uni.de

Admissions Office: Advice on the enrolment process at Viadrina

Central Student Advisory Service: Further advice on starting your studies (housing, financing, arriving)

Viadrina International Affairs: Specific information and advice for prospective students from abroad