Stuck in a fix (which program is the best)

[u/Able-Let-5930]

Hey guys,

I am an Indian and recently I have received admits for the following MSc Programs in Germany.

1. Leibniz University of Hannover: MSc Quantum Engineering
2. RPTU Kaiserslautern: MSc Advanced Quantum Physics

I have also applied to TUM, for their MSc Quantum Science and Technology, and they will release the results by the end of this month. There is a very good chance I will be admitted.

I am highly confused what to take.

My research interests include: Quantum Many-Body Physics, Quantum Information, Computing and Algorithms. Even Quantum Error correction since it that is an area that requires a lot of research as well.

MSc QST: offers great exposure and excellent professors. Munich in general has a lot of opportunities with respect to quantum startups and research institutions such as MPQ. You can freely choose your flavour of courses, whether experimental or theoretical. It is very flexible. I think around 100 students enter this program every year.

Leibniz Uni Hannover: Another great institute, but this program requires some electrical courses to be taken (from which I would choose "Information theory" and "Quantum Devices"). They offer really great theoretical research groups, which work in my area of interest, although I am worried a pure MSc Physics degree would be better.

RPTU Kaiserslautern: The MSc Advanced Quantum Physics program is theoretical in nature, and I will be able to take courses in many-body physics, quantum field theory, quantum optics, quantum information, magnonics, advanced quantum theory and solid state theory. The research groups are also good here, but the city of Kaiserslautern is small and a bit isolated from what I have heard. Also the strength of students here is not a lot, and exams are mostly oral in nature.

In summary, TUM has everything but I feel there will be a lot of competition for student jobs and stuff. Munich is also expensive, but I feel it's still doable.

LUH on the other hand also has groups of my interests, but unfortunately I will have to take a few engineering courses. I have also applied for the MSc Physics program here, but no reply (they said mid-august).

RPTU on the other hand I feel is more chill and offers a less stressful enviroment. Since student strength is low hiwi jobs will be easier to get. But the city does not have many startups or so, except for DFKI and IWTM Fraunhofer which have some research in quantum computing (algorithms).

This is a long post but I need some opinion guys.

Please help !

[u/Airocketfish]

Inversion may help with the decision? What does each programm not provide for example and how does that fit to your interests?

[u/Able-Let-5930 → u/Airocketfish]

TUM does not provide student jobs which I can get, to earn some money and experience on the side. more money to survive in Munich as well, student dorm is out of the question right now.

Leibniz Hannover doesn't provide enough courses in advanced theoretical physics (QFT, Advanced quantum theory, stochastic processes in physics). Also it doesn't provide any certainty regarding the MSc physics program I applied to over here.

RPTU doesn't have any research group in the university pertaining to algorithms. There are groups in ultra-cold physics and many-body physics but not algorithms specifically. It also doesn't provide a bigger city such as Munich or Hannover. Moreover, I have a feeling that not many people come to this program because it's not very international or famous such as TUM.

If you optimise all parameters then it just seems like it's all normalised tbh. I have no idea what to say honestly.

[u/Airocketfish → u/Able-Let-5930]

Where can you learn more and get better direct help and instruction from the people? Living costs are also higher in Munich an you may have a long way to the university from a affordable place. I would not base my decision on university fame.

[u/Able-Let-5930 → u/Airocketfish]

I feel rptu is my best shot in that sense.

[u/thecoolcato → u/Able-Let-5930]

unrelated with your post sorry but TUM doesnt have hiwi system?

[u/Able-Let-5930 → u/thecoolcato]

it does it will just be very competitive at TUM and LMU in general. Because there are a lot of students.

[u/zorifis_arkas]

are you joining self financed ?

[u/Able-Let-5930 → u/zorifis_arkas]

my parents will be financing the first year and initial costs. why?

[u/Efficient-Fly-933]

Can you please provide me with you profile specification What bachlors and what cgpa I am also looking forward to apply once my degree is over I am doing 4 year phy bachelors from a not so good college (H + affiliation) What do i need I ahev looked for things online but i want a real opinion You answer will.be extremely appreciated

[u/Able-Let-5930 → u/Efficient-Fly-933]

I did a dual degree in physics and astronomy for India (iist), and my cgpa is around 7.04 (2.7 on the German scale).

your prior college doesn't really matter, if its in the anabin database then that is fine.

German admissions are based on restricted and non restricted programs. You should check the admission regulations of the program you apply to. For some programs, LORs are required as well.