Apply for our next Master's program starting in autumn 2025! The application system is open now.

Application of multicolor holograms in the lab.

Image: Thomas Ernstling/ Gruner & Jahr.

Abbe School of Photonics

Who we are

Holographic setup in the main physics lecture hall
Picture: MPSP.

The Abbe School of Photonics (ASP) offers internationalized education programs with multidisciplinary coverage in the field of optics, photonics and quantum technology. Topics range from current scientific aspects to engineering with product applications possible in major economic sectors, such as information and communication technology, medicine and health, manufacturing, and energy consumption. Enrolled students are trained for positions in the technical industry or in the world of scientific research in higher academia. Our school is part of the Faculty of Physics and Astronomy at the Friedrich Schiller University Jena. Students enrolled in our Master of Science in Photonics or Master of Science in Quantum Science & Technology programs are offered a distinguished education track culminating in a structured doctoral program (equivalent to Ph.D. level). Attractive scholarships are available for high-performance applicants. Likewise, students who are enrolled in a Master of Science in Physics can specialize in optics and photonics by choosing from among all elective modules offered by ASP.

What we do

Front facet of the ACP research building.
Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)

The Master's degree and doctoral programs are based on the profound experience in optics education which distinguishes the Friedrich Schiller University Jena. The university has established optics and photonics as one of its key profile fields in education and research. ASP's education programs are embedded in the modern research environment of the Abbe Center of Photonics (ACP). This interfaculty center of the FSU Jena maintains strong bonds with local research institutions, such as the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision EngineeringExternal link, the Leibniz Institute of Photonic TechnologyExternal link, and the Helmholtz Institute JenaExternal link, as well as with several prominent industrial partners.

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Videos and Testimonials

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Discover the University of Jena ...featuring Photonics! (2024)
Image: Jari Domke and Falko Sojka.
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Sakshi demonstrates SPDC in the Quantum Lab (2024)
Image: Jobst Ziebell (FSU Jena).
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Clara's and Canan's IT projects in the Lichtwerkstatt Makerspace (2024)
Image: Bundesagentur für Arbeit.
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The Graduate Schools of Photonics in Jena (2023)
Image: Fsu Jena
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MSc course "Innovation Methods in Photonics" (2023)
Image: David Zakoth, Lichtwerkstatt Jena.
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The Jena Alliance "Life in Focus" (2023)
Image: FSU
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Studying in Jena by Nikhilesh Dhure (2022)
Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)
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Studying and Living in Jena by Mandy and Philipp (2020)
Image: JenaKultur
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Makeathon at the Photonics Days Jena (2019)External link
Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)
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Jena by Drone (2018)
Image: Ballonteam Jena
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Franck talks about sports in Jena (2014)
Image: Jena TV
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Kathrin talks about culture in Jena (2014)
Image: Jena TV
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Rossa talks about life in Jena (2014)
Image: Jena TV
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Minyi talks about studying at ASP (2013)
Image: Jena TV

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Upcoming events at ASP and partners

Image: Britta Salheiser (Universität Jena)
WelcomeCafé at the International Centre
31 Mar—11 Apr 2025
- Seminar
Informations about study start for international students
- presence
- public
- barrier-free
Image: Christoph Worsch (University of Jena)
Commitment Scholarship: apply now!
1—30 Apr 2025
- Workshop
Are you an international student? Are you engaged in social commitment inside the University? Please apply for the Commitment Scholarship of the DAAD!
- presence
- barrier-free
Graphic: Together in Jena
Together in Jena: Visiting Wild Garlic Fields
5 Apr 2025
11:00 ·
- Excursion
Go for a small walk and collect wild garlic.
- presence
- public
- barrier-free
- Subject to registration
Image: Britta Salheiser (Universität Jena)
Tour through Jena
6 Apr 2025
11:00 ·
- Excursion
A guided student tour to important places in Jena and recommendations for activities.
- presence
- public
- barrier-free
Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)
Towards optical frequency combs based on micro-resonators in thin-film lithium niobate
8 Apr 2025
17:00 ·
- Seminar
Master’s thesis defense by Richard Kindler
- online
- public
- barrier-free
Graphic: Together in Jena
Together in Jena: Henna Night
8 Apr 2025
19:00 ·
- Excursion
We try out henna together.
- presence

All events

Seven good reasons for Jena

Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)

Jena is a student cityExternal link
20 % of Jena's citizens are students. They value the city’s modern infrastructure, its diverse student culture, parks and recreation areas, theaters, cinemas, shops, cafés, and restaurants!
Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)
No tuition fees
Our University offers more than 200 study programs in medicine, natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, economics, law, mathematics, computer sciences and theology. State-of-the-art laboratories, libraries, and computer centres create optimum study conditions.
Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)
Cutting-edge research and teaching
...can be found all over our University. We are collaborating with all renowned German research institutions and with high-tech companies in Jena and around the world. Benefit from the science made-in-Jena upon the path of your own scientific career!
Image: Jan-Peter Kasper (University of Jena)
History and tradition
The Friedrich Schiller University Jena was founded in 1548. It is named after Friedrich Schiller, one of the greatest German poets, who also was a professor here. We are proud of famous names such as Goethe, Hegel, Fichte, Zeiss, Döbereiner and Eucken. Become a part of our University's history!
Image: Jürgen Scheere (University of Jena)
International campus
The University of Jena has over 2,500 international students from more than 100 countries. We collaborate with renowned partner universities around the world and have over 200 Erasmus partnerships in Europe. Come to Jena and experience multiculturalism up close!
Image: Christoph Worsch (University of Jena)
Outstanding support
We will make sure your time spent studying in Jena is pleasant and successful by offering you support through student mentors, academic advisers, our international office, language center, sport facilities, and the student services organization 'Studierendenwerk'.
Image: Anne Günther (University of Jena)
Green City
Jena's city center has many parks, and you are close to nature virtually everywhere. All areas are comfortably accessible by foot, bike or public transport. Recreation is always just 10-minutes away.