MS in Germany: Complete Guide for International Students

Germany is one of the popular study destinations for MS (masters) aspirants. MS in Germany attracted over 150,000 students for the year 2019-20. MS in Germany is usually a one to two-year degree (2-4 semesters). There is no tuition fee for pursuing masters in Germany, as most of the German Universities are state-funded.

Students just have to pay a one-time enrollment fee which costs about 8,313 EUR to 16,626 EUR depending on the choice of program. If a student takes more time to complete the program, then an extra amount of fees is required to be submitted per semester. This ranges from 400 EUR – 500 EUR.

  • Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Automotive Engineering, and Chemical Engineering are some of the most sought after courses of Masters in Germany universities.
  • You can apply with a variety of higher education institutions offering a master’s degree, such as Research universities, technical universities, universities of applied sciences, as well as college of arts, film and music.
  • You will be required to have 60 credits a year for completion of a masters degree with 30 credits dedicated to the dissertation.
  • Indian students make up 13% of the international student population in Germany.

Why Study MS in Germany?

  • Out of 426 recognized universities, three ranks among the top 100 QS World University Rankings (2020), and 12 rank among the top 200.
    • According to Times Ranking of 2020, Technical University of Munich ranks 25th under the engineering and technology rankings and 18th in Computer Science.
  • MS in Germany can be considered fruitful as according to QS Employability Rankings, Germany has four universities in the top 100.
    • Graduate employability rankings suggest the universities employer reputation, student employer interaction, and other parameters.
  • There are about 2,50,000 international students studying in Germany in a specific year, among which around 37% take up engineering as their course of study.
    • Home to some of the best automotive industries, masters in automotive engineering in Germany is highly popular.
    • Business and management programs in Germany also attract a large number of international students
  • After completion of his/her studies, a student who wants to work in Germany may extend his visa up to 18 months.

Top Universities for MS in Germany

When planning to pursue Masters in Germany, international students must be familiar with the global rankings and the cost of studying at these popular German universities. Given below are the details of the popular universities offering masters in Germany:

University THE Global Ranking 2020 Cost of Study (Euro) Popular MS Program
Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich 32 256 English, CS, Data Science, Management, Economics
Technical University of Munich 43 145 Management, Data Science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science
Heidelberg University 44 380 Physics, Data Science, English, Electrical Engineering, Economics
Humboldt University Berlin 74 315 Economics, English, Social Work, Data Science
Charite Universitatmedizin Berlin 80 2500 Neuroscience, epidemiology, medicine, health science
University of Freiburg 86 2800 English, CS, Robotics, Embedded Systems
University of Tubingen 91 3000 Machine learning, CS, Economics, English
RWTH Aachen 99 290 CS, Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Data Science
Technical University Berlin 149 1200 Mechanical Engineering, CS, Energy Engineering
Free University of Berlin 117 680 English, Psychology, CS, Management
University of Bonn 105 575 CS, Biotechnology, English, Economics

STEP 1: Get your Passport

Assuming that you are just starting off, your first task is to get your Passport. This step is not optional. Your passport is like a passkey which unlocks many doors along the way. Refer this section to know the entire process of issue of a Passport in India.

PASSPORT

STEP 2​: Take the IELTS Test​

You may need to prove your English language proficiency in order to apply for English-taught masters programs. You can do that by taking an English language test (IELTS/TOEFL). IELTS is a popular option and is widely accepted by German universities. This section will take you through everything you need to know about the IELTS test.

IELTS TEST

STEP 3​: Take the GRE and German Language Tests

Some German universities also list GRE and German Language Tests score card as an admission requirement. If that is the case, you need to take the GRE and German Language Tests. This test usually takes far more preparation time than IELTS.

GRE TEST
GERMAN LANGUAGE TESTS

STEP 4: Get your Bachelor’s Transcript

Your transcripts and degree certificate are the mandatory requirements for any course (exclude degree certificate if you’re still in college). If you are a working professional, your next step is to visit your university and order few copies of your transcripts. It might take few days/weeks before you get them. Read this section further to know specific details.

TRANSCRIPT

STEP 5: Prepare your Curriculum Vitae (CV)​

Your CV is another mandatory document listed on every university course requirements page. It is necessary that you create or update your CV based on university type. This section will guide you through the process of creating/updating your CV.

CURRICULUM VITAE

STEP 6: Prepare your Statement of Purpose (SOP)​

Statement of Purpose is perhaps one of the most important documents you send along with your application. This is the one document that you have to create from scratch. It takes more time and effort than you may think to end up with a satisfactory version of your SOP. Check this section for more information and get started soon.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

STEP 7: Collect your Letters of Recommendation (LOR)​​

Letter of Recommendation is the (positive) personal assessment given by your supervisor. LORs are given a relatively higher level of consideration in European universities and play an important role in getting you the admission, especially into the Technical Universities. You need to collect 2-3 LORs from your past or current supervisors (university professors, project manager etc.). Have a look at this section for further details.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION

STEP 8: Prepare a list of Universities to apply​

Now, you have got all the required documents, it is time to start shortlisting some universities based on your profile and preferences. This is the mandatory step because unfortunately, 47% of students who apply for Germany end up with no university admission.You can use our experts help in University Shortlisting, for profile evaluation process and to receive a consolidated shortlist which includes deadlines, application method, contact details, application portal link etc.

UNIVERSITY SHORTLISTING

STEP 9: Send Applications to university and for Accommodation​

Now that you have got all the required documents, it is time to start the application process. Most universities ask you to apply online and then send out the hard copies of the documents. For some universities, you may have to apply via uni-assist. Also, Many german universities will allow you to apply for the student dorms without your enrollment. This fact is not known to many. Take advantage of this and apply early. Visit your target university’s Studentenwerk website and apply online. Read further into this section to know more.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCEDURE

STEP 10: Apply for Education Loan​

You may be required to apply for the education (student) loan to support yourself during your stay in Germany i.e. for your tuition fee, travel and living expenses. Applying for a student loan could be a tedious process. This section delineates the whole process and gives you few important tips.

EDUCATION LOAN

STEP 11: Transfer money to your Blocked Account

You will be asked to transfer the money equivalent to 10,332 euros to a German bank blocked account prior to your Visa Interview. This is again a mandatory step. Although the process is simple, there are few things which need your attention like required documents, how long it will take to open. Find out more in this section.

BLOCKED ACCOUNT

STEP 12: Take the Travel Insurance​

This is a trivial yet mandatory step in this process. Your travel insurance covers you during your travel and initial few days in Germany. You will be asked to produce this document during your Visa Interview (Bangalore) or during Visa collection (Chennai). Check this section for a short procedure for getting your travel insurance.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

STEP 13: Book your Flight​

This is the last step before your Visa Interview. If you are not familiar with flight booking, check out this section for few tips and the step by step procedure.

FLIGHT BOOKING

STEP 14: Apply for the German Student VISA​

This is the final step to achieving your goal. Also, since you have come so far through the exhausting application process, this step could get on your nerves. This section will give you some clarity and hopefully make you feel better and prepared.

GERMAN STUDENT VISA​

STEP 15: Get a Travel Card

Once you arrive in Germany, it may take few days before you can withdraw money from your German bank account. A Travel Card (Prepaid card) will come in handy in such a situation. You can pre-load the money into this card and use it just like any other debit card. Learn more about prepaid cards in this section.

TRAVEL CARD

STEP 16: Pack your bags and say goodbyes!​

Now it’s time to sit back and let your mom take care of the packing! Just kidding, you can’t be negligent about this step. Get the shopping list right and be smart about things to pack. Read this section further to know all the things that you need to take care during last few days in India.

Sponsored