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Top Universities in Germany for Masters Programs

Updated on 03 June, 2024

Gauri Agrawal

Gauri Agrawal

Sr. Content Writer

Over 1 lakh 40 thousand international students in Germany pursued master’s degrees in 2021-2022, and the numbers are growing yearly.  The decision to apply for a master's degree in Germany will be a good career move as the average annual starting salary of university graduates in Germany is nearly €66,641 per Glassdoor. There is a high demand for skilled professionals in Germany. If you want to grow your network globally and pursue a master's degree in Germany, read this blog to know about the top universities in Germany for master's programs.

Top Universities for MS in Germany 

There are more than 300 public universities and over 100 private and applied science universities you can enroll in. Listed below are the top-ranked universities in Germany for masters:

  • Technical University of Munich
  • Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
  • Universität Heidelberg
  • Freie Universität Berlin
  • Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
  • KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
  • RWTH Aachen University
  • Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin)
  • Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen
  • Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg

Now, let us discuss these universities' rankings, popular courses, and average fees in detail.

Technical University of Munich 

Established as the Royal Bavarian Polytechnic of Munich in 1868, the institution now houses 13 departments, an Olympic Park, and university hospitals. It is the alma mater of Carl von Linde, who devised the refrigerator, and Rudolf Diesel, who created the diesel engine. The university has three campuses in the state of Bavaria: Munich, Garching, and Weihenstephaner, and a 63% international student population. 

QS World University Ranking 2024 37
Average course duration Two years 
Top courses 
  • Master of Science (MSc) in Automotive Engineering
  • Master of Arts (MA) in Architecture
  • Executive MBA in General Management
  • Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Finance and Information Management
  • Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Integrated Circuit Design
Average fees  €85.00 per semester 

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

Founded in 1472, LMU is one of Europe’s leading academic and research institutions, with 18 faculties offering diverse courses. It has an international student population of around 49% for PG programs. 

QS World University Ranking 2024 54
Average course duration Two years
Top courses 
  • Elite Master Course Theoretical and Mathematical Physics, 
  • MSc Data Science, 
  • Master Program in Economics
Average fees No tuition fee is charged, but a separate fee may be there for a number of special graduate and professional degrees

Universität Heidelberg

Founded in 1386, Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest university. Bearing testimony to its academic excellence is the fact that 11 of its professors have been awarded a Nobel Prize. It has a strong industry connection with companies in the Rhine-Neckar and Heidelberg regions. 

QS World University Ranking 2024 =87
Average course duration One-two years
Top courses 
  • MA American Studies
  • MA Anthropology
  • MEd Chinese Studies - Component in the Master of Education.
  • MA East Asian Art History
  •  MSc in Economics
Average fees  1500 (per semester)

Freie Universitaet Berlin

The university offers over 150 degree programs, 17 collaborative research centers, seven international liaison offices in Beijing, Brussels, Cairo, Moscow, New Delhi, New York, and Sao Paulo, and partnerships with universities worldwide.

QS World University Ranking 2024 98
Average course duration One-two year
Top courses 
  • MSc in Data Science
  •  MSc in Medical Neurosciences
  •  MSc in Molecular Medicine
  •  MSc in Bioinformatics
Average fees  €312,89

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin 

Established in 1810, the Humboldt University of Berlin is known for its arts and humanities programs. It has so far produced 29 Nobel winners, including Max Born for physics in 1954, Theodor Mommsen for literature in 1902, and Wassily Leontief for economics in 1973. 

QS World University Ranking 2024 120
Average course duration One-two year
Top courses 
  • Fish Biology, Fisheries, and Aquaculture (MSc), 
  • Statistics (MSc), 
  • Social Sciences (MA), 
  • Psychology (MSc)
Average fees  €315.64 (semester fees)

KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology 

KIT is among Germany's eleven ‘Universities of Excellence.’ The university is known for excellence in the STEM fields, particularly in energy, mobility, and information fields. The innovative infrastructure, the high-tech amenities, and more make the institute rank among the top universities in the world. 

QS World University Ranking 2024 119
Average course duration Two years
Courses offered
  • MSc in Financial Engineering
  •  MSc in Materials Science and Engineering
  •  MSc in Mobility Systems Engineering and Management
  •  MSc in Optics & Photonics
Average fees  approx.€1,500 (tuition fees) + €153.69 (administrative contribution)

RWTH Aachen University

Aachen is Germany’s westernmost city, situated very close to the Dutch and Belgian border. It thus has a vibrant mix of cultures and languages.RWTH Aachen is reputed among students for its innovations and industry exposure. The university's students benefit greatly from its high-quality courses and excellent facilities, both of which are recognized internationally. The university is mostly known for natural sciences and engineering courses. 

QS World University Ranking 2024 106
Average course duration one - two years
Top courses  MSc Automotive Engineering, MSc Automotive Engineering, and Transport Masters in Automotive Engineering
Average fees  € 318.66 

Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin)

Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin) is a renowned technical university located in Berlin, Germany. It was founded in 1879 and is one of Germany's largest and most prestigious technical universities. TU Berlin offers a wide range of academic programs in various engineering, natural sciences, economics, and humanities fields.

QS World University Ranking 2024 154
Average course duration one - two years
Top courses 
  • MSc in Civil Systems Engineering
  •  MSc in Energy Engineering
  • MBL European and International Energy Law.
  •  MSc in Global Production Engineering
Average fees  €113,09 (semester fee)

Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen

The institute is situated in one of the traditional German university towns of Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg, famous for its boat trips and magnificent architecture. The University of Tübingen has 14 schools offering 280 courses at all levels. The University of Tübingen has close connections with over 150 foreign institutions and a 14% international student population.

QS World University Ranking 2024 213
Average course duration One - two years
Top courses 
  • MS in Economics and Finance
  • MS in Biochemistry
  • MS in Molecular Medicine
Average fees  158,30

Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg

The Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, commonly called the University of Freiburg, is a renowned public research university in Freiburg in Breisgau, Germany. It is one of the oldest universities in Germany, founded in 1457. The University of Freiburg is known for its strong emphasis on research and academic excellence. It offers various disciplines across various faculties, including humanities, natural sciences, engineering, medicine, economics, and social sciences.

QS World University Ranking 2024 192
Average course duration One-two year
Top courses 
  • Master of Arts - Taxation
  • MS in Computer Science
  • MS Molecular Plant Science
  • MS Health Economics and Health Care Management
  • MSc in Industrial Mathematics
Average fees  €1,500 

Admission Requirements for MS in Germany 

The admission requirements for a master's degree (MS) in Germany can vary depending on the specific university and program you are applying to. However, some general requirements are commonly expected:

  1. Bachelor's Degree: You must have a recognized undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification relevant to the field of study you wish to pursue. Typically, a bachelor's degree in a related discipline is required.
  2. Academic Performance: You should have a strong academic record, usually with a minimum grade point average (GPA) specified by the university. The specific GPA requirement can vary among institutions and programs.
  3. Language Proficiency: You need to demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction, often German or English. For English-taught programs, you may be required to provide proof of English language proficiency through standardized tests such as the TOEFL or IELTS. You might need to provide evidence of German language proficiency for German-taught programs by taking exams like the TestDaF or DSH. Some universities may have specific language requirements, so it's essential to check with the university you're interested in.
  4. Entrance Exams: Depending on the program, you may be required to take specific entrance exams, especially in fields such as engineering or natural sciences. These exams evaluate your knowledge and aptitude in the relevant subject area.
  5. Letters of Recommendation: Some universities may require letters of recommendation from professors or professionals who can attest to your academic abilities and potential for success in the program.
  6. Statement of Purpose: You may need to submit a statement of purpose or motivation letter explaining your academic and professional background, reasons for pursuing the program, and future goals.
  7. Curriculum Vitae (CV): A comprehensive CV highlighting your educational qualifications, work experience (if applicable), research projects, internships, publications, and other relevant achievements is usually required.
  8. Application Form: You must complete the application form provided by the university, including personal details, educational history, and program-specific information.
  9. Application Fee: Some universities may require an application fee to be paid during the application process.

Documents Required for MS in Germany 

To apply for a master's degree (MS) program in Germany, you typically need to provide several documents. Given below is the list of the commonly required documents for MS applications in Germany:

Scholarships for MS in Germany

Given below is the list of the scholarships available at the top universities for students : 

  • DAAD Scholarships
  • Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Scholarships
  • Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships
  • Deutschlandstipendium
  • Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
  • Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does MS in Germany cost?

Most public universities in Germany will only charge a minimal administrative fee if the master’s degree being pursued is in the same field as the aspirant’s bachelor’s studies. These are called consecutive master degrees. Meanwhile, if MS is in a different stream than previous qualifications there will be a tuition fee charge.
Also, students will have to spend around €20,000 on tuition fees for a 2-year MS in Germany in private universities. Apart from this, they will have to bear living expenses including rent, groceries, utilities, transportation, books and others.
Here is the annual tuition fee at some top private universities in Germany

  • WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management -MS in Finance – €26,900 or €33,200
  • GISMA Business School – MSc Data Science, AI, and Digital Business – €15500
  • Hertie School Of Governance – Master of Public Policy – €17,250
  • Jacobs University – MSc Data Engineering – € 20,000

What exams are required for MS in Germany?

Depending on the course chosen, candidates will have to furnish scores for TOEFL or IELTS, GRE or GMAT and SAT or ACT. Universities may have different requirements for different courses. These requirements can be found on respective university pages before application.

 

 


 

Is GRE mandatory for pursuing MS in Germany?

Either GRE or GMAT is mandatory for admission to STEM courses at top-ranked German universities for Indian aspirants. While some universities may not require these scores and your previous academic and work experience may suffice, furnishing GRE scores always add weightage to application and helps institutes gauge a candidate’s ability and readiness to pursue and complete graduate courses.

 

 


 

What are some of the cheap/free universities in Germany?

There is no tuition fee for bachelor’s courses in public universities in Germany for domestic and international students. However, foreign students will have to spend around € 20,000 on tuition fees for a 2-year MS in Germany. The cost is lower in public institutes than in private institutes.

 

 


 

Which masters degree is most in-demand in Germany?

Germany is known for its technical universities. Engineering aspirants and research scholars find it one of the most appealing study abroad hubs. Computer science, IT, Industrial Engineering, Automobile Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Data Science and AI, among others are some of the most in-demand degrees.

 

 

 

 


 

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Gauri Agrawal

Sr. Content Writer

Gauri Agrawal is a passionate, professional and proactive content marketer who wants to grow in the field of content creation. She carries a rich experience of working in the Digital News sector with renowned names like Times Now Digital, and News X as a Copy Editor.

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