Study Computer Science in Germany

Top Universities in Germany for Computer Science

Here are the best universities in Germany for computer science:

1. Technical University of Munich
2. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
3. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
4. RWTH Aachen University
5. Technical University of Berlin
6. Humboldt University of Berlin
7. Technical University of Darmstadt
8. Heidelberg University

Top Computer Science Programs in Germany

• Artificial Intelligence in Germany
• Cyber Security in Germany
• Data Science & Big Data in Germany
• Informatics & Information Sciences in Germany
• Software Engineering in Germany

Requirements to Study Computer Science in Germany

The academic and eligibility requirements to study computer science in Germany are:

Academic Requirements

• University Entrance Certificate (or equivalent).
• Proof of German proficiency, such as DSH or TestDaF, for German-taught programs.
• Proof of English proficiency, such as TOEFL or IELTS, for English-taught programs.
• Undergraduate degrees (for Master’s programs).
• Any other relevant academic transcript, certificates, or diplomas.
• Aptitude Assessment (when/if applicable) for Master’s programs.
• Additional standardized tests like GRE might be required.

Eligibility Requirements

• Students whose school leaving certificate is not recognized in Germany (non-EU/EEA students):
  • One-year preparatory course (known as Studienkolleg in Germany).
• Students from outside of the EU/EEA:
  • Preliminary documentation (vorprüfungsdokumentation) from Uni-Assist.
  • Student visa upon university admission.
  • Proof of financial resources (e.g., through a German blocked bank account).
• Proof of health insurance.

Application Process

Applying to study computer science in Germany is usually done directly to the university, through their online application portals, by creating an account and completing an application form. Generally, applicants do not need to submit any paper documents, only upload them online.

Generally, the documents required for application to a German university are:

• Signed application form.
• University entrance qualification.
• Curriculum vitae and letter of motivation.
• Copy of valid passport or identity card.
• Other academic documents (description of previous modules, subjects and transcript of grades, proof of internships when applicable, other relevant previous qualifications).

International students from non-EU/EEA countries initially have to apply to Uni-Assist to obtain a verification confirming their documentation makes them eligible to apply to German universities. After receiving this document, international students can submit their applications directly to the university through an online portal. Students have to attach this pre-verification documentation, known as vorprüfungsdokumentation (VPD), in their application.

Degree Duration: How Long Does It Take to Study Computer Science in Germany?

It takes three to four years of full-time study to complete a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science in Germany. During this period of undergraduate study, students get introduced to a wide assortment of subjects related to the operation and organization of computers, programming languages, computer networks, hardware, and software, etc. After completing undergraduate studies in Computer Science, many graduates decide to undertake a master’s program related to their field of interest. Depending on the program, a master’s degree in Computer Science in Germany can take one to two years of full-time study to complete.

Tuition Fees: How Much Does It Cost to Study Computer Science in Germany?

Undergraduate programs in Computer Science at most German public universities are free of charge. Due to a new regulation in 2014, most German public universities have abolished tuition fees. The only exception is Baden-Württemberg, where tuition fees were introduced in 2017, and public universities here charge approximately €3,000 per year in tuition fees. Public universities outside of Baden-Württemberg only charge administrative fees (up to €250 per semester). On the other hand, tuition fees at private universities in Germany can reach €20,000 per year.

Computer Science Jobs in Germany

Generally, there is a high demand for computer science graduates in Germany. The top cities to search for computer science jobs in Germany include Berlin, Munch, Hamburg, and Frankfurt. Of course, job opportunities are plentiful in other cities as well. Computer science graduates (who come from non-EU/EEA countries) can extend their visa for up to 18 months after graduation and find employment in Germany. After securing an employment contract, they can proceed to live and work in Germany. Finding a job in this field will likely not be an issue in Germany, considering the demand is high for computer engineers.

Salary-wise, this type of career also pays relatively well. Someone working in this industry earns an average salary of €5,000 per month, increasing with experience.