Study Electrical Engineering in Germany

Germany might just be one of the top countries to study Electrical Engineering. Let’s find out why.

Reasons to Study Electrical Engineering in Germany

• Germany is one of the top countries to study Electrical Engineering and one of the most affordable (public universities charge low tuition fees or none).
• Electrical engineers in Germany are paid well, with the starting salary for those in possession of a bachelor’s degree being €43,000 per year.
• Graduates can extend their residence permit for 18 months after graduation to find employment in Germany’s electrical engineering industry.
• Engineering is listed as an in-demand profession in Germany, which is a great reason to study Electrical Engineering here for those who wish to remain in Germany after graduation.
• Germany was (and still is) home to well-known electrical engineers, including Max Knoll and Werner von Siemens, whose name is now the SI unit of electrical conductance, the Siemens.

Structure of Electrical Engineering Courses in Germany

Universities in Germany use efficient teaching methods, combining both theoretical and practical levels of study. The electrical engineering courses at these universities pay special attention to the practical application of knowledge and skills.

Bachelor Programs

Electrical Engineering bachelor programs in Germany are equipped with a comprehensive and well-rounded curriculum. Students earn the necessary knowledge and skills in mathematics, physics, information technology, and electrical engineering during their three years of bachelor studies in Germany. These programs allow students to choose individual specialization areas (usually at the beginning of the fourth semester).

A bachelor program in Electrical Engineering in Germany typically has the following structure:

• Semester 1-4: Cover the fundamentals in areas like electrical engineering, mathematics, physics, signals and systems, and information technology.
• Semester 5-6: Electrical engineering practice, soft skills, elective modules*, and Bachelor’s thesis.

*Elective Modules include electromobility, life science electronics, aerospace and aviation engineering, intelligent power grids, microelectronics and nanoelectronics, communication technology, computer technology, robotics, mechatronics, etc.

Master Programs

An Electrical Engineering bachelor’s degree in Germany will allow graduates to enter the job market with excellent professional skills. However, a two-year master’s degree will complement an electrical engineering education. Master’s electrical engineering programs in Germany are plentiful, and many of them use English as the language of instruction. These programs aim to train qualified engineers for managerial positions in research, industry, teaching, and the field of electrical engineering as a whole.

The course structure for a Master’s program in Electrical Engineering, Information Technology and Computer Engineering at one of the top universities in Germany is as follows:

• Semester 1-2: Five elective and core courses (each semester), lab project/seminar, one general, and one additional course (each semester).
• Semester 3: An Industrial Internship*, seminar, one additional course.
• Semester 4: Master’s thesis.

*Industrial Internship: Many universities offer an industrial internship during their bachelor’s or master’s programs in Electrical Engineering. The internship allows students to fully comprehend and practice skills and become acquainted with the job market.

Job Prospects and Other Facts

Electrical Engineering in Germany is one of the top sought-after professions in the field of Engineering, alongside Mechanical, Automotive, and Structural Engineering. According to the VDE Technology Association, it has been estimated that more than 100,000 young electrical and electronic engineers will be needed in Germany due to the retiring workforce in a matter of ten years.

Employment in Germany in the field of Electrical Engineering is also quite profitable, salary-wise. The average salary in this industry in Germany is €49,746 per year, increasing up to €78,000 annually with experience.