Study Engineering in Germany (2023 Guide)

Study Engineering in Germany

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Erudera's Complete Guide to Studying Engineering in Germany

An engineering degree is highly valued, not only in Germany but also worldwide. Engineering benefits humanity in various ways, which is why it is quite a popular choice of study. Studying engineering in Germany is a unique opportunity to gain efficient skills from some of the world’s experts. Germany is known for its innovations, research, and technology. It is actually one of the most preferred countries in the world to study engineering.

There is plenty to know about the whys and hows of studying engineering in Germany. Keep reading to learn more.

Top Engineering Branches in Germany

Some of the top engineering programs in Germany include the following:

Best Engineering Master's Degrees in Germany

Some of the top engineering programs in Germany include the following:

Best Engineering Bachelor's Degrees in Germany

Some of the top engineering programs in Germany include the following:

Reasons to Study Engineering in Germany

Free Education and Affordable Living Cost

Germany is an affordable country to pursue an engineering degree, making it among the top reasons to study engineering in Germany. Most public universities here charge low or no tuition fees at all. In addition to that, living in Germany while studying will also be great for your budget and expenses. Germany is generally regarded as one of the most affordable countries to study in terms of living costs. In fact, it has been estimated that a student will need approximately €934 per month to cover living expenses.

Germany is Characterized by Technological Innovations

People know Germany due to its achievements in technology and innovation. Germany is highly renowned for its excellence in various fields, starting from nanotechnology and microelectronics to mechanical engineering. This country is home to some of the leading engineering institutes in the world, which makes it easy to find a suitable course. Germany is a country of innovation, research, and development. Its global influence and outstanding expertise give Germany a significant edge when it comes to engineering.

International Student Hub

International students tend to love Germany, which is what has made it one of the most popular destinations to study abroad. Currently, Germany is home to almost 400,000 international students across its degree programs and courses. One of the reasons to study engineering in Germany is that you get to be part of an international community and gain academic knowledge and a great deal about other cultures, customs, languages, and traditions. It is a multicultural study choice with so much to offer in terms of personal and academic growth.

Employment Opportunities

Considering that the manufacturing industry essentially drives Germany’s economy, there are numerous companies in need of experts in engineering fields. A wide range of famous companies are headquartered or have branches in German cities. Engineering students have the opportunity to work closely with the industry, all due to Germany’s position in global manufacturing. Numerous German universities collaborate with the industry to ensure students get the chance to become acquainted with the job market. Engineering jobs in Germany are in high demand, meaning employment opportunities tend to be plentiful.

Requirements to Study Engineering in Germany

To be eligible for admission to German universities, prospective students should meet specific requirements. The admission requirements to study engineering in Germany include:

Academic and Language Requirements

Generally, at least a 3.0 GPA.
One-year preparatory course (Studienkolleg) for students whose school-leaving certificate is not recognized in Germany (non-EU/EEA students).
Qualify the preparatory course assessment test (Feststellungsprufung).
German language proficiency (TestDAF or DSH) at least at B1 level, or higher, depending on the university/level of study.
English language IELTS or TOEFL results (if the medium of instruction is English).
Bachelor’s degree (for postgraduate programs).

Financial Requirements

Financial requirements are important when it comes to studying abroad. The country you wish to pursue your studies, in this case, Germany, wants to make sure that you can cover your living expenses while you are studying. As of 2021, international students need €934 per month to live comfortably in Germany, translating into approximately €11,208 per year. In whatever form (whether it’s a scholarship, personal savings, or other), financial requirements are a demand of the student visa application process.

Student Visa Requirements

The German student visa is another requirement to study in Germany for international students. Generally, students from EU/EEA countries of origin are exempted from the visa requirement. Students from other countries must submit a visa application in the German embassy or consulate in their home country upon admission to a German university. The visa application process should start as early as possible to ensure there is enough time for processing.

You will be required to submit documents like your passport, financial resources, letter of admission, proof of language proficiency, health insurance, and previous academic qualifications.

Application Process

To apply to an engineering program in Germany, international students should submit their application through one of the following:

University Application Service for International Students (Uni-Assist)
Foundation for University Admission (Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung - SfH)
Directly to the University of Choice.

Where you submit your application depends on factors like the country you come from and your higher education entrance qualification. International students who have an international higher education entrance qualification wishing to study engineering in Germany usually have their documents reviewed in advance, through Uni-Assist, before applying directly (online) to the university of their choice.

Do Not Miss Deadlines

Each university sets its own specific deadlines for certain courses and programs. The following deadlines usually apply:

For a course starting during the winter semester, the application deadline is typically July 15th.
For a course starting during the summer semester, the application deadline is typically January 15th.
Earlier deadlines typically apply for postgraduate and preparatory (studienkolleg) courses.

Processing Time

Your university application’s processing time is typically within 4-6 weeks after the application deadline, regardless of the summer/winter intake. It is advised to submit your application and pay the application fee at least eight weeks before the deadline. This way, you will still be able to get notified if you need to submit further documentation.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Engineering Degree in Germany?

An undergraduate engineering program in Germany usually takes three to four years of full-time study to complete. A German language course prior to your engineering studies will take approximately 6 to 8 months to complete. In addition, a preparatory course (if you need to attend one) will take one year.

On the other hand, an engineering master’s program in Germany will take around 1-2 years of full-time study to complete. Those who enroll in a part-time engineering master’s program or pursue additional research might take up to 5 years to complete their degree.

How Much Does It Cost to Study Engineering in Germany?

As of 2014, Germany abolished all tuition fees from public universities in Germany for both locally-born and international students. This changed circa 2016-2017 when the state of Baden-Württemberg reintroduced tuition fees across its public universities. Studying engineering at the state of Baden-Württemberg will cost approximately €1,500 per semester. Other public universities usually only charge administrative fees, which are somewhere between €100-200.

The 2014 law for public universities does not apply to the postgraduate level. However, even though public universities charge tuition fees for engineering master’s programs at public universities, these fees are usually quite affordable (€500 - €1,000 per semester). Studying engineering at private universities in Germany can cost as much as €20,000 per year, either on the undergraduate or postgraduate level.

Engineering Jobs in Germany

Engineering is a lucrative and in-demand profession, especially in Germany. After finishing your engineering studies, it is possible to obtain an 18-month job search visa to find employment in your profession and continue creating a career in Germany. This country is popular for its engineering expertise and electrotechnical products and cars, making an engineering degree an attractive and valuable asset. Germany’s technology and innovation ensure many companies tend to develop new business models, which is excellent for engineering graduates.

Work permit requirements for engineers in Germany are not difficult to fulfill. This is because Germany is experiencing a shortage of engineers. Some of the largest job vacancies in engineering are in cities like Berlin, Munch, Hamburg, and Stuttgart. Engineering jobs are also quite lucrative, with an annual salary ranging between €43,600 to €56,100, depending on the degree level. With increasing professional experience, the yearly salary can be higher.