Study Mechanical Engineering Germany

Three German universities rank among the top 50 universities for Mechanical Engineering worldwide. Two of the top benefits of studying Mechanical Engineering in Germany are affordability and career opportunities.

Reasons to Study Mechanical Engineering in Germany

• Mechanical Engineers from Germany have always enjoyed a tremendous global reputation and professional demand.
• Due to its technological advancements, Germany has one of the best job markets for mechanical engineers.
• Mechanical Engineering is one of the most popular study programs in Germany.
• The best universities for Mechanical Engineering in Germany are public institutions, meaning tuition fees are affordable.
• Germany is the biggest exporter of Mechanical Engineering products in Europe, according to the Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (vdma.org).
• Germany is a leader in the EU regarding Mechanical Engineering employment, with a share of 43% of total employment.

Structure of Mechanical Engineering Courses in Germany

Mechanical Engineering programs are structured comprehensively, combining the teaching of the current content but also the fundamentals of Mechanical Engineering that have been present throughout the centuries.

Bachelor Programs

A bachelor’s program in Mechanical Engineering usually takes 6-7 semesters (3 years) to complete. Mechanical Engineering programs at German universities are designed to reflect the current demands of the job market. The core curriculum or foundation course takes place in the first four semesters, while the last two semesters (or the specialization course) mainly focus on advanced studies.

You can expect the degree curriculum to include the following:

• First and Second Academic Year (Semester 1-4): Introduction to Mechanical Engineering, Machines Drawing & CAD, Mathematics, Mechanics, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, Thermodynamics, Materials Science, Fluid Mechanics, Machine Elements, Automatic Control, Heat Transfer Phenomena.
• Third Academic Year (Semester 5-6): Chosen Career Field Subjects, Control Engineering, Business Engineering, Bachelor's Thesis.

Many universities also include the opportunity for students to undertake an internship during the last semester of bachelor studies.

Master Programs

Master's programs in Mechanical Engineering in Germany usually take two years of full-time study to complete.

The modules of the master's program in Mechanical Engineering usually include:

• The fundamental subjects of engineering (manufacturing technologies, automation technology, finite elements, etc.)
• Core mechanical engineering subjects (electrical machinery, interface, and particle technologies, etc.)
• Other related areas of study.

The fourth semester includes working on a Master’s thesis, while the prior semesters are usually designed in a way that allows students to choose from a variety of approved modules and create a customized curriculum.

Job Prospects And Other Facts

Mechanical Engineering is a great career choice, especially in Germany. Germany is home to thousands of mechanical engineering companies, and there is a high demand for mechanical engineers. Most mechanical engineering companies are located in Baden-Württemberg, followed by Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia. Mechanical engineering is one of Germany’s most important industries, which means the opportunities to advance professionally and find employment are countless.

Some of the top mechanical engineering companies in Germany are:

• Audi AG
• BMW Group
• Daimler
• Thyssenkrupp
• Volkswagen Group

According to the Mechanical Engineering Industry Association, average labor costs for mechanical engineers in Germany are among the highest in Europe, amounting up to €45 per hour.