Study Engineering in Germany is an opportunity that many students across the globe look forward to. This field of education is among the most sought-after ones, with around 145,707 international students pursuing it in Germany. And among this population, a large chunk is of Indian students. Individuals can build their careers across a multitude of sectors after pursuing an engineering degree from one of the top universities in Germany. Engineering is basically a field of study that involves disciplines like science and mathematics. Hence, when students learn this degree, they can develop machines, digital products, and other establishments like roads and buildings along with chemicals, vehicles, etc. The field is applicable to different industries to develop machines or products that make the process and end result more efficient and productive. There are many reasons why students across the world are looking to study in Germany. The eminent universities and the opportunity to study free in Germany for engineering are some of the best. Moreover, international students can learn engineering in Germany in different specializations with the best faculty and infrastructure. There are about 231 universities in Germany teaching this program. So if you are someone willing to get free study in Germany, there are many things you need to be aware of, from the admission procedure to the eligibility criteria and scholarships to program durations. The following sections discuss these and many other important factors in detail.
| Program | Engineering |
| Program Type | Full-time |
| Intakes | Winter and Summer |
| English Proficiency | TOEFL or IELTS |
| Course Duration | 4 years |
| Medium of Instruction | English and German |
| Field of Study | Science and Math |
Germany is a top-notch solution to study your Engineering program due to n number of reasons. These are some of the reasons shortlisted for you to understand why Germany is perfect:
High technology: Engineering is a field where the use of technology is critical and Germany is one of the countries of the world when it comes to technology. Learning engineering in Germany will give you more exposure and real-time experience in understanding better ways of development.
Infrastructure: International students are allowed to use labs that have updated equipment for engineering students to learn. In addition, there are other facilities offered to students in the best manner by German universities.
Practical-based courses: One of the best things about German universities is their curriculum. They give due importance to practicals as well as theory subjects, students can implement their learnings in practicals.
Exposure in the market: International students in Germany are allowed to work part-time for 20 hours a week and full-time after completion of the course. It gives them the experience of working in a global community and job markets.
Vibrant place: Studying abroad in a community that accepts foreigners and offers a vibrant environment to grow is best. In Germany, especially in large cities like Munich, and Berlin, the vibe here is vibrant and allows you to enjoy and grow.
EU travel benefits: With a German visa you can explore Schengen areas without the need for an additional visa or travel documents. A German visa gives you a way to travel to Europe without hassle for documents.
Engineering is the most popular field with a wide range of specializations. Different sectors like IT, automobile, aerospace, etc., need different engineering specializations. Germany offers ample courses in engineering to international students for specialization in different fields. Here is the list of courses that you can choose in engineering in Germany:
If you are looking for admission to engineering in Germany there are a few eligibility criteria that you need to fulfill. However, these eligibility requirements might vary slightly based on university requirements. Here are some of the most important and common eligibility requirements to fulfill for bachelors in Engineering in Germany:
Schooling: You have completed at least 12 to 13 years of schooling to apply for a bachelors program. In addition, you must have science and math as key subjects in your high school (10+2) to apply for engineering programs.
Valid Passport: You must have a valid passport to apply for bachelors in Germany.
English Proficiency: You must clear TOEFL or IELTS with a minimum of 6.5 to 7 scores in IELTS and 80-90 scores in TOEFL to apply for engineering.
GPA: A minimum 2.8 GPA in 10+2 or equivalent is required to apply for the engineering bachelors program.
German Proficiency: Students must have at least a B1 level of proficiency in DSH or TestDAF, especially if they are studying in a German medium of instruction.
The gap in studies: Not more than 2 years gap is accepted in engineering after completion of 10+2 or equivalent.
International students who are looking to pursue their masters in Germany in engineering have to fulfill a few eligibility criteria. Here are the things you must have to take admission to masters in engineering in Germany:
Valid Passport: You must have a valid passport to apply for masters in Germany.
Bachelors degree: To take admission to masters in engineering, you must have a 4 years degree in engineering or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 2.8-3.
English Proficiency: Students must have cleared IELTS or TOEFL examination. The minimum requirement for IELTS is an overall score of 6.5-7 and TOEFL is 90-100 points. You can give either examination for English proficiency.
German Proficiency: Though German is not mandatory, you must have a B1 level of proficiency in DSH or TestDAF.
Work Experience: work experience is not mandatory in all universities however some universities might ask for a minimum of 1 or 2 years of work experience.
It is generally necessary to have a very high level of proficiency in the language used to teach the course. Most university courses are taught in German in Germany. Some courses may be taught in English but may require a high level of proficiency in German. Taking a preparatory course in German may be an option if you need to improve in German. German is the language of instruction at most German universities. Taking a language test or taking a preparatory course will be required of all students taking a German-taught program.
There are two intakes for engineering universities in Germany, which means you have options to start your studies at different times of the year. Here's what you need to know about the intakes:
September Intake: This is the primary intake for engineering programs in Germany. The application period for the September intake typically opens in late autumn or early winter of the previous year.
March Intake: The March intake is an alternative intake for students who miss the September intake or want to start their studies in the spring. However, not all universities offer this intake, and it is usually only available for a limited number of engineering programs. The application period for the March intake usually opens in late summer or early autumn of the previous year
The two main intakes for the German university system each year are in September and March. Here are the application deadlines for March and September intakes for Engineering in Germany:
March Intake: Application period: October 15 - January 15
September Intake: Application period: April 15 - July 15
There are some specific documents required by students when applying for universities as well as visas. International students must have these documents to proceed with the admission process:
A certified copy of your high school diploma or previous degrees, along with all other relevant qualifications in the original language
A passport-size photo
A translated overview of all the course modules and the grades of the applicant
A copy of valid passport, especially the personal information and the photo ID page
Proof of German or English language proficiency that is a test certificate or online equivalent will do
Completely fill up application form.
Public universities offer international students to study free for bachelors and masters programs. You do not have to pay a tuition fee, but only administrative charges over the semester which may vary. However, if you want to study at private universities, you have to pay tuition fees ranging from €9,000 to €13,000.
There exists a plethora of scholarships that one can avail to finance their engineering studies in Germany. An overview of various scholarships available for international students aiming to pursue engineering programs in Germany is as follows:
Deutschlandstipendium: Offers scholarships to domestic and international engineering students at German universities, based on academic merit and social engagement.
Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Scholarship: Provides scholarships to international postdoctoral researchers and experienced researchers in engineering to conduct research at a German institution or university for 6 to 18 months.
The DAAD Scholarship: This scholarship extends financial aid to international students pursuing either a masters or doctoral degree in engineering programs offered by German universities.
The Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship: This scholarship is designed to offer monetary assistance to international students pursuing engineering programs at German universities, with a primary focus on sustainable development.
Konrad Adenauer Foundation Scholarship: Offers scholarships to international students studying engineering at German universities, focusing on social responsibility and sustainable development.
Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship: Provides scholarships to international students studying engineering at German universities, focusing on social justice and democracy.
There are more than 450 universities in Germany, they offer a wide range of engineering courses. Both public and private universities are known for their quality. Here are some of the top universities offering engineering courses:
| University | City | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich | Munich | #49 |
| Ludwig Maximilians University Munich | Munich | #59 |
| Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin | Berlin | #128 |
| University of Mannheim | Mannheim | #541-550 |
| RWTH Aachen University | Aachen | #147 |
| Free University of Berlin | Berlin | #118 |
| University of Tübingen | Tübingen | #177 |
| University of Hamburg | Hamburg | #228 |
| Karlsruhe Institute of Technology | Karlsruhe | #141 |
| Ruhr University Bochum | Bochum | #416 |
For admission to German engineering universities, the following documents are required: An identity document, and an academic transcript of all previous studies, and qualifications:
University application form
Letter of recommendation
Personal Statement
English or German or both language proficiency as per the program
The universities in Germany are mostly autonomous and have their own set of eligibility and requirements. Students need to check them separately. But some common eligibility conditions for engineering in Germany are listed below.
A school leaving certificate Scoring at least 75 percent in class 10
Students should have 65 percent in 10+2
Goethe Zertifikat B1 certification of German language proficiency
IELTS or TOEFL scores indicating proficiency in English
After completing 10+2, students should complete a one-year preparatory course. And to do that, they should get Zertifikat Deutsch.
After completing the preparatory course, students must take an examination, after which the final results are announced.
If you are willing to study engineering in Germany, you should keep in mind that each university has its own rules and eligibility requirements. It is recommended that you check and apply to avoid any inconvenience.
Graduates are entering the German labor market
Germany offers very liberal immigration opportunities for university graduates. Accordingly, graduates who have obtained a university degree (e.g. Bachelor, Master, MBA, or PhD) in Germany can obtain a so-called Job Seeker Visa for 18 months after graduation.
Studying while working
You can work in Germany with your student visa. You can work part-time during the semester and full-time during the semester break:
You can work while studying in Germany
During the semester, part-time
During the semester break, full-time
Is there any entrance exam for masters in engineering in Germany?
GRE scores are accepted by many schools in Germany. So, if you are pursuing engineering at a top university, GRE can give you an advantage. However, it is not mandatory.
Is it easy to get a job after engineering in Germany?
Yes! Engineering is one of the most demanding professions across the globe. Many sectors are in need of engineers for different purposes, especially in the IT sector. So, you can find jobs in the engineering field.
How many backlogs are accepted in engineering in Germany?
Students who have 4 or more backlogs are not accepted in German universities. In addition, if you are applying to top universities, they do not accept students with backlogs.
Do all engineering specializations require math?
Yes! All engineering fields require math however, there are some specializations that are more science focused like chemical engineering. However, you can't entirely skip the math.
What are the 4 key branches of engineering?
Chemical, electrical, mechanical, and civil engineering are the 4 main branches of engineering.
Can I pass engineering without math?
No! You need knowledge of math to clear your engineering degree as math is a critical factor in the engineering field.
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