Germany offers a wide range of English-taught Master’s programmes in computer science, engineering, artificial intelligence, data science, business, economics, biotechnology, environmental science and other fields. Many of these programmes are available at public universities with no general tuition fee, although semester contributions and important tuition exceptions still apply.

Students do not normally need German-language proof for a programme taught entirely in English. They must instead satisfy the programme’s English-language requirement. German remains highly valuable for accommodation, part-time work, internships and graduate employment.

Admission is based on the individual programme rather than a single national standard. The applicant’s Bachelor’s subjects, academic credits, grades and language evidence are often more important than the general reputation of the previous university.

Masters in English in Germany: Quick Overview

These are general planning figures. Every applicant must follow the exact rules of the selected programme.

Are Master’s Degrees in Germany Available Completely in English?

Yes. German universities offer programmes that can be completed entirely in English.

However, applicants should distinguish between:

Fully English-Taught Programme

Lectures, examinations and the thesis can be completed in English.

Predominantly English Programme

Most compulsory modules are in English, but selected electives may be offered only in German.

Bilingual Programme

The degree includes both English and German modules. A German certificate may be required.

English Track Within a Programme

The university offers separate English and German tracks. Students must select the correct track during application.

Reading only the programme title is insufficient. The official module handbook and examination regulations should confirm the actual teaching language.

Types of English-Taught Master’s Degrees

Consecutive Master’s

A consecutive Master’s builds directly on a related Bachelor’s degree.

Examples include:

• Bachelor’s in Computer Science to MSc Computer Science

• Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering to MSc Automotive Engineering

• Bachelor’s in Economics to MSc Economics

These programmes frequently examine subject-specific academic credits.

Non-Consecutive Master’s

A non-consecutive programme may permit applicants from several academic backgrounds and can focus on interdisciplinary or professional education.

Continuing-Education Master’s

These programmes normally require professional experience and often charge tuition.

Examples include:

• MBA

• Executive MBA

• Professional management programme

• Specialized continuing-education Master’s

Research-Oriented Master’s

Research-oriented programmes prepare students for:

• Doctoral study

• Academic research

• Research and development

• Scientific careers

Applied Master’s

Universities of applied sciences emphasize:

• Practical projects

• Industry cooperation

• Applied research

• Internship experience

• Career-oriented learning

Universities Offering Master’s Programmes in English

The following institutions offer selected English-taught Master’s programmes. This does not mean every programme at the university is taught in English.

Programme names, admission conditions and teaching languages can change. Students should verify the official programme page and module catalogue.

Technical University of Munich

TUM offers English-taught and bilingual programmes across:

• Informatics

• Data-related disciplines

• Engineering

• Environmental science

• Biotechnology

• Sustainability

• Management

International applicants from outside the European Economic Area may be required to pay programme-specific tuition. Master’s tuition is commonly €4,000 or €6,000 per semester, in addition to the semester fee.

Some students may qualify for exemptions, need-based waivers or merit-based tuition waivers. Availability is limited and should not be assumed before an award is confirmed.

RWTH Aachen University

RWTH Aachen is particularly relevant for students interested in:

• Mechanical engineering

• Automotive engineering

• Electrical engineering

• Materials science

• Computer science

• Production

• Simulation

• Energy

Some English-taught programmes are standard public-university degrees, while selected international or academy-administered programmes can charge substantial tuition.

Applicants must check the individual programme rather than assuming all RWTH Master’s degrees are tuition-free.

Saarland University

Saarland University has a strong international academic environment in:

• Computer science

• Artificial intelligence

• Data science

• Cybersecurity

• Computational linguistics

• Language technology

The surrounding research ecosystem makes Saarbrücken attractive for students interested in technology and academic research.

Admission can be highly selective, and applicants normally need strong theoretical foundations.

University of Stuttgart

The University of Stuttgart offers selected English programmes in areas such as:

• Computational linguistics

• Computer science

• Engineering

• Information technology

• Simulation

• Infrastructure

• Technology management

Non-EU students in Baden-Württemberg are generally subject to state tuition of €1,500 per semester unless an exemption applies.

University of Hohenheim

The University of Hohenheim is particularly relevant for English-taught study in:

• Economics

• Agricultural economics

• Bioeconomy

• Food science

• Environmental science

• International business-related fields

As a university in Baden-Württemberg, non-EU tuition rules may apply.

Best English-Taught Master’s Courses

Computer Science

Relevant specializations include:

• Software engineering

• Distributed systems

• Cloud computing

• Algorithms

• Human-computer interaction

• Information systems

• Cybersecurity

• Embedded systems

Computer science programmes can be selective about credits in:

• Programming

• Algorithms

• Data structures

• Mathematics

• Theoretical computer science

• Computer architecture

Artificial Intelligence

AI programmes may include:

• Machine learning

• Deep learning

• Robotics

• Natural-language processing

• Computer vision

• Intelligent systems

• Responsible artificial intelligence

Applicants commonly need strong mathematics, probability, statistics and programming.

Data Science

Data science programmes may require previous credits in:

• Linear algebra

• Calculus

• Probability

• Statistics

• Programming

• Databases

• Algorithms

A general business degree with only one analytics module may not satisfy a technical data-science programme.

Mechanical Engineering

English-taught options may focus on:

• Automotive systems

• Production engineering

• Computational engineering

• Robotics

• Mechatronics

• Simulation

• Materials

• Energy systems

Electrical Engineering

Popular specializations include:

• Communications

• Microelectronics

• Embedded systems

• Power systems

• Automation

• Signal processing

• Semiconductor technology

• Control engineering

Renewable Energy

Relevant programmes may cover:

• Energy engineering

• Solar systems

• Wind energy

• Energy storage

• Grid technology

• Hydrogen systems

• Environmental management

• Sustainable engineering

Business and Management

English-taught business programmes include:

• International management

• Finance

• Economics

• Business analytics

• Supply-chain management

• Entrepreneurship

• Innovation

• MBA programmes

Business applicants may need:

• Economics or business credits

• Statistics

• Mathematics

• Professional experience

• GMAT or GRE

• Interview

• Motivation letter

Biotechnology and Life Sciences

Relevant fields include:

• Molecular biology

• Biotechnology

• Biochemistry

• Neuroscience

• Bioinformatics

• Pharmaceutical science

• Molecular medicine

Laboratory experience and detailed subject prerequisites can be important.

Environmental Sciences

Programmes may focus on:

• Climate science

• Environmental engineering

• Natural-resource management

• Sustainability

• Water management

• Earth systems

• Environmental policy

Social Sciences and Public Policy

English-taught programmes are available in:

• International relations

• Public policy

• Development studies

• Governance

• Political science

• Sociology

• Peace and conflict studies

German is particularly useful for internships involving local government, policy and social organizations.

Admission Requirements

There is no single admission standard for all German universities.

Common requirements include:

• Recognized Bachelor’s degree

• Relevant academic background

• Required subject credits

• Minimum academic grade

• English-language proof

• Curriculum vitae

• Motivation letter

• Academic transcripts

• Degree certificate

• Recommendation letters

• Internship or work experience

• GRE or GMAT for selected programmes

• Portfolio for design-related courses

• APS certificate for applicable Indian applicants

Bachelor’s Degree Requirement

The applicant’s first degree must normally be equivalent to a German Bachelor’s degree.

Universities may evaluate:

• Institution recognition

• Degree accreditation

• Programme duration

• Total academic workload

• Subjects completed

• Final grade

• Thesis

• Practical components

A recognized degree does not automatically guarantee subject eligibility.

Subject-Specific Credit Requirements

German Master’s admissions are often strict about academic credits.

A programme may require a defined number of credits in:

• Mathematics

• Statistics

• Programming

• Economics

• Engineering fundamentals

• Theoretical computer science

• Research methods

• Laboratory work

• Business administration

Professional experience or online certificates may strengthen the application but may not replace missing university credits.

ECTS Requirements

Many Master’s programmes accept applicants with a Bachelor’s equivalent to 180 ECTS.

Some programmes require:

• 210 ECTS

• A longer Bachelor’s degree

• Additional academic modules

• A qualifying semester

• Relevant professional experience

An Indian credit cannot always be converted directly into one ECTS credit. The university or uni-assist evaluates the academic workload.

CGPA Requirements

Germany does not have one national CGPA requirement for English-taught Master’s programmes.

Universities may use:

• A published minimum grade

• A German-grade equivalent

• An aptitude assessment

• Ranking within the applicant pool

• Subject-specific grade evaluation

• Holistic selection

A German grade of approximately 2.5 or better is a common minimum for many programmes, but competitive programmes may expect around 2.0 or better.

Selective computer science, data, economics and engineering programmes may admit students with stronger academic profiles.

German Grade Scale

Foreign grades should not be converted using a simple percentage table unless the university instructs applicants to use one.

English Language Requirements

English-taught Master’s programmes commonly accept one or more of the following:

• IELTS Academic

• TOEFL iBT

• Cambridge English

• PTE Academic

• University-specific English certificate

• Previous English-medium degree

• Medium of Instruction certificate

Acceptance is programme-specific.

Typical English Score Ranges

These are only general ranges. Some competitive programmes require higher results or minimum component scores.

Can Students Apply Without IELTS?

Yes, if the programme accepts another form of evidence.

Possible alternatives include:

• TOEFL

• Cambridge English

• PTE Academic

• English-medium Bachelor’s degree

• Medium of Instruction certificate

• Internal assessment

• Another listed certificate

An IELTS waiver from a university does not automatically guarantee that the same evidence will be accepted for a student visa.

Applicants from India should check current language-evidence requirements issued by the responsible German mission. PTE, Duolingo and the TOEFL Home Edition should not be assumed acceptable for the Indian student-visa process simply because a university accepts them.

Is German Required?

German is generally not required for admission to a fully English-taught programme unless the programme states otherwise.

However, German is highly valuable for:

• Finding accommodation

• University administration

• Healthcare

• Part-time jobs

• Internships

• Working-student positions

• Graduate employment

• Social integration

• Permanent-residence preparation

A practical target is:

• A1 or A2 before arrival

• B1 during the degree

• B2 for broader professional access

Application Routes

Direct University Application

The applicant uses the university’s own application portal.

uni-assist Standard Procedure

The applicant submits documents through My assist. uni-assist evaluates the international qualification and forwards an eligible application to the university.

VPD Procedure

The applicant requests preliminary review documentation from uni-assist and then submits the VPD directly to the university before its deadline.

Receiving the VPD does not constitute admission.

uni-assist Fees

The current handling fees are:

• €75 for the first selected programme in one semester

• €30 for each additional selected programme in the same semester

Some universities pay the fee for applicants.

A VPD normally requires approximately four to six weeks after a complete paid application has been submitted. Applicants should allow additional time to submit the VPD to the university.

Application Deadlines

Winter Semester

Applications commonly open in the first half of the calendar cycle. A frequent deadline is around mid-July, but many international and selective programmes close earlier.

Summer Semester

A common deadline is around mid-January. Programme availability is more limited.

Important Exceptions

Deadlines can differ for:

• Non-EU applicants

• EU applicants

• German applicants

• Scholarship applicants

• VPD applicants

• Aptitude-assessment programmes

• Private universities

• Programmes with entrance examinations

The official programme deadline is the only reliable deadline.

Documents Required

A typical application may require:

• Passport copy

• Bachelor’s degree certificate

• Complete academic transcripts

• Grading-system explanation

• English-language certificate

• Curriculum vitae

• Motivation letter

• Recommendation letters

• Module descriptions

• Internship certificates

• Employment certificates

• GRE or GMAT result

• Portfolio

• APS certificate

• VPD

• Preliminary graduation certificate

• University-specific application form

Documents not issued in German or English generally require an authorized translation.

APS Requirement for Indian Students

Indian applicants usually need an APS certificate when applying with Indian academic credentials.

APS evaluates:

• Academic documents

• Institution details

• Degree information

• Educational eligibility

• Document authenticity

APS does not provide:

• University admission

• English-language exemption

• Student visa approval

• Scholarship approval

Common APS exemptions can apply to:

• Doctoral or postdoctoral applicants

• Recipients of qualifying German or European public scholarships

• Applicants pursuing certain non-German degrees

• Applicants holding a non-Indian foreign qualification

• Other officially exempt categories

Applicants should verify their individual APS requirement before applying.

Statement of Purpose

A strong motivation letter should explain:

• Why the programme was selected

• How the Bachelor’s degree provides preparation

• Which modules match the applicant’s goals

• Relevant projects and research

• Career objectives

• Why the university is appropriate

• How the applicant will contribute

• Why Germany supports the academic plan

Generic praise of Germany does not demonstrate programme fit.

Letter of Recommendation

A useful recommendation should discuss:

• Academic performance

• Research ability

• Technical skills

• Initiative

• Communication

• Reliability

• Suitability for graduate study

The recommender should know the applicant’s work well enough to provide specific evidence.

Public University Tuition Fees

Many public universities do not charge general tuition for standard consecutive Master’s programmes.

Students still pay a semester contribution that may support:

• Student services

• Student representation

• Administration

• Campus facilities

• Public transport

Important Tuition Exceptions

Baden-Württemberg

Non-EU students generally pay €1,500 per semester at public universities in Baden-Württemberg unless an exemption applies.

Technical University of Munich

Non-EU students commonly pay €4,000 or €6,000 per semester for Master’s programmes, depending on the course.

Continuing-Education Programmes

MBA, executive and professional programmes frequently charge tuition.

Private Universities

Private tuition can range from approximately €10,000 to €40,000 or more for the complete programme.

Specialized International Programmes

Selected programmes at public universities may charge additional tuition.

Estimated Cost of Studying

Student Visa Financial Proof

The current standard financial-proof amount is €11,904, corresponding to a monthly withdrawal of €992 from a blocked account.

Other possible financial evidence can include:

• Qualifying scholarship

• Formal declaration of commitment

• Accepted financial guarantee

• Education loan documentation

• Other evidence accepted by the visa authority

Students attending a tuition-charging programme may need to prove that tuition can be paid separately from living expenses.

Scholarships

Possible funding sources include:

DAAD

DAAD administers multiple scholarships for postgraduate students, graduates and researchers.

Deutschlandstipendium

Selected students may receive €300 per month through participating universities.

Erasmus Mundus

Some joint Master’s programmes involving German universities offer comprehensive scholarships.

Political Foundations

Foundations may support academically strong and socially engaged students. German ability is often important.

University Scholarships

Universities may offer:

• Merit awards

• Completion grants

• Emergency support

• International student scholarships

• Tuition waivers

• Research assistantships

Scholarship requirements and availability vary.

Working While Studying

Third-country students can generally work:

• Up to 140 full days

• Up to 280 half days

• Or up to 20 hours per week during the lecture period under the applicable calculation

A day of up to four working hours generally counts as a half day. More than four hours normally counts as a full day.

Recognized university assistant activities may receive different treatment.

Common Student Jobs

• Research assistant

• Teaching assistant

• Software developer

• Data analyst

• Engineering assistant

• Laboratory assistant

• Tutor

• Retail employee

• Restaurant worker

• Warehouse employee

• Office assistant

The current statutory minimum wage is €13.90 gross per hour for covered employment.

Jobs After an English-Taught Master’s

Salary depends on experience, city, employer, language and specialization.

Post-Study Work Permit

Graduates of a German university may apply for a residence permit to search for qualified employment for up to 18 months.

During the job-search period, graduates can generally work in any occupation while seeking qualified employment.

After securing a suitable job, the graduate may change to:

• Skilled-worker residence permit

• EU Blue Card

• Research residence permit

• Self-employment permit

• Another eligible residence title

An English-taught degree does not prevent graduates from using the post-study pathway.

How to Select the Right Programme

Applicants should compare:

1. Programme curriculum

2. Teaching language

3. Subject-credit requirements

4. Academic grade requirement

5. Tuition and semester contribution

6. City living costs

7. Research or industry orientation

8. Internship opportunities

9. Graduate job market

10. German-language support

11. Application route

12. Visa and APS requirements

Do not select a programme only because its title contains a popular term such as artificial intelligence or data science.

Common Application Mistakes

• Applying without checking subject credits

• Assuming all programmes at a university are in English

• Using a generic motivation letter

• Missing the separate VPD application

• Requesting VPD too late

• Uploading incomplete transcripts

• Applying with an unaccepted English test

• Assuming MOI is accepted everywhere

• Ignoring non-EU tuition

• Confusing semester contribution with tuition

• Submitting unofficial grade conversions

• Failing to provide module descriptions

• Applying only to highly selective universities

• Ignoring APS processing

• Checking visa requirements only after admission

• Assuming English alone is sufficient for graduate employment

Application Strategy

A balanced application list may include:

• Two or three highly competitive programmes

• Three or four programmes matching the applicant’s profile

• Two or three safer programmes with broader admission criteria

No German university can be treated as a guaranteed admission option.

Students should maintain a spreadsheet containing:

• University

• Programme

• Teaching language

• Tuition

• Deadline

• Application route

• VPD requirement

• English score

• Academic prerequisites

• APS requirement

• Application status

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I complete a Master’s in Germany entirely in English?

Yes. Many programmes can be completed entirely in English.

Is German required for an English-taught Master’s?

Usually not for admission, unless the programme includes German modules or states a separate German requirement.

Can I study at a public university in English?

Yes. Public universities offer many English-taught Master’s programmes.

Are English-taught Master’s degrees tuition-free?

Many public consecutive programmes have no general tuition, but Baden-Württemberg, TUM, private universities and specialized programmes are important exceptions.

How much is the semester contribution?

It commonly ranges from approximately €150 to €400 per semester.

What IELTS score is required?

Many programmes require approximately 6.0 to 7.0, but the exact score is programme-specific.

Can I apply without IELTS?

Yes, if the programme accepts TOEFL, Cambridge, PTE, MOI or another approved alternative.

Is MOI accepted?

Selected programmes accept a Medium of Instruction certificate. Acceptance is not universal.

Is PTE accepted?

Some universities accept PTE Academic. Applicants should also verify whether their visa authority accepts it.

Is Duolingo accepted?

Selected programmes may accept it, but university and visa acceptance can differ.

What CGPA is required?

There is no national minimum. Competitive programmes may expect a German equivalent of approximately 2.5 or better, with selective programmes requiring stronger grades.

Can a low-CGPA student get admission?

Possible options exist when the programme uses holistic evaluation, but strict minimum-grade requirements cannot normally be waived.

Is GRE compulsory?

No. GRE is required or recommended only by selected programmes.

Is GMAT required for business programmes?

Selected management, finance and MBA programmes require or recommend GMAT or GRE.

Is work experience required?

It is common for MBA and continuing-education programmes. Consecutive MSc and MA programmes may not require it.

Can students apply before finishing their Bachelor’s?

Some universities accept provisional transcripts and expected-graduation confirmation. Others require the completed degree by application or enrolment.

What is uni-assist?

uni-assist evaluates international academic documents for participating German universities.

What is VPD?

VPD is preliminary review documentation issued by uni-assist and submitted separately to the university.

Does VPD guarantee admission?

No. The university makes the final admission decision.

Do Indian students need APS?

Most applicants using Indian academic credentials require APS unless an official exemption applies.

Does APS guarantee admission?

No. APS verifies academic credentials and does not decide university admission.

How much money is required for the student visa?

The current standard amount is €11,904, subject to change.

Can students work during the Master’s?

Yes, within the employment conditions attached to the residence permit.

Can I get a job with an English-taught degree?

Yes. However, German proficiency substantially expands the employment market.

How long can graduates stay to find work?

Graduates may receive up to 18 months to search for qualified employment.

Can an English-taught Master’s lead to PR?

Yes. After graduation, the student must move to an eligible employment residence permit and satisfy the relevant permanent-residence conditions.

Final Thoughts

Germany offers high-quality English-taught Master’s programmes across technical, scientific, business and social-science disciplines. Many public programmes remain affordable, but applicants must check tuition exceptions, subject-credit requirements and application procedures carefully.

A strong application should include:

• A recognized related Bachelor’s degree

• Required academic credits

• Competitive grades

• Accepted English evidence

• Complete academic documents

• Programme-specific motivation

• Timely VPD or uni-assist processing

• APS where applicable

• A realistic financial plan

Students should also begin learning German even when the programme is fully in English. B1 or B2 German can make a major difference in internships, part-time work, graduate employment and long-term settlement.