Germany, recognized globally for its exceptional education system and world-renowned universities, stands as a hotspot destination for international students. It boasts more than 420 higher education institutions with over 21,000 different study programs, and there are over 300,000 international students in Germany each year.

This guide will walk you through the entire process involved in applying for a Master's degree in Germany, so that you are thoroughly equipped and confident as you embark on your academic adventure in Germany.

What's a Master's degree in Germany?

Renowned for their academic rigor and practical approach, German Master's programs offer a wide array of specializations, catering to your diverse academic interests and career goals.

These programs, typically taking one to two years, blend advanced theoretical knowledge with practical applications, ensuring you gain both depth and real-world skills.

How long does it take to get a Master's degree in Germany?

A Master's degree in Germany usually takes one to two years.

This duration can vary depending on whether you're pursuing a full-time, part-time, or an accelerated track.

Why study in Germany?

Germany is increasingly recognized as an ideal destination for international students like you.

It consistently ranks at the very top of the lists for best study abroad destinations. For example, it ranked 6th on the educations.com 2023 Top 10 Places to Study Abroad list.

Why is the country so popular as a study abroad destination? Germany offers countless Master's programs in English, usually for free, attracting students from all over the world due to its diverse and inclusive academic environment.

Why get a Master’s in Germany?

• Academic excellence: German universities are celebrated for high academic standards and cutting-edge research.
• Career prospects: A degree from a German university is highly valued globally.
• Scholarship opportunities: Germany provides a variety of scholarships for international students.
• Research and industry connections: With programs closely linked to industry, Germany offers excellent opportunities for research and practical experience.
• Diverse program options: There are over 21,000 different study programs in Germany, so you're bound to find a course that resonates with your academic and professional ambitions.

How to choose the right Master’s program in Germany

Selecting the ideal Master's program in Germany, with its vast array of universities and courses, can appear overwhelming. Yet, it can be distilled into a few manageable, though not necessarily easy, steps.

Step 1: Define your goals and plans

• What academic field captivates you?
• What career outcomes do you envision from your Master's degree in Germany?

Reflect on your passions, strengths, and long-term career objectives. This introspection will guide you to a program that not only aligns with your interests but also paves the way for the career opportunities you desire.

Step 2: Start researching

Research is crucial in choosing the right Master's program in Germany. Consider the following key aspects:

1. University-industry partnerships: Look for affiliations with leading companies, research institutes, or organizations. These connections can provide early career opportunities and valuable networking.
2. Curriculum relevance: Ensure the program offers courses and specialized modules that align with your career goals, including opportunities for research or internships.
3. Expert faculty: Investigate the faculty's expertise in your chosen field. Consider their research, publications, and any mentorship or assistantship programs available.
4. Accreditations and recognition: Seek student testimonials and look for recognized accreditations that uphold the program's quality.

Step 3: Compile a list

Organize your search with a list (or an Excel sheet) of potential universities and their program specifics. Include details like:

• Tuition fees
• Scholarship opportunities: Note any available financial aid
• Application deadlines
• Application requirements:
  • Language proficiency: Are there specific language tests or minimum scores required?
  • Course prerequisites: Are there expectations for prior coursework or knowledge in the program’s field?
  • Degree requirements: Some programs may require a Bachelor's degree in a related field
• Program or university highlights:
  • Unique courses or facilities
  • Evaluation methods (written exams, research projects, etc.)
  • Exchange or internship opportunities
• Application fees (if applicable)

This is how it should look:

How to study in Germany - Master's in Germany requirements

Step 1: Gather documents

Preparing for a Master's degree in Germany involves assembling several crucial documents. While specific requirements may vary, here are the key documents international students should focus on:

1. Academic transcripts

• Official transcripts from your undergraduate degree and any postgraduate studies.
• Ensure these transcripts include detailed course and grade information.
• If your studies were not in German or English, official translations might be required. Check your chosen university’s guidelines for specifics.

2. Personal statement

• A personal statement is your chance to showcase your motivation and suitability for the program.
• It should articulate your goals and strengths as a candidate for a master degree in Germany.

3. Letter(s) of recommendation

• German universities typically require recommendation letters vouching for your academic competence and potential.
• Select referees who know you well, like professors or employers.
• Give your referees ample time to prepare meaningful recommendations.
• Mention what program/major you need a recommendation for - that way they can optimize their recommendation to that specific purpose.

4. Academic CV/Resume

• Provide a detailed CV covering your education, work experience, research projects, publications, certifications, and other relevant skills.
• Focus on experiences and skills pertinent to the Master's program you are applying for.
• Keep it concise but comprehensive, avoiding unnecessary filler.

5. Proof of language proficiency

• For programs in English, proof of proficiency (like IELTS or TOEFL scores) may be required, especially if you're a non-native speaker.
• For programs in German, you might need a Goethe Institute certificate, or a university-specific language certificate.
• Check the specific requirements and minimum scores for your program.

How to stand out in your application

Here are some tips to make your application stand out:

• Be concise: Limit your resume and personal statement to one page each (500-700 words for the PS), unless otherwise specified.
• Tailor your application: Reference specific professors, research projects, or aspects of the German university that align with your interests and goals.
• Highlight your fit for the program: Explain why you are drawn to the specific master's program and your potential contributions to the university's academic community.
• Ask "so what?" often: This helps ensure that every piece of information you include underlines your suitability and commitment to the program.
• Be confident: Highlight your academic achievements, including major projects, awards, or publications relevant to the field.

Step 2: Start applying

Use the right application portal

To apply to your desired universities, you'll most likely need an account with the online application portal your university is using.

The most common ones are Hochschulstart and uni-assist.

• Hochschulstart is mostly used if you've already completed a degree in Germany, or if you're from EU/EEA/Switzerland. You can create a Hochschulstart account free of charge.
• uni-assist is used by around 170 German universities, and it includes a €75 application fee for the first Master's you apply for, and €30 for every other program.
• Sometimes you may need to apply through both platforms.

There are some instances where you might need to apply directly to a university using their specific platform. Make sure to check the specifics on the university's application page.

Don't forget the deadlines!

Usually you'll need to submit your application by July 15th for the winter semester (starting in October) and January 15th for the summer semester (starting in April).

Some universities have earlier deadlines for some of their Master’s programs, as well as for applicants who come from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland. These deadlines are usually in early March.

Make sure to note down the specific deadlines for the universities you're interested in.

Ideally, you should submit your application well ahead of the deadline, for a few reasons:

• In case you want to make any last-minute changes
• If the university requests edits to your application (i.e. if the document is poorly scanned, or a transcript wasn't translated)
• To give universities and the German government enough time to process your application
• To prevent program start delays due to larger-than-expected demand

German student visa requirements

If you're not from one of the exempted countries (EU/EEA, Australia, Japan, Canada, USA and others), you'll need to apply for a student visa at your local German embassy.

• If you've already received a letter of acceptance, you should apply for a Student Visa (Visum zu Studienzwecken).
• If you haven't been accepted at a university yet, but you plan on studying in Germany, you can apply for a Student Applicant Visa (Visum Zur Studienbewerbung).

You'll need to pay a fee of €75 for your visa application.

Usually, the required documents are:

• Valid passport
• Proof of Financial Resources and Health Insurance
• Records of previous study and language skills

How much does it cost to get a Master's degree in Germany?

Studying abroad can be a significant financial undertaking, and this is no different for a Master's degree in Germany, especially for international students. Here's a breakdown of the main costs you'll encounter:

Tuition fees

Many universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees, even for international students, especially at public universities. This is mostly the case if the student is from the EU/EEA/Switzerland, or if they've already obtained an education in Germany.

However, some private universities or specialized programs may charge fees, which are usually between €7,000 and €15,000 per year.

Here's a breakdown of the tuition fees for Master's programs at some of the most popular universities in Germany:

It's vital to check the specific university websites for detailed information on any tuition fees that might apply to your chosen program.

Semester fee

All universities in Germany, regardless of their tuition fees, have a semester fee of around €300-350, which covers administrative costs, student services, and sometimes your student transportation card.

Living expenses

Living costs in Germany can vary depending on the city. On average, you can expect to spend around €800 to €1,200 per month, depending on the city and your lifestyle.

This includes accommodation, food, transport, health insurance, telephone/internet, study materials, and leisure activities.

We've created a German travel guide to help you get around the country and visit other parts of Europe, including some tips on how to travel on a budget (or even for free!) as a student.

Check out the Germany travel guide →

Health insurance

If you are under the age of 30 and have been accepted to a degree course in Germany, you can enroll under the public health insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung-GKV) scheme. It can vary in cost, but you should expect to pay around €110 per month.

If you're over 30, enrolled in a preparatory or a language course, or a scholarship holder (without a contract of employment), you'll have to sign up for a private health insurance scheme.

Part-time work in Germany

EU/EEA citizens

Students who are EU/EEA citizens are legally permitted to work:

• Part-time during their studies, up to 20 hours per week
• Full-time during study breaks

Non-EU/EEA citizens

International students who come from non-EU/EEA countries can only work 240 half days or 120 full days per year. They can choose to spend this maximum work time either during vacations or school terms.

Where to find a student job

Part-time job opportunities can be found both on campus and in the local community, which can help with covering living expenses.

Universities in Germany often have student services or job portals where you can inquire about available job opportunities. Additionally, student organizations or unions can be valuable resources for job leads.

Considerations regarding part-time work

It's important to remember that while working part-time is feasible, the number of jobs available to international students can be limited, and the competition for these positions can be intense. This challenge arises partly due to visa regulations and the administrative processes employers must navigate to hire international students, which can sometimes be more complex than hiring domestic students.

Therefore, it's advisable to view part-time work as a supplementary source of income rather than the primary means of funding your studies in Germany. This approach will ensure a balanced focus on both your academic pursuits and financial stability.

Careers in Germany: your opportunities after a Master’s

Upon earning your Master's degree in Germany, you'll have plethora of career paths available.

The expertise, skills, and professional network developed during your studies in Germany will open doors to various exciting career opportunities.

Here are some avenues you might consider:

Pursue a career in academia

Armed with a Master's degree, you can delve into the academic world, contributing to research in your field. This could also be a stepping stone to pursuing a PhD. German universities often present teaching and research roles to recent Master’s graduates.

Embark on an industry career

The specialized knowledge and advanced skills acquired from a Master's degree are highly valued across numerous industries.

Fields like engineering, finance, technology, or marketing in Germany often seek specialists with such qualifications.

Become an entrepreneur

Your Master's degree equips you with the necessary skills to start your own venture or become an innovative entrepreneur. Germany's thriving startup scene offers ample opportunities for funding, mentorship, and incubator programs.

Visa considerations post-graduation

Post-graduation, you might need to consider visa options to continue your stay in Germany. We'll cover more details below.

EU Blue Card

Aimed at highly skilled professionals.

To apply for an EU Blue Card, you'll need:

• A university diploma (from Germany or from a recognized foreign institution)
• A job offer with a minimum salary, usually around €45,000-60,000 per year
• B1 of German language proficiency (unless you can prove that you only need English at your job)

After 33 months of residence via the Blue Card, you can apply to permanently settle in Germany.

Job seeker visa

This visa allows you to stay in Germany for a certain period while you search for a full-time job relevant to your qualification.

It's meant for graduates who returned to their home country after graduating, and who now want to come back to Germany to work.

Important to note:

• You'll need to prove that you can support yourself during your stay in Germany.

You can apply for an EU Blue Card after you've signed an employment contract lasting at least a year.