Master's in Germany - Programs, Universities, Cost

Why study for a Master’s degree in Germany?

Germany's universities provide a top-tier education across various fields, making the country a great choice for pursuing a master’s degree. Many postgraduate programs are offered in both English and German, so you can choose a program in the language you‘re most comfortable with.

Pursuing postgraduate studies in Germany can offer you an opportunity to enhance your expertise in your chosen field of study, while also providing a chance to polish your foreign language skills and socialize with people you meet in this new environment.

Cost of Master’s Programs in Germany

Most universities in Germany are state-funded and they offer tuition-free master’s programs to all students. However, it's important to note that some master's programs taught in English or offered by private universities may charge tuition fees.

The average cost of a master’s in Germany, if the university charges tuition fees, is usually between €5,000 and €20,000 per year. This range is an estimate, as fees may vary considerably depending on the university and the field of study.

Life as an International Student in Germany

In addition to the country’s impressive architecture and fascinating history, Germany's geographical position enables you to easily and affordably travel to neighboring countries, gaining valuable experiences that will broaden your horizons and enrich your knowledge.

German universities currently accommodate more than 400,000 international students, and the country ranks among the top 5 countries with the most international students. This is due to the combination of excellent academic standards, affordable living costs and tuition fees, and numerous opportunities for scholarships, internships, and employment during and after graduation. As a result, Germany is an ideal destination for those seeking a secure and successful future.

Are there any 1-year Master’s Programs in Germany?

In case you’d like to save some time or enter the workforce sooner, you could look for a 1-year master’s program in Germany. Some master's programs in Germany are designed to be completed in 1 year, while others may take 2 years or longer.

It's essential to research the universities and programs you're interested in to determine their duration.

Can I study for a Master’s degree in Germany online?

Many universities in Germany also offer distance-learning programs, either in a part-time or full-time format. Attending an online master’s program leads to the exact same degree as an on-campus graduate program.

The number of distance-learning postgraduate programs varies depending on the field of study and the institution, but if you want to reduce the cost of your studies or continue working in your home country, it is possible to obtain a master’s degree from a German university through distance learning.

What are the basic entry requirements of Master’s Programs in Germany?

Every university has its own admission requirements for its postgraduate programs. However, the basic entry requirements, which must be met in any case, are a recent certificate of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL, a copy of your bachelor’s degree, and, most likely, a detailed transcript of grades and a personal statement as well. For programs taught in German, you will need a level B2/C1 certificate of German language proficiency.

To study in Germany, you’ll need a valid passport and a student visa. Students coming from countries in the EU/EEA do not need a student visa.

Are there any scholarships for Master’s Programs in Germany?

If you want to reduce the cost of your postgraduate studies, you can apply for a scholarship. You can get a scholarship either directly from the university you attend or from other public or private organizations.

The scholarships offered are usually aimed at financially disadvantaged students or students with outstanding performance at the undergraduate level and cover part of the tuition fees and, sometimes, the full cost of attendance.

By applying to universities through Brive, you have a chance to get one of our scholarships.

Popular fields of study in Germany for Master’s degrees

• Mechanical Engineering
• Management
• Finance
• Architecture
• Data Science
   

Can I stay in Germany after getting my master’s degree?

If you are a non-EU/EEA citizen and you want to stay in Germany after completing your post-graduate studies, you can apply for a post-study work visa and remain in the country for up to 18 months to seek employment. If, during this time, you find a job that meets certain criteria, you can apply for a work permit to continue working in Germany.

However, if you are a citizen of a country in the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you do not need a residence permit to stay in Germany after completing your post-graduate studies. As an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, you have the right to reside and work in Germany without a permit. You can stay in the country for as long as you want, provided that you are looking for work or working.

How to apply to a Master’s Program in Germany?

Once you have gathered the necessary qualifications and documents, you can apply to the graduate school of your choice. Each university follows a different application procedure, but there is also an alternative.

By applying through Brive, you have access to personalized guidance throughout the process and can easily apply to the programs you like with just one click. You can also apply for one of our scholarships and reduce the cost of your studies.

Schedule a free counseling session with one of our certified counselors, discover the programs that suit your needs, and apply to universities all over the world.