Study Engineering in Germany (2024 Guide)

German engineering schools are among the best in the world thanks to their innovative teaching methods and career opportunities. In Germany, people are dedicated to engineering and technical work. The German education system allows them to learn by doing practical work, which makes them highly skilled. 

Is Germany a Good Place to Study Engineering?

There are plenty of reasons why you must consider Germany for your studies. When it comes to engineering, here are some of the top ones:

• Cost of Study. German public universities have lower tuition fees than universities in the UK and the US. Courses in public universities are tuition-free, making education more accessible for international students. Part-time work opportunities also offer good wages, and students can benefit from scholarships and discounts on essentials like public transport.

• English Language Courses. Many German universities offer programs in English through International Degree Programs. These programs are designed for international students, providing a high-quality learning experience even if students are still mastering the German language.

• Automobile Production. Germany is home to automotive brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche. These companies produce high-performance cars known for their engineering precision and innovation.

• Engineering Machinery: German companies like Siemens, Bosch, and Thyssenkrupp are global leaders in engineering machinery, including industrial automation systems, power generation equipment, and construction machinery.
• Aviation and Aerospace: Airbus, one of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers, has a significant presence in Germany. The country also contributes to space exploration through organizations like the German Aerospace Center (DLR).

How Many Years Does it Take to Study Engineering in Germany?

Undergraduate engineering programs in Germany take 3-4 years of full-time study. A German language course before starting engineering studies lasts 6-8 months. If needed, a preparatory course adds another year. Engineering master’s programs take 1-2 years full-time. Part-time studies or additional research can extend to 5 years.

How Much Does It Cost to Study Engineering in Germany?

• Public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees, but students must pay a semester fee, typically between 150€ to 300€ each year. 
• On the other hand, studying engineering at private universities in Germany starts at 3,000€ per year and can go up to 15,000€.

What Are the Admission Requirements for Studying Engineering in Germany?

Once you’ve picked the engineering program and university you’re interested in Germany, it’s important to check the entry requirements. These can vary between universities.

The general admission requirements for studying engineering in Germany are:

• A minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Non-EU/EEA students may need to complete a one-year preparatory course (Studienkolleg) if their school-leaving certificate is not recognized in Germany.
• Successful completion of the preparatory course assessment test (Feststellungsprüfung).
• Proficiency in the German language, usually demonstrated through TestDAF or DSH exams, at least at the B1 level or higher, depending on the university and level of study.
• For programs taught in English, proof of English proficiency with IELTS or TOEFL scores may be required.
• A Bachelor’s degree is required for admission to postgraduate programs.

Best Engineering Universities in Germany

Germany is famous for its technology and innovation across many fields, from nanotechnology and microelectronics to mechanical engineering. It’s home to top engineering institutes, making it easy to find the right course. The country has a rich history of technological progress and excellence in the automotive industry. And its universities? Some of the best in the world!

Here are the best Engineering universities in Germany:

University	Tuition Fees
Technical University of Munich	3,000€ – 6,000€ per semester
RWTH Aachen University	303.49€ per semester
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology	1500,00€ per semester
Technical University of Berlin	290.44€ per semester
Technical University of Dresden	270.00€ per semester
University of Stuttgart	1,500€ per semester
Technical University of Darmstadt	220.00€ per semester
University of Erlangen Nuremberg	144.00€ per semester

*General university semester fees.

>> List of All Universities in Germany.

Top Engineering Universities Across Disciplines in Germany:

• Top Universities in Germany to Study Electrical Engineering
• Top Universities in Germany to Study Industrial Engineering
• Top Universities in Germany to Study Mechanical Engineering
• Top Universities in Germany to Study Material Engineering
• Top Universities in Germany to Study Automotive Engineering

Career Opportunities

Germany offers various career opportunities for engineers, and there is a high demand for their skills across various industries. Research and development (R&D) positions, especially in senior roles, are abundant.

Engineers can also find roles in technical production planning, quality assurance, construction, and machine and model construction. Due to their expertise and qualifications, they progress to leadership positions.

Here are some of the top engineering careers in Germany:

Job Title	Average Salary (Per Year)
Automotive Engineer	86,306€
Aerospace Engineer	62,224€
Renewable Energy Engineer	59,356€
Robotics Engineer	65,184€
Mechanical Engineer	82,051€
Electrical Engineer	84,000€
Civil Engineer	80,666€
Structural Engineer	86,246€
Environmental Engineer	76,856€
Chemical Engineer	89,548€
Biomedical Engineer	79,382€
Process Engineer	77,387€
Materials Engineer	99,114€

*Source: Salary Expert

Engineering Students in Germany Statistics

Engineering is the second most popular area of study in Germany, with a total of 763,971 students. This reflects Germany’s strong focus and interest in engineering and technology-related programs.

In the 2022/23 academic year, 763,971 students enrolled in engineering programs in Germany. International students accounted for 43.1% of the total, while German students made up 24.0%.