Studying a master's in Germany

Master's degrees in Germany

Master's: 1.5 to 2 years. 90 to 120 ECTS; consecutive master's follow a matching bachelor's.

Germany is the destination where the numbers work: public universities charge no tuition to international students in most states, engineering and science are world class, and graduates get 18 months to find a job in Europe's largest economy. The trade-off is process. Admission is document-heavy, the blocked account must be funded before the visa, and outside the university a working knowledge of German opens far more doors.

Cost

Tuition of €0 to €5,000 at public universities; €10,000 to €30,000 at private universities. All students pay a semester contribution of €150 to €400 that usually includes a public transport ticket. Living costs of €950 to €1,400 a month; the blocked account is set at €992 a month.

Entry requirements

A recognised bachelor's degree, usually at second-class honours or 55 to 65 percent depending on the university, English at IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, and a statement of purpose. Some programmes add work experience or a portfolio.

Popular master's subjects

After the master's

Residence permit for job seeking (Section 20 AufenthG): 18 months. Any job is allowed while searching. Move to an EU Blue Card once you have a qualifying offer.

Figures are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.