According to HochschulKompass, the most comprehensive database for degree programs in Germany, there are 38 programs for Masters in Material Science in Germany. But what is the significance of material science?
Material science is an interdisciplinary field that combines knowledge from Engineering, Physics, and Chemistry. The combination of these subjects is used to tackle challenges related to some prominent engineering disciplines. Material Science Engineering can be utilized to address issues in Biotechnology, Nanotechnology, Manufacturing, etc.
Material scientists precisely study why some materials work and why some don’t. They understand the structure of materials and develop new ways for increased functionality. They are often relied upon by other branches of engineering. The scope of material science and the work of material scientists is broad. The efforts of their work are seen in industries like automotive, technology industry, energy, healthcare, etc.
Top Universities to Study MS in Material Science in Germany
| University | Program Name | Language |
| Freiberg University of Mining and Technology | M.Sc. Computational Materials Science | English |
| University of Jena | M.Sc. Materials Science | German |
| RWTH Aachen | M.Sc. Materials Science | German |
| Clausthal University of Technology | M.Sc. Materials Science and Engineering | German |
| Technical University of Darmstadt | M.Sc. Materials Science | English |
| University of Erlangen-Nuremberg | M.Sc. Materials Science and Engineering | English |
| University of Augsburg | M.Sc. Materials Science and Engineering | English |
| University of Bayreuth | M.Sc. Materials Science and Engineering | German |
| Berlin University of Technology | M.Sc. Materials Science | German |
| Ruhr University Bochum | M.Sc. Material Science and Simulation | English |
| Technical University of Hamburg | M.Sc. Materials Science | German |
| Ilmenau University of Technology | M.Sc. Materials Science | German |
| Technical University of Kaiserslautern | M.Sc. Materials Science and Materials Engineering | German |
| University of Stuttgart | M.Sc. Materials Science | English |
| Saarland University | M.Sc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering (AMASE) | German |
Admission requirements
Degree programs in Germany are subject to Numerus Clausus or admission restrictions (Read more on Numerus Clausus). The table below lists which admission restrictions are applicable to each material science program.
| University | Program Name | Admission Restriction |
| Freiberg University of Mining and Technology | M.Sc. Computational Materials Science | No Admission Restriction |
| University of Jena | M.Sc. Materials Science | No Admission Restriction |
| RWTH Aachen | M.Sc. Materials Science | No Admission Restriction |
| Clausthal University of Technology | M.Sc. Materials Science and Engineering | No Admission Restriction |
| Technical University of Darmstadt | M.Sc. Materials Science | No Admission Restriction |
| University of Erlangen-Nuremberg | M.Sc. Materials Science and Engineering | Selection Exam |
| University of Augsburg | M.Sc. Materials Science and Engineering | No Admission Restriction |
| University of Bayreuth | M.Sc. Materials Science and Engineering | No Admission Restriction |
| Berlin University of Technology | M.Sc. Materials Science | No Admission Restriction |
| Ruhr University Bochum | M.Sc. Material Science and Simulation | No Admission Restriction |
| Technical University of Hamburg | M.Sc. Materials Science | Local Admission Restriction |
| Ilmenau University of Technology | M.Sc. Materials Science | No Admission Restriction |
| Technical University of Kaiserslautern | M.Sc. Materials Science and Materials Engineering | No Admission Restriction |
| University of Stuttgart | M.Sc. Materials Science | No Admission Restriction |
| Saarland University | M.Sc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering (AMASE) | Local Admission Restriction |
As mentioned in the table above, most MSc programs in Material Sciences have no admission restrictions. Saarland University and the Technical University of Hamburg have local admission restrictions, indicating that applications received for this program at Saarland university exceed the number of places available. Additionally, the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg conducts an admission test as part of the selection process.
General admission criteria
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject.
- Proof of English language proficiency (For English-taught programs; not required for German-taught programs)
- Proof of German language proficiency equivalent (Not usually required for English-taught programs. Some English-taught programs may require students to furnish German proficiency of at least A1. German-taught programs may require at least up to B2 level or preferably C1 level)
- University entrance certificate/school leaving certificate
Other requirements may include the following. However, not all universities require the below-mentioned documents.
- Updated CV
- Motivation letter
- Reference letters
- Proof of relevant work experience
To avoid the hassle of the university application process, you can contact Gyanberry for expert assistance. Ease your study abroad journey by receiving a tailor-made list of universities matching your profile. Book a video appointment to learn about your prospects with Gyanberry.
Tuition Cost for Master’s program in Material Science in Germany
| University | Program Name | Annual Cost in EUR | Annual Cost in USD* |
| Freiberg University of Mining and Technology | M.Sc. Computational Materials Science | EUR 188 | 182.66 |
| University of Jena | M.Sc. Materials Science | EUR 532.22 | 517.09 |
| RWTH Aachen | M.Sc. Materials Science | EUR 304 | 295.36 |
| Clausthal University of Technology | M.Sc. Materials Science and Engineering | EUR 388 | 376.97 |
| Technical University of Darmstadt | M.Sc. Materials Science | EUR 440 | 427.50 |
| University of Erlangen-Nuremberg | M.Sc. Materials Science and Engineering | ER 254 | 246.78 |
| University of Augsburg | M.Sc. Materials Science and Engineering | EUR 255 | 247.75 |
| University of Bayreuth | M.Sc. Materials Science and Engineering | EUR 232 | 225.41 |
| Berlin University of Technology | M.Sc. Materials Science | EUR 227.5 | 221.03 |
| Ruhr University Bochum | M.Sc. Material Science and Simulation | EUR 660 | 641.24 |
| Technical University of Hamburg | M.Sc. Materials Science | EUR 677 (approx.) | 657.76 |
| Ilmenau University of Technology | M.Sc. Materials Science | EUR 263.48 | 255.99 |
| Technical University of Kaiserslautern | M.Sc. Materials Science and Materials Engineering | EUR 1900 | 1864 |
| University of Stuttgart | M.Sc. Materials Science | EUR 3,000 | 2914.74 |
| Saarland University | M.Sc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering (AMASE) | EUR 627.3 | 609.47 |
*Calculated at a current exchange rate of 1 EUR = 0.97 USD. Exchange rates are subject to change periodically.
As seen from the table, a master’s in material science is quite affordable in Germany. Most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees; they require semester contributions. A semester contribution ranges between 100-400 euros per semester or 200-800 euros per year. In the table above, except for the Technical University of Kaiserslautern and the University of Stuttgart, all other universities charge only the semester contribution.
International students must also account for living expenses. Living cost in Germany is fairly affordable. An international student is expected to have at least 10,500 euros towards living expenses per year. This includes rent, food, transportation, and other personal expenses.
