MS in Mechanical Engineering in Germany for International Students
MS in Mechanical Engineering in Germany is one of the most sought-after engineering postgraduate programs. According to “My Guide” statistics, there are 445 study programs overall listed under the master’s in the Mechanical Engineering category. Of these, 383 are taught in German, whereas only 62 are in English. Academic institutions and universities of applied sciences both offer these courses. They are delivered as a blend of theoretical and applied knowledge with a focus on science and technology.
As compared to other countries, Germany has made significant technological advances. Some of the most renowned automakers in the world, like Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, etc., have their production facilities in Germany. They offer a wide variety of career prospects for mechanical engineers. Germany has become a popular destination for those looking to pursue an MS/M.Sc. or Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Highlights of MS in Mechanical Engineering in Germany
| Degree type | MS/M.Sc. (Master of Science) |
| Duration | 1.5 to 2 years |
| Fees in Euros/year | 260 to 11,000 |
| Medium of teaching | English , German |
| Annual salary of mechanical engineers in Germany | 50,017 Euros (Payscale) |
Popular German universities for MS in Mechanical Engineering
The general curriculum for the Mechanical Engineering MS degree covers the advanced technical fundamentals like
- Engineering
- Energy engineering
- Automotive industry
- Automation engineering
- Mechanics
- Fluid mechanics
- Design and technology
Mechatronics and driving systems are additional topics covered in class. They are necessary to deepen technical understanding and connect it to applications. The curriculum also contains assignments that will aid students in developing their interpersonal and organizational skills.
Plus, students have to participate in internships and projects that teach them a lot about applying their knowledge and talents. Students are also encouraged to participate in a variety of exchange programs.
The table below lists popular English-taught MS in Mechanical Engineering courses in Germany. All of them follow the ECTS point system, which is recognized worldwide.
Popular English-taught MS in Mechanical Engineering courses in Germany
| University Name | Course Offered | Duration | Restricted Admissions |
| Technische Hochschule Lübeck | Mechanical Engineering (M.Sc.) | 1.5 years | Yes |
| Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences | Mechanical Engineering (M.Sc.) | 1.5 years | No |
| Hochschule Düsseldorf | M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering | 1.5 years | Yes |
| University of Magdeburg | Biomechanical Engineering (M.Sc.) | 2 years | No |
| Freiberg University of Mining and Technology | Mechanical and Process Engineering (M.Sc.) | 2 years | – |
| Technical University of Hamburg | Mechanical Engineering and Management | 2 years | Yes |
| RWTH Aachen University | Management and Engineering in Computer Aided Mechanical Engineering (M.Sc.) | 2 years | – |
| Computer Aided Conception and Production in Mechanical Engineering (M.Sc.) | 2 years | – |
Fees for MS in Mechanical Engineering in Germany
| University Name | Course Offered | Fees (Euros/year) |
| Technische Hochschule Lübeck | Mechanical Engineering (M.Sc.) | 600* |
| Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences | Mechanical Engineering (M.Sc.) | 628.7* |
| Hochschule Düsseldorf | M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering | 646* |
| University of Magdeburg | Biomechanical Engineering (M.Sc.) | 259.8* |
| Technical University of Hamburg | Mechanical Engineering and Management | 549.2* |
*Semester ticket and administrative fees
| University Name | Course Offered | Fees (Euros/year) |
| Freiberg University of Mining and Technology | Mechanical and Process Engineering (M.Sc.) | 2,500 (accommodation, cultural activities, and tuition) |
| RWTH Aachen University | Management and Engineering in Computer Aided Mechanical Engineering (M.Sc.) | 11,000 (tuition fees) and 600 (semester fees) |
| Computer Aided Conception and Production in Mechanical Engineering (M.Sc.) | 11,000 (tuition fees) and 600 (semester fees) |
BIC Berlin International College in partnership with Jade University of Applied Sciences, offers a German-taught Mechanical Engineering (M.Eng.) degree. It is a 2-semester-long course. Students are not charged tuition fees but they have to pay a semester contribution of 807.6 Euros per year.
Cost of living in Germany for international students
A per DAAD statistics the average living expenses in Germany is 861 Euros per month i.e. around 10,332 Euros per year.
| Particulars | Cost in Euros/year |
| Rent | 4,200 |
| Food | 1,848 |
| Utilities | 480 |
| Transportation | 1,392 |
| Health insurance | 1,152 |
| Personal expenses | 1,356 |
Admission requirements for MS in Mechanical Engineering in Germany
Several universities in Germany follow the Numerus Clausus scheme. Under the scheme, they offer limited admission to their MS in Mechanical Engineering programs. All applicants, therefore, must have a good previous academic performance to be considered for admission. They should also provide proof of sufficient proficiency in English. Most universities accept IELTS with a minimum score of 6.5 and TOEFL with a minimum score of 577 (paper-based) or 90 (internet-based).
For admission to an MS degree in Mechanical Engineering at a German university, you need the following documents:
- Bachelor’s degree, preferably in mechanical engineering with an average grade of >2.5 (on a scale of 5)
- Motivational letter
- English proficiency proof
- GRE score (few universities)
- German proficiency proof (only a few universities)
- Passport
Students with a bachelor’s degree in any other engineering field can also apply. Many universities conduct entrance exams for the selection process as well. Upon selection, international students need a visa to study in Germany. You can contact the German embassy or consulate in your home country for your visa application. Gyanberry offers visa services to more than 20 countries including Germany.
Scholarships for MS in Mechanical Engineering in Germany
International students pursuing an MS in Mechanical Engineering are eligible for the following German government scholarships.
Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD) scholarship
DAAD, also known as the German Academic Exchange Service, is the largest student support organization in Germany. It offers a DAAD scholarship with the aim of encouraging global academic collaboration. Under the scholarship, postgraduate students receive an incentive of 850 Euros per month.
Erasmus scholarships
These scholarships are open to students who take part in exchange programs. The funding for the scholarships comes from countries that participate in the Erasmus Program. International students can get financial support through this grant for up to a one-year exchange program. It pays for tuition, lodging, and travel.
Deutschlandstipendium
Any student enrolled in a master’s at a public or state-recognized university in Germany is qualified to apply for this scholarship. But they should have great academic scores to be able to receive the scholarship. The federal government and private donations each contribute a portion of the scholarship’s funding. Students receive a stipend of 300 Euros each month for the first two semesters.
Some universities also offer scholarships and bursaries for their students. Click here to know more about scholarships in Germany.
Career scope after MS in Mechanical Engineering from Germany
To grow in the mechanical engineering field and go up the corporate ladder, you need advanced knowledge. A bachelor’s degree is insufficient to advance your career in mechanical engineering. A second professional degree, such as an MS in Mechanical Engineering, helps students broaden their prospects in the industry. Compared to other engineering specialties like computer science and software engineering, mechanical engineering is a broad field of study. Thus, there are numerous employment options. The following industries offer opportunities to MS in Mechanical Engineering graduates:
- Aerospace
- Automobile design
- Consumer electronics
- Biotechnology
- Bioengineering
- Software engineering
- Business
Germany has a high employment rate for engineers as compared to other EU countries. After graduation, many mechanical engineers decide to hunt for work in Germany. International students can apply for a residence permit to extend their stay for an extra 18 months after receiving their degree. The permit gives them enough time to hunt for employment in the high-tech centers of Germany. Engineers are also compensated well in Germany. Mechanical engineers in Germany earn an average of 50,017 Euros per year (Payscale). The pay is even higher for a graduate engineer with an MS in Mechanical Engineering.
