Should I study engineering in Germany?

Germany is the engineering hub of the world. Hence, it only makes sense to acquire your higher education in this field in Germany. In this article, we have covered the most important and frequently raised doubts/points regarding studying engineering in Germany. 

Why should I study engineering in Germany?

Germany is one of the few countries in the world providing free education to international students as well (through their public universities). Most of the German public universities offer courses free of cost, or some charge a very low tuition fee. This arrangement reduces the financial stress on students, especially those hailing from developing countries. Additionally, the living cost in Germany is affordable compared to other European and North American countries. It is particularly perfect for engineering students because Germany is the world’s technology and innovation nucleus. Right from automobile and mechanical engineering to microelectronics, the country has made tremendous progress across varied fields. The advancement of the engineering field has also given rise to impeccable academic powerhouses. Some of these iconic institutes and universities date as far back as the 16th Century and thus have a robust academic lineage. The educational system of Germany is highly organised and attracts thousands of students every year. Recently, it has become as diverse as its counterparts, the USA and Canada, with talented students coming in from different parts of Asia, Africa, and South America. Germany’s strategic location allows students access to global opportunities and the lifetime opportunity of learning about European cultures, languages, travel, and cuisines, apart from gathering academic exposure. 

Engineering programs Popular in Germany: 

Below is a list of engineering courses that are popular in Germany. 

• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Automotive Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Data Engineering
• Mechatronics
• Nanoengineering 

Some of the best engineering colleges in Germany:

• Technical University Munich 
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
• RWTH Aachen University
• the Technical University of Berlin
• Technical University Dresden 
• The Technical University of Darmstadt 
• The University of Stuttgart 
• The University of Duisurg-Essen
• The University of Erlangen Nuremberg
• University of Hannover
• The Braunschweig University of Technology
• The University of Freiburg
• The Humboldt University of Berlin
• Ruhr University Bochum
• The Hamburg University of Technology
• Bauhaus-Universitat Weimar
• Otto von Guericke University
• The University of Bremen
• The University of Kiel
• The University of Hamburg

Requirements to study engineering in Germany:

Any student planning to study engineering in Germany must have a minimum of 3.0 GPA. Also, students whose school-leaving certificate is not recognised in Germany must take up the one-year preparatory course (Studienkolleg). You can learn more about Studienkolleg here. [please hyperlink Studienkolleg article). Students must also qualify for the preparatory course assessment test (Feststellungsprufung). Additionally, a German language proficiency of B1 level or higher is needed. Students must also submit the English language IELTS or TOEFL results if they wish to seek education in English.

Application Process to study engineering in Germany:

There are three distinct options that students can choose from while applying to an engineering program in German institutes. Option 1 is University Application Service for International Students (Uni-Assist), option 2 is Foundation for University Admission (Stiftung für Hochschulzulassung – SfH), and option 3 is submitting your application to the university directly. You will have to choose one option depending on your country of origin and choice of qualification. Please note: if you are directly applying to a university, get all of the documents reviewed through Uni-Assist before you proceed with the submission. It is also pertinent that you stay proactive in your application submission and respect university deadlines. 

Abroad education does need a specific amount of financial backing. Even if you plan to study at a public university in Germany, you will have to incur living expenses. Hence, it is advisable to keep a steady flow of money intact. International students can live a comfortable life in Germany at an expense of  €800 to  €900 per month. Your ability to support your living and educational expenses is to be made evident in your student visa application. In your student visa application, you will have to declare your financial health, talk about loans that you will take and also let the embassy know about any scholarships that you have received. 

You will then have to apply for your German student visa, which is mandatory for students from Asia, Africa, Australia, South America, and North America. Only after the student has received admission to a German university can they send their visa application to the German embassy or the German consulate in their home country. The visa application process can be time-consuming, and hence students ought to be quick and proactive in their approach. 

Documents Checklist: Passport, financial statements, offer letter from the university, proof of language proficiency, health insurance, and previous academic qualifications.

[After your visa arrives, you can fly to Germany a week before your course commencement and begin your education.]

How long will it take to complete education in Germany?

Those who wish to pursue an undergraduate engineering course in Germany must dedicate close to four years to a full-time program. Those who wish to pursue a master’s engineering program in Germany must dedicate close to 2 years to full-time studies.

How Much Does It Cost to Study Engineering in Germany? 

Acquiring an undergraduate education in a public university is free of cost in Germany. In some exceptions, students may have to pay a nominal amount of €100-200 for miscellaneous expenses and admission. The only exception to this rule is the public universities of the state of Baden-Württemberg. If you choose any public university in the state of Baden-Württemberg then the cost of your education will be around €1,500 per semester. A master’s education in German public universities will cost you around €500 – €1,000 per semester. Students who wish to study at private German universities like IU International University of Applied Sciences, SRH Heidelberg, Technische Hochschule Georg Agricola, and many more will have to spend approximately €20,000 per year for undergraduate or postgraduate education. 

How much will I earn after studying engineering in Germany?

Engineers are in great demand in Germany because of the country’s technical and innovation-driven setup that is dominated by the manufacturing industry. Many companies like Siemens, SAP, Lufthansa, Eleks, Robert Bosch, Mercedes-Benz, and more have their headquarters in Germany and are looking for talented engineers every year. Since the industry operates close to the academic foreground, students have ample opportunities to imbibe practical exposure, which prepares them for the German work culture. Additionally, institutes collaborate with many companies to prepare them for their professional future. The constant exchange of ideas has resulted in a great demand for engineers in Germany with attractive job offers. An undergraduate engineering fresher, just out of college, can earn between the range of €35000 to €40000 in Germany. After masters, mechanical and Software Engineers can earn upwards of €60,000 in Germany.