Universities in Germany for Masters

Tuition fees are usually not charged by many public universities in Germany for masters degrees, although students usually pay a small semester fee. Commonly chosen universities are Technical University Munich, LMU Munich, Heidelberg University, RWTH Aachen University, and Free University of Berlin. 

Germany has a few public universities that do not charge tuition fees for masters degrees, but it's not always free of cost. Students would still have to pay around EUR 300-EUR 484 (about INR 32,877-53,042) as a semester contribution fee for different services to the students and the university. 

This article will give you all the details about the top universities in Germany for masters, their rankings, popular courses, eligibility, admission requirements, application process, and cost for international students.

Top Universities in Germany for Masters by Ranking

Some universities in Germany are featured among the world's leading universities. Rankings help you form a shortlist, but students need to read through the course and subjects, fees, and entry requirements before applying to a masters. 

TUM currently appears at #25 in the global rankings of the World University Rankings 2027 by QS, and LMU Munich is #61, Heidelberg University is #86, Free University of Berlin is #98, and KIT is #110. 

The table below shows some of the best universities in Germany for masters:

Top Universities in Germany for Masters	QS World University Rankings 2027
Technical University of Munich	#25
LMU Munich (Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich)	#61
Heidelberg University	#86
Free University of Berlin	=98
RWTH Aachen University	#104
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)	#110
Humboldt University of Berlin	=140
TU Berlin (Technical University of Berlin)	=158
TU Dresden	=185
University of Bonn	=209

Affordable Universities in Germany for Masters

Germany is home to several affordable universities for masters programs. Various public universities in Germany for masters do not require tuition fees for their masters degree programs. However, this does not mean that students can study without any costs. Most often, there is a semester contribution to pay, and some programs charge tuition fees. 

The following table includes affordable universities for study in Germany for Indian students, along with the approximate semester contribution charged by each institution.

University	Approximate Semester Contribution (EUR/INR)
LMU Munich	EUR 85 (approximately INR 9,315)
RWTH Aachen University	EUR 300–340 (approximately INR 32,877–37,261)
TU Dresden	EUR 300–350 (approximately INR 32,877–38,357)
University of Cologne	EUR 310–330 (approximately INR 33,973–36,165)
University of Hamburg	EUR 330–340 (approximately INR 36,165–37,261)
TU Berlin	EUR 379.06 (approximately INR 41,546)
University of Göttingen	EUR 484.18 (approximately INR 53,061)

Note: Tuition and semester fees may change. Students must review the official university page carefully and read in detail about their specific masters program before applying.

Find out more about how to study in Germany for free.

Top Universities in Germany for Masters by Specialization

Germany has masters courses in many subjects. The right university depends on what you want to study. A student looking for engineering may choose a different university from a student looking for business or data science.

The top universities providing masters in specialized fields in Germany, including engineering, computer science, business, natural sciences, and many other areas.

Popular Specialization	Best Universities in Germany for Masters	Language of Instruction
Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence	Technical University of Munich, Saarland University, Technical University of Darmstadt	Mostly English
Mechanical Engineering	RWTH Aachen University, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Technical University of Berlin, University of Stuttgart	English & German
Business & Finance	University of Mannheim, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, Goethe University Frankfurt	Mostly English
Medicine & Biotechnology	Heidelberg University, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, University of Bonn	Mostly German
Politics & International Relations	Humboldt University of Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin, University of Freiburg	English & German
Electrical & Systems Engineering	Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Technical University of Berlin, Technical University of Munich	English & German
Environmental Studies & Renewable Energy	University of Freiburg, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Technical University of Berlin	English & German
Mathematics & Physics	University of Bonn, Heidelberg University, Technical University of Munich	English & German

Eligibility Criteria for Universities in Germany for Masters

Requirements for a masters degree are different from one university to another in Germany. For example, there might be differences in education requirements, marks, courses, credits, and language requirements across courses. 

To make application at universities for masters in Germany, it is always important to go to the official course page while applying.

Academic Requirements

Applicants generally need:

• A recognized bachelors degree
• Usually 180 or more ECTS credits, depending on the university
• Official academic transcripts and degree certificate

English or German Language Proficiency

For courses offered in English, requirements include:

• IELTS Academic: Around 6.0-6.5
• TOEFL iBT: Around 72-90+
• PTE   Academic: Accepted by some universities

German Language Proficiency

Programs taught in German may have a requirement for German language proficiency.

• TestDaF: TDN 4 (min. in all 4 sections).  
• DSH: Minimum DSH-2.  
• Goethe-Zertifikat: Usually, C2, but some universities will accept C1.  
• Many universities will accept the telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule certificate. 

Other Application Requirements

Along with your academic qualifications, you may need to submit:

• Resume/CV
• Motivation letter or SOP (you may refer to this statement of purpose format for detailed guidance)
• Academic transcripts and bachelors degree certificate
• Portfolio
• Passport copy
• English or German language test score
• APS certificate for Indian applicants
• Recommendation letters, if required (check out the correct letter of recommendation format)
• Work experience documents, if applicable

Always check the university's application portal because the required documents and portfolio format can differ between programs.

Financial and Visa Documents

For the visa process, students may need proof that they can pay for their living costs.

Students can show a minimum of EUR 11,904 (approximately INR 13.04 lakh) in a blocked account for study purposes. Other accepted forms of proof can include a scholarship or Declaration of Commitment, depending on the case. 

The visa documents are separate from the university admission documents, so students should check both sets of requirements.

How to Apply to Universities in Germany for Masters?

Programs may have various application procedures. Direct application is accepted by some universities, and by others through uni-assist.

The steps below provide simple guidance for students who are applying to the best universities in Germany for masters.

Step 1: Research on Courses and Universities

Set a goal for what it is you want to learn. 

• Choose your Masters subject.
• Look for English- and German-taught courses.
• Compare each subject of courses in Germany.
• Check the course duration.
• Check tuition and semester fees.
• Differentiate between different universities in Germany for masters.

Step 2. Entry Requirements are Determined

Thoroughly check the official course page.

Check:

• Bachelors degree requirements
• Required subjects
• ECTS credits
• Minimum grade
• English or German language score
• GRE/GMAT requirements
• APS requirements
• Other course-specific requirements

Step 3: Check the Application Deadline

German universities can have different deadlines.

Some courses have separate deadlines for international students. Some may only be able to provide one intake; others may provide more than one.

Do not wait till last date. Allow yourself time to gather documents and meet any APS and/or language requirements.

Step 4: Complete Documents

Complete all documents prior to starting the application.

Common documents include:

• Academic transcripts
• Bachelors degree certificate
• Passport
• Language test score
• CV
• Motivation letter
• Recommendation letters (if needed)
• APS certificate (if necessary)
• Other course-specific documents

Step 5: Fill out the Online Application

Submit an application using the procedure provided by the university.

This may be:

• The university's own application portal.
• uni-assist
• An alternative application system.

The application fee to be paid by the applicant for handling is EUR 75 (approximately INR 8,219) on the application for the first course and EUR 30 (approximately INR 3,228) for every subsequent course in the same semester. However, some universities pay handling fee for applicants.

Step 6: Submit Application

Review everything before submitting.

Make sure:

• Your name is the same on all documents.
• Your academic information is accurate.
• The documents have been uploaded as required.
• Language scores are included.
• Any application/processing fee is paid.

Step 7: Wait for the Decision

Once your application has been submitted, please review your email and application portal.

The university may:

• Request that you prepare another document
• Ask for clarification
• Invite you for an interview
• Provide you with an admission invitation
• Place your application on a Waiting List
• Reject the application

Step 8: Accept the Offer

If they do offer you something, read the offer carefully.

Check:

• Course name
• Start date
• Tuition fee
• Semester contribution
• Enrollment deadline

Step 9: Arrange Your Finances and Accommodation

When travelling, be prepared for:

• Tuition fees (if applicable)
• Semester contribution
• Accommodation
• Food
• Health insurance
• Transport
• Visa costs
• Other personal expenses

Step 10: Apply for German Student Visa

For those who are put on the waiting list and require Germany student visa, please apply following receipt of the letter of admission and the financial and visa documents. 

The minimum amount of money backed by the financial proof of study is EUR 11,904 (approximately INR 13.04 lakh).

Step 11: Get Ready for Germany

Once you have received your visa and admission:

• Book your flight.
• Arrange accommodation.
• Take any necessary papers.
• Verify the enrollment date at your university.
• Arrange health insurance.
• Make travel plans for Germany. 

Also Read: How to apply to Public Universities in Germany

How to Choose the Right University for Masters in Germany?

Choosing between universities in Germany for masters is about more than looking at a ranking. A university may have a high global rank, but another university may have a Master's course that fits your subject and career plan better.

Here are some simple things to check:

• Check the Masters course: Look at the subjects, modules, and learning style.
• See Rankings: Rankings should not be used as the only tool to narrow down your list of choices.
• Consider the Language of the Course: Check if you can choose whether it is English or German. 
• Check admission requirements (Grades, ECTS, previous subjects). 
• Look at tuition costs: See if your specific course has tuition costs.
• Check semester contribution: This is different from tuition.
• Look at course language: See whether the course is taught in English or German.
• Review admission requirements: Check grades, ECTS, and previous subjects.
• Check the location: Check the rent, travel, daily costs, etc.
• Look at research: Check labs, research groups, and projects if research is important to you.
• Monitor internships: See if the university has links with companies.
• Confirm career support: Look at career services and student support.

Students searching for the best public university in Germany for masters should also compare the exact course instead of choosing only by university name.

Conclusion

The universities in Germany for masters give international students many choices across engineering, computer science, business, data science, natural sciences, and other subjects. TUM, LMU Munich, Heidelberg University, Freie Universität Berlin, RWTH Aachen, and KIT are among the highly ranked German universities. 

There are numerous public universities offering Masters, without general tuition fees in Germany. However, a contribution for the semester may still be required, and some universities or programs may still require students to pay tuition. 

Choosing the best university in Germany for a masters degree will depend on the course you pursue and your academic experiences, budget, language skills, and career goals. Application documents with all the required items for the course will be checked prior to application, and the course fee will be applicable. 

To help you decide on the universities in Germany for masters, compare courses, and plan your application for your study abroad journey, you can book a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad's study abroad experts.