Dr Mohammad Shafiq
Published on: 03-Jun-2025
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Germany is one of the best places to study engineering. It is home to renowned companies such as BMW, Bosch, and Siemens. Students from all over the world are increasingly choosing German engineering degrees. Germany ranks 3rd for international student satisfaction. The main reason is its top-quality education at a very low cost.
Most public universities in Germany charge very low or no tuition fees. To help with costs, many scholarships are also available.
This article will help you find the best engineering universities in Germany for international students. We’ll cover top universities, costs, scholarships, job opportunities, and the application process step by step.
Let’s get started with the types of engineering universities you’ll find in Germany.
Germany has different types of universities where you can study engineering. The main types are Technical Universities, Universities of Applied Sciences, and a few public universities. Each type offers a unique approach to learning, so it’s essential to understand the differences.
Technical Universities, such as those in the TU9 group, focus heavily on research and in-depth academic theory. These schools often have strong labs, advanced projects, and even offer PhD programs. If you’re planning to pursue research or high-level technical roles, this is a great path.
On the other hand, Germany's leading applied sciences universities offer more hands-on and career-focused education. These schools typically don’t offer PhDs, but they provide extensive industry training. Most programs include internships or company-based projects. If you want to enter the job market quickly, this option is ideal.
There are also a few general universities that offer engineering degrees. These are more balanced in theory and practice, but they are not always as specialised as TU9 or Applied Sciences universities.
|
University Type |
Research Focus |
PhD Programs |
Top Examples |
|
Technical Universities Germany (TU9) |
Very Strong |
Yes |
RWTH Aachen, TUM, KIT |
|
Universities of Applied Sciences |
Career-Focused |
No |
Hochschule München, FH Aachen |
|
General Public Universities |
Moderate |
Yes (some) |
University of Freiburg, Heidelberg |
TUM is one of the best engineering universities in Germany. It is located in the beautiful city of Munich. The university is renowned for its research, innovation, and high-quality education. TUM collaborates closely with prominent companies, including BMW, Google, and Siemens. That means students often get internships and job offers while studying. Many courses are taught in English, which greatly benefits international students.
The university also has research centres in robotics, AI, clean energy, and space tech. Students enjoy a very active campus life, with numerous international events and activities. There are hundreds of student clubs and project teams at TUM.
Available Programs:
Acceptance Rate: 8%
RWTH Aachen is one of Germany’s top engineering schools. It’s located in the city of Aachen. The university is known for its strong focus on research and innovation. It collaborates with many industries, providing students with practical experience. The campus has modern labs and facilities. Students from around the world come to study here. RWTH offers a variety of engineering programs. The university emphasises both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Available Programs:
Acceptance Rate: 10%
The Technical University of Berlin is another leading university for engineering. It’s located in Germany’s capital city, Berlin. The courses and research opportunities available here are excellent. The campus is equipped with modern facilities and labs. Students benefit from the university’s connections with industries. TU Berlin emphasises innovation and practical skills. Graduates are well-equipped for engineering careers.
Available Programs:
Acceptance Rate: 25%
KIT is a renowned engineering university in Germany. It’s located in the city of Karlsruhe. The university is known for its strong focus on research and technology. The campus has state-of-the-art facilities and labs. Its students benefit from the university’s partnerships with industries.
Available Programs:
Acceptance Rate: 26%
TU Dresden is a prominent engineering university in Germany. It’s located in the city of Dresden. This university has some of the strongest engineering and technology programs. It offers a variety of courses and research opportunities. The campus is equipped with modern facilities and laboratories. The university attracts students from all over the world. Graduates are very well-prepared for engineering careers.
Available Programs:
Acceptance Rate: 46%
This university is one of the top names in engineering. It sits in the heart of Stuttgart. This city is also home to car giants like Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. That makes it a perfect place to study engineering. The university is well-known for research in advanced technology. It also works closely with many companies.
The University of Stuttgart has a global reputation. Students from many countries come here every year. It’s an ideal place for anyone seeking to become an expert engineer.
Available Programs:
Acceptance Rate: 71%
FAU is one of Germany’s largest public universities. It’s known for its strong science and tech courses. The main campuses are in Erlangen and Nuremberg. The university offers modern labs and research centres. It is especially renowned for its contributions to materials science and AI. It’s also one of the most affordable engineering schools in Germany.
Available Programs:
This university has a long history in science and technology. It is based in Darmstadt, near Frankfurt. TU Darmstadt is known for cutting-edge research in engineering. TU Darmstadt often ranks high in robotics and data systems. It's a perfect place for those who love technology. They have a very modern campus filled with labs and workshops. Students are trained with a strong focus on innovation.
Available Programs:
Acceptance Rate: 29%
Leibniz University is located in the beautiful city of Hannover. It’s one of Germany’s oldest technical universities. It has a strong name in mechanical and civil engineering. This university is also renowned for its expertise in space technology and geoscience. Many of its graduates secure positions in large firms and laboratories. Additionally, it offers solid research opportunities. It also partners with several top tech companies.
Available Programs:
Acceptance Rate: 51%
The merger of two major universities led to the formation of this university. It has two campuses, one located in Duisburg and the other in Essen. It has many research groups working on real-world challenges. Students often join exciting projects from the very beginning. The campus is modern and diverse.
The University of Duisburg-Essen offers many strong engineering and computer science programs. It is also a leader in nanotechnology and biomedical engineering.
Available Programs:
Acceptance Rate: Around 45%
|
University |
QS Rank 2026 |
THE Rank 2025 |
Top Engineering Programs |
Semester Fees |
|
Technical University of Munich |
#=22 |
26 |
Mechanical, Electrical, AI, Robotics |
€2000-€3000 (for non-EU/EEA students) |
|
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology |
#=98 |
289 |
Mechanical, Electrical, Informatics |
€1500 (for first degree) |
|
RWTH Aachen University |
#=105 |
90 |
Civil, Computer, Mechatronics, Energy |
€300 – €350 |
|
Technical University of Berlin |
#145 |
136 |
Software, Mechanical, Transport |
€300 – €400 |
|
TU Darmstadt |
#=253 |
201–250 |
Robotics, Software, Mechanical |
€300-€400 |
|
Uni Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU) |
#232 |
193 |
Electrical, AI, Biomedical, IT |
€72 |
|
Leibniz University Hannover |
#=433 |
351-400 |
Civil, Mechanical, Mechatronics |
€428.75 |
|
University of Stuttgart |
314 |
251–300 |
Aerospace, Mechanical, Computational Eng. |
€1,500 (for non-EU/EEA students) |
|
TU Dresden |
234 |
160 |
Nano, Mechanical, Biomedical |
€280 – €350 |
|
University of Duisburg-Essen |
#801-850 |
251 |
Embedded, Electrical, Software |
€312.40 |
Studying engineering in Germany remains highly affordable compared to anglophone destinations like the UK or the USA, thanks to Germany's unique tuition-free policy at most public universities. The German government funds public higher education institutions, allowing them to charge only minimal administrative semester fees rather than substantial tuition fees. This model continues to make Germany an attractive destination for international engineering students seeking world-class education at reasonable costs.
For the 2026 academic year, the fee structure maintains its fundamental approach with some important updates. While tuition itself remains free at most public institutions, students should budget for semester contributions, living expenses, and potential regional fees that apply specifically to non-EU students in certain federal states. The overall cost of studying engineering in Germany remains significantly lower than in other popular study destinations, representing an excellent return on investment for aspiring engineers.
|
University Type / Region |
Avg. Tuition Fees (2026) / semester |
Additional Notes |
|
Public TU9 Universities |
€150 to €350 |
Covers administrative costs + public transport pass |
|
Public Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) |
€250 – €350 |
Often includes practical training components |
|
Public Universities in Baden-Württemberg |
€1,500 (non-EU students) |
Applies to non-EU students only |
|
Public Universities in Bavaria |
€2,000-€6,000 (non-EU students) |
Technical University of Munich only |
|
Private Engineering Universities |
€5,000 – €7,500 |
Annual fees typically €10,000-€20,000 |
You can also reduce costs through scholarships and part-time work. The DAAD Scholarships are the most well-known option for international students. Some German states and universities also offer special aid for engineering students. Programs like Erasmus+ also support students during their studies and internships in Germany.
International students are also permitted to work part-time while pursuing their studies. You can work 120 full days or 240 half days per year, as stipulated by German regulations.
Getting into a German engineering university is not overly difficult, but it does require careful planning. You must meet certain academic and language requirements before applying. Let’s go through everything so it feels easy and clear.
First, you need your high school or bachelor’s degree transcripts. For a bachelor’s program, your school certificate must match the German Abitur level. If not, you may need to join a Studienkolleg, which is a foundation year.
For master’s programs, a related bachelor’s degree in engineering is usually required. Many top universities also ask for a GPA of at least 3.0 (out of 4.0).
Most bachelor’s programs are in German, so you’ll need a German language certificate. The accepted tests are TestDaF, DSH, or Goethe-Zertifikat (at the B2 or C1 level). However, many master’s programs are taught in English, especially at universities in the TU9 network. For those, you need to take the IELTS (with a score of 6.5 or higher) or the TOEFL (with a score of 90 or above).
Since 2022, some students have been required to have an APS certificate before applying. This applies if you are from India, China, or Vietnam. You must get this before applying through uni-assist or directly to universities.
Most universities in Germany do not require entrance exams. However, some might require additional tests in math or physics for admission to a bachelor’s program.
Studying engineering in Germany opens doors to great career opportunities. On average, engineers earn around €72,000 per year. However, this varies and depends on specialisation.
Here's a quick breakdown:
|
Engineering Field |
Average Salary (2026) |
|
Software Engineering |
€48,000 - €75,000 |
|
Mechanical Engineering |
€52,000 - €68,000 |
|
Automotive Engineering |
€62,000 - €87,000 |
|
Civil Engineering |
€42,000 - €83,000 |
|
Aerospace Engineering |
€53,000 - €68,000 |
|
Network Engineering |
€49,000 - €65,000 |
|
Industrial Engineering |
€38,000 - €52,000 |
After graduation, international students can extend their residence permit for up to 18 months to find a job related to their degree. Once you secure a job with an annual income of at least €45,000 (for most professions), you can apply for an EU Blue Card or a German work permit.
Yes, many public universities in Germany don’t charge tuition fees. You only pay a small semester fee. However, in some states, such as Baden-Württemberg, non-EU students pay €1,500 per semester. Private universities are expensive. They charge much more. Therefore, if you want to keep costs low, consider attending a public university.
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is one of the top choices for international students seeking higher education. It’s famous for mechanical engineering and research. RWTH Aachen is another strong option. Both institutions have excellent labs, expert faculty, and industry connections. Students often get internships or jobs quickly. These universities also offer many courses in English.
Yes, you can. Many master’s programs are taught fully in English. These are mostly at TU9 and big public universities. Most programs for bachelor’s degrees are in German. So, you’ll need German skills for those. However, if you want to avoid German, consider an English-taught master’s program.
The TU9 is a group of nine top technical universities in Germany. These schools are renowned for their engineering and science programs. They place a strong emphasis on research and innovation. TU9 members include TUM, RWTH Aachen, KIT, and more. They also have strong links with various industries. Students often get great job offers. TU9 degrees are respected worldwide.
Admissions to TUM are very competitive. It’s one of Germany’s top engineering schools. The acceptance rate is around 8%. You need strong grades and good test scores. English-taught programs also require IELTS or TOEFL. Some programs also require motivation letters.
Many public universities in Germany are very cheap. You only pay semester fees. TU Berlin, TU Dresden, and FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg are great low-cost options. Their fees are often under €400 per semester. These schools still offer top-quality education. Avoid private universities, as they charge much more.
Software engineering is in high demand. So is mechanical and automotive engineering. Germany also needs engineers in the fields of AI, robotics, and clean energy. Civil and electrical engineers are also in demand. If you study one of these fields, job chances are very good. Graduates often get hired quickly.
Yes, if the program is taught in English, you usually need to provide an IELTS or TOEFL score. Most universities require an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher. Some also accept the TOEFL with a score of at least 90 points. Always check each university’s website to be sure. If English is your native language, you may not need to take the test. But still, it depends.
Most public universities in Germany don’t require entrance exams. You just need strong grades in school or college. However, some bachelor’s programs may require students to take math or science tests. These are rare and vary by university. Most students apply with their school marks, language test results, and other supporting documents. So, entrance exams are not common at all.
Engineering jobs in Germany pay well. The average annual salary is approximately €70,000. Software engineers typically earn between €45,000 and €70,000. Mechanical and civil engineers earn between €50,000 and €80,000. Some job fields, like automotive, pay even more.
So, if you’re dreaming of studying in Europe, Germany is a great choice. The universities here are world-class, with low tuition costs and amazing job opportunities. From TUM to RWTH Aachen, the best engineering universities in Germany offer so much. The country has a strong job market. Engineers are always in demand here. Is Germany the right choice for your engineering career? If you want a great education, low costs, and strong job options, then yes, it’s a perfect fit.
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