MS in Physics in Germany

Masters in Physics is a postgraduate program offered across top universities in Germany. The course duration is of two years with four semesters.The salaries for MS graduates are competitive, ranging from EUR 40,000 to EUR 70,000 on average. Some of the biggest tech and automotive companies are based in Germany, including Volkswagen, BMW, Ford, Bosch, and Siemens, providing physicists with ample job opportunities.

MS in Physics in Germany requires you to have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Physics with a minimum score of 2.5 GPA, and English language proficiency (6.5 in IELTS or 60–90 in TOEFL). A number of universities, including Freie Universität Berlin, University of Hamburg, and Technical University of Munich offer entire courses in English to cater to the international students. If you are planning to continue your further education in Germany, you’re at the right place. Having some prior knowledge of what to expect is crucial to making the most of your study abroad experience.

Top Universities for MS in Physics in Germany

First things first: 40 universities in Germany offer a total of 61 Master of Physics Studies programs. Intake in the universities offering MS in Physics in Germany happens during winter and summer terms. Institutes like ‎Technical University of Munich, ‎Freie Universität Berlin, ‎HTW Berlin, etc. require prospective international students to apply through uni-assist. Some of the reputable public and private universities, along with application details, are provided below.

The course structure of MS in Physics in Germany is typically a combination of lectures, seminars, labs, projects, and thesis, with specializations ranging from Quantum Physics, Particle and Nuclear Physics, and Condensed Matter Physics to Astrophysics, Cosmology, and Biophysics. The program is of 120 credits earned over four semesters.

Best Public Universities In Germany For International Students

The government-funded public universities in Germany have been free for domestic as well as international students since October 2014, and include many prestigious institutions. Some of the top public universities include:

Why Study MS in Physics in Germany?

• The job market for physicists is expected to show a compound annual growth rate of 14.3%.
• The course Master in Physics in Germany is detailed, specialized and recognized worldwide.
• Institutes in Germany provide hands-on learning and research opportunities.
• Germany is the base of operations for a number of technology and automotive companies like Siemens, Ford, Bosch, and more.
• The Master’s courses are available in English language and can be covered even without knowledge of German.
• In Germany, public universities like RWTH Aachen University and TUM offer MS in Physics without tuition fees, which makes studying in Germany affordable.

The Visa Application Process

Once you’ve been accepted, obtaining a visa is not that difficult. In fact, the acceptance rate for a German student visa in 2023 was around 90-95%. The only caveat is, you need to have a blocked account with a total of EUR 11,208 to cover your living expenses before applying.

For your course duration of two years in Germany, you’ll need a long-term D visa (national visa) and a residence permit, to be obtained after your arrival. The process can seem long and complex, but all the information you’ll need is easily available. The documents you need are listed here, and vary according to the university you have been accepted at and where you are in the application process. It is recommended to make a visa appointment three months in advance, or at least as soon as you receive your acceptance letter.

Career Opportunities after MS in Physics in Germany

Upon completion of the course, students find job opportunities in the private as well as government sector. The average salary of a physicist with specialization in the private sector can range from EUR 40,000 to EUR 70,000. With tuition fees in private universities ranging from EUR 3300 - 6000, and free in public universities, a Masters in Physics in Germany is affordable and gives a high ROI. Additionally, students often opt for further research, continuing with a PhD after an MS. 

Some of the job roles and salaries that will open up for you after the course include:

Addressing Some Common Concerns

Before embarking on the journey to admission, there are a number of concerns students need addressed. Here are the top few:

The language barrier: Most programs are offered in English, so if you don’t know any German or are just starting out, language won’t be a hurdle. Of course, knowing even a little of the language would make your life there much easier. The time between your application and when you actually get there is best utilized getting a hang of the German language, says Shivi, a student at RWTH Aachen, Germany.

Financial aids: Cost is a concern for many. To encourage international student applications, the German federal government and a number of German institutes offer scholarships and fee waivers for international students. From need-based exemptions to covering living expenses, there are quite a few financial options available. Some of these are outlined below.

Accommodation and part-time work: Settling in at a new place can seem daunting, but according to Ankit, an Indian Astrophysics student at the University of Hamburg, there is a lot of support available. Institutions like Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology, LMU, and Max-Planck-Institute of Quantum Optics, among others offer welcome services to help you with applications, visa regulations, paperwork, and accommodation. Plus, there are paid short-term internships students can consider alongside their studies. There’s also an option to work in the university as a research assistant, students assistant, etc (“Hi/wi” jobs), etc. with your MS degree.

Future Prospects: A career in research often raises questions of employability, but graduating from a German university can open many doors. The average salary of physicists working in the private sector is nearly €40,000 per year, and witnesses an increase with growing experience. The annual salary after five years, on an average, ranges from €50,000 to €55,000.

What the Students Say: Likes and Dislikes

Likes

• Maithili, enrolled in 2020 at RWTH Aachen University, appreciated the affordability of German institutions, providing quality education at a third of the price of American colleges.
• The curriculum was liked by many students, as it is research-oriented and provides an in-depth understanding and practical knowledge of the subject.
• The teaching faculty at the universities were supportive, encouraging, and knowledgeable.
• The infrastructure, library, and laboratory facilities in German universities are well maintained.
• Students stated that the course was worth the effort, and full-time jobs were available after the completion of the degree.

Dislikes

• According to some students, the university was found lacking in placement support, and finding a job after their degree became challenging.
• Some students like Bibek Bhattacharya and Pranav Venkatesh found the course difficult and challenging.
• The MS in Physics program places an emphasis on Mathematics in the first year, and the syllabus is rather rigorous.
• Dr. Sathi Roy from University of Hamburg added that not knowing the language made communication with the administrative staff difficult.
• For Sumukh Venkatesh Makam, finding accommodation proved to be the greatest challenge.

Is an MS in Physics in Germany Right for You?

Studying in Germany is definitely an attractive prospect, but before you go all in, it is important to be aware of the negatives as well.

Scholarship Availability

Even though there are a number of scholarships to choose from for the Master in Physics program in Germany, they can be quite difficult to get. The sheer number of applicants diminishes the likelihood of receiving a grant or waiver even for meritorious students. Additionally, the 100% funded scholarships tend to come down to only about 85-90% of the fees, and having a blocked account with a year’s worth of cost of living even with a scholarship may not be possible for some.

Life After MS

Despite the language of instruction being English, not knowing German proved to be a hurdle in securing a job for Maithili. She advises that mastering the German language and a bit of research about the job market go a long way if you plan to stay there with any degree of permanence.

Return on Investment

It is a fact that German universities cost much less than the US institutes and can save you some student loan debt. However, the affordability of education in Germany comes at a cost: Physicists in Germany earn less than their American counterparts. In the United States, you can expect to earn over USD 90,000 on average, while the average salary of a Physicist in Germany amounts to EUR 50,000.

Master in Physics: Germany versus USA

If you are wondering whether you should opt for Germany for your Master’s degree or stick to an English-speaking country like the USA, understanding the differences between the two countries in terms of cost, visa requirements, job prospects, and permanent residency can help. A comparative analysis is provided below.

Success Stories: Shivi, RWTH Aachen

Shivi is doing an MS in Physics in Germany with specialization in Cosmology at one of the top universities in Germany, RWTH Aachen. Having finished her Bachelor’s degree from a three-year program at St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, she joined RWTH Aachen in the winter semester.

Bursting the myth that a four-year course is a must to get into MS Physics, Shivi explains that a three-year course is enough in some universities. At the same time, having only a working knowledge of German is also sufficient for the Master’s program. She advises students to start learning the language in advance. Germany is known for its Astronomy, Particle Physics, Condensed Matter and Nanotechnology programs, and Shivi also had a chance to explore Quantum Technology for a while. Shivi also gained hands-on experience in her field through ongoing research projects within Cosmology at Aachen.

The general career route people there take after post graduation is to go for a PhD. Shivi herself is opting for further research and applying at universities outside Aachen. According to her, doing a PhD opens up career opportunities in private as well as government sectors. Physics also opens up the doors to data science and machine learning, which lead to well-paying private jobs. Her advice to prospective students: be prepared, focus on the basics, give it time and you’ll be okay.

In conclusion, MS in Physics in Germany opens up avenues for career growth, while being accessible and affordable. It can be pursued with little to none knowledge of the German language in institutes like TUM and LMU, as a number of courses are offered entirely in English. The Master in Physics program broadens the scope of your career and is the right choice for science students.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques: Should I choose Germany for my MS in Physics?

Ques: Is 8 CGPA enough for an MS in Physics in Germany?

Ques: Which is the best country for Physics?

Ques: Is a Master in Physics free in Germany?

Ques: Can I get a job as a physicist after MS in Germany?

Ques: Can I study MS in Physics Germany if I don’t know German?

Ques: What can I do after MS in Physics in Germany?

Ques: Which are some of the best universities in Germany for MS in Physics?