MS in Mechanical Engineering in Germany
Manik's profile photo

Manik

Study Abroad Content Specialist | Updated on - May 18, 2026

Germany has many public universities that still charge €0 tuition, while semester contributions often stay between €150 and €350 (?16,734 to ?39,046). The official proof-of-financing benchmark for a German student visa is €11,904 (?13.28 lakh) per year from 1 January 2025. The German government also lists engineers among professions in demand in areas such as automation, automotive, and renewable energy.

MS in Mechanical Engineering in Germany usually takes 3 to 4 semesters. Some institutions now charge non-EU students, and public universities in Baden-Württemberg often charge €1,500 per semester, or about ?1.67 lakh. TUM also introduced tuition for international students from outside the EU/EEA from Winter 2024/25. Indian students usually compare Germany on four practical points. These points are admission fit, total cost, German language level, and job outcomes after graduation.

Note: Coversion used throughout is 1EUR = 111.56 INR (18th May 2026)

Also Read: Germany Study Guide


Why Study MS in Mechanical Engineering in Germany

Germany combines a comparatively low public-university fee structure with a large engineering labour market. Official German sources identify engineers as in demand in automation technology, electromobility, renewable energy, and related industrial sectors. Graduates from German universities can also receive up to 18 months to search for work after completing their degree.

  • Many public universities charge €0 tuition
  • Semester fees are often limited to administrative contributions
  • Mechanical engineering remains aligned with Germany’s industrial base
  • Engineers are listed among in-demand skilled professions
  • A German degree gives access to an 18-month job search residence route
  • English-taught MSc options exist, especially at postgraduate level
  • Industry-linked thesis and internship opportunities are common
Study model Typical cost pattern
Public universities in many states €0 tuition plus semester contribution
Baden-Württemberg public universities for many non-EU students €1,500 per semester = ?1.67 lakh
Selected universities with non-EU tuition University-specific policy

Read More: Top Mechanical Engineering Universities in Germany


Top Universities for MS in Mechanical Engineering in Germany

Mechanical engineering in Germany is not one uniform degree. Duration, language, tuition policy, and intake vary by university and state. Indian students should shortlist by curriculum fit and language requirements before looking at rankings alone.

University Location QS Mech. Eng. 2026
Technical University of Munich (TUM) Munich, Bavaria #19
RWTH Aachen University Aachen, NRW #25
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg #32
Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin) Berlin #43
University of Stuttgart Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg #68
Technische Universität Dresden (TU Dresden) Dresden, Saxony #109
TU Darmstadt Darmstadt, Hesse #113
FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg Erlangen, Bavaria #151–200
Leibniz Universität Hannover Hannover, Lower Saxony #201–250
Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) Hamburg #201–250

Also Read: MS in Mechanical Engineering in Germany

Notable program differences Indian students should check

Universities in Germany assess profile fit in more detail than many applicants expect. The same subject title can still differ on credits, language, and internship expectations. This is why Indian students often get better outcomes by filtering on admission logic before prestige.

  • Check whether the program needs 180 ECTS or 210 ECTS
  • Check whether the course is fully English-taught or partly German-taught
  • Check if basic German such as A2 is required even for English-taught programs
  • Check whether thesis work is expected in German industry
  • Check whether applications go through uni-assist
  • Check whether non-EU deadlines close earlier than EU deadlines

Explore: IELTS Exam Guide


Top Universities for MS in Mechanical Engineering in Germany Fees

Germany's public universities are among the most affordable in the world, most charge no tuition at all, with costs limited to a small semester fee of €72 to €338 (?8,024 to 37,667). Exceptions include Baden-Württemberg universities (KIT, Stuttgart) and TUM, which charge non-EU students additional tuition. Here's what to expect across Germany's top MS in Mechanical Engineering programs.

University Fees (EUR) Fees (INR) Fees type
TUMTechnical University of Munich €6,000 + €85Tuition + semester fee (EU: €85 only) ?6,75,214(?6,68,760 tuition + ?9,472 fee) Tuition + fee
RWTH AachenRWTH Aachen University €298 ?33,209 Sem. fee only
KITKarlsruhe Institute of Technology €1,500 + €191Non-EU tuition + semester fee (Baden-Württemberg) ?1,88,982(?1,67,160 + ?21,285) Tuition + fee
TU BerlinTechnische Universität Berlin €299Semester fee only; no tuition ?33,320 Sem. fee only
Uni StuttgartUniversity of Stuttgart €1,500 + €184Non-EU tuition + semester fee (Baden-Württemberg) ?1,86,875(?1,67,160 + ?20,504) Tuition + fee
TU Darmstadt €338Semester fee only; no tuition ?37,667 Sem. fee only
FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg €378Semester fee only; no tuition ?42,124 Sem. fee only
Leibniz Universität Hannover €72–127Student services fee only; no tuition ?8,024–14,152 Sem. fee only
Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) €335Semester contribution only; no tuition ?37,332 Sem. fee only

MS in Mechanical Engineering in Germany Eligibility Criteria 

Official university rules show that eligibility is built around degree relevance, credits, and language readiness. For example, TH Lübeck asks for a Mechanical Engineering bachelor’s with 210 ECTS, while conditional admission may be possible with 180 ECTS. TUM uses an aptitude or qualifying procedure instead of one simple percentage cutoff.

Requirement Typical expectation Notes for Indian students
Bachelor’s degree Mechanical Engineering or closely related field Branch match matters more than a generic engineering degree
Credits Often 180–210 ECTS equivalent Indian 3-year and 4-year degrees may be assessed differently
Academic performance University-specific No universal CGPA rule applies across Germany
English proficiency Program-specific Common exams include IELTS and TOEFL
German proficiency Required in many programs or for employability Can range from A2 to advanced levels
APS Required for Indian applicants in many cases Should be started early
Selection process Aptitude or departmental review at some universities TUM is one example

Common document sets usually include:

  • transcripts
  • degree certificate or provisional certificate
  • passport
  • resume
  • statement of purpose
  • letters of recommendation if required
  • language scores
  • APS certificate
  • internship proof if asked by the department

Also Check: Statement of Purpose for Germany

Language requirements: English vs German-taught programs

Official German guidance makes one point clear. German is not mandatory for every international master’s degree, but language requirements always depend on the university and course. In mechanical engineering, this becomes more important because internships, thesis work, and many full-time jobs involve German-speaking workplaces.

Program type Typical language expectation
English-taught MSc IELTS / TOEFL or equivalent, and sometimes basic German
German-taught MSc TestDaF, DSH, or CEFR-based German proof
Industry-linked English MSc English for admission, but German for thesis or internships may still be needed

Student Insights:

  • TH Lübeck requires English proficiency and minimum German A2
  • Study in Germany states that international degree courses may not require German for admission
  • Reddit discussions repeatedly suggest stronger job outcomes with higher German proficiency
  • Many core mechanical roles in manufacturing environments prefer German-speaking candidates

Read More: TOEFL Exam Guide


MS in Mechanical Engineering in Germany Application Process and Deadlines

German admissions are calendar-driven, and non-EU applicants often face earlier cutoffs than EU students. Indian students should build extra time for APS, document attestation, uni-assist processing, and visa appointments. A delay of even 4 to 8 weeks can push an application to the next intake.

  1. Shortlist programs through official university pages, DAAD, and Hochschulkompass
  2. Check branch fit, ECTS, and language requirements
  3. Prepare APS and academic documents
  4. Take IELTS, TOEFL, TestDaF, or other required exams
  5. Apply through the university portal or uni-assist
  6. Receive admission or conditional offer
  7. Arrange blocked account or other funding proof
  8. Apply for the German student visa
  9. Travel, register locally, and convert visa to residence permit after arrival
University Intake Non-EU deadline
TH Lübeck Summer 1 Oct–1 Dec
TH Lübeck Winter 1 Apr–1 Jun
TUM Summer 1 Oct–30 Nov
TUM Winter 1 Apr–31 May

Also Read: Application Deadlines for German Universities


Cost of Studying MS in Mechanical Engineering in Germany

The main cost advantage in Germany comes from low or zero tuition at many public universities. The bigger expense is living cost, and the official visa financing benchmark from 2025 is €11,904 per year, which is about ?13.28 lakh. Students should therefore budget for both semester fees and regular monthly expenses rather than only tuition.

Expense head Typical amount INR equivalent
Public university tuition in many states €0 ?0
Semester contribution €150–€350 per semester ?16,734–?39,046
Baden-Württemberg non-EU tuition €1,500 per semester ?1.67 lakh
Blocked account benchmark €11,904 per year ?13.28 lakh
Monthly living benchmark €992 per month ?1.11 lakh
TH Lübeck living estimate €900 per month ?1 lakh
Student residence rent example €300 per month ?33,468

Students should usually include:

  • rent
  • food
  • health insurance
  • semester fee
  • local transport
  • study materials
  • residence registration costs
  • emergency buffer

Read More: Cost of Living in Germany for International Students

Scholarships and funding options

Scholarships in Germany do not always cover all expenses, but they can reduce pressure on monthly finances. Official sources point students toward DAAD and university-based support, while some institutions offer the Deutschlandstipendium. Scholarship fit usually depends on merit, program status, and institution-specific criteria.

Scholarship Typical eligibility Amount snapshot
DAAD scholarships Program and applicant specific Varies by scheme
Deutschlandstipendium Merit-based at participating universities Usually €300 per month = ?33,468
University-specific support Department and institution specific Varies
Foundation scholarships May require German language and profile fit Varies
  • Study in Germany officially directs students to DAAD for funding options
  • TH Lübeck specifically mentions Deutschlandstipendium
  • Some scholarships support thesis completion or final-stage study

Also Read: Scholarships in Germany


Student Visa, Blocked Account, and Residence Permit

Indian students usually need a visa before travelling to Germany for studies. Official German guidance distinguishes between a prospective student visa and a student visa. The student visa is usually issued for 1 year, and students extend it through a local residence permit after arrival.

Visa / status Purpose Official note
Prospective student visa For applicants without final admission Usually valid for 3 months, extendable up to 6 months
Student visa For admitted students Usually valid for 1 year
Residence permit For continuing legal stay in Germany Applied for after arrival
Post-study residence permit For job search after graduation Up to 18 months

Key financing and residence points:

  • Blocked account amount from 1 January 2025 is €11,904 = ?13.28 lakh
  • Monthly withdrawals are limited
  • Other proof of finance may include parents’ funds, scholarship, or bank guarantee
  • The blocked account is usually opened for 1 year
  • Students must register locally and apply for residence extension after arrival

Explore: Study in Germany 


Jobs After MS in Mechanical Engineering in Germany

Germany’s official skilled migration portal identifies engineers as an in-demand professional group. Demand is visible in sectors such as automation, automotive, renewable energy, and industrial R&D. Graduates from German universities can use the 18-month post-study residence period to search for qualified work.

Job area Demand context German language need
Automation engineering Officially listed as in demand Often medium to high
Automotive and e-mobility Officially listed as in demand Often high in plant roles
Renewable energy engineering Officially listed as in demand Medium to high
Production and quality roles Strong industrial relevance Often high
R&D and simulation roles Present in international teams too Medium to high depending on employer

Practical job realities for Indian students:

  • German is often not mandatory by law for engineering jobs
  • German still improves hiring chances and workplace integration
  • Thesis projects in industry can become hiring pathways
  • City choice affects both rent and access to employers
  • Mechanical roles often require stronger local-language ability than some software roles

Read More: Mechanical Engineering Salary in Germany

Is German language necessary for jobs?

Officially, Germany states that German is not mandatory for engineers in every case. In practice, student discussions on Reddit repeatedly show that core mechanical jobs become easier to access with stronger German. This gap between legal possibility and hiring reality is important for Indian applicants.

  • Admission language and job language are not the same thing
  • An English-taught master’s does not guarantee an English-speaking job
  • Basic German such as A2 may be enough for admission in some programs
  • Job interviews for factory-linked or supplier-linked roles may require higher German
  • Long-term job mobility improves with stronger spoken and written German

English proficiency testing may help admission, but it does not replace German in many mechanical workplaces.

Also Check: IELTS Exam Guide


Germany vs Other Countries for Mechanical Engineering

Indian students usually compare Germany with the UK and USA on cost, course duration, and work outcomes. Germany stands out on public-university cost, but it often demands more attention to language and profile fit. The best choice depends on whether the student prioritises lower cost or faster English-only employment.

Country Typical duration Tuition pattern Language reality
Germany 1.5–2 years Many public options with €0 tuition German often helps strongly for jobs
UK Usually 1 year Higher tuition common English
USA Usually 1.5–2 years Higher tuition common English

Read More: Masters in Mechanical Engineering in UK Complete Course Guide


If your goal is a low-cost master’s degree and you already have a strong mechanical engineering background, Germany is still one of the most practical options available. The financial model remains attractive because many public universities charge €0 tuition, but the real budget should still account for at least the official financing benchmark of €11,904 (?13.28 lakh per year).

The better fit is usually for students who are ready to check ECTS compatibility carefully and who are willing to build at least basic German during the application stage. If you want a fully English academic journey with minimal local-language dependence after graduation, Germany may feel harder than it first appears. If you are comfortable with that trade-off, MS in Mechanical Engineering in Germany can offer a strong balance of cost, academic quality, and long-term employability.


FAQs

Ques: Is Germany good for MS in Mechanical Engineering for Indian students?

Ans: Germany is a strong option because many public universities charge €0 tuition and engineers are officially listed among in-demand professionals. The main trade-off is that German language often becomes important for internships and jobs.

Ques: How much money do Indian students need for MS in Mechanical Engineering in Germany?

Ans: The official blocked amount from 2025 is €11,904, which is about ?13.28 lakh. In addition, students should budget for semester contributions, travel, APS, visa, and setup costs.

Ques: Can I study MS in Mechanical Engineering in Germany in English?

Ans: Yes, some MSc programs are taught in English. Some of these programs still require basic German such as A2 because industry-linked thesis work may happen in German companies.

Ques: Is German mandatory for admission?

Ans: German is not mandatory for every program. Official Study in Germany guidance states that international degree courses may not require German, but many mechanical engineering programs or industry-linked components still do.

Ques: How long is the post-study work period in Germany after graduation?

Ans: Graduates from German universities can receive a residence permit for up to 18 months to look for qualified employment. This is an official BAMF provision.

Ques: What is more important for admission, CGPA or subject match?

Ans: Both matter, but official university rules show that subject fit and ECTS compatibility are often critical. A strong CGPA does not fully compensate for missing core mechanical engineering credits.

Ques: Can Indian students with a 3-year bachelor’s degree apply?

Ans: It depends on the university and how the degree is evaluated against German entry requirements. Many applicants with Indian engineering degrees apply successfully, but each department checks comparability and credit structure separately.

Ques: Is TUM still tuition-free for Indian students?

Ans: No, TUM introduced tuition fees for international students from outside the EU/EEA starting in Winter 2024/25. Students should always verify the current program page before applying.

Ques: Do I need APS for Germany as an Indian student?

Ans: In many cases, yes. Indian applicants should start the APS process early because it can affect application and visa timelines.

Cities
Aachen
Berlin
Darmstadt
Hamburg
Karlsruhe
Bayreuth
Bochum
Braunschweig
Clausthal Zellerfeld
Show More
Stream
Show More
Education Level
Stream
Subject
Course
Colleges By Ranking
Institution Type
College Type
State
City
Entrance / Exam Accepted
Avg Fees Per/yr
Attendance Type
Course Delivery Mode
Language

Found 30 universities

Sort By
RankingCollege InfoTop CoursesFees & Cost of Living
#25/579 QS Ranking 2025(Mechanical Engineering)

Technical University Munich, Munich

2.7(Based on 17 User Reviews)Bavaria, Germany8%Acceptance Rate
MS Mechanical Engineering
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL4.5
View 2 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(€12,000/Yr)$13.9K/Yr
Living
(€1,300/Yr)$1.5K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#23/579 QS Ranking 2025(Mechanical Engineering)

RWTH Aachen University, Aachen

8.3(Based on 26 User Reviews)North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
MS General Mechanical Engineering
Course duration:
18 months
View 2 Other Programs
--
#45/579 QS Ranking 2025(Mechanical Engineering)

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe

9.3(Based on 2 User Reviews)Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany25%Acceptance Rate
MS Mechanical engineering
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL4.5
Programs
Tuition:  
(€3,000/Yr)$3.5K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#56/579 QS Ranking 2025(Mechanical Engineering)

Technical University Berlin, Berlin

4.8(Based on 2 User Reviews)Berlin, Germany
MS Mechanical Engineering
Course duration:
2 years
Programs
Tuition:  
(€721/Yr)$836.36/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
--

University of Rostock, Rostock

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany48%Acceptance Rate
M.S Mechanical Engineering
Course duration:
2 years
Programs
Tuition:  
(€464/Yr)$538.24/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#127/579 QS Ranking 2025(Mechanical Engineering)

Technical University Darmstadt, Darmstadt

8.0(Based on 3 User Reviews)Hesse, Germany29%Acceptance Rate
M.S Business Administration/Industrial Engineering - Mechanical Engineering
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
IELTS7PTE76
View 2 Other Programs
--
#451/579 QS Ranking 2025(Mechanical Engineering)

University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg

7.7(Based on 10 User Reviews)North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany50%Acceptance Rate
MS Computational Mechanics
Course duration:
2 years
View 1 Other Program
--
#82/579 QS Ranking 2025(Mechanical Engineering)

University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart

8.3(Based on 35 User Reviews)Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany53%Acceptance Rate
M.S Mechanical engineering
Course duration:
2 years
View 4 Other Programs
Tuition:  
(€3,000/Yr)$3.5K/Yr
Living
(€24,242/Yr)$28.1K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#201/400 ARWU Ranking 2021(Mechanical Engineering)

Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg

8.3(Based on 3 User Reviews)Saxony, Germany40%Acceptance Rate
MSc Mechanical Engineering
Course duration:
2 years
Programs
--
#351/579 QS Ranking 2025(Mechanical Engineering)

Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum

7.0(Based on 4 User Reviews)North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany40%Acceptance Rate
MS Mechanical Engineering
Course duration:
18 months
Exams Accepted:
IELTS6
Programs
--
#201/579 QS Ranking 2025(Mechanical Engineering)

Technical University of Braunschweig, Braunschweig

8.0(Based on 1 User Reviews)Lower Saxony, Germany51%Acceptance Rate
M.S Mechanical Engineering
Course duration:
2 years
View 1 Other Program
Tuition:  
(€440/Yr)$510.4/Yr
Living
(€5,328/Yr)$6.2K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#201/579 QS Ranking 2025(Mechanical Engineering)

Leibniz University of Hannover, Hannover

Lower Saxony, Germany51%Acceptance Rate
MSc Mechanical Engineering
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL4
Programs
--
#401/1502 THE Ranking 2023(Mechanical Engineering)

University of Bayreuth, Bayreuth

6.3(Based on 1 User Reviews)Bavaria, Germany30%Acceptance Rate
M.S Mechanical Engineering
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
IELTS6.5
Programs
--
#601/1502 THE Ranking 2023(Mechanical Engineering)

University of Wuppertal, Wuppertal

North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany70%Acceptance Rate
M.S Mechanical Engineering
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL79
Programs
Tuition:  
(€65,404/Yr)$75.9K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
--

Paderborn University, Paderborn

8.3(Based on 2 User Reviews)North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany60%Acceptance Rate
MSc Mechanical Engineering
Course duration:
2 years
Programs
--
#251/579 QS Ranking 2025(Mechanical Engineering)

Technical University Dortmund, Dortmund

North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany59%Acceptance Rate
M.S Mechanical Engineering
Course duration:
2 years
Programs
Tuition:  
(€630/Yr)$730.8/Yr
Living
(€555/Yr)$643.8/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#1001/1502 THE Ranking 2023(Mechanical Engineering)

Technical University Ilmenau, Ilmenau

10.0(Based on 3 User Reviews)Thuringia, Germany44%Acceptance Rate
MS Mechanical Engineering
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL79
Programs
Tuition:  
(€540/Yr)$626.4/Yr
Living
(€5,327/Yr)$6.2K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#201/579 QS Ranking 2025(Mechanical Engineering)

Hamburg University of Technology, Hamburg

6.2(Based on 1 User Reviews)Hamburg, Germany44%Acceptance Rate
M.S Mechanical Engineering and Management
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL90
Programs
Tuition:  
(€700/Yr)$812/Yr
Living
(€1,554/Yr)$1.8K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
#501/579 QS Ranking 2025(Mechanical Engineering)

Technical University Freiberg, Freiburg

Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany42%Acceptance Rate
M.S Mechanical Engineering
Course duration:
1 year
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL90
Programs
Tuition:  
(€18,800/Yr)$21.8K/Yr
Living
(€3,330/Yr)$3.9K/Yr
Check Admission Requirements
--

HTW Berlin-University of Applied Sciences, Berlin

7.0(Based on 4 User Reviews)Berlin, Germany61%Acceptance Rate
MS Mechanical Engineering
Course duration:
2 years
Exams Accepted:
TOEFL95
Programs
Tuition:  
(€715/Yr)$829.4/Yr
Check Admission Requirements