Master's Degree in Germany: Requirements & English-Taught Programmes
By Nguyen Duc Minh
Why a Master's Degree in Germany Might Be the Smartest Move You Make
If you are comparing graduate programmes worldwide, Germany offers something few other countries can match: consistently top-ranked universities, a deeply research-driven academic culture, and — at most public universities — no tuition fees. Rather than accumulating life-changing debt, Master's students in Germany pay only a Semesterbeitrag of around 200–400 euros per semester, which typically includes free public transport.
The country's engineering and STEM reputation is embodied by the TU9 alliance — the nine most research-intensive technical universities in Germany, including TU Munich, RWTH Aachen, TU Berlin, KIT Karlsruhe and TU Dresden. Graduates from these institutions are sought after by employers across Europe and worldwide.
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Entry Requirements: What You Actually Need
A Relevant Bachelor's Degree
The most fundamental requirement is a Bachelor's degree in a fachlich verwandtes (closely related) field. A degree in economics will not open doors to a mechanical engineering Master's. Always read each programme's admission requirements carefully before applying.
GPA
There is no single national GPA cutoff, but in practice: - In the German grading system (1.0 best, 5.0 fail), a 2.5 ("gut" / good) or better is the common threshold - On a 4.0 scale, roughly 2.8/4.0 or above — broadly the top half of your graduating class — is considered a safe position
Language Proof
| Programme Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| German-taught programmes | TestDaF TDN 4 (all 4 sub-tests) or DSH-2 |
| English-taught programmes | IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL iBT 90+ |
> DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang) is administered by German universities themselves and typically requires DSH-2 for admission. TestDaF with TDN 4 across all four sub-tests equals C1 and is accepted at every German university.
APS DigZert for Vietnamese Students
Vietnamese applicants must obtain the APS DigZert (issued by the German Embassy in Hanoi) before applying. The process costs US$150 (standard undergraduate) or US$250 (standard postgraduate), takes 6–8 weeks, and postgraduate academic interviews are held in May and November. Without this certificate, a student visa will not be granted — no exceptions.
Additional Documents by Field
- Business / Management: some programmes require GMAT or GRE scores
- Design / Arts: a portfolio of work
- Engineering: a detailed module-by-module transcript
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Three Types of Master's Programmes
#### 📌 Konsekutiv (Consecutive) The most common type. It directly follows a Bachelor's in the same or a closely related field and typically lasts four semesters. This is the standard route for international applicants.
#### 📌 Weiterbildend (Continuing Education) Designed for working professionals looking to upskill. Usually part-time, requires 1–2 years of professional experience, and may carry tuition fees since it sits outside the standard public higher education framework.
#### 📌 English-Taught Master's The number of fully English-taught Master's programmes in Germany has grown rapidly — especially in STEM, business, and computer science. The DAAD database currently lists over 1,500 such programmes.
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German-Taught vs. English-Taught: A Direct Comparison
| Criterion | German-Taught | English-Taught |
|---|---|---|
| Language requirement | TestDaF TDN 4 / DSH-2 (C1) | IELTS 6.5+ / TOEFL 90+ |
| Application complexity | Higher (C1 German needed) | Lower for most international applicants |
| Network | Deeper access to German industry | Broad international cohort |
| Career prospects in Germany | Higher with German fluency | Good, but German skills still recommended |
| Best for | Those already at B2–C1 in German | Students starting from no German |
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Finding Programmes and Applying
Where to Search
- daad.de — the most comprehensive filter tool: subject, language, scholarship options, deadlines
- TU9 portals — direct entry to programmes at Germany's nine leading technical universities
- Individual university websites — always the final authority on admission criteria
The Application Folder
- Motivationsschreiben (motivation letter) — tailored specifically to the programme and institution, not generic
- Lebenslauf (CV) — Europass format or standard German layout preferred
- Empfehlungsschreiben (letters of recommendation) — typically two, from professors or direct supervisors
- Notenübersicht + Bachelorurkunde (transcript + degree certificate) — certified translation into German or English
- Language certificate — TestDaF/DSH or IELTS/TOEFL
- APS DigZert — mandatory for Vietnamese applicants
Application Deadlines
- Winter Semester (starts October): usually 15 July — competitive research programmes often have internal deadlines in November or December of the previous year
- Summer Semester (starts April): usually 15 January
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Costs and Scholarships
Estimated Monthly Living Costs (2026)
| Category | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Rent / shared flat | 400–700 €/month |
| Food & daily expenses | 250–350 €/month |
| Health insurance | ~120 €/month |
| Transport & miscellaneous | ~100 €/month |
| Total | ~850–1,100 €/month |
Blocked account (Sperrkonto) for 2026: The German Embassy requires proof of 11,904 € per year (= 992 €/month) in a blocked account when applying for a student visa.
Scholarships Worth Knowing
- DAAD scholarships — multiple targeted schemes for Master's students; browse all options at daad.de
- Deutschlandstipendium — 300 €/month, co-funded by your university and partner companies; apply directly at your target university after admission
- Political foundation scholarships — Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung, Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung — require early application and demonstrated civic engagement
During your studies, you can work up to 20 hours per week during term time (Werkstudent privilege). At the 2026 minimum wage of 13.90 €/hour, this meaningfully offsets living costs.
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After Graduation: Staying, Working, Settling
A Master's from a German university is a strong foundation for building a career in Europe:
- 18-month job-seeking residence permit after graduation — time to find a role commensurate with your qualifications
- EU Blue Card — requires a Master's, a qualifying job offer, and a minimum annual salary (approximately 45,300 €/year for most fields in 2026)
- Niederlassungserlaubnis (permanent residency) — after 2 years with exceptional integration, or 5 years on a standard timeline
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Are Master's programmes in Germany really tuition-free? At most public universities, yes — you pay only the Semesterbeitrag (around 200–400 € per semester, often including public transport). One notable exception: Baden-Württemberg charges non-EU international students an additional ~1,500 €/year. Always check the specific state and university.
What IELTS score do I need for an English-taught programme? Most programmes require a minimum of IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) or TOEFL iBT 90+. Top-tier or highly competitive programmes may ask for IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 100+.
Can I work part-time while studying for a Master's? Yes. International students may work up to 20 hours per week during term time under the Werkstudent privilege. During semester breaks, full-time work is permitted.
What if my GPA is below 2.8/4.0 — do I still have a chance? Potentially yes. Some programmes consider professional experience, publications, or a strong portfolio alongside GPA. Applying broadly and writing a compelling Motivationsschreiben significantly improves your odds.
Can StudienA help me prepare for TestDaF and TestAS? Absolutely. StudienA supports applicants through the full Master's application process — programme selection, motivation letter writing, and targeted preparation for TestDaF and TestAS. Get in touch today for a free consultation and take the first concrete step toward your German Master's.
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🔗 Related Articles
- How to Apply to a German University A–Z: Documents, Deadlines & Admission
- Choosing a Degree in Germany: Top Fields for Jobs & Long-Term Residency
- Germany Scholarships: DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium & How to Apply
- Uni-Assist: The Complete Guide for International Applicants
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> 2026 tuition note: Baden-Württemberg is not the only case to check. TUM also charges program-specific tuition to many newly enrolled non-EU students. Use each university's official fee page rather than assuming that every public program is tuition-free.
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> APS update: The procedure depends on the applicant category. Published fees are US$150 for the standard undergraduate procedure and US$250 for the standard postgraduate procedure; May/November interviews concern the postgraduate procedure, while the undergraduate procedure may include TestAS.