When considering a master’s programme abroad there are several factors that you need to consider before narrowing down your options. From the standard of living to employment opportunities, every factor is important given that the level of uncertainty is quite high when considering foreign study destinations. This article will tell you about the top reasons to do master’s in Germany and what factors make Germany a lucrative study destination.
Before we begin to understand the major factors that make Germany a top-rated study destination, let us understand the country a bit more.
Why Germany?
Germany has established itself as a top destination for higher education. German Master’s programmes draw on world-leading expertise in several fields, particularly in applied sciences, engineering, and related subject areas. International students make up about 13% of the total number of students enrolled in German Universities. There are more than 1,300 international masters and Ph.D. degree programs that are currently being offered at various German universities. Furthermore, strong economic growth and high-quality education provided at very little cost are major reasons to attract top talent to study and work in Germany.
Top Reasons to Do Masters in Germany:
- Lesser tuition fees
Since higher education in Germany is funded by the government, most universities offer free tuition. The tuition fee charged by the public universities in Germany is significantly lower when compared to other countries such as France, Britain, and the USA. Some of the universities offer top-class education without even charging any tuition fee. The only fee that universities may charge is a small administration-related cost, which includes the cafeteria and transportation charges. While this is the case with tuition-free universities, many public and private universities charge tuition fees for various programs. Hence, it is important that you contact the college administration to be sure about the university admission policy.
- Financial aid
Another reason to choose Germany for your master’s programme is that students are provided scholarships and student loans, which significantly reduces the tuition fee. Usually, the scholarships are awarded based on merit or financial background by the government, university, or any other private organization. Students can also earn monthly stipends through assisting in research or teaching, which can help reduce their financial burden related to the cost of living.
- Learning through research
Students can use world-class research facilities to improve upon their skill set through research and development. Research provides students with a platform to gain practical knowledge and build on theoretical concepts learned during the course of their programme. Furthermore, students can also take up internships at top German companies that are known worldwide for their technical prowess. The learning in German universities is driven by the practical application that is highly valued by the top recruiters.
- No language barriers
There are many top international universities in Germany. These universities cater to the needs of international students by providing courses in the English language, which makes studying at German universities more lucrative for the students. For far too long it was believed that German universities only accepted those students who have a strong command of the German language; however, that has changed. Several universities now offer programmes that are taught in English which opens these programmes to international students.
- Engineering excellence
German universities are popular for various courses; however, they are more popular for courses in the fields of engineering. The research facilities that are provided to the engineering students are also top-class, which helps them drive technological innovations. Mentioned below are the top seven German universities ranked by QS (in 2021) in the field of engineering and technology:
- University of Stuttgart
- TU Dresden
- Darmstadt University of Technology
- Technical University of Munich
- RWTH Aachen University
- Technical University of Berlin
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
- Affordable cost of living
The cost of living in Germany is comparatively low as compared to the other top destinations for MSc such as the U.S. and other countries in Europe. Students can limit their expenses to as low as 700 EUR per month in some of the smaller German cities which makes the cost of MS in Germany comparatively lower than most other western countries.
International students in Germany are allowed to work up to 720 hours amounting to 90 days in a year. Part-time jobs paying 7 to 8 euros per hour are relatively easy to find and a great way to earn some extra cash.
- Industrial collaboration
Germany is a world leader in the innovation of new technologies, which is only possible through cutting-edge research. The researchers at universities closely work with companies that are related to different industries. Industrial training is a part of the overall learning at most top German universities, which provides the students with an excellent opportunity to improve upon their skillset. German companies like BMW, Daimler-Benz have tie-ups with top German universities, which enables the students to learn from the world leaders in their respective fields.
- Job prospects
Manufacturing and services industries are the biggest contributors to the German economy, which creates a lot of employment opportunities for engineers. Germany has the second-highest number of engineering professionals in Europe. The average salary of an MSc graduate in Germany is about 50,000 Euros and the top employers are Siemens, SAP, Zalando etc.
- Diverse engineering specialisations
The German universities offer numerous courses in different fields of Engineering. It provides students interested in studying for a master’s degree with various specializations to choose from. The varied specialisations include media engineering, climate system sciences, nanotechnology, and cartography. Regardless of the type of MSc in engineering you wish to pursue, the chances of finding that study option in Germany are very high.
Here are the most popular master’s in engineering degrees in Germany:
- Biomedical Engineering Masters in Germany
- Space Engineering Masters in Germany
- Mechanical Engineering Masters in Germany
- Electrical Engineering Masters in Germany
- Global exposure
There are many top international universities in Germany, where students from all over the world are enrolled in various courses. It creates a culturally rich and diverse environment. Students gain perspective on many important issues through the free exchange of ideas with people from different backgrounds, which helps them in their personal growth.
- High standard of living
Germany’s economy is the fourth largest in the world with a GDP of nearly 4 trillion USD. Some German cities such as Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg are consistently ranked among the most liveable cities in the world. Germany is also considered safer than the USA as the local German people are generally more welcoming towards immigrants. Since Germany is a member of the European Union, it provides easy access to other European countries as well that can be used to explore popular European destinations for work and migration purposes.
All in all, Germany has a lot to offer for both work and education purposes. Strong economic growth, high-quality education at extremely low tuition fee, high standard of living, and great employment prospects makes Germany a lucrative study destination for those looking to pursue a master’s education abroad.
Now that we have explained to you the several contributing factors that make Germany a sought-after destination for pursuing a master’s programme, you’re now better aware of the top reasons to do master’s in Germany. Furthermore, we strongly encourage you to conduct your own research and ensure you have taken into consideration all factors before finalizing the country and university you wish to study in.