Apart from being the 3rd most popular study abroad destination for international students, Germany also hosts some of the most reputed and competitive universities in the world. Students are often in doubt regarding the entry requirements and the application process. In this post, we will look into entry requirements (eligibility criteria), application deadlines for winter semester 2018, and study costs for Masters (MS) in Germany. Additionally, we will also discuss briefly the application and evaluation process.

If you are looking for the 2020 admissions, please refer to Summer 2020 Deadlines for Masters (MS) in Germany.

MS in Germany: Admission Process, 2018 Deadlines (Winter Semester), Eligibility and Fees

Germany is famous for its education system and hosts some of the most prestigious and elite institutions on the planet. The country offers a high quality of life, support, low (or no) tuition fees, scholarship opportunities, relaxed stay-back option, and excellent employment prospects.

There are around 400 higher education institutions, more than 100 universities, over 200 Universities of Applied Sciences and almost 100 specialized institutions such as medical universities, art schools and colleges of public administration. Germany has emerged as one of the most favoured nations among Indian students for masters and research programs.

Admission System: Restricted Admission (Closed or Limited) vs Non-Restricted Admission (Open)

In Germany, the number of students admitted to any given programme at a university can be either unrestricted (no restriction admission) or restricted to a fixed number of students.

It basically means – anyone who meets the minimum entry requirements (GPA or language) and apply before the application deadline can get admission to the programs that are not restricted. The unrestricted programs are comparatively less competitive than the restricted ones. However, the entry requirements are not at all too low.

So, what happens if the Faculty/University receives too many applications that meet the minimum admission criteria for an Open (No-Restriction) Program?

Quick Answer is the image below:

Here is an explanation by a Faculty member on Quora:

The most important requirement for Master’s admissions in Germany is a relevant Bachelor’s Degree with high grades from a recognized university. Much emphasis is given on the core subjects (cognate modules), test scores, and practical experience (internships, projects, and full-time employment). To find out whether your university in the home country (where you did your Bachelors) is recognized or not, you can use the Anabin database.

The anabin database of the Central Office for Foreign Education offers detailed information on the individual admission requirements for 180 respective countries. The information is only available in German; however, you can use the Google Translate tool to read it in your preferred language.

The programs that come with restriction are more selective. They are like the top-tier US universities with very low acceptance rate. Fulfilling minimum eligibility criteria is not enough. The universities will also look at your letters of recommendation, statements of interest (letter or motivation or personal statement), interviews, etc. Some universities also ask for GRE subject test on the top of normal GRE score. Learn more.

So, what is the logic behind this? Some programs have more applicants than available seats. Usually, the scenario of the open/closed system can change every semester based on current supply and demand. This decision is usually taken by the Dept. or University on the basis of calculated grades of the received applications. Certain subjects like Computer Science, Mechatronics Electrical Engineering or Bioinformatics at a particular university might receive way too many applications than Biology or Civil Engineering.

Looking at to apply to German Universities? Get in Touch!

Application Process

For Masters Admissions in Germany, either you need to apply to the University, or via uni-assist. Uni-assist is a centralized admissions portal, run by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), and handles international applications for its member universities. In a few cases, even if a University processes the application on its own, might ask you to submit an evaluation report from uni-assist.

If uni-assist is involved, make sure to apply well before the actual application deadline. Uni-assist takes approximately one month to evaluate the application before passing on to the university that you applied for. If the evaluation report does not reach the university admissions office before the deadline, your application will not be considered, and you will also not get any refund of the application (processing) fees.

Most of the German universities do not charge any application fees. But, for applications via uni-assist, you need to pay EUR 75 for the first application and EUR 15 per additional application in the same semester.

Few universities do also ask for certified hard copies. In that case, just scanned copies are not enough. You will need to get your transcripts (and other documents) attested by Public Notary, German Embassy or Goethe Institute.

University System

There are three types of Universities in Germany. The first is the Technological University (TU) that supports advanced degrees and research, including PhD. Second types offer education and training in Applied Sciences, aka Fachhochshulen. Finally, there are specialized institutes teaching arts, music and other creative fields.

German Grading System

Cost of Studying Masters in Germany

The public universities are tuition-free. From 2017 on, public universities in few states started charging tuition fees from non-EU/EEA students. That includes the universities in Stuttgart, Karlsruhe, Mannheim, Freiburg, Heidelberg, and some other cities. The tuition fees are set at 1,500 euros per semester – which is still much more affordable than in many other countries in Europe. Living expenses vary from city to city. On an average, you will need 700 – 800 Euros per month. In order to fulfil the visa requirements for proof of finances, you will need to show proof you have, or have access to, around €8,700 per year or €725 (~US$780) per month to cover your living costs. You can also apply for DAAD scholarships to cover your living expenses and other costs.

Winter 2018 Deadlines and Admission Requirements for German Universities

Deadlines may vary for few programs.

GPA requirements have been aggregated after referring to University websites and profile of 124 accepted students since 2014 (Online Macha).

1 EUR ~ INR 78

Do you need professional admission guidance and consulting for MS in Germany for 2019 intake? Hire us for expert guidance services (end-to-end, SoP Review Edit, University Shortlisting). Please make sure you check the minimum eligibility criteria before reaching out to us.

Read: What do Admission Officers and Faculty Members Look For in Personal Statement (SOP)?

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