Master's degree in Germany

Most German Master's programs run 2 years (120 ECTS), structured into 4 semesters with the final 6 months reserved for the thesis. A small number of consecutive programs run 1.5 years (90 ECTS). Part-time and dual programs take 3 to 4 years. Engineering, computer-science, and management programs almost always follow the 2-year format.

No. Many English-taught Master's programs across Germany do not require German; filter by language in our course search. Each programme sets its own English test requirements and minimum scores. Learning German to A2 or B1 is still strongly recommended for daily life, Werkstudent jobs, and a smoother path to permanent residence (B1 German cuts the Blue Card PR wait from 27 to 21 months).

Tuition is free at most public universities. Baden-Württemberg charges €1,500/semester for non-EU students, with some exemptions, and some Bavarian universities, such as TUM, charge students from outside the EU and EEA. You pay a semester contribution (median 300 EUR across our Master's catalogue) that often covers a regional transport pass. Living costs depend heavily on the city, and the visa usually requires a blocked account of €11,904/year (€992/month) for non-EU applicants.

Yes. Non-EU students may work 140 full days or 280 half days per year; during lectures, a week of up to 20 hours can count as two and a half days (§16b AufenthG). The 2026 minimum wage is €13.90/hour. Werkstudent positions are exempt from health, care, and unemployment insurance contributions during term if you work no more than 20 hours a week. Student side jobs (studentische Nebentätigkeiten, generally understood to include student assistant work at your university) do not count against the 140-day limit; confirm with your Ausländerbehörde.

Each programme sets its own deadline. 15 July (winter semester, starts 1 October) and 15 January (summer semester, starts 1 April) are common, but in our catalogue only 717 of 2,463 winter deadlines fall on 15 July and 409 programmes close before 1 May. Restricted-admission (NC) programs typically have hard cut-offs. Begin the APS process 3 to 4 months before the application deadline if your degree was issued in India, China, or Vietnam.

Yes. After graduation you receive an 18-month job seeker permit under §20 AufenthG and can work any job during that period. Once you find a qualifying role you switch to an EU Blue Card (2026 thresholds: €50,700/year regular or €45,934.20 for shortage occupations and degrees under 3 years old). With B1 German you reach permanent residence after 21 months, and citizenship is possible after 5 years of total residence.