Last updated: March 2026

TL;DR: Germany's top universities for a Master's in Mechanical Engineering include RWTH Aachen, TU Munich, TU Berlin, KIT, and TU Darmstadt. All are public (most tuition-free), offer English-taught programs, and have strong industry connections with companies like BMW, Siemens, Bosch, and Volkswagen.

Germany is a global leader in mechanical engineering, home to automotive giants, precision manufacturing, and cutting-edge research. German universities consistently rank among the world's best for engineering, and their graduates are highly sought after by industry.

Use our German grade calculator to check if your GPA meets admission requirements, and explore available programs on our program finder.

1. RWTH Aachen University

RWTH Aachen is Germany's largest technical university and a TU9 member. Its Faculty of Mechanical Engineering is the largest in Europe, with over 12,000 students. Strong connections to automotive and manufacturing industries, with the RWTH Aachen Campus offering direct collaboration with companies.

Program: M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering

| Detail | Info | |

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---| | Type | Public | | Duration | 4 Semesters | | Intake | Winter and Summer | | Language | English | | Tuition | Free (semester contribution ~€330) |

2. Technical University of Munich (TUM)

TUM is consistently ranked Germany's #1 technical university. Its mechanical engineering program covers automotive engineering, production technology, mechatronics, and energy systems. Strong connections to BMW, Siemens, and Airbus. Note: TUM charges €2,000/semester for international students.

Program: M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering

| Detail | Info | |

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---| | Type | Public | | Duration | 4 Semesters | | Intake | Winter and Summer | | Language | English | | Tuition | €2,000/semester (international students) |

3. TU Berlin

Located in Germany's capital, TU Berlin is a TU9 member offering a comprehensive mechanical engineering program. Specializations include production technology, energy engineering, and vehicle technology. Berlin's startup ecosystem provides unique career opportunities.

Program: M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering

| Detail | Info | |

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---| | Type | Public | | Duration | 4 Semesters | | Intake | Winter and Summer | | Language | English/German | | Tuition | Free (semester contribution ~€310) |

4. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

KIT is one of Europe's leading research universities with a mechanical engineering department known for innovation in automotive, energy, and materials science. As a member of the Helmholtz Association, KIT combines university teaching with large-scale research.

Program: M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering

| Detail | Info | |

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---| | Type | Public | | Duration | 4 Semesters | | Intake | Winter and Summer | | Language | English/German | | Tuition | €1,500/semester (non-EU students, Baden-Württemberg) |

5. TU Darmstadt

A TU9 member with strong emphasis on interdisciplinary engineering research. Known for its close collaboration with the automotive and aerospace industries, particularly in the Rhine-Main metropolitan area.

Program: M.Sc. Mechanical and Process Engineering

| Detail | Info | |

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---| | Type | Public | | Duration | 4 Semesters | | Intake | Winter and Summer | | Language | English/German | | Tuition | Free (semester contribution ~€290) |

6. University of Stuttgart

Located in the heart of Germany's automotive industry (home to Mercedes-Benz and Porsche), Stuttgart offers excellent programs in automotive engineering, manufacturing, and simulation technology. A TU9 member.

Program: M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering

| Detail | Info | |

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---| | Type | Public | | Duration | 4 Semesters | | Intake | Winter and Summer | | Language | English/German | | Tuition | €1,500/semester (non-EU students, Baden-Württemberg) |

7. TU Braunschweig

A TU9 member with strong focus on aerospace, automotive, and production engineering. Connected to the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Volkswagen's main research facilities.

Program: M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering

| Detail | Info | |

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---| | Type | Public | | Duration | 4 Semesters | | Intake | Winter | | Language | English/German | | Tuition | Free (semester contribution ~€400) |

8. Leibniz University Hannover

Strong in production engineering, mechatronics, and wind energy research. Connected to the Leibniz Research Center and several Fraunhofer Institutes. Located near major automotive and industrial companies.

Program: M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering

| Detail | Info | |

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---| | Type | Public | | Duration | 4 Semesters | | Intake | Winter and Summer | | Language | English/German | | Tuition | Free (semester contribution ~€400) |

9. TU Dresden

A TU9 member and one of Germany's Excellence Universities. Known for lightweight engineering, materials science, and automotive engineering. Connected to Fraunhofer and Helmholtz institutes.

Program: M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering

| Detail | Info | |

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---| | Type | Public | | Duration | 4 Semesters | | Intake | Winter | | Language | English/German | | Tuition | Free (semester contribution ~€290) |

10. University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU)

FAU combines strong engineering with Siemens' global headquarters being in the region. Specializations include manufacturing automation, materials science, and energy technology.

Program: M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering

| Detail | Info | |

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---| | Type | Public | | Duration | 4 Semesters | | Intake | Winter and Summer | | Language | English | | Tuition | Free (semester contribution ~€130) |

Quick Comparison Table

| University | Location | Strengths | Key Industry Partners | |

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---| | RWTH Aachen | Aachen | Largest ME faculty in Europe | Ford, Ericsson, Philips | | TUM | Munich | #1 ranked, automotive | BMW, Siemens, Airbus | | TU Berlin | Berlin | Startup ecosystem, production | Siemens, various startups | | KIT | Karlsruhe | Helmholtz research, energy | Bosch, Daimler | | TU Darmstadt | Darmstadt | Interdisciplinary, aerospace | Continental, Merck | | Stuttgart | Stuttgart | Automotive capital | Mercedes-Benz, Porsche | | TU Braunschweig | Braunschweig | Aerospace, automotive | VW, DLR | | Leibniz Hannover | Hannover | Production, wind energy | Continental, VW | | TU Dresden | Dresden | Lightweight engineering | Fraunhofer, Helmholtz | | FAU Erlangen | Erlangen | Manufacturing automation | Siemens, Schaeffler |

Conclusion

Germany offers some of the world's best mechanical engineering programs, with direct connections to industry leaders in automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. With tuition-free education at most public universities and the 18-month post-study work visa, graduates have excellent career prospects.

Explore more options on our university finder. For career planning, read about the EU Blue Card pathway, which offers a reduced salary threshold of €41,042 for engineering professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are mechanical engineering programs free in Germany?

Most public universities charge no tuition. Students pay only a semester contribution (€130–€400). Exceptions: Baden-Württemberg (KIT, Stuttgart) charges €1,500/semester for non-EU students, and TUM charges €2,000/semester for international students.

What are the admission requirements?

A Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field with at least 180 ECTS, including sufficient engineering and math credits. English proficiency (IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL 80–90). Some programs require relevant internship experience.

What are the career prospects?

Mechanical engineering graduates in Germany earn starting salaries of €48,000–€58,000. The automotive sector (BMW, Mercedes, VW, Porsche), aerospace (Airbus), manufacturing (Bosch, Siemens), and energy sectors actively recruit. Germany has a shortage of over 100,000 engineers.

Can I work part-time while studying?

Yes, international students can work 120 full days or 240 half days per year. Engineering students often find well-paid HiWi (research assistant) positions or Werkstudent roles at companies for €15–€25/hour. Read more about part-time jobs in Germany.

When should I apply?

Application deadlines are typically July 15 for winter semester and January 15 for summer semester. Apply through uni-assist 4–6 weeks before the deadline.