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. Over 400 English-taught Master's programs across Germany do not require German. You only need IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 80 to 90. 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 almost every public university. Baden-Württemberg charges €1,500/semester for non-EU students. You pay a semester contribution of €150 to €350 that usually covers a regional transport pass. Living costs run €900 to €1,300/month depending on the city, and the visa 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, or 20 hours per week during the semester (§16b AufenthG). The 2026 minimum wage is €13.90/hour. Werkstudent positions in IT and engineering pay €15 to €22/hour and are exempt from health, care, and unemployment insurance contributions during term. HiWi research-assistant work at your own university does not count against the 140-day limit.

Standard deadlines are 15 July for the winter semester (starts 1 October) and 15 January for the summer semester (starts 1 April). Some competitive programs at TU Munich, RWTH Aachen, or Mannheim close earlier (1 March or 31 May). Restricted-admission (NC) programs typically have hard cut-offs. Begin the APS process 3 to 4 months before the application deadline if you are from India, China, Vietnam, or Pakistan.

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.