non thesis masters in europe

Plan Your Studies
Study Programs
Universities
Health Insurance for International Students
Proof of Financial Resources
Germany Student Visa
Living in Germany
Statistics & News

Applying For a Master’s Degree in Germany

Master’s degree programs attract the most international students in Germany—out of 379,900 international students total in 2023/2024, 160,306 of them were master’s students .

They choose Germany for many reasons beyond its reputable universities—master’s programs here are affordable, many of them are in English, and there are lots and lots of choices of study fields.

Here’s what it takes to apply for a master’s degree in Germany:

Researching and Choosing a Master’s Program
Checking Admission Requirements
Gathering Documents and Meeting All Requirements
Securing Funding
Submitting Your Application
Waiting for the Admission Letter
Getting Health Insurance
Applying for the German Student Visa
Arriving in Germany and Attending Orientation

[Infographic Below]

Research and Choose a Master’s Program

The first step to making it all happen is finding the right master’s degree for you. The best way to go about this is by asking these questions:

Does the master’s degree match your long-term career goals?
Is your previous degree (usually undergraduate) compatible with the master’s degree you’re interested in?
Does the curriculum of the program have subjects that pique your interest?
Is the program in English, German, or both? Can you prove the language requirements?
Does it have tuition fees, and if yes is it within your range? Most public universities don’t charge tuition, but be sure to check just in case.

Our study program database lists 1400+ master’s programs that you can explore. Take your time to research by visiting the universities’ websites for detailed information on the programs you like.

Study at GISMA University of Applied Sciences

Be one step ahead with a globally recognised college in Germany!

Check Admission Requirements

After you find one or a couple of programs that seem like a good fit, check if you meet their admission requirements. If you don’t meet all of them, consider if it’s possible to meet them by the application deadline.

These requirements vary from program to program—for example, if you want to study German language and literature, you’ll need to have a better command of the language than someone planning to study mathematics.

However, there are some common admission criteria that applicants must meet for master’s degrees in Germany:

Bachelor’s degree. You have graduated (or will graduate before the master’s start date) with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification recognized in Germany. Check DAAD’s Admission Database to see if your qualification meets the requirements.

It is also commonly required for the degree to be in the same/or a related field as the master’s program you’re applying for.

Transcripts and diplomas. You have to submit official/notarized copies of transcripts and diploma certificate(s) from previous educational institutions.
Subject-specific knowledge. Some programs require that you have a comprehensive understanding of a specific field, typically through courses during your previous studies.

For example, if you want to study computational linguistics, you have to prove you have a solid foundation in both computer science and general linguistics. Or, MBA programs and other similar business master’s can ask for scores from specific tests such as the GMAT or GRE.

Language proficiency. You have to prove that you’re proficient in the language of instruction, which is usually either English, German, or both. Specific requirements depend on the program, but as a rule of thumb, aim for a B2 level (CEFR) of proficiency through standardized tests such as IELTS and TOEFL for English, and TestDaF or DSH for German.
Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume. Include an up-to-date CV or resume listing your academic and professional qualifications. Most master’s programs don’t explicitly require work experience, so if you don’t have any, simply list relevant extracurricular activities such as volunteer work.
Statement of purpose & letter(s) of recommendation. If asked, include a short statement of purpose explaining why you’re interested in the program (explain your interests, motivations, and goals). In some cases, you also have to ask a professor, teaching assistant, or someone else who knows you academically to write you a recommendation letter.

Gather Documents and Meet All Requirements

Once you’ve checked eligibility and chosen a program, it’s time to start gathering all documents listed on the application requirements.

This is also an ideal time to confirm that you meet the language requirements set by the program. If they require proof through standardized tests, make sure you have it, and if you do, check that it’s not expired. If you need to improve your German, you can consider preparatory language courses held by the university.

Note: If you’re from India , Vietnam , or China and have studied in your home country, you may have to get the APS certificate. This is a certificate that verifies the authenticity of your educational background and education certificates. Check the link included in each country for more information.

Secure Funding

You should plan to have at least one year’s worth of expenses in Germany saved. This is not just a suggestion, but a requirement for student visas and residence permits in Germany.

According to the German government, you need to prove that you have at least €11,904 per year to study in the country . You can do this in different ways:

Depositing the money in a German blocked account.
Have your parents provide proof of income and financial resources (bank statements, job contracts, etc.)
Have someone with permanent residence in Germany guarantee they will support you financially.
Present a scholarship award certificate specifying the scholarship amount/coverage.

This amount may seem daunting, so it’s best to address this as early as you can before applying for a master’s program in Germany.

Important Tip: To Maximize Your Chances of Getting Your German Student Visa You Should Use a Blocked Account as Proof of Financial Resources.

A blocked account is a special type of bank account , to prove you have enough funds to live in Germany for one year.

Click here to learn more about the German Blocked Account

Submit Your Application

It’s time to finally send in your application! You most likely have to do this by creating an account in the university’s application portal. Or, some universities require students to send applications through uni-assist .

This will all be explained on the university’s website, so make sure to follow all instructions and submit all required documents. Remember to take note of the application deadline—if you miss it you’ll have to wait until next semester or year!

Wait for the Admission Letter

For this step, all you have to do is simply wait for the university or universities’ decisions. While waiting, you can brush up on your German language skills or start looking into student visa requirements for Germany. You can also explore how accommodation for students works here and research some options.

Soon enough, you’ll get an email from the university informing you of the status of your application. If you’re accepted to the master’s program, they’ll include information on what to do next.

Get Health Insurance

All students in Germany must have valid health insurance . If you are a master’s student and are less than 30 years old, you are eligible for discounted rates with a statutory health insurance provider in Germany.

You should start this process as soon as you arrive in Germany, since you need to have valid health insurance to enroll at the university.

However, if you need a visa to enter Germany, you may need to provide proof of health insurance. As a solution, you can get travel health insurance with a minimum of €30,000 coverage. This should suffice as proof, then you can switch to student health insurance once you’re in Germany.

Important Tip: Get The Right German Health Insurance To Get Your German Student Visa Approved

Most international students in Germany prefer DR-WALTER, because it’s suitable for:

Foreign exchange students, language students and students participating in university preparatory courses (Studienkolleg)
University students
Participants in exchange programmes (e.g. ERASMUS, DAAD, SOKRATES)
Accompanying family members

Click here to get your German health insurance within minutes

Apply for the German Student Visa

The majority of international students coming to study in Germany need to get a student visa to enter the country.

We have a German Student Visa Guide that covers pretty much any question you may have about this, including who needs a visa, the type of visa you need for a master’s degree, what the application process is like, what documents you need, and more.

To start the process, you need to set up an appointment with the nearest German embassy or consulate in your country. Ideally, you should do this around three months before starting your master’s program.

On the date of the appointment, you have to attend a visa interview and present your valid passport, proof of admission, previous education certificates, proof of language proficiency, proof of finances, health insurance, and other relevant documents listed by the embassy.

Arrive in Germany and Attend Orientation

When you successfully complete all of the steps above, it’s time to pack your bags, buy that plane ticket, and make it to Germany!

After you settle in, your university will likely host a pre-semester orientation session. Some things you will go over include:

The university enrollment process, registering your courses, receiving your class schedule, and going over academic requirements.
Getting your student ID card (Studierendenausweis).
Registering your residence in Germany and receiving the registration certificate (Studierendenausweis) from the local Residents’ Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt).
Opening a local bank account .
Touring the campus to discover facilities, classrooms, libraries, and labs.
Registering for a language course (if applicable) offered by the university.

How to Apply For a Master’s Degree in Germany [Infographic]

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Additional Information

We explained the main steps to doing a master’s in Germany, but you are bound to stumble across a confusing term or have questions along the way. Here are some common questions and their answers:

Which Universities Offer Master’s Degree Programs in Germany?

These main higher education institutions offer master’s degree programs in Germany:

Research universities (Forschungsuniversitäten). Universities offering all types of degree programs, in various academic fields.
Technical universities (Technische Universitäten-TU). Subgroup of research universities specializing in science, technology, and engineering fields.
Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen). Institutions mainly focused on engineering, business, and social sciences—focused on industry partnerships and practice-oriented teaching.
Colleges of Art, Film, and Music (Kunsthochschulen). Institutions offering degrees in creative fields (can be part of research universities or universities of applied sciences).

What Types of Master’s Degrees Can I Pursue in Germany?

Here are some different types of master’s degree qualifications you can gain depending on the program you choose in Germany:

Master of Arts (M.A.) – Awarded in humanities, social sciences, and arts-related master’s programs.
Master of Science (M.Sc.) – Awarded in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs.
Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Specialized program focused on management and business administration.
Master of Education (M.Ed.) – Awarded in programs that prepare you for high school teacher positions.
Master of Laws (L.L.M.) – Awarded in law programs.

These are just some broad qualifications. Master’s programs in Germany may also often be classified into either research-oriented or practice-oriented , depending on their curriculums.

Research-oriented master’s degrees are best if you want to pursue a PhD after graduation and work in academia. Practice-oriented programs are better suited if you want to work in industry roles after graduation.

What Are Consecutive and Non-Consecutive Master’s Degrees?

Consecutive master’s degrees in Germany are programs that build upon a specific or closely related bachelor’s degree. These programs offer in-depth knowledge and specializations within the same subject area.

For example, if you have a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, you are eligible for a consecutive M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering. Meaning, that if the master’s degree is consecutive, one of the admission requirements is to have a bachelor’s degree in that field.

Whereas, when a program is non-consecutive, it means you can apply even if you don’t have a bachelor’s degree in that same field. They usually focus on broader skills, interdisciplinary courses, and knowledge transfer.

Non-consecutive master’s degrees are not very common in Germany, but you can still find some here and there, especially in business and management fields.

How Long Is a Master’s Degree in Germany?

A master’s degree in Germany usually lasts two years (four semesters), since bachelor’s programs last three years.

Some universities (usually those of applied sciences) may offer shorter programs lasting 1 and a half years (three semesters) if they’re built upon four-year bachelor’s degrees. One-year programs are less common, as they’re typically specialized degrees such as fast-track MBAs.

We must note that many universities offer some flexibility for students to exceed the standard period of study (Regelstudienzeit). They set a maximum duration of study that you can’t exceed for the program, which for two-year programs is usually six semesters.

How Many ECTS Credits Is a German Master’s Degree Worth?

The majority of master’s degree programs in Germany consist of 120 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits.

There are also some rarer instances of programs with 90 ECTS and even 60 ECTS credits, which are shorter and intended for students with a four-year undergraduate degree (typically with 240 ECTS credits).

What is Numerus Clausus?

If you see Numerus Clausus (NC) when you’re looking into a master’s degree in Germany, it means that that particular program has a limited number of spots. Admission is therefore restricted, and candidates are selected based on academic performance and qualifications.

If a program is Non-NC, it means there are no restrictions on admissions and there are enough spots for all qualified applicants in the program.

When Are Application Deadlines for Master’s Degrees in Germany?

There are two intakes in German universities: the winter and summer intakes. Some master’s program courses offer the option to start during either intake, but the winter intake is most common for starting master’s studies.

Application deadlines for these intakes vary on the university, however, the most common dates are:

For courses starting on the winter semester: July 15th
For courses starting on the summer semester: January 15th

Can I Apply for a Master’s in Germany Before I Get My Undergraduate Degree?

Whether you can apply for a master’s in Germany before finishing your undergraduate degree depends on the university.

Some will ask for the degree certificate, meaning you can’t apply if you still haven’t graduated.

Whereas, some may accept only transcripts of grades on the condition that you have completed the majority of your courses (usually a minimum of 80% of the total amount of credits) and will graduate before you begin the master’s degree in Germany.

What Are the Language Requirements for Master’s Degrees in Germany?

Master’s programs in Germany are usually taught in German, English, or a combination of the two. Therefore, universities set language requirements for each program, depending on the level of knowledge needed.

As a rule of thumb, a range between B1 to C1 (CEFR) level English and/or German proficiency is required for master’s degrees instructed in one or both of these languages.

To prove your proficiency, you need to submit official test scores or other forms of proof accepted by the university. The most commonly accepted language exams include:

We suggest researching the detailed language requirements of the master’s program of your choice for accurate information. Or, if you’re still undecided, you can look up programs on our database and filter them out based on the language options on the left.

How Much Does a Master’s Degree Cost in Germany?

The cost of a master’s degree in Germany first depends on whether the program is at a public or private university. At the majority of public universities, master’s programs are free of charge for all students —you only pay a semester contribution ranging from €100 to €350 per semester.

However, some federal states or specific universities in those states have started imposing tuition fees for third-country students. More specifically, universities in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Saxony may charge tuition fees in addition to the semester contribution. For example, non-EU students who want to study at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have to pay between €2,000 to €6,000 per semester for master’s degrees.

Continuing education programs such as Master of Business Administration (MBA), M.Sc. Real Estate Management, etc., are another exception. Although hosted by public universities, they can be a bit more expensive, usually ranging between €2,000 to €10,000 per semester,

Then, we have private universities, which are free to set their own tuition fees. These can range heavily from one university to the other, and from one program to another. However, to give you a general idea, you can expect to pay €5,000 to €10,000 or more per semester.

Can I Work While Studying for a Master’s Degree in Germany?

Yes, all master’s students in Germany can work part-time while studying here :

Students from EU/EEA/Switzerland can work up to 20 hours per week during term-time, and up to 40 hours per week during semester breaks.
International students from third countries can work 140 full or 280 half-working days per year.
These restrictions don’t apply to students working as academic or student assistants at the university, but you’re required to inform the foreigner’s office.

What Is the Master’s Thesis Process Like in Germany?

You will start working on your thesis during the final semester of your master’s program in Germany. You’ll be guided by a professor toward the final goal of tackling a subject-related issue by independently using research methods.

Most universities offer the option to write your thesis in German or English. Some even offer the option to complete your thesis externally, such as with a company or a research institute.

You’ll find a page limit set by the university’s regulations, which is usually between 50 to 100 for master’s degrees. Deadlines are also set by the university and are typically around 6 months from the start of your thesis.

When you’re done, you’ll submit your work and then present and defend your thesis before two supervisors.

Study Visa Requirements for a Master’s Degree in Germany

International students coming to Germany for a master’s degree need either a German student visa (D visa), a residence permit, or both depending on their nationality. You can check your eligibility and all necessary documents on our German Student Visa Guide.

What Are the Career Prospects With a German Master’s Degree?

There are abundant career opportunities for graduates of master’s degree programs in Germany, especially in STEM fields or these high-demand professions .

If you’re from an EU/EEA country (including Switzerland), you can stay in Germany to work after graduation without any restrictions. If you’re not from these countries, you can extend your residence permit for up to 18 months to find a job related to your field of study.

You can also pursue a Ph.D. and work toward a career in academia—your options are endless. Plus, your German degree is recognized globally, so you can even look into international career opportunities in multinational companies and organizations.

Join 262,114 students interested in studying in Germany

Download a free copy of our "Essential Guide to Studying in Germany for Free" , get regular emails sent to your inbox with helpful articles about studying in Germany, latest news, scholarships, study abroad opportunities and offers...

Download The Guide

Studying-in-Germany.org is the largest information portal about studying in Germany for international students.

We publish news about the latest German higher education system changes and education policy updates, as well as a vast amount of informational content, articles, and research about studying in Germany for international students.

Learn more about us

Latest News and Statistics

International students in germany reach record highs in 2023/24 winter semester, must-know changes for students in germany in 2025, german universities receive €220 million to improve international mobility for students & staff, german universities registered 9% increase in guest students in winter semester 2023/24, bachelor students in germany more likely to drop out within first academic year.

Privacy Policy
Cookie Policy