Many who pursue a higher education in engineering then go on to lead careers in civil engineering, which involves the creation and maintenance of civilian structures. This is done both in the public and private sectors.

Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a federal parliamentary republic in western-central Europe. The country consists of 16 states, and its capital and largest city is Berlin.

The average monthly salary of a civil engineer in Germany is 10,100 EUR. The salaries range from 4,630 EUR to 16,000 EUR. The experience level is also an important factor influencing the salaries of civil engineers. According to salary explorer, on average, a person’s salary doubles by the time he crosses the 10years experience mark.

A civil engineer with a bachelor’s degree earns around 6,100 EUR/month. While with a master’s degree it can be around 11,800 EUR/month which is almost 93% more. In 2019, there was an 11% increment every 17months for civil engineers in Germany. The revenue for the civil engineering industry is projected to grow by 14% by 2023. This suggests that MS in civil engineering in Germany is a lucrative program. 

Also Read: Best Universities In Germany For MS, list of universities in germany for masters in civil engineering, civil engineering universities in germany taught in English, university of stuttgart construction management germany.

Best Universities In Germany For MS

MS in Civil Engineering in Germany is a 2-year degree offered to graduates of civil engineering or a related field. There are no tuition fees required for most of the universities, but international students may be required to pay the semester or administration fees which are around 1500 EUR. You can choose between various specializations like structural engineering, environmental engineering, geotechnical engineering and many others. Expect a salary range of 4,630EUR to 16,000 EUR post complete Masters in civil engineering from German Universities.

Why Study MS in Civil Engineering in Germany

• According to Times Higher Education, Germany is the most affordable country in Europe for International students. As per the government regulations, most of the public universities do not charge a tuition fee.
• According to the data published by the German Government, over 357000 international students have enrolled in German university programs.
• It is projected that the revenue for the civil engineering industry in Germany will increase from 43.2 billion USD to 49.6 billion USD in 2023. Thus creating a lot of job opportunities for civil engineering graduates.
• In2019, there was an 11% hike in salary every 17months for a civil engineer in Germany.
• Germany boasts of a graduate unemployment rate of 2.3%, which is the lowest in Europe.

Program Highlights

Duration	2 years
Range of fees	Mostly Government funded.
Intake Season	Winter Intake Summer Intake
Top recruiting companies	Fichtner, Siemens, RWE-DEA
Job Positions	Construction Engineer, Nuclear Engineer, Water Resource Engineer, Structural Engineer
Average salary	4,630 EUR – 16,000 EUR

Top Universities for MS in Civil Engineering in Germany

According to Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings 2020, 48 technical universities in Germany are among the best in the world. Of these Universities listed below are the top universities in Germany offering civil engineering programs along with the 

University	QS Rank	Degree offered	Tuition Fees (Euro)
Technical University of Munich	17	MSc in Civil Engineering	No Tuition Fees (230 Semester Fee)
RWTH Aachen University	18	Masters Degree in Civil Engineering	No Tuition Fees (582 Contribution fee)
TU Berlin	24	MSc in Civil Engineering	3,000
University of Stuttgart	42	Masters in Civil Engineering	No tuition fees
Karlsruhe Institute of technology	43	Masters in civil engineering	3,000
Dresden University of Technology	101	Masters in Advanced Computational and Civil Engineering Structural Studies	No Tuition Fees
University of Duisburg-Essen	NA	MSc in Civil Engineering	No tuition fees (626 Semester fee)

MS in Civil Engineering in Germany: Specializations

Some of the specializations available for civil engineering are:

• Transport Engineering
• Geotechnical Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Structural Studies
• Construction and Real Estate Management

MS in Civil Engineers in Germany: Admissions

International applicants who wish to study in Germany can apply through DAAD or Uni-assist application portals. Uni-assist is a forum that reviews your application and most universities demand the application form to be filled up through uni-assist. Another way to apply for German universities is to directly apply through official websites. 

University-Wise Eligibility Criteria

Though an undergraduate degree in relevant fields with an aggregate of at least 65% is mandatory requirements for pursuing most of the master’s program in Germany, some additional requirements must be fulfilled when applying for MS in Civil Engineering in Germany. Scores for exams required to study in Germany are also discussed below:

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University	Eligibility
Technical University of Munich	Aptitude Assessment for Master TOEFL-88 IELTS-6.5
RWTH Aachen University	Ug in a relevant field, GRE required, TestDaf- level 4, IELTS- 5.5
TU Berlin	DSH 2 or DSH 3
University of Stuttgart	TestDaF-LEVEL 4 75% in undergrad
Karlsruhe Institute of technology	Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related field
Dresden University of Technology	TOEFL- 79 IELTS- 6
University of Duisburg-Essen	75% in UG IELTS- 6 TOEFL-79

Documents Required for Pursuing MS in Civil Engineering in Germany

• Copy of your valid passport
• Official Transcripts (certificates of previous education)
• Language certificates
• Letter of motivation
• A valid Hochschulzugangsberechtigung or higher education entrance qualification. 
• If your school-leaving certificate is not enough, you will have to take a

Feststellungsprüfung – a qualification assessment examination in Germany.

After you have successfully completed your application, you will receive an Offer Letter from the university stating the details of the course you have applied for and been selected for. Apply for your student visa just after receiving your offer letter.

German Student Visa

In order to stay and study masters in Germany for 2 years, you need to apply for the German student visa (Visum Zu Studienzwecken). The visa processing takes around 25days, so it is advisable to apply for your visa at least 3 months prior to your arrival in the country. The visa fee is 75 EUR.

The student visa checklist is given below:

• A cover letter
• A valid passport
• 2 recent photographs
• Letter of acceptance from the university
• Transcripts of academic record (past academic certificates)
• Language Proficiency Test certificates.
• Proof of valid private or public health insurance.
• Proof of financial capacity to study in Germany (87,00 EUR per year)

Along with your student visa, you would also need to apply for a German Resident Permit which is valid for 2 years. You will have to register with the local Alien Registration Office (Bürgeramt or Einwohnermeldeamt).

Cost of Studying MS in Civil Engineering in Germany

The cost of living in Germany for an international student is around a minimum of 850 EUR. There are Pre-Arrival costs and living costs. The various costs have been tabulated below: 

Pre Arrival Cost

These are the costs that you would have to incur before moving to Germany to pursue your studies. Expenses like visa fees, application fees, exams fees, etc some of these are discussed below:

Type of expense	Cost in EUR
Program Application Fees	130
German Student Visa Application Fees	75
Health Insurance	81-162
IELTS Fees	171
TOEFL Fees	225
Air Fare	405

Tuition Fees for MS in Civil Engineering in Germany

The tuition fees for studying Germany is very low in comparison to other popular study destinations. Given below is a graphical image comparing the costs of study along with the living cost in various universities. 

Also Read: public universities in germany for masters in civil engineering, scope of civil engineering in Germany, is germany good for ms in civil engineering.

masters in civil engineering in germany daad

The language of instruction is half German and half English. This means that approx. 50% of the courses are taught in German and the other 50% are taught in English. The language of the examination is the same as the language of instruction in the corresponding lecture.

Structural engineers deal with planning, design, manufacture and operations of buildings in different fields of engineering, such as construction, civil, transport and hydraulic engineering. The classical construction subjects such as statics, concrete engineering and structural steelwork engineering will be the core topics taught. By using these knowledge tools, the major concerns around structures can be solved. The basics of building founding and the ground engineering are the subjects of geotechnics. Students gain knowledge not only of the internationally recognised laws of construction but also of the national policies and norms. The field of construction management imparts in-depth skills for handling large building projects, including the entire area of quality management and economic aspects. The entire field of civil engineering is becoming increasingly international. The contribution of German companies to the international building projects is one economic factor. Graduates will have various career opportunities for employment, both nationally and internationally. The current booming of construction engineering, especially in foreign metropolises, but also in thriving environmental technology, offers a long-term stable employment market worldwide.

The first year of studies in the Bachelor’s programme is almost identical for all degree courses in the programme in “International Studies in Engineering” (ISE). During the first year, the language of instruction for all Bachelor’s degree courses is 100% English. The overall language of instruction is 50% English and 50% German throughout the course of the programme.

The basic principles of engineering and science are taught on a broad basis. In addition, students will study in a multicultural environment and are integrated into research and teamwork projects to complement advanced courses in a variety of areas.

After completing the Bachelor’s degree, the students will be able to choose to pursue a Master’s degree in order to specialise in their former field of studies, or they can enrol in a Master’s degree programme in a different engineering subject and thus aim for a double qualification.

The international orientation is realised by:

• lectures offered in German and English language of instruction
  (50% of the lectures in German, 50% of the lectures in English)
• strong liaison with international partner universities
• living and studying in a multicultural environment

Integrated internships

An industrial internship in a company is compulsory for all Bachelor’s students. All 12 weeks of the industrial internship have to be finished before starting the final thesis.

Tuition fees per semester in EURNoneSemester contribution

All students are required to pay a social contribution of about 320 EUR per semester. The social contribution includes a semester ticket covering public transport in North Rhine-Westphalia, subsidised meals in the canteen of the university and other services.

Costs of living

We recommend budgeting around 900 EUR per month for personal expenses. Funding opportunities within the university None

When enrolling, applicants must prove that they have knowledge of the German and English language according to the completed level B1 of the European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Students must take placement tests immediately at the start of their studies to determine their knowledge of German and English.

Applicants who have not obtained their study qualification at a German-speaking institution must have demonstrated German language proficiency at level B2 by the time they register for the German-language modules.

Studying in a Bachelor’s programme in ISE requires proof of level B2 in both languages as a prerequisite for graduation. In individual cases, the language courses required for this are part of the study programme.

top 20 universities masters in construction management in germany

Germany is among the top ten most popular study destinations in the world.

Germany is increasing in popularity among ambitious international students every day. And why wouldn’t it? It offers an efficient educational system, some of the best universities in the world, and low or no tuition fees at all! It’s basically a student’s paradise here! As the latest statistics report, there are over 350,000 foreign students in Germany pursuing their qualifications, with the numbers increasing by the day.

In addition, German universities offer globally recognized degrees, meaning your qualifications will be valued internationally, and the skills you will gain will give you that bit of extra edge in the job market. So, if you’re thinking of enrolling in one of the universities in Germany, we’ve listed below the best universities in Germany 2020 as ranked by QS World University Rankings! See what best matches your preferences and reach for the stars.

Here are the 10 best universities in Germany 2020:

1. Technical University of Munich

Technische Universität München

The Technical University of Munich is highly-regarded as one of the best universities in Europe, known for excellence in research, teaching, and talent promotion. With 15 different faculties, it encompasses around 42,705 students across all its degree programs, 32% of which are international students. This university has 566 professors in staff who deliver high-quality teaching necessary to students who want to excel in their dream careers. The mission statement of this university is “We invest in talent. Knowledge is our gain.” The Technical University of Munich offers degree programs in the following fields of study:

• Architecture
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Construction Geo Environment
• Aviation, Space Travel and Geodesy
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Sports and Health Sciences
• Economics
• Medicine

2. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

This university is situated in the heart of Europe and it is one of the leading research universities in Europe. LMU Munich has over 500 years of tradition, offering some of the highest standards in teaching and research. International students at this university makeup 15% of the entire student population and are around 7,000 in number. Ludwig Maximilian University has close corporations with a number of partner universities, around 400 worldwide. This is an advantage to the students of the university who get to enjoy the exchange and joint degree programs. This university offers courses in the following fields of study:

• Catholic Theology
• Protestant Theology
• Law
• Business Administration – Munich School of Management
• Economics
• Medicine
• Veterinary Medicine
• History and the Arts
• Philosophy, Philosophy of Science and the Study of Religion
• Psychology and Educational Sciences
• Mathematics, Informatics and Statistics
• Study of Culture
• Languages and Literatures
• Social Sciences
• Physics
• Biology
• Chemistry and Pharmacy
• Geosciences

3. Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg

Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg

This university has a long tradition as internationally oriented research and teaching institution, offering a variety of disciplines. With the aim of broadening the knowledge and skills of its students and preparing them for the future, this university provides qualitative teaching in its welcoming and comfortable environments. The University of Heidelberg focuses its attention on giving equal opportunities to both men and women and creating a comfortable diverse and equal community of ambitious individuals. It offers degrees in the following fields of study:

• Biosciences
• Chemistry and Earth Science
• Mathematics and Computer Science
• Physics and Astronomy
• Behavioural and Cultural Studies
• Economics and Social Sciences
• Law
• Modern Languages
• Philosophy
• Physics and Astronomy
• Theology
• Medicine

4. Humboldt University of Berlin

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

A highly-regarded university with around 35,475 students enrolled in its degree programs, out of which 5,610 are international students. This university has a well-known reputation for its teaching and research with around 420 professors and more than 1,900 assistants teaching and conducting research at the Humboldt University of Berlin. Around 18% of the academic staff at this university come from outside of Germany, meaning students get to enjoy quality teaching and an international perspective. As graduates, students will be skilled enough to enter the job market with confidence. At this university, you can choose a degree program from the following fields of study:

• Law
• Culture, Social Sciences and Education
• Life Sciences
• Mathematics and Natural Sciences
• Philosophy
• Linguistics and Literature
• Theology
• Business and Economics
• Medicine (with a joint institution)

5. KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

Through research and education, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology aims to contribute towards solving some of the biggest challenges faced by society, industry, as well as the environment today. What defines the work of this university is the worldwide exchange of knowledge it offers in addition to the numerous international research projects and its cultural diversity. KIT is a university that places emphasis on opening up unique development perspectives for its students through an early integration into interdisciplinary research projects and international teams. Moreover, you can find degree programs in the following fields of study at this university:

• Architecture
• Civil Engineering, Geo- and Environmental Sciences
• Chemistry and Biosciences
• Chemical and Process Engineering
• Humanities and Social Sciences
• Electrical Engineering and Information Technology
• Mechanical Engineering
• Economics and Management
• Physics
• Informatics
• Mathematics

6. Free University of Berlin

Freie Universitaet Berlin

With its diverse network, this university has been one of the leading institutions in science and teaching ever since 2007. It has around 33,000 students across its departments out of which 13% are international students enrolled in its bachelor programs and 27% are internationals in their master studies. This university wants to ensure a future worth living for by providing efficient programs and ensuring its students acquire the needed skills to overcome the challenges that face society today. It offers degree programs in 11 departments, including medicine:

• Biology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy
• Earth Sciences
• Education and Psychology
• History and Cultural Studies
• Law
• Mathematics and Computer Science
• Philosophy and Humanities
• Physics
• Political and Social Sciences
• Veterinary Medicine
• Business and Economics
• Medicine (with a joint institution)

7. RWTH Aachen University

Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen

RWTH Aachen University is internationally known for the degree programs it offers and the quality of its teaching and research. Ranked among the top 10 universities in Germany, this university is a place where innovative solutions are offered to solve global challenges. In addition, RWTH Aachen University develops in close connection with the industry, giving its students even more opportunities to acquire all the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the global job market. This university has around 45,628 students, with 11,280 of them being international students arriving from all over the world. You can find your preferred courses in the following fields of study at this university:

• Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences
• Architecture
• Civil Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Geo resources and Materials Engineering
• Electrical Engineering and Information Technology
• Arts and Humanities
• School of Business and Economics
• Medicine

8. Berlin Institute of Technology

Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin)

Located at the center of Europe, this university is known internationally with a sharp profile and a wide range of qualitative degree programs. Its qualifications provide students with just the means they need to achieve their dream careers. Excellence and quality are what define this university alongside its outstanding achievements in research and teaching. The students at this university enjoy a comfortable and diverse environment while being enrolled in degree programs in one of the following fields of study:

• Humanities and Education
• Mathematics and Natural Sciences
• Process Sciences
• Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
• Traffic and Machine Systems
• Planning Building Environment
• Economics and Management

9. Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen

Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen

For over 500 years, this university has been a place of outstanding research and excellent teaching. It is also known for its innovative and international courses and degree programmes that encompass around 27,196 students, among which 3,779 come from abroad. While pursuing a degree at this university, students will be introduced to a welcoming environment, modern facilities, elaborate degree programmes, and an outstanding academic staff. Among a diverse community of motivated students, individuals get to earn the qualifications that will prove to be useful in today’s world. At this university, you can pursue your degree in the following fields of study:

• Protestant Theology
• Catholic Theology
• Law
• Philosophy
• Mathematics and Natural Sciences
• Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences
• Medical School

10. Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg

Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg

Founded in the year 1457, this university offers a diverse set of degree programs that are ideal for innovative interdisciplinary studies. You can get your qualification at this university in all the important fields of study nowadays taught by well-known experts. The University of Freiburg welcomes open-mindedness, pluralism, and international exchange. It offers the best conditions in research, teaching, administration, and continuing education in a welcoming and equal environment. Curiosity and openness are what define this university and its achievements. You can enroll in degree programs at this university in the following fields of study:

• Theology
• Law
• Economics and Behavioral Sciences
• Humanities
• Philology
• Biology
• Mathematics and Physics
• Chemistry and Pharmacy
• Medicine
• Environment and Natural Resources
• Engineering

Ultimate Guide for Study in Germany

As this decade comes to a close, the quest for international education is at an all-time high among students. The upshot of this trend is that there is an ever-increasing global need for highly skilled individuals, necessitating the pursuit of higher studies – usually in the form of a Master’s or Ph.D. program. What’s interesting to note is how students no longer are flocking to a single country to chase their academic aspirations, but are increasingly exploring opportunities at universities around the world. Germany, in particular, has seen a phenomenal rise in the number of Indian students studying at its institutes going from 3516 to 17,570 between 2008 and 2018. That’s a 500% jump in just one decade! What are the factors powering this boom, and should you, too, opt for any top universities in Germany for your MS abroad? That’s exactly what we’re about to tell you!

WHY GERMANY?

Germany has been one of the frontrunners in setting benchmarks for technological advancements for the better part of the last century. Germany lays a key focus on research and education. The speed with which Germany has set itself up as a superpower on the world stage after the destruction of World War 2, is a testament to their unwavering resolve and technical prowess.

Germany has been able to build its knowledge base through the educational values it imparts to its people. Historically, Germany ranks 3rd on the list of countries with the most Nobel laureates, out of which, 56 are from the University of Heidelberg alone. Germany boasts of several renowned universities, many of which regularly feature in the Top 100 of world university ranking. Take for instance the Technical University of Munich (world university ranking – 25th in Technology and 20th in Natural Sciences) or the RWTH Aachen University (world university ranking – 31st in Technology and 36th in Natural Sciences), both of which come under the fold of the prestigious TU-9.

These universities have been able to reach such lofty heights, primarily through a wonderfully structured and publicly funded education program. The latter means that students, both domestic and international, can pursue their MS at public universities in Germany, for 0 or extremely nominal tuition fees. Also, most of the courses in high demand at top universities in Germany are taught in English, making Germany one of the most promising destinations for non-German speaking students both from the European Union as well as overseas students. After the completion of the Master’s program, students are allowed to stay back in the country for up to 18 months and search for jobs. It is quite easy for graduates to find employment, as the demand for skilled individuals is quite high in fields related to engineering, medicine, and Information Technology.

TOP GERMAN UNIVERSITIES FOR PURSUING MASTERS IN GERMANY

1) TU Munich

TU Munich is ranked 1st in Germany and 61st in the World. TU Munich is one of the most research-focused universities in Germany and Europe. In terms of research output, Germany ranks 4th in all of Europe as the most innovative university.

TU Munich

2) LMU Munich

LMU Munich is the largest university in Germany. There are approximately 44,000 students engaged in various courses. Historically, LMU is one of the most successful universities in the world with 42 Nobel laureates affiliated to it, which includes stalwarts like Max Planck, William Rontgen and Werner Heisenberg. LMU ranks 2ndin Germany and 62nd in the world.

LMU Munich – Universities in Germany

LMU Munich – Courses & Admissions Details

3) Heidelberg University

Located in Baden-Württemberg, Heidelberg University is the oldest surviving university in the world. It is also Germany’s second largest university by size, with 32,000 students enrolled here. It is home to a rich academic background and boasts 56 Nobel laureates affiliation, the most of any German educational institution. Heidelberg university ranks 3rd and 64th in Germany and the world, respectively.

Heidelberg University – Universities in Germany

Heidelberg University – Courses & Admissions Details

4) Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

KIT is one of the largest universities in Germany formed from the merger of Karlsruhe University and Karlsruhe Research Center in 2009. It is ranked 6th in Europe in terms of the citation impact of published research. It ranks at 116 in the world university ranking. It is home to many well-known inventors and entrepreneurs such as Heinrich Hertz and Karl Friedrich Benz.

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology – Universities in Germany

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology – Courses & Admissions Details

5) RWTH Aachen

RWTH Aachen University is ranked 6th overall within Germany and 144th overall in the World. It ranks 31stamong the best engineering colleges in the world (12th in Mechanical engineering). Apart from Mechanical, RWTH has one of the best faculties in Germany in chemical and electrical engineering. RWTH Aachen maintains very close links to industry, setting itself apart from other German universities through its strong alumni network. One in five board members of German companies such as Volkswagen, Daimler, Allianz, BMW, etc., are from RWTH Aachen.

RWTH Aachen – Universities in Germany

RWTH Aachen – Courses & Admissions Details

Other notable institutions

The SRH University Heidelberg, located in the evergreen forests of Baden Württemberg, is another top university in Germany. A GRE score of around 300, an IELTS score of 7, and a GPA above 8 (or 2.5 out of 4) would be enough to secure a seat here.

A similar score would be enough for other universities in Baden Württemberg like Deggendorf Institute of Technology, Technical University Ilmenau, University of Siegen. For the more management inclined students, and admit in MS in Technical Management at the University of Applied Sciences Emden / Leer would require the candidate to have a GPA of 7 and an IELTS score of 7. However, students should still strive to get a better score than the minimum mentioned here as the rejection rates are higher in Germany than in the USA.

WORKING WHILE STUDYING IN GERMANY

International, non-EU students, can work during their studies for 120 days or 240 days as half-days as a way of supporting themselves. However, this does not include the work done as a teaching or research assistant. In such a case, the Alien Registration Office must be notified of such an arrangement. Students can earn as much as 450 euros per month, which is not tax-deductible. Any amount over the limit will result in an automatic tax deduction from the salary.

Internships, paid or unpaid, are counted as work and are deducted from the 120 days limit. Courses requiring mandatory internships are not counted as working days. Further, non-EU students are not allowed to work in a freelance capacity.

WORK AFTER STUDY PROGRAM IN GERMANY

The work after study program is unique and accommodating, and helps a student with the German student visa extension process so that students can continue their search for jobs. After graduating, students can seek an extension of 18 months to continue the search for jobs. The extension in the residence permit will be granted provided that the seeker has a passport, degree obtained from a German university, health insurance, and proof of financial support. The 18 monthly period starts as soon as the course is complete. Thus, it is advisable to start searching for jobs from the third semester onwards.

If the student has returned home after graduation, he/she can apply for a Jobseeker visa which allows the student to apply for work in the related field of graduation. The student can apply for this visa from the nearest German embassy.

DAAD FELLOWSHIP

The expense associated with completing an MS in Germany involves a lot of additional expenses, even when the tuition fees are waived. In the absence of funding, a student will have to shell out at least Rs. 14,00,000 for the entire duration of his stay in Germany. Financial support in the form of a monthly stipend or a research fellowship over a specified period of stay relieves a lot of stress from prospective students. The DAAD or Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (German Academic Exchange Service) is one of the major contributors supporting the research efforts of around 2 million scholars in Germany ever since its conception in 1925. DAAD is at the forefront of Germany’s effort of internationalization of universities in Germany. Just having good grades in academics is often not enough to secure funding from DAAD. Universities in Germany usually look for a well-rounded individual who has been civically engaged. Further, DAAD has certain target groups, e.g., grants may be awarded according to the person’s social and familial background. The fellowship involves covering the cost for a certain period of the applicants’ studies. Funding for the entire duration of the study is only awarded under exceptional circumstances. The rate of approval for scholarships is quite high. About a third of all applicants can secure some other form of funding from DAAD.

GERMANY VS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A cost comparison:

The biggest advantage of pursuing an MS in Germany over other popular destinations such as the USA would be the relatively less financial pressure on the prospective student. Being a publicly funded institution, the tuition fees at top universities in Germany are very low. Consider the case of two universities with similar worldwide rankings – RWTH Aachen in Germany (31st rank) and Cornell University in the USA (28th rank). For graduate research degrees, the average tuition at Cornell University would cost Rs. 42,00,000 ($29,500 [4]) while there are no tuition fees at RWTH Aachen, even for international students! Now, compare the cost of living in either of the two places. In Aachen, the total cost including accommodation, food, health insurance, university fees, books, etc. is Rs. 62,000 per month. In Ithaca, the living cost without accommodation is Rs. 52,000 per month [6]. Thus, over the entire course of a Master’s degree, an average student at Cornell will have to spend a whopping Rs. 40 lakhs more (excluding accommodation) than what a student would have to spend at Aachen while studying at an institution of comparable metrics.

Alone in a foreign land:

The foremost thought that comes to our mind when it comes to education in Germany is the language barrier. However, on a closer look, the barrier seems like a mental block on our parts. A recent report from the German government estimates that there are about 1.1 lakh people of Indian descent residing in Germany [1]. Out of which about 70,000 hold the German passport. Since 2008, the number of students pursuing their higher education in German universities has increased almost five folds. Every major city in Germany now has a large diaspora of people of Indian descent. A special mention must be made of the Indian cuisine which is held in adoration almost throughout Europe, and Indian restaurants are quite easily found in most German cities.

The German foreign population has been steadily increasing and is at an all-time high. As a result, there is a huge cultural influence from around the world in major cities like Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, etc. Further, there are many multinational companies in Germany meaning that the majority of work is done in English. Similarly, Universities in Germany have policies for internationalization for attracting bright people from around the world. And that means offering major courses in English. Of course, most of the legal work is done in German, e.g., rental agreements and legal documents.  However, there are many experts to help students out with translation. So, knowing German is not a necessity for job applicants, but is still recommended.

MS in the USA vs. Germany – The Final Verdict

Germany offers a lot of social safety nets in the form of little to no tuition fee, relaxed work and academic environment, relatively easy visa procedure, and considerate work after study programs. However, the acceptance rates in Germany are quite low, as is the number of universities on offer. As things stand, the USA remains the better option. This is primarily because a significant number of universities in the top 100 of the worlds are from the USA, along with more job opportunities for graduates with it being the world’s largest economy. 
Moreover, when it comes to language, even though English is understood widely in Germany, some universities and workplaces require applicants to have at least a working knowledge of German, whereas, in the USA, English is all you need.

In any case, it is very important to be fully aware of one’s prospects and long-term aspirations before selecting a university and country for your MS abroad. Germany can indeed be a great place to study abroad on a budget, with high-quality education and post-study work opportunities, but then again, a master’s degree from one of the Top US universities is a lifetime asset, is recognized all over the world, and can really open up opportunities around the globe.

All the best!