What are the different types of Master's degrees in Germany?

There are two types of Master's degrees in Germany:

• Consecutive Master's degrees: Consecutive Master's degrees build on the academic knowledge learned during a related Bachelor's degree.
• Non-consecutive Master's degrees: Non-consecutive programs typically focus on professional development, where applicants have a relevant undergraduate degree and relevant work experience.
  

A Master's degree in Germany usually takes two years to complete, split into four semesters; however, some can be shorter or longer.

Do I have the qualifications to study for a Master's degree in Germany?

To study for a Master's degree in Germany, you'll need a suitable Bachelor's degree. Bear in mind some Master's degrees require a minimum number of credits in specific subject areas; these conditions are set by the department offering the Master's degree.

You can check your qualifications through one of the EU's ENIC-NARIC academic recognition centers.

Some Master's degrees may set additional requirements such as:

• An interview: The admissions team at your German university may want to discuss your application and experience. International students may be able to have their interviews online.
• Entrance exams: Sought-after or specialized Master's degrees may require you to take an entrance exam or a standardized admissions test to check your training for professional subjects.
• Details of your secondary education: Some Master's degrees in Germany may ask for details of your academic history, such as a school leaving certificate equivalent to the German Hochschulzugangsberechtigung. Certifications such as the International Baccalaureate or British GCSEs and A-levels (or their equivalents) will typically be acceptable.

Language requirements for a Master's degree in Germany

Many universities in Germany offer Master's degrees taught entirely in English, making them appealing to international students. If English or German is not your first language, you may need to provide a language test score to study for your masters in Germany.

German Master's degrees taught in English

Non-native English speakers may need to take an English language test. However, this may not be required if you studied for your undergraduate program in English. Master's degrees taught in English tend not to require proficiency in German.

If you do decide to study in English and it's not your first language, you'll need to prove your proficiency with an English language test such as IELTS or TOEFL.

Masters degrees taught in German

If your Master's degree in Germany is taught in German, you'll need to take a German language test. Students who have studied for their undergraduate program in German may be accepted as proof of proficiency.

Some universities may allow a lower score at the application stage, enabling you to take additional German language classes before you commence your Master's degree or even in the early stages of your degree.

International students applying for a Master's degree taught in German can show their level of proficiency in the language through one of two tests:

• The Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH): Also known as the German language examination for university entrance. The DSH is only available in Germany at different universities.
• Test DaF: Previously known as Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache, meaning Test of German as a foreign language. The TestDaf can be taken at centers in more than 90 countries worldwide.
  

You must check the test you intend to take to be accepted by the universities you want to apply to.

Learning German is still a good idea if you want to study for a Master's in Germany. It will help you connect with the local culture, make friends, and make your CV stand out to future employers. Most universities offer language classes in parallel to your Master's degree. Having some knowledge of German will make your study abroad experience much more fun and rewarding.

How do I submit my application for a Master's program in Germany?

You can submit your Master's application directly to the university – there is no centralized portal for Master's applications in Germany.

German universities set their deadlines. We advise applying at least four months before the deadline, especially if you need time to sort out a student visa.

You can apply to as many Master's degrees as you like, but take into account that you'll have enough time to complete them.

Numerus clausus (restricted applications)

Some German Master's degrees are subject to a numerus clausus, which limits the number of students they can admit (numerus clausus translates as restricted number).

German universities have two types of numerus clausus: local and subject.

Local numerus clausus occurs when universities themselves locally restrict subjects. Hypothetically speaking, a numerus clausus in Finance at Frankfurt is limited to one subject at one German university. Other subjects at the same university carry a different NC; for example, literature courses at Frankfurt may have a different NC than Finance.

The second type of NC is linked to a subject across Germany; this applies to nationally oversubscribed subjects, including medicine, architecture, veterinary medicine, and dentistry.

Uni Assist

Some institutions use a service called Uni-Assist to manage international applications, which is an international applications portal used by some German universities.

Uni Assist screens applicants and passes on those who meet all the requirements; this involves confirming recognition and accreditation of foreign qualifications and transcripts.

Uni-Assist then either forwards your application to the university or generates a VPD Vorpruefungsdokumentation certificate with which you can complete an application.

Note not all German universities use this service, and sometimes you may still be required to complete their own application process as well.

The documents required and the application process will be set by each institution, but you'll typically be asked to submit the following:

• An official copy of your academic qualifications
• A passport photo
• A copy of your passport
• A copy of language proficiency exam results (if applicable).

Uni Assist fees

Students can expect to pay €75 for the first university they apply to and another €30 for each additional university they apply to within the same semester.

Sometimes, universities pay you Uni-Assist fees, known as a cost transfer.

When do I submit my application for a Master's degree in Germany?

Students can apply for admission to a Master's degree in Germany twice a year to start studies in the winter or the summer semester.

The summer semester runs from:

• March to August at Fachhochschulen
• April to September at universities

The winter semester runs from:

• September to February at Fachhochschulen
• October to March at universities

Applications for winter enrolments need to be made by July 15 and for summer enrolments by January 15.

Check the dates for your chosen degree; application deadlines vary between institutions, and the same institution may set different deadlines for each Master's program.

Allow yourself plenty of time and submit applications up to six weeks before the deadline to ensure time for corrections or additions if any information is missing.

Student visas

Students within the EU, EEA, or Switzerland don't need a visa to study in Germany. You must register at the nearest registry office on arrival to obtain a residence permit.

Students from countries including Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea, and the US will also need to register for a residence permit.

Students from Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco, San Marino, and Taiwan can also follow this path as long as they don't intend to work during their time in Germany.

Students from anywhere else need a visa via the nearest German embassy before arriving in Germany.

International students already accepted onto a Master's program in Germany can apply for a student visa, while those awaiting confirmation or sitting entrance exams will need an applicant visa.

Apply for a visa as early as possible, as visas can take several months to be issued.

Visa applicants will need to submit the following documents:

• A valid passport
• Confirmation from a German university that an application is in process or completed
• Health insurance
• Proof of adequate funds to cover living expenses

Conclusion

Studying for a Master's degree in Germany is an exciting prospect for many international students. With its world-renowned universities, high quality of life, and relatively low tuition fees, Germany can be the perfect destination to pursue your academic goals. We hope this checklist helps you plan how you'll apply for your Master's degree in Germany.

Read more:

• Can You Study for a Master's Degree in Germany for Free?
• The Ultimate Guide to Pursuing a Master's Degree in Germany