MS in Automotive Engineering in Germany: Top Universities, Cost & Requirements

Germany is home to several leading companies like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen. It offers cutting-edge research facilities, strong industry connections, and a focus on innovation and technology. Indeed, studying Automotive Engineering there will help you grow your network and easily enter the industry.

• Strong Industry Connections: Opportunities for internships and collaborations with top automotive firms. 
• Focus on innovation and technology: Emphasis on cutting-edge advancements in automotive engineering. 
• Affordable Education: Many universities offer low-cost or zero tuition. 
• High-quality education: Prestigious and leading international universities with excellent faculty, resources, and networks. 
• Cultural and Professional Exposure: Experience living in a country known for engineering excellence.

Now that we have every detail about MS in Automotive Engineering in Germany, let us get into the details of the universities in Germany for MS in Automotive Engineering.

Here is the list of the top 10 Automotive engineering universities in Germany:

1. RWTH Aachen University
2. Technical University of Munich
3. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
4. University of Stuttgart
5. Technical University of Berlin
6. Technische Universität Braunschweig
7. Dresden University of Technology (TU Dresden) 
8. University of Bayreuth 
9. Essling University of Applied Sciences 
10. Hochschule München University of Applied Sciences
    

Let us know about each of these universities in Germany for an MS in automotive engineering:

RWTH Aachen University

RWTH Aachen has one of the largest teaching faculties in Germany compared to other Automotive engineering universities. It holds high standards for research, is considered the best among public universities for Automotive Engineering in Germany, and is among the top few in Europe. The university is massive in its expanse, with more than 100  institutes.

Technical University of Munich

TUM is one of the top universities in Germany for an MS in Automotive  Engineering. Its graduates go on to become well-qualified engineers in the spaces of both research and academia. You can study courses as interesting as electromobility and self-driving vehicles, which, in the world of Tesla, are bound to be interesting!

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology- KIT is considered one of Germany's best universities for all engineering streams. It retains a position among Germany's sacred eleven ‘Universities of Excellence’. At this prestigious university, you will be studying all about driving mechanics, the history and future of the Automotive industry, and so much more!

University of Stuttgart

The University of Stuttgart is mainly known among public universities in Germany for its research opportunities. The primary curriculum of the university consists of the study of mechanics, physics, engineering design, thermodynamics, computing, electrical engineering, materials science, acoustic engineering, etc. This gives a student an in-depth knowledge of the automotive field of study.

Technical University of Berlin

TU Berlin doesn't just cater to academic students. Extracurriculars can range from learning new languages to sports like sailing. Opportunities are provided to collaborate closely with businesses and industries in Berlin-Brandenburg and national and international networks. The campus is over 16,000 square meters, hosting modern laboratories, workshops, test halls for researchers and students, a test center for automotive research, and more.

Technische Universität Braunschweig

Established in 1745, TU Braunschweig is the oldest technical university in Germany. The university strongly focuses on research and has associations with several European research institutions. One of the most fascinating facts about the university is that it has a research airport.

Dresden University of Technology (TU Dresden) 

Dresden University of Technology (TU Dresden) is one of Germany’s leading universities, particularly known for its engineering programs. It offers robust courses in mechanical and automotive engineering. It offers cutting-edge research facilities and access to advanced labs and technology for innovative research. The University is a part of the prestigious German Universities Excellence Initiative. 

University of Bayreuth 

The University of Bayreuth, established in 1975, is known for its interdisciplinary focus and strong research programs, particularly in environmental sciences, materials science, and energy research. It offers modern facilities and a diverse international body. A strong faculty and specialised research centres like the Bavarian Polymer and the Bayreuth Centre of Ecology and Environmental Research support it.

Essling University of Applied Sciences 

Essling University of Applied Sciences is renowned for its strong emphasis on engineering, business, and social sciences. Established in 1868, it offers a practical, application-oriented education with close ties to industry, particularly the automotive and mechanical sectors. It offers a Master’s in Automotive Systems, Design and Development in Automotive and Mechanical Engineering, Smart Factory, International Industrial Management, and Energy and Building Systems.

Hochschule München University of Applied Sciences

Hochschule München University of Applied Sciences is one of Germany's largest applied sciences universities. With a student body of 18,500, including 2,500 international students, the university offers various programs across various disciplines. The university offers about 100 degree programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Hochschule München has strong ties to the Munich economic region and emphasises entrepreneurial thinking and interdisciplinary work. 

To study for an MS in Automotive Engineering in Germany, students need to have a degree in engineering and good marks. They also need to show that they know English or German well enough to study. Some universities might ask for work experience too.

Eligibility Criteria 

Students must meet some criteria before they can get into the course. Here are the main points:

• You must have a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Automotive, Electrical, or similar Engineering fields.
• You usually need at least 65–70% marks or a CGPA of around 2.5 on the German scale.
• Some universities ask for scores from tests like the GRE, but not all.
• You must show proof of English or German language skills.
• A few universities prefer that you have work experience or project work related to cars or engineering.

Documents Required 

Students also need to show some papers when they apply. Here are the usual ones:

• Bachelor’s degree certificate and mark sheets.
• Proof of language skills (like IELTS, TOEFL, or TestDaF scores).
• Passport copy.
• CV or resume.
• A letter of motivation explaining why you want to study the course.
• Letters of recommendation from teachers or employers.
• Proof of work experience, if needed.

Most students begin their MS in Automotive Engineering in Germany in October 2025 (Winter Semester). To enrol, you must send your application between May and July 2025. A few universities also let students start in April, called the Summer Semester.

The exact deadline can vary by university, so check the list below.

Please note: RWTH Aachen is the only university offering both Winter and Summer intakes for this programme in 2025. The deadline for summer intake was the 15th of January. 

To join an MS in Automotive Engineering in Germany, students need to follow a few clear steps. They have to send their papers, pay fees if needed, and sometimes do extra tests or interviews. Most students apply through online portals like uni-assist or directly on the university website.

Below is a step-by-step guide that shows exactly how to apply.

Step 1: Check Course Details and Eligibility

• Go to the university website and find the Automotive Engineering programme page.
• Read the admission rules carefully (like: marks needed, language scores).
• Check if your Bachelor’s degree fits the programme.
• See if the course is offered in English or German.

Example: RWTH Aachen lists their required Bachelor’s fields and minimum GPA on their official programme page.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

• Collect your degree certificates and mark sheets.
• Get translations if your papers are not in English or German.
• Prepare proof of English or German skills.
• Write your motivation letter explaining why you want to study the course.
• Get recommendation letters from professors or employers.
• Prepare your CV.
• Check if the university asks for a GRE score.
• Scan your passport.

Step 3: Check Whether to Apply via uni-assist or Directly

• Some universities use uni-assist to handle applications (such as TU Berlin, TU Dresden).
• Others have their own online portal (like RWTH Aachen, TUM).
• Go to the university website and look under “How to Apply.”

Step 4: Submit Online Application

• Create an account on uni-assist or the university’s portal.
• Fill in personal details and course choices.
• Upload all your documents as PDF files.
• Double-check that everything is complete.

Step 5: Pay Application Fee (if needed)

• Uni-assist usually charges around €75 (INR ~6,750) for the first application and €30 (INR 2,700) for each extra course.
• Direct university applications may be free, but some universities charge small handling fees.

Step 6: Wait for Preliminary Review Result (VPD) if Using Uni-Assist

• If you use uni-assist, they will send you a VPD document (Vorprüfungsdokumentation) if your papers are fine.
• You must then upload this VPD to the university portal or send it by post.

Step 7: Check for Entrance Exams or Interviews

• Some universities might ask for an interview (usually online).
• The Technical University of Munich sometimes invites applicants to an interview to discuss technical knowledge and motivation.
• A few universities might check German language skills in an extra test.

Step 8: Receive Admission Decision

• The university sends an admission letter if you’re accepted.
• Some universities release results in batches (for ex: RWTH Aachen announces decisions by mid-August for Winter intake).

Step 9: Accept Offer and Enrol

• Follow the steps in your admission letter.
• Pay semester fees (even if tuition is free).
• Send hard copies of papers if required.
• Apply for your student visa after getting the admission letter.

On average, studying and living in Germany costs between €800 and €1,200 (INR 72,000 – INR 1,08,000) per month. Studying for an MS in Automotive Engineering in Germany is cheaper than in many other countries. Most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for students, even from other countries. But students still have to pay some other fees and money to live there. 

Tuition Fee 

In Germany, most universities do not charge tuition fees for Master’s courses, but students still pay some money each semester. This money covers things like public transport, sports facilities, and administration costs.

Here are some important things to know about tuition fees:

• Many public universities charge a semester fee of about €150 to €350 (INR 13,500 – INR 31,500).
• Some states, like Baden-Württemberg, charge €1,500 (INR 1,35,000) per semester for non-EU students.
• Private universities can charge much more, from €5,000 to €15,000 (INR 4,50,000 – INR 13,50,000) per semester.
• These fees do not include your living costs, like food, rent, and books.

Cost of Living in Germany

Besides tuition, students must pay for things like food, transport, and housing, which can go up to €1,000 (INR 10L). The cost of living in Germany can change depending on the city. Big cities like Munich or Stuttgart can be more expensive than smaller towns.

Here’s an average monthly budget for a student in Germany:

The popular scholarships in Germany include the DeutschlandStipendium, DAAD Scholarships, and Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship. Every year, around 300,000 students in Germany get help through different scholarships. These scholarships help students pay for living costs and sometimes even tuition fees. Many of them are for students with good marks or special talents.

Here’s a table showing some top scholarships for students who want to study MS in Automotive Engineering in Germany:

Germany has many jobs for students who finish their MS in Automotive Engineering, like becoming an Automotive Project Manager, Vehicle Systems Engineer, or Auto Parts Manager. The car industry is very big in Germany and makes up about 5% of the country’s GDP. More than 820,000 people work in the car industry there. Students with an MS degree can earn good money and work in important jobs. On average, a person with this degree earns about €60,000 (INR 54,00,000) per year.

Here is a table showing some jobs students can get after finishing their MS in Automotive Engineering in Germany:

We know thinking about studying in Germany can feel scary. You might worry about big words, lots of papers, and how much money you need. But remember, you are not alone. Many students feel the same way when planning their dream to study cars and engines in Germany.

That’s why Yocket Premium is here to help you. We can tell you how to apply, help you find good universities, and even show you ways to save money. We want you to feel happy and ready for your journey. Let’s make your dream of studying automotive engineering in Germany come true!