MS in Data Science in Germany 2025: Top Universities, Fees, Eligibility

Germany is a global centre for research and innovation based on data. A Master's in Data Science in Germany offers world-class academics, great networking opportunities, and low or free tuition at public universities. 

Here are a few reasons why you should study an MS in Data Science in Germany:

Popularity

Although Universities in Germany offer an expansive range of programs from all disciplines, data science is second only to engineering in terms of student demand.

Career Opportunities

A principle of collaboration is maintained among all universities in Germany to ensure a holistic learning experience for students here, proving beneficial for their careers too.

Affordability

Technical courses like data science are usually quite expensive in most countries. Concerning MS in data science in Germany, you would be pleasantly surprised to know that public universities charge no tuition at all. Even the private universities in Germany are much cheaper than those in other European countries.

Top universities for MS in Data Science in Germany include TUM, Ludwig Maximilian, and TU Dortmund University. Germany has 5 universities under the QS 100, demonstrating the country's academic excellence. 

While many universities have Winter intakes, some, like Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, have both summer and winter intakes. 

To know more about the top German universities that specialise in Data Science, refer to the table below:

Let’s discuss each university in detail:

1. Technical University of Munich (TUM)

A proud member of the TU9 group and a part of Europe’s top universities, the Technical University of Munich offers a top-class education and access to cutting-edge research facilities. With global partnerships and campuses in Arcisstrasse, Garching, and Freising-Weihenstephan, this university can help you become a master of data processing. 

The MSc in Data Engineering & Analytics program from TUM is designed for candidates with an academic informatics background and can help you gain skills to process data at scale.

2. Heidelberg University

One of Germany’s most respected universities, Heidelberg University, has a strong research culture and broad academic focus. If you wish to build on your Computer Science background and have an option to choose a data-specific specialization that is perfect for you, then the Master's degree in Data and Computer Science offered by Heidelberg University is the right choice for you. 

3. RWTH Aachen University

RWTH Aachen University is one of the top universities in Germany that offers master's degrees in data science. It is known for its world-class engineering research and innovation. Its Master of Data Science program combines statistics, math, and computer science. This course will equip you with the skills necessary to draw conclusions from complicated datasets, which will be highly applicable across various industries. 

4. Leuphana University Lüneburg

Leuphana University Lüneburg is renowned for its innovative, multidisciplinary teaching methodology that combines cutting-edge research with solid academic foundations. By combining IT systems, data analytics, and business strategy, the M.Sc. in Management & Data Science program prepares you to take on the challenges of the modern data-driven economy. By enrolling in this program, you will gain practical experience in designing statistical models and coming up with creative solutions to everyday problems.

5. University of Freiburg

One of the oldest and best universities for MS in Data Science in Germany, the University of Freiburg is renowned for its strong academic reputation and active research culture. The Data Science Master's program at Freiburg starts with a strong mathematical foundation and progresses to more advanced applied mathematics instruction. You will have the choice to tailor your studies to fit your interests and long-term objectives by choosing electives like computer vision, econometrics, neural networks, automated machine learning, and numerical optimisation.

6. University of Potsdam

The University of Potsdam is renowned for its strong interdisciplinary focus and research-driven atmosphere. Machine learning, statistical analysis, data assimilation, and business analytics are all combined in Potsdam's English-taught Master of Data Science program. The program equips you to transform data into actionable insights in a variety of scientific and business domains, with a strong emphasis on research and practical application.

7. University of Mannheim

One of Germany's best universities for MS in Data Science, the University of Mannheim is well-known for the sciences, economics, and social sciences. It provides a vibrant and career-focused academic environment with a strong emphasis on research and connections to industry.

You can acquire state-of-the-art abilities in big data, AI, and machine learning with the Master's in Data Science program at Mannheim. From deep learning and computer vision to process mining and optimisation, the program blends foundational coursework with practical projects to equip you to take on challenging, data-driven problems in a variety of industries.

6. Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg

The Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg is focused on research, engineering, and applied sciences. This modern university welcomes students from all over the world with an interest in technology. The MDKE Master’s in Data Science program is designed to help students make sense out of complex data structures and apply these insights to real life problems. Taught in both English and German this course includes applications from business and biotech to security and public services. 

9. University of Hildesheim

The University of Hildesheim is renowned for its emphasis on applied research as well as its robust academic offerings in data science and information systems. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia and industry in a collaborative, student-centered setting.

In addition to domain-specific applications in fields like marketing, logistics, environmental science, and computer science, Hildesheim's international Master of Data Analytics program offers advanced training in machine learning, big data, and analytical technologies. The curriculum, which was created in close consultation with knowledgeable faculty, prepares you to use cutting-edge techniques to model and analyse complex systems.

10. TU Dortmund University

TU Dortmund University is well-known for emphasising interdisciplinary research and collaboration, especially in the domains of computer science, mathematics, and statistics. It provides students with a demanding and future-ready academic experience with a contemporary campus and a hands-on, research-focused approach.

The departments of Statistics, Computer Science, and Mathematics collaborate to offer TU Dortmund's two-year Master of Data Science program. It prepares you for scientific research and practical problem-solving by emphasising a solid theoretical foundation and sophisticated statistical techniques. In order for the program to jump right into specialised, advanced coursework, students are expected to have strong prior knowledge.

German universities follow a biannual intake system. Many universities accept students during Winter and Summer, but most Data Science programs are offered only once a year, during the winter intake. Depending on the university, application dates usually range from mid-March to July; public universities frequently close earlier. It is recommended that you begin document preparation at least six months beforehand. Here is an overview of both the intakes in Germany:

Summer Intake

There are a few spots available for Data Science programs during the summer intake, which starts in March or April. International students interested in Data Science are less likely to choose this season because only a few universities offer courses.

• Intake Period: October to January (for March/April start)
• Availability: Limited
• Common for: Shorter programs or non-technical courses
• Example: DIT (Deggendorf Institute of Technology)

Winter Intake

For the majority of master's programs in Germany, particularly technical ones like data science, the main admission cycle is the winter intake. The greatest number of universities welcome new students at this time, providing greater options for funding, research, and curriculum.

• Application Period: Mid-March to July
• Availability: Widely available
• Example: Trier University

The 2-year Master of Data Science program in Germany provides students with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills in data analytics, programming, and machine learning. The first year of the program covers fundamental concepts while the second year enables students to choose electives and gain practical experience. The program concludes with an industry-linked thesis. 

Here is a quick overview of various aspects of the course curriculum of a Master's in Data Science in Germany:

To apply for an MS in Data Science in Germany, you must have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related field. Most universities expect a minimum GPA of 2.7 on the German grading scale. For your English proficiency scores, you need IELTS (6.5+) or TOEFL (90+).

Let’s discuss the eligibility criteria & the documents required for an MS in Data Science in Germany:

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for an MS in Data Science in Germany include a compelling student profile with a good GPA (2.7/4.0), competitive test scores (GRE - 320+, GMAT - 650+), and good essays. Here are a few common eligibility criteria that you must meet:

• Bachelor's Degree: A minimum GPA score of 2.7 (equivalent to 67%) from your last 2 years of graded full-time study in a related bachelor’s degree, like computer science, engineering, and others.
• English Language Proficiency Test Scores: The two most popular ones accepted at every US university are IELTS and TOEFL, where you should have 7.0+ and 100+ scores, respectively.
• GRE or GMAT Scores: GMAT and GRE may not be mandatory for every university, but usually, a competitive score of 320+ in GRE and 650+ in GMAT is a good addition to your profile.
• Programming Skills: For an MS in Data Science in Germany, you need programming skills like Python or R, with advanced knowledge in statistics.
• Passport & Student Visa: Essential documents for your study abroad journey, you should have a passport and a valid student visa to study an MS in Data Science in the US.

Documents Required

After you have thoroughly gone through the program websites and cross-checked the program-specific eligibility criteria, it is now time to arrange all the necessary documents required for starting your admission process. These documents also might vary across universities, but here is a list of general documents required by every university in Germany:

• Academic transcripts: You need all academic transcripts, starting from the board exams to your undergraduate score report.
• Letter of recommendation: You need 2-3 professional & academic references to demonstrate your ability to learn, stay consistent, and validate your contributions to projects.
• Statement of Purpose: Your statement about why you want to pursue an MS in that particular university, what your goals are, how the university can help you reach those goals, and how you can give back to society.
• Resume or CV: Most universities have a specific format for a resume, so make sure to fit/ update your CV according to that.

One of the biggest advantages of studying in Germany is the low or no tuition fees at public universities. Most top-ranked universities like TUM, RWTH Aachen, and Heidelberg University have no tuition fees, but you have to pay a semester fee of EUR 100 to EUR 300 (INR 9600 to INR 29,000) depending on the university.

Tuition Fees

With no tuition fees in public German universities, you’ll spend a semester fee of EUR 100 to EUR 300 (INR 9600 to INR 29,000), including the administrative service fees. Some universities, like Mannheim or Freiburg, may charge modest fees, but overall, Germany remains one of the most cost-effective study-abroad destinations for STEM programs.

• The total annual tuition fees of some top private universities for an MS in Data Science in Germany typically range from EUR 16,000 to EUR 30,000 ( INR 15.7 Lakhs to INR 29.4 Lakhs)
• Some of the universities where you can pursue an MS in Data Science for free are RWTH Aachen, and Tubingen University.

Living Expenses

The cost of living in Germany while pursuing a master’s in Data Science is EUR 800 to EUR 1,100 per month (INR 77,000 to INR 1.06 lakhs), depending on the city and lifestyle. While tuition is low, it’s important to budget for your monthly living expenses while studying in Germany.

On average, international students ' accommodation is usually the biggest expense, usually falling around EUR 350 and EUR 500,  followed by food and insurance.

Here's a breakdown of cost of living in Germany for Indian Students

While Germany has free education in public universities, scholarships help you cover living expenses, health insurance, travel, and other daily costs, making your study abroad journey even more affordable. These scholarships are offered by government bodies, foundations, and universities and reward academic merit, leadership, or social engagement.

Here’s a quick look at some of the top scholarships for international postgraduate students to study an MS in Data Science in Germany:

To apply for an MS in Data Science in Germany, start by selecting universities, gathering essential documents, and submitting your application. Once accepted, you’ll move on to the visa and relocation steps.

Here’s a holistic overview of things you need to do to apply for an MS in Data Science in Germany:

Step 1: Choose the Right University

Start by shortlisting a list of MS in Data Science programs based on your interests, budget, and eligibility requirements. Remember to include the previously mentioned universities.

Step 2: Check Admission Requirements

Review each university’s official websites of your shortlisted universities and review the eligibility criteria and application deadlines. Then, complete the online application forms as soon as they become available. 

Step 3: Collect and Organise Documents

Gather all required documents (transcripts, test scores, resumes, etc.) and ensure you meet each program’s specific requirements.

Step 4: Apply Through Uni-Assist 

Apply through Uni-Assist or the university portal. Many public universities in Germany accept applications via Uni-Assist, while some have their own portals. Upload all documents and pay the application fee, if applicable.

Step 5: Submit Required Documents

Upload all necessary documents, including your academic transcripts, CV, SOP, LORs, language proficiency scores (IELTS/TOEFL), and passport copy. Ensure all documents are correctly translated and notarized if required.

Step 5: Regularly check your admission status

Regularly check your application status on the university’s portal for any updates.

Step 6: Arrange Finances & Apply for a Visa

Once accepted, arrange funds to cover tuition and living expenses. Use your admission letter to apply for a German student visa through the VFS portal, ensuring all your documents are for a smooth approval. 

After completing your MS in Data Science in Germany, you can stay back and explore job opportunities under the 18-month post-study work visa. This extension allows you to search for full-time roles in your field and gain valuable international work experience. Once you secure a relevant job, you can apply for an EU Blue Card or a residence permit to continue living and working in Germany long-term.

With Germany’s growing demand for skilled data professionals, many graduates land roles within a few months of completing their studies.

After an MS in Data Science in Germany, you can expect an average starting salary of EUR 45,000 (INR 43.4 Lakhs) to EUR 60,000 (INR 57.8 Lakhs) per year. After 2 to 3 years of experience, your salary can rise to EUR 70,000 (INR 67.5 Lakhs) to EUR 90,000 (INR 86.7 Lakhs) annually. Salaries in tech hubs like Berlin, Munich, or Frankfurt are usually higher than in other German cities. 

Let’s take a look at Germany’s top recruiters, job roles, and salaries after an MS in Data Science:

For Indian students, an MS in Data Science in Germany offers world-class education, low to no tuition fees, and access to some of the most advanced data ecosystems in Europe. While countries like the US or the UK come with high costs and fierce visa hurdles, Germany gives you a strong ROI, post-study work rights, and a clearer path to long-term residence. Germany gives you access to roles with top recruiters like SAP, Siemens, BMW, Allianz, Amazon, Bosch, and Deutsche Telekom, securing your future.

At Yocket, we’ve helped thousands of Indian students like you get into programs like TUM, RWTH Aachen, and University of Mannheim, navigating everything from shortlisting universities to We don’t just help you apply; we help you win the admission, the visa, and the future.