Germany is well-known for its top-quality education system and is a preferred location for students from abroad. One of the benefits of studying at a university in Germany is the opportunity to study MS in Germany for free to students from abroad. MS courses offer the chance for students to acquire important skills and expertise without paying expensive tuition costs. In this article, we’ll discuss the advantages of pursuing an MS course in Germany, the Minimum CGPA Required for MS in Germany as well as the criteria for eligibility that international students must meet, the top universities that offer these postgraduate programs, and the application process financing options, accommodations and costs for living, possibilities after finishing this course and also why international students should look into taking a n MS course in Germany.

Benefits of MS Course in Germany 

Apart from the free education offered to International students, joining a Master’s course in Germany has some benefits.

1. Top Class Education without Tuition Fees: Free education doesn’t mean the quality of education is inferior. Most of the educational institutions that offer free MS courses in Germany to students are funded by the Government to provide free education to all students, including German citizens as well as foreign students. Free education is the policy of the German Government and is implemented through public universities, which the government funds.

Public universities in Germany are known for their high quality of education, and universities under Tu-9 are ranked among the top educational institutions in the world. Students studying in these institutions benefit from access to cutting-edge facilities, experienced and renowned faculty members, and rigorous academic programs, ensuring they get easy access to an education of world-class quality that is respected worldwide.

2. Experiences with different cultures: As the German Government offers free education to all, students from all over the world join the free Master’s programs at various universities in Germany, offering international students the chance to connect with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures and improve their communication skills that will be useful in today’s globalized environment.

3. High Job Prospects: A German MS degree can significantly increase international students’ chances of finding work after they complete their studies. German certificates are highly respected among employers worldwide, and graduates from German universities often get high acceptance when searching for employment. Furthermore, Germany has a robust economy offering ample job opportunities across various industries; those choosing to stay after graduating can enjoy working in a nation that boasts economic stability and quality-of-life benefits.

Minimum CGPA Required for MS in Germany

The minimum CGPA requirement for Pursuing a Master’s in Germany varies depending on the universities you plan to apply to.

For the TU9 universities consortium, aiming for a CGPA of 8 or higher is advisable. If your CGPA exceeds 9, your chances of selection improve significantly, provided other criteria are also met.

A minimum CGPA of 7 is generally expected for other government universities, but remember, higher is better as there is high competition for admission to the German public universities for MS in Germany.

CGPA Requirement for Master’s in Humanities in Germany

The CGPA requirement for students planning to do a Master’s in Germany in Arts and Humanities subjects is lower. Usually, Public universities accept students with a CGPA of 5.5 and above who can apply for PG in Germany in arts and humanities.

Are the students admitted to German Public Universities with a CGPA below 7?

Yes, It is possible. There are some public universities in Germany where you get a chance to get MS admission with a CGPA of 6.5. Sometimes, a good SOP and other positive aspects of your application can help a student get admitted to TU Munich and TU Hamburg with a CGPA of 6.5. At the same time, someone with a stellar 9.35 CGPA can fail to secure a spot in a top public university. The German application process includes various aspects such as your CV, Letters of Recommendation (LOR), Statement of Purpose (SOP), CGPA, Course Transcripts, Experience, Internships, IELTS scores, projects, etc.

To enhance your profile, especially if your CGPA is not exceptionally high, consider the following tips:

1. Craft a compelling SOP (Statement of Purpose) for each course you apply to. A well-written SOP can help you get a green signal from a German Public University.

2. LORs (Letters of Recommendation) hold significant weight. Obtain them from respected authorities like HODs, Deans, or former professors from reputed institutions. Good LORs from senior professionals in your field can also have a positive impact and help you get admission with a low CGPA.

3. Your Curriculum Vitae (CV) should provide a comprehensive overview of your past experiences and interest in the chosen subject. Organize it professionally and ensure it adheres to a strict format. Having it reviewed by a mentor or professor can be beneficial.

4. Relevant Work Experience can compensate for a lower CGPA. Aim for 1 to 3 years of experience, especially if it directly relates to your chosen course.

5. Internships are valuable, particularly for fresh graduates. Completing at least a one-month internship or training in your desired field shows your genuine interest in your chosen field and can be beneficial.

6. While Research Papers are optional, research in the field can strengthen your application. If given the opportunity, collaborate on research projects with professors and request to be included as a co-author.

7. Participation in Competitions showcases your versatility beyond academics. Mention any relevant competitions you’ve taken part in.

8. Highlight your involvement in projects as they highlight your ability to apply the theoretical knowledge to practical situations. Include details of at least two projects from your undergraduate studies, and if applicable, describe your role in them.

9. English Proficiency scores (IELTS/TOEFL) are crucial in the application process and scholarship eligibility. While the minimum requirement is typically 6.0 for IELTS, aiming for a score of 7.0 or higher can increase your chance.

10. Research your desired course thoroughly. Engage in relevant internships, take on projects related to your field, and seek employment with companies aligned with your engineering discipline. This demonstrates commitment and determination, qualities highly appreciated in Germany.

Eligibility Criteria for International Students to Apply for Masters Courses in Germany

 Language Proficiency: Master’s courses are offered in English and German, so international students must possess an adequate degree of English language proficiency, like an IELTS minimum of 5.5 and above and a B1 or B2 in the German language if students want to study Masters in German.

Many universities provide MS courses in English, and students opting for courses in English medium are not required to provide German language proficiency. Still, they must provide proof of English proficiency through IELTS/TOEFL.

 Academic Qualifications:

Indian students applying to German universities to study courses for free must fulfill specific academic standards. Requirements vary based on the university or institution and course type. Generally, students should have finished graduation with at least 65% marks for MS in Germany and 55% marks and above for PG courses.

Visa Requirements: Students from non-EU nations, including India, must obtain a visa to study in Germany.To apply for such a study visa, the following documents are mandatory.

• Passport with minimum 6 months validity
• Admission Offer Letter
• Blocked Account to meet the expenses in Germany
• IELTS Score for English Medium Courses (Score 5.5 & Above)
• German Language Certificate for German Programs (B2 or Above)
• Health Insurance
• Travel Insurance
• APS Certificate

Top German Universities Offer MS in Germany 

A) Technical University of Munich:  Munich’s Technical University of Munich is Germany’s premier institution offering various MS courses across engineering, computer science, administration, and environmental sciences. Technical University of Munich, better known as TU -9, is highly popular for its world-class research facilities and solid industry connections.

B) University of Stuttgart: The University of Stuttgart is another prestigious international educational institution that offers Master’s programs to international students. Known for its engineering courses associated with the automobile industry, this school also offers architecture, computer science, and business administration diploma programs as popular MS programs.

C) University of Bonn: The University of Bonn offers students a diverse selection of MS programs covering economics, Maths, Political science, and Environmental sciences. Furthermore, several research institutes can also be found here, creating a significant multidisciplinary research hub.

D) University of Hamburg: The University of Hamburg is one of Germany’s premier institutions, offering several MS programs across social sciences, law, natural sciences, and humanities.

E)Duisburg Essen University: Duisburg-Essen University is in the Ruhr region and offers various MS courses in various subjects such as engineering, computer science, economics, and social science.

Application Procedure for MS Courses in Germany

A) Online Admission Process

Most universities in Germany provide an online application facility to international students. Students can complete the application process through their websites directly or uni-assist. The main parts of the online application submission are submitting personal profile details, CGPA grades, German or English language skills according to the program, experience in the field (if any), and the motivation for applying to a particular course and SOP.

International students must submit specific documents with their application forms, including a copy of their passport, mark lists, transcripts, German or English language proficiency certificates, letters of recommendation, and written statements expressing intent to study at particular universities or courses.

B) Deadlines for Applications – German universities set specific deadlines for application submission for each intake, so students must be aware of the admission deadlines and intakes.

Admission Deadlines in German Universities for MS

Winter –Intake Deadline – July 15th

Summer – Intake Deadline – March 15th 

Applying early will be highly beneficial for the students. Only on-time applications will be accepted; hence, beginning this process well before its deadlines is better.

Funding Options for International Students Pursuing MS Courses in Germany

A) Scholarships: The German Government, universities, and private foundations offer various scholarships for international students studying in Germany. Some scholarships are merit-based, while others are given to students from weaker sections of the society. 

B) Part-Time Work: International students studying in Germany may take up part-time jobs while looking, giving them an excellent opportunity to earn extra money to cover living costs. As of August 2023, international students are allowed up to 20 hours per week during semester time and all-time during holidays. 

C) Study Abroad Loans: Indian students looking to fund their education in Germany can consider taking student loans from banking and non-financial institutions. Several public sector banks like SBI and Indian Bank offer student study loans at nominal rates. The loan process at private banks and NFCs is fast, and approval rates are high, but the interest rate will be higher than public sector banks.

Tips for students applying to MS in Germany

• Apply to at least 5- 10 public universities in Germany if your CGPA is below 9
• Create a compelling SOP
• Get atelast 2 LOR (Letter of Recommendations)
• Your chance of getting admission to MS in German public universities depends on the number of applications for each session worldwide and your profile. So, prepare your application accordingly.
• Even a 10 CGPA cannot guarantee admission to your chosen subjects for MS in Germany in public universities- So grab the one similar to your preferred subjects.