MA in Germany : Top Colleges, Fees, Eligibility, Scholarships, Jobs & Salaries
MA in GermanyMA in Germany runs for 2 years and offers courses in humanities, social sciences, and arts to students. The popular specialisations available in MA courses include International Relations, Cultural Studies, Sociology, Public Policy, Management, and many others. The public universities offering MA in Germany include LMU Munich, University of Heidelberg, and University of Freiburg, among others.
Public universities in Germany usually provide their courses free of any tuition fee. Students may only have to pay the exam fees and semester contributions of up to €350. On the other hand, private universities charge a tuition fee of €20,000 per year. The MA courses in Germany are available in English.
MA admissions in Germany are based on merit in the qualifying exams of a relevant Bachelor's program. The cutoffs depend on the university and can reach up to 75%. Along with that, students must clear IELTS/TOEFL to prove English proficiency in case of English-taught courses. Packages for Indian students after an MA in Germany can reach up to €55,000. Top recruiters include Siemens, Bosch, Volkswagen, Amnesty International, CARE Germany, and others.
MA in Germany: Highlights
Check the crucial details of MA courses in Germany in the table below.
Particulars | Details |
Duration | 2 years |
Language of instruction | English (majority of international MAs) and/or German |
Tuition fees |
|
Living expenses | €850 – 1,200/month |
Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree (min. 3–4 years), Language Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL &/or TestDaF) |
Popular specialisations | International Relations, Public Policy, Management, Sociology, Media, Cultural Studies |
Required documents | SOP, LORs, CV, Transcripts, Language Test Scores |
Top Public Universities | University of Heidelberg, LMU Munich, HU Berlin, University of Freiburg |
Top Private Institutions | Hertie School, GISMA, WHU, Munich Business School |
Job Prospects | Research, NGOs, HR, Media, Cultural Institutions, Policy, Academia |
Top Recruiters | CARE Germany, Amnesty International, Capgemini, Accenture, Germanwatch, and various prominent German universities. |
Starting Salary (Avg.) | €35,000 – €50,000/year (higher with experience & German skills) |
Post-Study Visa | 18-month work visa |
Permanent Residency Route | Eligible after 2 years of work on an EU Blue Card or 3–5 years via a work visa |
MA in Germany: Important Dates and Events
The table below shows the tentative dates for an MA in Germany, including the application Start and end dates in the top universities.
Events | Tentative Dates |
Beginning of application for summer intake | September 2025 |
Letter of acceptance from universities | August - September 2025 |
Winter intake for MA | September - October 2025 |
Beginning of classes (winter session) | October 2025 |
MA in Germany: Visa Application Timeline
Given below are the dates related to the visa application process for an MA in Germany based on the summer and winter intakes.
Events | Dates |
Departure for winter session | September 2025 |
Visa application for summer intake | October 2025 |
Why Choose MA in Germany?
Here are some key reasons to go for an MA course in Germany:
- World-class institutions: Germany offers world-class institutions for all types of courses, including an MA. Academic excellence and research opportunities are some of their key strong points.
- Affordable courses: Compared to other countries like the USA and the UK, Germany can offer you affordable courses.
- Availability of scholarships: Depending on your eligibility, scholarships for Master’s courses in Germany can help you address financial burdens in completing your studies.
- Great career prospects: A Master’s degree from Germany carries global recognition and can boost your career opportunities anywhere across the world.
- Access to a strong job market: Completing an MA from Germany will provide you with access to the strong job market in Germany. Not only that, but you will also have access to the whole European job market after completing your course. You will get a post-study work visa in Germany after the completion of your course
- Availability of English courses: While learning German can enhance your career prospects in Germany, it is not essential for accessing the courses. You can find English-medium MA courses in Germany meant for international students.
MA in Germany: Admission Process
Here are the steps to apply for an MA course in Germany:
- Check the eligibility criteria: You must hold a relevant Bachelor’s degree recognised in India that is equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in Germany.
- Visit the official website of the university or Uni Assist: You can apply to German universities for an MA course through their official website or through Uni Assist, which is a centralised platform. You must keep in mind that not all German universities use uni Assist for conducting admissions.
- Submit the required documents: Apart from filling up the important details, you must submit the documents asked for to complete your application for an MA course. Usually, the required documents will include copies of academic qualifications, passport-sized photos, and copies of language proficiency test results.
- Pay the application fee: In some cases, you may have to pay an application fee to the university. The specific amount may vary with each university in case an application fee is charged.
- Accept the admission letter: The university will send you an admission letter in case of your selection within the scheduled time before the course intake. You must accept the admission letter through the steps specified by the university and prepare for going to Germany.
- Apply for a student visa: You must apply for a student visa to go to Germany and join the MA course once you receive the admission letter. Based on the processing time for a German student visa, you must apply for it 3 months before the date of departure.
- Prepare for arrival in Germany: Prepare a checklist of documents required as specified by the university for the admission process. You must carry the specified documents during your admission to the MA course. Make sure to plan for your accommodation in Germany before your departure.
MA in Germany Eligibility Criteria
The criteria for admission to MA courses in Germany include qualifications, language proficiency, academic performance, and others. Given below are the MA in Germany eligibility criteria for freshers vs experienced candidates.
Criteria | Freshers | Experienced Candidates |
Educational Qualification | Relevant Bachelor’s degree (3-4 years). | Relevant Bachelor’s degree (3-4 years). |
Academic Performance | Min 65–70% or equivalent GPA. | Min 65–70% or equivalent GPA. |
Work Experience | Not mandatory. | Not required (except for specific specialisations like Public Policy or Management). |
Language Proficiency (for English-medium courses) | IELTS (6.0–7.0) or TOEFL (80–100). | IELTS (6.0–7.0) or TOEFL (80–100). |
Language Proficiency (for German courses) | A2–B2 | A2–B2 |
Statement of Purpose (SOP) | Focus on academic motivation. | Focus on work experience and future goals. |
Letters of Recommendation | 1–2 (preferably from professors) | 1–2 (from employers or professors) |
GPA Conversion Requirement | Uni-Assist (4.0 scale) in some cases | Uni-Assist (4.0 scale) in some cases |
Admission Priority | Based on academics and research interests. | Profile can be enhanced by previous works and projects. |
MA in Germany: SOP, LOR, and Resume
The documents you must provide for admission to MA in Germany must include a statement of purpose (SOP), a letter of recommendation (LOR), and a resume or CV. Check the table below for the format or guidelines of these documents and where to get them from.
Document | Format/Guidelines | Provided by |
SOP (Statement of Purpose) | 500–800 words, clear structure, tailored for each university | Written by you. |
LOR (Letter of Recommendation) | 1–2 pages, on letterhead, signed and dated | Professors ( for freshers) or employers (for experienced) |
Resume/CV | 1–2 pages, reverse-chronological, Europass or academic/professional format | Written by you. |
MA in Germany Fees
The fee structures for an MA in Germany are different for public and private universities. The following tables will help you differentiate between their fee structures.
MA in Germany: Fees for Public Universities
Given below is the fee structure for public universities across Germany for an MA course.
Fee Type | Estimated Cost in Euros | Estimated Cost in INR |
Tuition Fee | €0 (mostly free) | ₹0 |
Semester Contribution | €250 – 350 per semester | ₹22,000 - 36,000 |
Administration/Exam Fee | €50 – 100 | ₹5,000 - 11,000 |
MA in Germany: Fees for Private Universities
Check the fees of the prominent private universities in Germany for Master’s courses, including Arts.
Private University MA Tuition | Approximate Cost in Euros | Approximate Cost in INR |
Bard College Berlin | €16,000 – 20,000/year | ₹16,00,000 - 25,00,000/year |
Hertie School, Berlin | €17,500 – 19,500/year | ₹17,00,000 - 19,80,000/year |
Munich Business School | €12,000 – 18,000/year | ₹12,00,000 - 18,50,000/year |
MA in Germany: Top Entrance Exams
The table below shows all the entrance exams that may be required for MA admissions in Germany. Some of them will be mandatory, while others will be optional or be required only in some cases.
Exam Name | Required For | Score required | Mandatory? |
IELTS | English-taught programs | 6.0 – 7.5 | Yes (if not native) |
TOEFL iBT | English-taught programs | 80 – 100 | Yes (if not native) |
TestDaF | German-taught programs | Level 4 in all | Yes (for German courses) |
DSH | German-taught programs | DSH-2 or DSH-3 | Yes (for German courses) |
GRE | Some MA programs (Economics, Psychology, etc.) | 300+ (varies) | Optional |
GMAT | Business/Management-oriented MA courses | 550+ | Optional |
University Entrance Exams | Specific universities/programs | Varies | Sometimes |
MA in Germany: Entrance Preparation Tips
Here are some effective tips regarding the entrance exams and tests that you may be required to take for MA admissions in Germany:
- Enhance your analytical abilities: Some MA courses in Germany will require you to pass the GRE or the GMAT exams. These exams will be based on analytical skills, apart from textbook knowledge. You must go through the pattern of the exam and practice accordingly to prepare for it.
- Take practice tests regularly: The more you take practice tests, the clearer your areas of strength and weakness will become to you. Thus, you must practice the mock tests available for all the exams regularly.
- Work on your language skills: You must clear language proficiency tests like IELTS for English courses and DSH for German courses. Regardless of the test you want to take, you must keep working on your language skills to ensure the best results in the tests.
- Create a fixed schedule: If you are required to take more than one test for MA admissions in Germany, you will benefit by creating a fixed schedule. Allot time to each topic based on its weightage in the exam and your level of preparation in it. With time, you must increase focus on important topics that you may have identified as areas of improvement.
MA in Germany Cutoff
The cutoff requirements for MA in Germany will include the cutoffs in the language proficiency tests and the qualifying exams. The following tables show you the cutoffs for language proficiency tests and the university-wise qualifying exam cutoff.
MA in Germany: IELTS/TOEFL Score Cutoffs
Check the accepted scores for MA courses in Germany in the language proficiency tests in the table below.
Test | For Program | Accepted Score (Typical Range) |
IELTS | English-taught MA | 6.0 – 7.5 overall |
TOEFL iBT | English-taught MA | 80 – 100 |
PTE Academic | English-taught MA | 60 – 75 |
TestDaF | German-taught MA | TDN 4 in all sections |
DSH | German-taught MA | DSH-2 or DSH-3 |
Goethe-Zertifikat | German-taught MA | B2 or C1 |
telc Deutsch | German-taught MA | B2 or C1 |
MA in Germany: Cutoffs of Top Universities/Colleges
Check the table below for the university-wise minimum GPAs along with their top MA courses.
University | Top MA Program | Minimum GPA (out of 4/10/100) |
University of Heidelberg | MA in Political Science | 2.5 (German scale)/70% |
Freie Universität Berlin | MA in History / Sociology | 2.5 or better (65–70%) |
Humboldt University Berlin | MA in English and American Studies | 2.3 (German scale)/75% |
LMU Munich | MA in Political Science / Philosophy | 2.3 (75%) |
University of Mannheim | MA in Sociology / Cultural Studies | 2.5 /70% |
University of Leipzig | MA in Global Studies | 2.7 (65%) |
University of Göttingen | MA in Development Economics | 2.5 (70%) |
Hertie School, Berlin | MA in Public Policy / IR | Min 70–75% |
University of Tübingen | MA in Linguistics / Cultural Studies | 2.5 (70%) |
MA in Germany: Course Seats
Public and private universities in Germany offer a varying number of seats for MA. The table given below will show you the approximate number of MA seats available in public and private universities.
MA in Germany: Seats in Public Universities
Check the table below for the number of seats in public universities for MA in Germany.
University | Approx. Seats per Intake |
University of Heidelberg | 30–60 |
LMU Munich | 40–80 |
Freie Universität Berlin | 30–50 |
Humboldt University Berlin | 30–60 |
University of Göttingen | 40–70 |
University of Leipzig | 50–80 |
University of Tübingen | 30–50 |
University of Mannheim | 40–60 |
University of Bonn | 30–50 |
University of Frankfurt | 40–70 |
MA in Germany: Seats in Private Universities/Colleges
Check the table given below for the seats available in the private universities and colleges for MA in Germany.
Private University / City | Approx. seats |
WHU Otto Beisheim – Vallendar | 45–90 (per programme) |
Frankfurt School of Finance & Management – Frankfurt | 80–100 (shared) |
SRH Berlin UAS – Berlin/Heidelberg | 40–70 |
GISMA Business School – Hannover / Berlin | 100–120 |
EU Business School – Munich | 100–150 |
Munich Business School – Munich | 60–80 |
MA in Germany Syllabus
Check the table below for the year-wise and semester-wise core courses and electives/specialisations under MA in Germany.
Year | Semester | Core Courses | Specialisations / Electives (Choose 1–2 Tracks) |
Year 1 | Semester 1 |
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Semester 2 |
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| |
Year 2 | Semester 3 |
|
|
Semester 4 |
| Thesis aligns with chosen specialisation (“AI and Governance”, “Postcolonial Urbanism”, “Development Finance in Sub-Saharan Africa”, etc.) |
MA in Germany: Best Universities/Colleges
Go through the following tables to find the top public and private universities/colleges in Germany and their top MA programs, along with global or category-wise rankings.
MA in Germany: Top Public Universities
Here are the top public universities for an MA in Germany, along with their top MA programs.
University | QS World Ranking (2025) | Top MA Programs (English-Taught) |
LMU Munich (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität) | 54 | Political Science, Communication Studies, American Studies |
Heidelberg University | 61 | Transcultural Studies, Political Science, History |
Free University of Berlin (FU Berlin) | 88 | International Relations, Media & Communication, Sociology |
Humboldt University of Berlin | 120 | Global Studies, Philosophy, Social Sciences |
University of Tübingen | 140 | Peace & Conflict Studies, Religious Studies, Political Science |
University of Göttingen | 164 | Development Economics, History, Modern Indian Studies |
University of Mannheim | 181 | Sociology, Political Science, Psychology |
University of Leipzig | 246 | Global Studies (Erasmus Mundus), Cultural Anthropology |
University of Konstanz | 217 | MA Public Administration, Sociology, Politics & Mgmt. |
University of Bremen | 431 | MA Global Governance, Social Policy |
MA in Germany: Private Colleges/Universities
Here are some of the top private colleges/universities offering MA courses in Germany, along with their global and category-specific rankings.
University / Business School | Global Ranking (2025) | Specializations / MA Programs |
WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management | #20 (QS Europe Business Schools) | MA-equivalent in Management, Entrepreneurship, Finance (MSc) |
EBS Universität für Wirtschaft und Recht | Top 100 (FT Masters in Management) | MA in Management, MA in Real Estate, MA in Business Psychology |
Frankfurt School of Finance & Management | #35 (QS Europe Business Schools) | MA in Management, Applied Data Science, Development Finance |
Hertie School | NA (Not ranked in QS Global) | MA in Public Policy, MA in International Affairs, MA in Data Science for Public Policy |
Bard College Berlin | NA (US-accredited liberal arts) | BA/MA in Humanities, Social Thought, and Economics |
Munich Business School | NA | MA in International Business, Innovation & Digital Business |
GISMA University of Applied Sciences | NA | MA in Strategic Marketing, Business Mgmt., Data Science |
SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences | NA | MA in International Management, Creative Industries, Psychology |
IU International University of Applied Sciences | NA (QS 5-star rating for Online Learning) | MA in Management, Big Data, Marketing, Psychology (100% online or blended) |
MA in Germany: Scholarships
The table below provides the details regarding the scholarships you can get while studying an MA in Germany.
Scholarship Name | Provider | Eligibility | Benefits |
DAAD EPOS Scholarships | DAAD (German Govt.) |
| Monthly stipend (€934), travel allowance, tuition (if any) |
Deutschlandstipendium | Federal Govt. + Universities |
| €300/month (for 1–2 years) |
Erasmus+ Scholarship | EU-funded (via university) | Enrolled in Erasmus Mundus MA (e.g., Global Studies, Euroculture) | €1,000/month stipend, travel grant |
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) | KAS Foundation |
| €934/month, health insurance |
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship | Heinrich Böll Stiftung |
| Up to €850/month + €300 for books |
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) | FES Foundation | Commitment to social democracy, strong academic profile. | €850–€1,000/month |
Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung | RLS Foundation |
| €850/month + allowances |
University-Specific Scholarships | LMU, TU Munich, Mannheim, etc. | High GPA, motivation letter, often after 1st semester in Germany. | Partial fee waivers or €500–€2,000/year |
MA in Germany: Scholarship Deadline for 2025
Check the table below for the application deadlines for the scholarships available for MA students in Germany.
Events | Important/Tentative Dates |
DAAD EPOS Scholarships | September - December 2025 |
Erasmus+ Scholarship application starting | November 2025 |
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) | July - September 2025 |
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship | 1 September 2025 |
Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung | October 2025 |
MA in Germany: Placements
Here are the top recruiters across various industries with whom you can work after completing your MA in Germany.
Sector | Top Recruiters / Employers |
International Organizations & NGOs |
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Public Policy & Research |
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Media & Communication |
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Education & Academia |
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Corporate Sector (HR, Marketing, Strategy) |
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Development & Urban Planning |
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Cultural Institutions & Foundations |
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Startups & Creative Industries |
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Government & Diplomacy (via home country or int’l orgs) |
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MA in Germany: Salary Package
The table below shows the general average salary for MA graduates in Germany, along with the average salary package that Indian students can expect after their course.
Field of Study | General Average Salary (Annual Gross) | Indian Students' Average Salary (Annual Gross) |
MA in Management / HR / Business | €45,000 – 60,000 | €45,000 – 55,000 |
MA in International Relations / Public Policy | €42,000 – 55,000 | €40,000 – 50,000 |
MA in Sociology / Development Studies | €35,000 – 48,000 | €35,000 – 45,000 |
MA in Media / Communication / Journalism | €30,000 – 45,000 | €30,000 – 42,000 |
MA in Psychology / Education | €33,000 – 47,000 | €33,000 – 45,000 |
Creative Arts / Cultural Studies | €28,000 – 40,000 | €28,000 – 38,000 |
MA in Germany vs India
The points of difference between an MA degree in India and Germany include fees, specialisations, career opportunities, and others. The table below explains the key differences between getting an MA degree from Germany and that from India.
Parameter | MA in Germany | MA in India |
Tuition Fees |
|
|
Medium of Instruction | Mostly English in international programs. | English or regional languages. |
Living Costs | €850–€1,200/month (₹75,000–₹1 lakh/month) | ₹10,000–₹30,000/month depending on city |
Top Specialisations | Global Studies, Development Studies, International Relations, Public Policy, Media, Business Analytics. | Political Science, History, Literature, Sociology, Psychology. |
Program Duration | 2 years (typically 120 ECTS credits). | 2 years (semester system, UGC-regulated). |
Admission Requirements |
|
|
Job Opportunities (Post-MA) | Work visa after graduation, 18-month job-seeking visa, strong opportunities in the EU, UN, NGOs, and global companies | Primarily local government, academia, NGOs, media; international opportunities are limited. |
Language Advantage | Basic German is compulsory for internships(B1/B2 recommended). | No foreign language requirement. |
Scholarships | DAAD, Erasmus+, university-level scholarships available | UGC, state scholarships, few private fellowships |
International Exposure | High | Low to medium |
Post-Study Work Options | 18-month job-seeking visa, which can be converted to an EU Blue Card | No guaranteed work visa abroad and limited international scope. |
MA in Germany: Cost of Living
The living costs for Indian students in Germany will include food, accommodation, transport, and other essential expenses. The table below shows the approximate costs for each of them.
Expense | Approximate Cost (€) | Approximate cost (₹) |
Accommodation | €300 – €600 | ₹30,000 - 61,000 |
Food | €150 – €250 | ₹15,000 - 26,000 |
Health Insurance | €100 – €120 | ₹10,000 - 13,000 |
Transport | Often included in semester fee | Often included in semester fee |
Personal Expenses | €100 – €200 | ₹10,000 - 22,000 |
Total (Monthly) | €800 – €1,100 | ₹65,000 - 12,20,000 |
Career Scope After an MA in Germany
The table below shows the descriptions and common roles for each type of career path you can follow after getting your MA degree in Germany.
Career Path | Description | Common Roles |
Academia & Research | Pursuing a PhD as a research assistant in various institutions. | Researcher, PhD Fellow, Academic Assistant |
Corporate Sector (HR, Management) | Applying HR, business, and management skills in German or international companies. | HR Specialist, Business Analyst, Project Manager |
NGOs & Development | Working in international NGOs and social services. | Project Coordinator, Policy Advisor, Program Officer |
Media & Communication | Working in digital marketing, PR, and broadcasting. | Journalist, Content Creator, Communications Officer |
Public Policy & Government | Joining think tanks, international bodies, and public agencies. | Policy Analyst, Government Advisor, Research Analyst |
Cultural & Creative Industries | Working in the well-developed creative sector of Germany in cities like Berlin and Hamburg. | Museum Curator, Cultural Coordinator, Translator |
Education & Teaching | Teaching English, humanities, or other specialisations in international schools or universities. | Lecturer, Academic Tutor, Curriculum Designer |
Freelancing/Entrepreneurship | Working as a freelancer or opening startups in the content, media, and art industries. | Freelancer, Startup Founder, Consultant |
International Organizations | Work in various roles in international bodies like the UN, EU, and GIZ. | Program Manager, Consultant, Diplomatic Staff |
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: Which are the best cities to study in MA in Germany in 2025?
Ans: Munich, Berlin, Frankfurt, Aachen, and Dresden are some of the best cities in Germany for studying an MA in 2025.
Ques: Which are the best universities in Germany for an MA in Psychology in 2025?
Ans: The University of Munich, Humboldt University, University of Hamburg, and University of Freiburg are some of the top universities in Germany for an MA in Psychology.
Ques: How can I get health insurance for international MA students in Germany in 2025?
Ans: You can apply for health insurance from any of the available providers. The insurance card will be provided to you after you fill out the application form of the providers and pay the insurance premium.
Ques: What are the funding opportunities for MA students in Germany in 2025 for Indian students?
Ans: The international scholarships available in Germany for international students are the main funding opportunities for Indian students. Apart from that, you can also apply for the university-level scholarships available.
Ques: What are the German language requirements for MA programs in 2025?
Ans: It is not mandatory for international students to learn German to study an MA in Germany. However, they may have to learn German for better career prospects after the completion of their courses.