GENERAL

Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany: Top Universities, Admissions, Cost of Studying, Scholarships, and Jobs

SS
Srijita Saha • 14 Mins read • 15 Nov 25
Masters in Automotive Engineering in GermanyMasters in Automotive Engineering in Germany

Are you thinking of studying abroad, like in Germany and want to pursue a Masters degree in Automotive Engineering? The top universities of Germany offer a Masters in Automotive Engineering that is a full-time course lasting for 1.5 to 2 years, which guides the conception and development of various types of automobiles to interested candidates. The particular course is taught in English; however, the German language is essential for being known to all the students so that they can interact with other members daily and get placement opportunities.

Masters degree in Automotive Engineering in Germany is taught in the top universities that are the Technical University of Munich, RWTH Aachen University, Universität Stuttgart, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Esslingen University of Applied Sciences and University of Cologne (TH Koln). A valid GPA of around 2.5 with 75% is required to be present among the students, along with a relevant Bachelor’s degree. Moreover, the students should have good German and English language proficiency with a good IELTS and TOEFL score. The tuition fees for the German universities vary between €600 to €12,000 (₹33,000 to ₹1,070,000) because most of the public universities of Germany charge no tuition fees, however, charge the semester contributions. 

Scholarships offered by German universities for a Masters degree in Automotive Engineering are Deutschland Stipendium, Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship, Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship, Studienabschluss-Stipendium for International Students at RWTH, and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships. Jobs for this course include Automotive Manufacturing, Automotive Test Engineer, Automotive Engineer, Technical Advisor, Automobile Mechanic, Automotive Service Technician, and Motor Vehicle Inspector. 


Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany: Details

Germany is considered to be the core of automotive development and innovation, which enhances the scope and interest for the Indian students of studying a Masters in Automotive Engineering in the country, whose short synopsis is provided through a table.

Particulars

Details

Duration

1.5 to 2 years

Top universities

Technical University of Munich, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, RWTH Aachen University, Universität Stuttgart University of Cologne (TH Koln), and Esslingen University of Applied Sciences

Average cost

€600 to €12,000 (₹33,000 to ₹1,070,000) 

Intake seasons

During the winter season, from the start of September or October, and during the summer season, from the beginning of March or April.


Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany - Important Dates and Events

Candidates who would like to pursue this course should be informed about the important events and dates for the application in German universities offering Masters in Automotive Engineering.


Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany: Application Start & End Dates (Deadlines) for Top Universities

The deadlines for the top universities in Germany for Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany are given.

University

Name of the program

Deadlines for Application 

Technical University of Munich

Master of Science in Automotive Engineering

  • 1 April-May 31 (Winter semester)
  • 1 Oct-30 Nov (Summer semester)

Universität Stuttgart

Master of Science in Automotive Engineering

  • 15 May-Jul 15 (Winter semester)
  • 1 Dec-15 Jan (Summer semester)

RWTH Aachen University

Master of Science in Automotive Engineering

  • 1 Dec-1 March (Non-EU students)
  • 1 May-15 July (EU as well as international exchange students)

Hamburg University of Applied Sciences

Master of Science in Automotive Engineering

  • 1 Dec-15 Jan (Summer semester)
  • 1 June-15 July (Winter semester)

University of Cologne (TH Koln)

Master’s of Science in Automotive Engineering

  • 15 July (Winter semester)
  • 15 Jan (Summer semester)

Esslingen University of Applied Sciences

Master of Engineering in Automotive Engineering

4 Nov-31 March


Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany: Visa Application Timeline

4 to 12 weeks is typically needed for the processing time of a visa application in Germany for a Masters in Automotive Engineering. However, the duration can vary depending on the individual situations, and it is advised to apply for the visa as early as possible, as the process might take longer than predicted.


Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany: Scholarship Deadline for 2025

Scholarships provided by the universities help the students to study the courses without any difficulty. In this regard, the dates for scholarship deadlines vary from one university to another; however, most of the scholarship applications for the German universities are detailed below.

Type of scholarship

University

Details

Deadline for the application

Technical University of Munich

Scholarships for international students

Maximum amount offered to the students is ₹160,000

30 Oct, 2023

Scholarships for the Germany scholarship

The highest amount is  ₹27,300

-

Asia Scholarship

The maximum amount paid is ₹5,80,000

1 April, 2024

RWTH Aachen University

Women in Engineering Scholarship

Provides the opportunity to more qualified female engineering candidates for pursuing Masters degree program

For the non-EU (European Union) applicants, the date is 1 March, 2025, and for the EU applicants, it is 15 July, 2025 

High Potential Student Grant

Provides a chance to the highly qualified students to complete their Masters degree program. This scholarships offers a decrease in 25% of tuition fees for students

Global Talent Scholarship

Enable promising students from around the globe to study a Masters degree and accessible education. It covers 35% of the program tuition fees after successfully getting admitted

University of Cologne (TH Koln)

DAAD-EPOS Scholarship

-

1 August, 2025 to 30 September, 2025


Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany: Fees

While the public universities do not charge any tuition fees as well as minor semester fees, the yearly fees for some of the popular universities include administrative and semester fees, are given below.

University

Yearly Fee (€) 

Equivalent (₹)

Technical University of Munich

12,000

10,70,000

Universität Stuttgart

3000

1,60,000

RWTH Aachen University

609

33,800

Hamburg University of Applied Sciences

785

69,800

University of Cologne (TH Koln)

607

33,700

Esslingen University of Applied Sciences

3000

1,60,000


The average living cost for the students in Germany revolves around €850 (₹74,000) each month or €10,236 (₹890,000) per year. For the Indian students in Germany, rent is the main expense, which is detailed below.

Type of expense

Average Cost (€)

Average Cost (₹)

Rent

746

61,114

Transportation

124

10,158

Food

407

33,342

Utilities

262

21,504

Entertainment

70

5,734

Clothing

300

24,577

Total

1909

1,56,429

 

The financial aid opportunities or scholarships are available for Indian students to study in Germany and supplement their living costs for a Masters in Automotive Engineering.

Financial aid opportunities/Scholarships

Eligibility

Advantage

Deutschland Stipendium

Exceptional academic record

€300 (₹30,234) each month

Heinrich Boll Foundation Scholarship

Registration in a Masters program within a state university

€850 (₹85,663) per month

Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship

Political and social involvement, exceptional academic records

€1000 (₹1,00,780) each month

Studienabschluss-Stipendium for International Students at RWTH

2.5 score or more in GPA and enrolled at RWTH in a degree program 

€500 (₹50,390) per month

Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships

In Germany, having the intention to complete a Masters degree

€861 (₹86,733) each month



Why Choose a Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany?

A variety of reasons prevail to study a Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany, which are given below.

  • Career benefits: The German automotive industry is called the legacy sector of the country due to the internship opportunities received by the Indian students from organisations such as Volkswagen, Daimler, Continental, BMW,  Audi, Bosch, etc.
  • Global exposure: The focus of Germany is on practical development more, as some of the modules are totally such as exams, enabling students to get a quality education and become ready for the Automotive Engineering industry.
  • Networking: Students after studying a Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany get to enhance their opportunities for networking because of the strong presence of the German automotive sector and its global focus.
  • Popularity of the course: Above 458,000 students from other regions come to study in Germany. From 458,000 students, there are 42,000 who are Indians, and they select Germany to pursue automotive engineering due to its popularity for cars. Automotive engineering helps students develop knowledge to design, make as well as enhance cars and other vehicles. The country has big car firms and many opportunities to assist students with work, along with learning new things. 

Also Check: Masters in Automotive Engineering in UK

Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany: Qualification

Getting admitted to one of the top universities in Germany for Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany is competitive. The detailed degrees and the English proficiency level required by the interested candidates to apply for Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany.

Required degrees: A Bachelor’s degree with a 2.5 GPA score (75%) is needed to be fulfilled by students to be admitted to this course.

English proficiency: A strong language proficiency in English is required.


Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany: Eligibility Criteria – Category-wise

The eligibility criteria as per the category for admission to Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany are represented for Freshers vs experienced, for their academic performance.

Particulars

Freshers

Experienced

Academic qualification or performance

Freshers need to score a valid mark in a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, automotive engineering, or a related field

The experienced candidates need to complete a relevant Bachelor’s degree, along with work experience in the automotive sector


The minimum score in language tests for the candidates applying for Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany are.

  • German language proficiency: Goethe Institut C1, Telc C1 Hochschule, DSH2 and TestDaF 4.
  • English language proficiency: TOEFL score should be within 90-100 and IELTS score must be between 6.5-7.0.


Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany: Application Process

The process of applying to universities needs a step-by-step guide.

  • Checking the course details as well as its eligibility
  • Preparing the needed documents
  • Checking whether to apply directly or through Uni-Assist
  • Submission of the online application
  • Paying the application fee (if required)
  • Waiting for the preliminary review result if utilising Uni-Assist
  • Check for the entrance exams
  • Getting the decision of admission
  • Acceptance of the offer and enrolment

The initial application for the students applying for Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany is done with the help of the Uni-Assist portal costs €70 (₹6,370). Further applications by the applicants will cost around an additional €30 (₹2,730).


Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany: SOP, LOR, and Resume

The documents that are needed when applying for Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany are a statement of purpose, two to three letters of recommendation, a well-detailed resume and academic transcripts.


Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany: University-Specific Admission Steps

The admission steps required for pursuing Masters in Automotive Engineering in German universities involve.

  • Scoring a 2.5 GPA in a relevant Bachelor’s degree
  • A strong German and English language proficiency
  • A valid score in IELTS and TOEFL
  • A great statement of purpose
  • Two to three letters of recommendation
  • Adjusting the resume according to the German standards (Europass format)
  • Sports certificate with an exceptional academic record
  • Having prior work experience.

University

Admission requirements

Technical University of Munich

  • A bachelor’s degree qualification
  • Specialised knowledge of the core subject areas concerning mechanical engineering of higher mathematics, control engineering, technical mechanics, machine elements, fluid mechanics, material science, and thermodynamics
  • German knowledge

Universität Stuttgart

  • Graduated with a bachelor’s degree in automotive and engine engineering, energy engineering, and mechanical engineering 
  • German language proficiency

RWTH Aachen University

  • Degree from the first university, needed qualification as per the examination rules
  • English proficiency

Hamburg University of Applied Sciences

  • Completed bachelor’s degree of a minimum duration of three and a half years
  • Transcript of Records or Diploma supplement
  • English and German language proficiency

University of Cologne (TH Koln)

  • A relevant bachelor’s degree with at least a good grade, such as a 2.5 GPA or 75%
  • Bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering or a related area
  • English proficiency

Esslingen University of Applied Sciences

  • Bachelor’s degree in automotive engineering, computer engineering
  • Other bachelor’s of engineering in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or equivalent, or mechatronics
  • Proficiency in English and German


Top Masters in Automotive Engineering Entrance Exams for Germany

Strong tips for IELTS/TOEFL exams are needed for pursuing a Masters degree in Automotive Engineering in Germany.


Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany: IELTS/TOEFL Tips

  • Understand the requirements of scores
  • Practising all the sections of the selected test in an extensive manner
  • Enrolling in a German language course
  • Practising speaking German and English
  • Improving academic writing


Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany: Cutoff


Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany: DSH, TestDaF and IELTS/TOEFL Score Cutoffs

The cutoff for clearing the entrance exams such as DSH, TestDaF, IELTS/TOEFL, for various universities to apply for Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany is provided below.

University

Cutoff

Technical University of Munich

  • For German (TestDaF Level 4, DSH-2, etc.)
  • For English (TOEFL iBT 88+ or IELTS 6.5)

Universität Stuttgart

  • At least a TOEFL score in the range between 90 to 100 or IELTS score of 6.5 to 7 score in English
  • A TestDaF 4 with at least TDN 4 or C1 level in German as shown by DSH2 

RWTH Aachen University

TOEFL score should be within 90 to 100 IELTS score between 5.5 to 6 and PTE score should be 60 or more

Hamburg University of Applied Sciences

TOEFL: 87 - 90, IELTS: 5.5 - 6.5

University of Cologne (TH Koln)

A minimum score is needed for the aptitude test as well as English proficiency exams like TestDaF and DSH

Esslingen University of Applied Sciences

IELTS-6.5, TOEFL- 80 


Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany: Syllabus

The interested candidates applying for Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany are required to follow the syllabus to excel in their career.


Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany: Core Courses

The core courses of pursuing Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany include automotive and mechanical engineering, vehicle dynamics, automotive electronics, powertrain engineering, and manufacturing and materials.


Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany: Specializations

The specializations for Masters in Automotive Engineering include energy efficiency, driver assistance systems, safety, durability, mechatronics, structural fatigue, and acoustics.


Top Universities/Colleges for Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany


Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany: Public Universities

The top public universities that offer Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany are Technical University of Munich, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, University of Cologne (TH Koln), Esslingen University of Applied Sciences, Universität Stuttgart, and RWTH Aachen University.

Public university

QS ranking

Technical University of Munich

22

Universität Stuttgart

310

RWTH Aachen University

105

Hamburg University of Applied Sciences

193

University of Cologne (TH Koln)

272

Esslingen University of Applied Sciences

-


Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany vs India 

Below shows the comparison between Germany and India regarding Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany.

Particulars

Germany 

India

Focus of the course

Practical training, industry projects, and research are required due to being a legacy industry

The theoretical approach is more and has less industrial training

International opportunities

Exposure to the top automotive companies and high internship opportunities

Less global exposure and is recognised nationally

Requirements of language

German and English language proficiency needed

English is the main language proficiency


Career Scope After Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany 

An automotive engineer in Germany gets the salary package of €54,000 (₹4,571,000) per annum on average, and the other job roles along with their salary are provided.

Profile of the jobs

Average Yearly Salary (€)

Average Yearly Salary for Indian students (₹)

Automotive Manufacturing

63,000

5,333,000

Automotive Engineer

54,000

4,571,000

Automotive Service Technician

38,000

3,217,000

Automotive Test Engineer

51,669

4,374,000

Technical Advisor

47,500

4,021,000

Automobile Mechanic 

30,521

2,583,000

Motor Vehicle Inspector

25,300

2,141,000


Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany: Top Recruiters/Placement Companies

The top placement companies that provide jobs to the students after completing Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany are Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW, Porsche, Continental, Daimler and Bosch.


Frequently Asked Questions

Ques: What are the academic requirements for studying for a Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany?

Ans: An academic record with at least a score of 2.5 GPA (75%) in any relevant Bachelor’s degree, along with a strong language proficiency in German and English, is required for getting admission in Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany. Some of the universities might need GRE scores or valid internship experience.


Ques: Will it be worth it for the Indian students to study Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany?

Ans: Yes, after studying Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany, the Indian students get huge opportunities for placement as the German automotive industry is a hub for the organisations like Audi, Volkswagen, BMW, etc. Additionally, the Indian students get a cheaper education as they do not have to pay the tuition fees if they get admission in public universities.


Ques: Are both the freshers and experienced applicants eligible to apply for Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany?

Ans: Yes, the freshers are eligible for applying for a Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany if they completed a Bachelor’s degree and got a valid mark, while the experienced candidates are eligible for applying for Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany if they completed a Bachelor’s degree and have some work experience from the automotive sector.


Ques: How many jobs are available after pursuing Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany?

Ans: Automotive Manufacturing, Technical Advisor, Automobile Mechanic and Motor Vehicle Inspector, Automotive Test Engineer, Automotive Engineer, and Automotive Service Technician are the available jobs after finishing Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany. Moreover, the strong automotive industry of Germany provides a high demand for research and development, autonomous driving, electric mobility, and sustainable vehicle technologies.


Ques: What is the salary range for Indian students for the jobs available in Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany?

Ans: On average, the graduates after studying Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany get a yearly salary of €54,000 (4,571,000), which makes Germany a popular destination for Indian students studying abroad. Additionally, the salaries might vary depending on the location, job roles, company size, and internship experience or prior work.