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A Masters in Germany is one of the most sought-after postgraduate study courses in Europe. With a historic higher education system and a large number of courses in English, it's not hard to see why!
In fact, Germany has more top-ranked universities than any other country outside the UK or USA. Better yet, most of the Masters study in Germany is free.
Masters Study in Germany - Key Details for 2025 | |
---|---|
Universities | 520 |
Oldest University | University of Heidelberg (1386) |
International Students | 376,359 |
Course Length | 2 years |
Typical Fees (Domestic / EU) | None |
Academic Year | October to September |
With more than 500 universities, there is plenty of choice for anyone wanting to study a Masters in Germany.
You'll find that universities in Germany are divided into four categories.
We have a complete guide on the top Masters universities in Germany in which we look at, in detail, about each of these different kinds of postgradute institutions. We also look at the 30 best universities in the country. To give you an overview, here are the top five universities for a Masters in Germany.
University | THE 2025 | QS 2025 | ARWU 2024 |
---|---|---|---|
Technical University of Munich | 26 | 28 | 47 |
LMU Munich | 38 | 59 | 43 |
Heidelberg University | =47 | =84 | 50 |
Humbolt University of Berlin | =84 | =126 | - |
University of Bonn | 89 | - | 61 |
Information in this table is based on the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings and Academic Ranking of World Universities. Visit their websites for more information. |
German Masters programmes normally last for two years (or two to four semesters of study).
Your full degree will be worth 120 ECTS credits. 90 of these will be earned through modules, coursework and exams. The remaining 30 will be awarded for your dissertation.
As taught courses, most German Masters degrees award MA (Master of Arts) or MSc (Master of Science) qualifications. Alternative degree titles may be used for some specialised subjects.
The main difference between programmes is the way you study them. German Masters degrees are classified as either consecutive or non-consecutive:
Most German Masters degrees are organised into separate modules or other units of study.
Depending on your course, you might learn through lectures, small-group seminars, practical workshops, fieldwork or directed independent study:
German Masters programmes use a five-point grading system. Passing grade bands range from 1.0 (the best) to 4.0 (a narrow pass):
Masters Grades at German Universities | ||
---|---|---|
Grade Range | Label | Detail |
1.0 to 1.5 | Sehr Gut (Very Good / Excellent) | The best possible grade, representing exceptional achievement. |
1.6 to 2.5 | Gut (Good) | A strong grade, representing above-average achievement. |
2.6 to 3.5 | Befriedigend (Satisfactory) | A reasonable grade, representing acceptable achievement. |
3.6 to 4.0 | Ausreichend (Sufficient) | A poor passing grade, representing the lowest level of achievement at which a qualification can still be awarded. |
Some universities use a band from 4.0 to 5.0 for work that has not reached an acceptable standard to pass at postgraduate level.
Your final grade will be determined by summing up your performance across various modules and your dissertation. Each component weighted according to its ECTS credit level.
Most German Masters degrees include a final year research project (or a comparable practical / creative task). You will complete this work with the advice and support of an expert supervisor, but the emphasis will still be on your independent research.
Some German universities assess Masters dissertations using an oral presentation or ‘thesis defence’. This is similar to the viva voce exam at the end of a PhD – but much less demanding! You will give a short talk about your research topic and perhaps answer some questions about your findings and conclusions.
Assessing a Masters thesis in this way is actually quite common in Europe and doesn’t need to be intimidating. The chance to stand up and ‘show off’ your research can be a really fulfilling experience.
It’s also great for your CV. You'll be able to reflect on the unique challenges and opportunities which other candidates may not have experienced.
If you’re interested in studying your Masters in Germany, we’ve covered everything you need to know in our selection of guides below, including applications, visas and funding.
Search our database of Masters courses in Germany.
Want to study a Masters in Germany? We have all the information about how to apply for a Masters course including the required documents.
Read moreHow much does it cost to study a Masters in Germany? Our guide covers fees, funding and living expenses.
Read moreOur guide tells you exactly what kind of German student visa you need to study a Masters and what you need to apply for it.
Read moreWe look at whether it's easy to get a job in Germany after your Masters and during your studies.
Read more