Studying in Munich – A Guide for Postgraduate Students

Why study your Masters in Munich?

Here’s all that Munich has to offer to its resident postgraduate students:

• World-renowned universities: Munich is home to the Technical University of Munich which is ranked #1 in Germany. Apart from that, you could also be studying at one of Munich’s 12 other leading higher education institutions.
• Germany’s economic centre: Heralded as the country’s business and economic hub, Munich is home to the headquarters of leading global companies like BMW and Siemens which offer excellent graduate job opportunities.
• Cultural hub: Munich is home to the Oktoberfest beer festival, the biggest of its kind in the world. It’s also the home of Bayern München, one of the best football teams in the world. Whether its food or sports, there is something for everyone to experience in the city (when you’re not in the classroom of course).
• Best of both worlds : Despite being the third largest city in Germany, Munich retains the charm of a small town. It also holds the crown of being Germany’s safest city.
• An international city: Every year the city welcomes thousands of international students from all over the world. No matter where you’re from, you’ll feel right at home

Top Universities in Munich for Masters study

#1 Technical University of Munich

The flagship university for technology in Germany, the Technical University of Munich is ranked at the top. It is also the only state university that focuses on science and technology. 18 TUM alumni have been awarded Nobel Prizes in Chemistry, Physics and Medicine.

The university is known for its entrepreneurial focus that is facilitated by the 15 departments across the Munich campus.

They have expanded from focusing only on Engineering to now include Social Sciences, Agriculture and Medicine

#2 LMU Munich

The LMU Munich campus forms an integral part of the cityscape. This leading higher education institution has produced 42 Nobel Prize winners in fields like Chemistry, Physics and Medicine including the famous scientists Max Planck and Otto Hahn.

Backed by a 500 year long legacy, students can choose to do a Masters in subjects ranging from Law and Economics to Medicine and Natural Sciences at LMU Munich.

#3 Munich University of Applied Sciences

As Germany’s second largest university of applied sciences, you have the chance to study Mathematics, Engineering, Business or Social Sciences. The 14 departments at the Munich University of Applied Sciences offer more than 140 courses taught in English.

Living costs in Munich for international students

Despite being one of the more expensive places to study in Germany, Munich offers a more relatively affordable postgraduate education than many other European cities. Germany, in general, is popular among international students as an affordable option since you would (usually) not be paying any tuition fee.

Even though the German government estimates that a student needs roughly €1,150 per month to cover living expenses, how much you end up spending depends on the kind of accommodation you choose and your lifestyle. You may find that the cost of renting a private flat in Munich is considerable higher.

Here are how much some things typically cost in Munich based on crowdsourced data from Numbeo.

You can always lower the amount you spend by opting to live in student accommodation or a flat share which typically cost around €550 per month in Munich. You might want to start your search for these early since spaces are limited and usually in very high demand. You can read more about the accommodation options in Germany in our guide.

Even though tuition costs in Germany are (usually) close to nothing, you can still apply for funding to help cover your living costs, especially when living in a city like Munich where prices are higher than the national average.

Read our complete guide on funding for postgraduate students in Germany for more information.

Working during your degree in Munich

Many students opt to work part-time while they study which is a great way to make some extra money to help cover your living costs. Students from EU/EEA countries can work in Germany without any restrictions. Although, you might have to pay the required insurance contributions if your work more than a certain number of hours.

Other international students are allowed to work no more than 140 full days or 280 half-days per year.

Common part-time work includes waiting tables at restaurants, bartending or as a cashier if you’re looking for work outside the campus. Students can also find work on campus as an academic assistant working in the university library or as a tutorial assistant.

You can find available job vacancies in Munich on individual job portals of your university and read more about working in Germany as a student in our guide.

Things to see in Munich as an international student

All work and no play would be an injustice to this city that gives you the beautiful outdoors, elite museums and unmissable experiences all while you study at one of its leading universities.

You can’t miss the annual beer celebration, Oktoberfest – the world’s largest beer festival, held in autumn every year. It is your chance to get immersed in local German culture through song, costume and, of course, beer.

Walk around the Marienplatz, the largest public square in Munich or visit the royal Nymphenburg Palace, if you’re looking for something historical.

If you’re an automobile nerd, you’ll enjoy paying a visit to the BMW tower and its adjoining museum which chronicles the history of car manufacturing and the company.

You cannot miss out on catching a game at the Alliance Arena, home of the Bayern München football team. You can also visit the Olympiapark, which offers roof climbing tours and bungee jumping in the 1972 Olympic stadium along with some stunning views of the city.