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Meta title: Master's in Germany in English: Search, Tests, Deadlines | StudyU
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Last modified: 2026-09-24

# Master's in Germany in English: How to Find a Programme, Which Tests You Need and What It Costs

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An English-taught master's in Germany is a mainstream option, not an exception. According to the German Rectors' Conference (HRK), 1,944 postgraduate programmes are taught mainly in English, almost one in five. The DAAD International Programmes catalogue lists 1,582 English-only master's programmes, 915 of them with no tuition. Tuition applies at public institutions in Baden-Württemberg ($1,712, €1,500 per semester), at TUM ($4,564–6,847, €4,000–6,000 per semester), at Hochschule München ($799, €700) and at private schools. The most common English requirement is IELTS 6.5 or a TOEFL iBT score around 88; GRE and GMAT matter mainly in economics and management; and many application windows close between March and May, well before the familiar 15 July.

This guide is about choosing an English-taught programme: finding it, checking the language of instruction, preparing for tests and meeting deadlines. Data checked on 23 September 2026; dollar amounts use the ECB rate of 29 September 2026. For a country-level overview, see our [Germany study guide](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-germany). If you are still choosing between a bachelor's and a master's, or want English-taught options at every level, start with our overview of [English-taught degrees in Germany](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-english-taught-degrees-germany).

The SuperC building, the student service centre of RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany. Photo: Nima j72 / [source](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:SuperC_RWTH_Aachen_-_26.03.2017.jpg), [CC BY-SA 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

## What "English-taught master's" actually means {#section-1}

Catalogues use three labels, and mixing them up is costly:

| Label | Meaning | What to check |
| --- | --- | --- |
| English only | All compulsory modules and the thesis are in English | The language of electives: some programmes offer part of them in German |
| German & English | Some courses are in German | Whether a German certificate is needed for admission or by a certain semester |
| International programme | Designed for international students, often with a double degree | The language is listed separately; "international" does not mean "in English" |

The DAAD catalogue lists only 78 master's programmes taught in both languages, against 1,582 in English only. The final word on language comes from two programme documents: the module handbook (Modulhandbuch) and the study and examination regulations (Prüfungsordnung). If they say some exams may be taken in German, that is fine; if compulsory modules are in German, the programme is not for you without the language.

Even on a fully English-taught programme you will need German outside class: for renting, dealing with authorities and most student jobs. Basic German on arrival makes the first year much easier.

## How many programmes, and in which fields {#section-2}

HRK, winter semester 2025/26. Of 10,659 postgraduate programmes, 1,944 (18.2%) are taught mainly in English. At undergraduate level the share is only 3.7%.

DAAD International Programmes, September 2026. 1,582 English-only master's programmes: 1,129 at universities and 449 at universities of applied sciences. By field (a programme can belong to more than one group):

| Field group | English-only master's programmes |
| --- | --- |
| Mathematics and natural sciences | 706 |
| Economics and law | 461 |
| Engineering | 430 |
| Humanities and social sciences | 193 |
| Language and cultural studies | 141 |
| Agricultural and forest sciences | 61 |
| Medicine and health sciences | 54 |
| Art, music and design | 42 |

If you are a scientist, engineer or economist, the choice is wide. For law, medicine or philology, English-taught options are few and tend to be narrow specialisations rather than a substitute for a German-taught degree.

## How to search: the DAAD catalogue and Hochschulkompass {#section-3}

DAAD International Programmes is the most convenient search tool for English-taught degrees. Universities enter their own programmes for international applicants, so always cross-check with the programme website. (Applicants from Russia should note that DAAD has been on Russia's list of undesirable organisations since February 2026; the HRK's Hochschulkompass covers the same programmes.)

1. Set the basics. Degree: Master's degree; language: English only; optionally city, institution type and start semester.
2. Filter by money early. The fee filter offers "no fees", "up to $570 (500 EUR) per semester" and higher bands. 915 English-only master's programmes are listed with no fees, and 945 with fees of up to $570 (€500) per semester (the free ones included).
3. Open the programme card. It shows requirements, deadlines and a link to the university. Treat the card as a pointer; the programme page and its admission rules are what count.
4. Check completeness in Hochschulkompass. The HRK database covers every degree programme in Germany, including ones missing from the DAAD catalogue.
5. Put everything in one table. Columns: university, federal state, tuition, semester contribution, language per curriculum, minimum IELTS or TOEFL score, GRE or GMAT, subject requirements, application channel (uni-assist, university portal or both), application window.

Aim for 8–12 programmes at this stage. Below we show how to narrow the list by deadline and budget.

## Consecutive or non-consecutive? {#section-4}

Most tuition-free master's programmes at public universities are consecutive (konsekutiv): they build on your bachelor's subject and expect a set number of credits in core subjects. Non-consecutive (nicht-konsekutiv) and continuing-education (weiterbildend) programmes accept career changers, but often require work experience and may charge fees even at public universities.

The other distinction is the number of places. According to HRK, 66.6% of master's programmes have no cap on places (zulassungsfrei). There is no competition for a fixed number of seats, but degree and language requirements still apply. In capped programmes (zulassungsbeschränkt), the best-scoring applicants are selected, and deadlines can differ.

## Requirements: your degree, English and German {#section-5}

Degree. You need a completed bachelor's degree in a related field, sometimes with a minimum grade and a set number of credits in mathematics or core subjects. You can often apply before graduating. Freie Universität Berlin lets you start a master's with two-thirds of your bachelor's coursework complete, provided you finish the rest by the end of your first semester; the Mannheim Master in Management accepts applications once you hold 140 ECTS credits.

English. Each programme sets its own threshold. TUM's university-wide minimums for master's programmes:

| Test | TUM minimum |
| --- | --- |
| IELTS Academic, including online | 6.5 overall |
| TOEFL iBT, including Home Edition | 88, or the equivalent on the new 1–6 score scale; only the single-test-date score counts, MyBest is not accepted |
| PTE Academic | 65 |
| Cambridge | CAE or CPE with grade A, B or C |

TUM also accepts a previous degree in which English was the language of instruction for at least half of the programme, and in some schools an English-language bachelor's thesis or enough English-taught modules. School grades do not count for master's admission. At the University of Mannheim, certificates must be no more than two years old on the last day of the application period, and certificates from language schools or DAAD are not accepted.

German. It is usually not required for admission to an English-only programme. If a programme expects German by a certain semester, the admission or study regulations say so.

## GRE and GMAT: when you need them {#section-6}

Most engineering and science master's programmes in Germany do not require the GRE. Tests appear in three situations.

Competitive economics and management programmes. For the Mannheim Master in Management the test is formally optional, but a GMAT or GRE score contributes up to 60 selection points, as much as your degree grade. Points start at 555 on the GMAT Focus Edition, 600 on the GMAT (10th edition) or an equivalent GRE score. The official score report must reach Mannheim by 15 May, and delivery takes 7 to 20 days.

A test as bonus points. For TUM's Management and Technology master's, GMAT is compulsory only for graduates of universities in China, Bangladesh, India, Egypt and Pakistan. For others it is optional but adds points in the first selection stage. In some TUM School of Management programmes, a GMAT above 600 also counts as proof of English.

An individual programme requirement. RWTH Aachen states that a programme's examination board may require the GRE. Scores are sent directly by ETS; RWTH's institution code is 8504.

Practical advice: if even one programme on your list requires or rewards a test, take it before the application window opens. The university must receive the official score report directly from the test provider, which takes time, and unofficial score reports are not accepted at Mannheim, for example.

## Deadlines: why 15 July is the wrong benchmark {#section-7}

uni-assist notes that many courses close on 15 July for the winter semester and 15 January for the summer semester, but universities often set earlier dates for master's programmes. Examples:

| Programme or university | Application window | Applies to |
| --- | --- | --- |
| RWTH Aachen, master's with no cap on places | By 1 March for winter, by 1 September for summer | Non-EU/EEA applicants |
| RWTH Aachen, capped master's programmes | By 15 July for winter, by 15 January for summer | Non-EU/EEA applicants |
| TUM, Computational Science and Engineering | 1 February – 31 May, winter only | All applicants |
| TUM, Management and Technology | 1 April – 31 May for winter; 1–30 November for summer | All applicants |
| University of Mannheim, Mannheim Master in Management | 1 April – 15 May 2027 for autumn 2027 | All applicants |

Plan backwards from the earliest deadline on your list:

- 12 months before the start: programme list and first language test;
- 8–10 months before: GRE or GMAT if needed; translations and certified copies of your degree and transcript;
- 6–8 months before: VPD application through uni-assist, which recommends applying at least eight weeks before a deadline and usually takes four to six weeks;
- during the window: applications, a motivation letter for each programme, references if requested;
- after an offer: accept the place, open a [blocked account](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-blocked-account-germany) and apply for a [student visa](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-student-visa-germany).

## What an English-taught master's costs {#section-8}

| Where | Tuition per semester | Who pays |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Most public universities | $0 | — |
| Public institutions in Baden-Württemberg (Mannheim, Heidelberg, Freiburg, KIT, Stuttgart, Tübingen and others) | $1,712 (€1,500) | Non-EU/EEA nationals |
| TUM | Usually $4,564 or $6,847 (€4,000 or €6,000) | Non-EU/EEA nationals newly enrolled from 2024/25 |
| Hochschule München | $799 (€700) | Non-EU/EEA nationals newly enrolled from 2026/27 |
| Private schools, e.g. Munich Business School, International Business | $9,791 (€8,580); $29,372 (€25,740) for three semesters; non-EU students also pay a $1,700 (€1,490) enrolment fee | All students |

Over a two-year programme that means $0, $6,847 (€6,000) in Baden-Württemberg or $18,258–27,386 (€16,000–24,000) at TUM. Every university adds a semester contribution, from $111 (€97) in Munich to $430–459 (€377–402) in Berlin and Hamburg.

Preparation costs:

- uni-assist: $86 (€75) for the first programme and $34 (€30) for each additional one in the same semester;
- language test and, if needed, GRE or GMAT at the test providers' prices;
- proof of funds for the visa: $13,584 (€11,904) per year.

How to reduce costs.

- TUM charges no master's tuition to graduates of any German bachelor's programme.
- TUM waives tuition for two semesters for strong applicants: applications for winter run from 1 January to 31 May and require an official class-ranking certificate.
- TUM offers one-off grants of $571–2,054 (€500–1,800) per semester.
- The Deutschlandstipendium pays $342 (€300) per month; universities select recipients, and nationality does not matter.
- DAAD scholarships can be searched in its scholarship database by country of citizenship and level. Each has its own deadline, which may come before the university deadline. DAAD stopped selecting scholarship holders in Russia in February 2026; see our [guide to scholarships in Germany](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-scholarships-in-germany-daad).

See also our guides to [free university education in Germany](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-free-university-education-germany) and [scholarships abroad](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-scholarships-abroad-2026).

## Narrowing your list to 6–8 programmes {#section-9}

After the first pass you will have 8–12 programmes. Test each against five questions:

| Question | If the answer is "no" |
| --- | --- |
| Does my degree cover the subject-credit requirements? | Drop it or look for a programme with a different profile |
| Does my English score clear the threshold with a margin? | Retake before the window opens or drop it |
| Can I meet the window, including VPD and tests? | Move it to the next intake |
| Do tuition and contributions fit my budget for the whole programme? | Drop it or secure a waiver before applying |
| Do I understand how this programme differs from the others on my list? | Re-read the modules; otherwise your motivation letter will be generic |

A good final list mixes deadlines: one or two early windows (March to May) and several later ones. That way a slip at an early stage does not cost you the whole intake.

For an overview of universities and cities, see our guides to [universities in Germany](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-germany-for-international-students), [universities in Berlin](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-berlin) and [universities in Munich](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-universities-in-munich).

## Working during and after your studies {#section-10}

A student residence permit allows up to 140 full working days a year; a day with no more than four hours of work counts as half a day. Jobs as a student assistant at a university (studentische Nebentätigkeit) do not count towards this limit. After graduating in Germany you can receive a residence permit of up to 18 months to look for work, provided you can support yourself. Both rules are set out in sections 16b and 20 of the Residence Act (AufenthG), and the local foreigners' authority decides. See our guide to [working while studying in Germany](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-working-while-studying-in-germany).

## Common mistakes {#section-11}

- Using 15 July as your deadline. Many master's programmes close in March to May.
- Trusting the word "international". Check the language in the curriculum.
- Scoring right on the threshold. An IELTS 6.5 meets a 6.5 requirement but leaves nothing for programmes asking for 7.0.
- Ignoring certificate validity. Mannheim, for example, accepts certificates no more than two years old.
- Assuming Germany never asks for the GRE. In economics and management, the GRE or GMAT can decide the outcome.
- Forgetting fees at TUM and in Baden-Württemberg. For the same subject, the two-year difference can reach $27,386 (€24,000).

## FAQ {#faq}

### Can I do a master's in Germany without German?

Yes. English-only programmes usually do not require German for admission; an IELTS, TOEFL or other accepted certificate is enough. Basic German still helps with daily life and part-time work.

### How many master's programmes in Germany are taught in English?

HRK counts 1,944 postgraduate programmes taught mainly in English in winter 2025/26. The DAAD International Programmes catalogue listed 1,582 English-only master's programmes in September 2026.

### Is an English-taught master's in Germany free?

At most public universities, yes: the DAAD catalogue lists 915 English-taught master's programmes with no tuition. Non-EU nationals pay in Baden-Württemberg ($1,712, €1,500 per semester), at TUM ($4,564–6,847, €4,000–6,000) and at Hochschule München ($799, €700). Everyone pays a semester contribution.

### What IELTS score do I need for a master's in Germany?

Each programme sets its own threshold. IELTS Academic 6.5 is a common benchmark; at TUM it is the minimum for master's programmes, alongside TOEFL iBT 88 and PTE Academic 65. Some programmes ask for more.

### Do I need the GRE or GMAT?

For most engineering and science programmes, no. In economics and management the test is often part of selection: at the Mannheim Master in Management, GMAT or GRE contributes up to 60 points, and at TUM Management and Technology the GMAT earns bonus points. Individual RWTH Aachen programmes may also ask for the GRE.

### When should I apply for an English-taught master's?

Work from the earliest deadline on your list. Many windows close between March and May: RWTH Aachen, for example, accepts non-EU applications for uncapped master's programmes until 1 March, and TUM several programmes until 31 May. Start preparing 12 months before the programme begins.

### Can I apply before receiving my bachelor's degree?

At many universities, yes. Freie Universität Berlin lets you start once two-thirds of your coursework is complete, and the Mannheim Master in Management accepts applications from 140 ECTS credits. You must submit the final degree by the date the university sets.

## Sources {#section-13}

- [HRK: programme statistics, winter 2025/26](https://www.hrk.de/fileadmin/redaktion/hrk/02-Dokumente/02-03-Studium/02-03-01-Studium-Studienreform/HRK_Statistik_BA_MA_UEbrige_WiSe_2025_26.pdf) — checked 23 Sep 2026
- [DAAD International Programmes](https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/studienangebote/international-programmes/en/) and [scholarship database](https://www2.daad.de/deutschland/stipendium/datenbank/en/21148-scholarship-database/) — checked 23 Sep 2026
- [HRK Hochschulkompass](https://www.hochschulkompass.de/en/degree-programmes.html) — checked 23 Sep 2026
- [TUM: language certificates](https://www.tum.de/en/studies/application/application-info-portal/admission-requirements/language-certificates), [tuition for non-EU students](https://www.tum.de/en/studies/fees/tuition), [waivers and grants](https://www.tum.de/en/studies/fees/tuition/scholarships-and-waivers), [Computational Science and Engineering](https://www.tum.de/en/studies/degree-programs/detail/computational-science-and-engineering-cse-master-of-science-msc), [Management and Technology: how to apply](https://www.mgt.tum.de/programs/master-in-management-technology/how-to-apply) — checked 23 Sep 2026
- [RWTH Aachen: deadlines and documents for international applicants](https://www.rwth-aachen.de/cms/root/studium/vor-dem-studium/bewerbung-um-einen-studienplatz/master-bewerbung/~dqml/bewerbung-master-internationale/?lidx=1) — checked 23 Sep 2026
- [University of Mannheim: Mannheim Master in Management](https://www.bwl.uni-mannheim.de/en/programs/master/mmm/application-information/) and [GMAT](https://www.uni-mannheim.de/en/academics/before-your-studies/applying/the-a-to-z-of-applying/gmat/) — checked 23 Sep 2026
- [FU Berlin: master's applications](https://www.fu-berlin.de/en/studium/bewerbung/master/index.html) — checked 23 Sep 2026
- [Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Science: fees for international students](https://mwk.baden-wuerttemberg.de/de/hochschulen-studium/studieren-in-bw/studienfinanzierung/gebuehren-fuer-internationale-studierende-und-zweitstudium/faqs) and [Hochschule München: fees](https://hm.edu/studium_1/bewerbung/faq_gebuehren_non_eu_auslaender.de.html) — checked 23 Sep 2026
- [Munich Business School: Master International Business](https://www.munich-business-school.de/en/master/master-international-business) — checked 23 Sep 2026
- [uni-assist: fees](https://www.uni-assist.de/en/how-to-apply/pay-all-fees/handling-fees/) and [deadlines](https://www.uni-assist.de/en/how-to-apply/plan-your-application/deadlines-processing-time/) — checked 23 Sep 2026
- [Deutschlandstipendium FAQ](https://www.deutschlandstipendium.de/deutschlandstipendium/de/studierende/haeufig-gestellte-fragen/haeufig-gestellte-fragen.html) — checked 23 Sep 2026
- Semester contributions: [TUM](https://www.tum.de/en/studies/fees), [FU Berlin](https://www.fu-berlin.de/en/studium/studienorganisation/immatrikulation/rueckmeldung/gebuehren/index.html), [University of Hamburg](https://www.uni-hamburg.de/en/campuscenter/studienorganisation/studienverlauf/beitraege-gebuehren/semesterbeitrag.html) — checked 23 Sep 2026
- Residence Act: [section 16b, work during studies](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__16b.html) and [section 20, job search after graduation](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/aufenthg_2004/__20.html) — checked 23 Sep 2026
- [German Foreign Office: proof of funds](https://allemagneenfrance.diplo.de/fr-de/service/visa/2521298-2521298) — checked 23 Sep 2026
- Exchange rate: [ECB, 29 Sep 2026](https://www.ecb.europa.eu/stats/eurofxref/eurofxref-daily.xml): €1 = $1.1355

[During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.](https://www.studyu.org/en/apply)

## Next steps

- [Free University Education in Germany for International Students: Where Tuition Is Zero and What You Still Pay](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-free-university-education-germany)
- [Blocked Account in Germany 2026: Amount, Opening Steps and Alternatives](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-blocked-account-germany)
- [Working While Studying in Germany 2026: 140-Day Rule, Minijob, Werkstudent](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-working-while-studying-in-germany)
- [Scholarships in Germany 2026/27: DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium and Foundations](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-scholarships-in-germany-daad)
- [Scholarships abroad 2026: where international students study for free](https://www.studyu.org/en/blog-scholarships-abroad-2026)
- [Studying in Germany for international applicants](https://www.studyu.org/en/country-germany)

Updated: September 2026