Top 5 Universities in Germany for Computer Science

Top 5 universities in Germany for Computer Science

Germany is a widely known study destination for international students arriving from all around the world. It is an excellent place to work as a computer engineer – as companies invest heavily in development and research, maintaining the results as the biggest economy in Europe and the third in the world. Studying at the top computer science colleges in Germany makes it a good choice for an international student concerning both qualities of education and placements. There is a range of subjects that students may select gaining a proportion of credits for cross-disciplinary skills.

Technology is going to get more sophisticated, due to high competition for IT specialists. Currently, there is a shortage of IT developers, and pursuing a degree in the computer will provide you an edge in the future. Computer sciences are one of the most sought-after fields of study, not only to native students but also internationals.

As a thriving economy that generously invests in its education system, Germany offers a good environment for aspiring international graduate students. With high-quality education, cultural diversity, and free education in public universities, it is the most sought-after country in Europe. It is known for a lively atmosphere, student-friendly environment, and comfortable living. People all over the world are attracted to its high standard of living, comprehensive health care, and continued stability of its economy.

Why study in Germany?

  • With the world’s fourth-largest GDP, Germany spends around 2.8% of its GDP on research and development, especially in the IT and Engineering sectors.
  • Most of the German institutes charge less or no tuition fees.
  • The average salary of a computer science engineer in Germany is around €45,000-70,000 per year.
  • Affordable tuition fees and low cost of living.
  • Post-study work visa of 18 months.

What is the admission procedure?

Step 1
Course research – Since there are several universities and programs available, you must research before choosing your desired course. Germany is known for its highly specialized courses, including Mechanical Engineering, Automobile, Computer Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Energy.

Step 2
Check requirements – you must check the requirements for the course of your choice. There are different entry requirements applied within the same university, ensure you are reading and following accurately. You can reach the university through email or if you are unsure, contact your counsellor. Once you have your GRE/IELTS score in hand, narrow down on the universities based on your budget, city, profile, and interests.

Step 3
Procure your documents – each course and university require certain documents for applying for an eligibility check. Some German universities prefer you to get your undergraduate transcripts attested before submission. Write a letter of intent explaining why you are passionate about the course and why you are qualified to pursue a degree.

Step 4
Submit your application – create an account through the university website and upload your documents. You must apply individually to your preferred course and university. Most Universities charge approximately € 50 for applications or some free.

Step 5
Accept the admission letter.

Eligibility 

Some of the common eligibility criteria to get into top universities:

Postgraduate eligibility requirements

  • Bachelor degree in relevant subject
  • 60% in relevant UG degree
  • Average GRE score of 310-320, depending on the university
  • Minimum 6.5 band in IELTS or 80-90 in TOEFL
  • Work experience, if applicable
  • A1 German language

Undergraduate eligibility requirements

  • Passed 10+2 exam with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as core subjects.
  • Some universities might require students to submit an aptitude test.
  • Successfully completing the first year of a bachelor programfrom a recognized university in India in the relevant subject field or a foundation course in Germany.
  • Minimum 6.5 band in IELTS or 80-90 in TOEFL.
  • A1 German language

Documents required 

To enrol in a master’s degree, you must have a relevant bachelor’s degree recognized by German universities. The following are the list of common documents required by universities:

  • Online Application Printout – the application form submitted on the university portal.
  • Proof of English Language Proficiency – TOEFL, IELTS, if required.
  • Degree Certificate – a recognized 4-year bachelor degree
  • CV – updated resume
  • Letter of Motivation – a letter stating your purpose of study in the respective course.
  • Two Letters of Recommendation – a recommendation from professor and work colleague.
  • German Language Proficiency – certain universities ask students to produce A1 level German certification or higher.

Top universities to study Computer Science

  1. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology – KIT offers research-based study programs to prepare students for responsible positions in industry, and science. The fields of energy, mobility, and information are what makes this institution so remarkable. Many of the most significant inventions and innovations started life at KIT.  makes significant contributions to the global challenges of mankind. The excellent research infrastructure extends from state-of-the-art laboratory equipment to the world’s only large-scale research facility of its kind.
  2. Technical University of Munich – The TUM is one of the oldest universities in Europe. This faculty covers a large variety of topics, starting from Software Engineering, Scientific Computing, Knowledge-Based Systems, and Robotics. The university is among the best research-focused universities in Europe and Germany. It was one of the first universities in Germany to be named a University of Excellence. The world-class professors at TUM Informatics bring into the classroom their extensive scholarship and wide-ranging research experience.
  3. Ludwig Maximilian University Munich – LMU is known as one of Europe’s premier academic and research institutions. it has since then become a study destination for many students, including internationals, worldwide due to its quality education. The faculty members take students for an industrial visit so that they gain exposure and knowledge about the vast field of research. The courses provide fundamentals of the subject of computer science in theoretical, practical, and applied aspects.
  4. RWTH Aachen University – It is known for its academic excellence and high ranking among the world’s top universities. The university has several institutes that provide practical knowledge, workshops, guest lectures, and industrial visits. The Computer Science program aims to deepen existing expertise, abilities, and methods in computer science to lead to higher qualifications and independence in this field. A unique feature is the program’s extensive cooperation with the engineering sciences and the regional computer science industry.
  5. Heidelberg University – It is an internationally oriented research and teaching institution. The faculty pays special attention to knowledge, skills, and an unprejudiced attitude. The University offers some of the best conditions for a teaching and learning environment. Students can work independently to plan, conduct, document, and present projects of relevance to computer science. As per THE World University Rankings 2019, Heidelberg University was placed at #45 globally and #4 in Germany.

Types of Visas

Indian students require a visa to enter and stay in Germany for the duration of the course. You get a national visa that is intended for longer studies. Whereas for short courses, you receive a Schengen visa, which is valid for 3 months and cannot be extended. The following documents required to receive a student visa are:

  • Valid passport
  • Proof of funds
  • Proof of health insurance
  • Academic transcripts
  • A letter of acceptance
  • Statement of Purpose for visa

There are three types of German Student Visa:

  1. Language course visa – German Language Course lasting from 3 months to 1 year.
  2. Student Applicant Visa – If you have not got a formal admission letter from the university, you need to apply for a prospective student visa valid for 3 months that can be extended to 6 months.
  3. Student visa – It is a long-term visa given to students who have a letter of acceptance from a German university.

Cost of tuition and living expenses

Most state universities offer tuition-free study programs as the government decided to provide access to every student. The only university payment you need to take care of as an international student is semester contribution. As for private universities, they remain competitive by charging pocket-friendly fees.

Living expenses for students in Germany are relatively lower compared to countries like the US, UK, or Switzerland. The average monthly living expenses of a student in Germany is around € 600 – 1200 per month, includes expenses like accommodation, books & materials, lifestyle and others. The total cost of living depends on factors like the location and type of lifestyle. International students are allowed to work for 90 full working days or 180 half working days in a year earning 10 to 15 Euros an hour.

Job Opportunities 

A degree in Germany will provide you with an 18-month work permit visa. The country has a plethora of opportunities to offer for any field of graduation. The country has a 38-working hour per week requirement with a minimum of 18 holidays a year. Being a computer science graduate, you will be eligible for several IT-based jobs like technical analyst, data scientist, data engineer, System Engineer, Software Architect, Software Developer, etc.

The top employers recruiting a computer science graduate from Germany are:

  • SAP
  • Amazon
  • Bosch
  • Zalando
  • Deutsche Bank
  • IBM
  • Lufthansa System
  • Jevix

FAQs

Q: Which is the best university in Germany for Computer Science?
A: Germany’s highest-ranked university is the Technical University of Munich, ranked 61st in the world (QS world university ranking 2019), followed by Ludwig Maximillian University and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. Germany is known for its quality education, major cities have at least one top-ranked university. 

Q: What are the eligibility criteria for a master’s degree?
A: Each university and course have different criteria, but the most common is a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Check thoroughly the institute website for the relevant course to find exact requirements.

 

Q: Is learning the German language important?
A: Yes, the language plays an important in living and securing a job. Although most of them are English speakers, learning the basic German language will help you a long way.

 

Q: Is IELTS or TOEFL mandatory for applying to courses?
A: Not if you are a native speaker of English or if you are going for a German taught program. Otherwise, you will need to prove your English language skills through one of these exams.

 

Q: Will I be allowed to work as an international student in Germany?
A: Yes, you will be allowed to work part-time while studying your course for a limited period.

Q: What are the most affordable cities in Germany?
A: Some of the most affordable cities to live in in Germany are Frankfurt, Bielefeld, Bonn, Dresden and Berlin. 

Q: Are international students eligible for the scholarship?
A: Yes, there are plenty of scholarships available in Germany for international students, like DAAD scholarship, Erasmus+, university scholarships.

 

Q: Can international students get admission to public universities?
A: Yes, anybody can get admission to state-funded universities with relevant experience, and documentation proving the purpose of pursuing the course in the university.

 

Q: Can I stay in Germany after my studies?
A: Yes, Indian students can stay in Germany and look for a job for 18 months after graduation. You must apply for a residence permit, and you will be eligible to search for employment.

 

Q: Is it difficult to find a job in Germany post-graduation?
A: No, it is not difficult, but challenging as it is in any country. Having good professional contacts and seeking a university employability team will help you find the relevant job.