Top 5 Universities in Germany for Mechanical Engineering

• March 27, 2023
• Team Edusky
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Top 5 Universities in Germany for Mechanical Engineering

Germany is known for innovation, new patents, job, and manufacturing of big automotive brands like Mercedes, AUDI, BMW etc. It is an excellent place to work as an engineer in the manufacturing sectors as companies invest in development and research, new innovations and talent. Mechanical Engineering is the second highest ranked favorite education program in Germany. Studying at the top technical colleges in Germany makes it a good choice for an international student for both education and placements. There is a range of subjects that students may select gaining a proportion of credits for cross-disciplinary skills. There are plenty of broad subjects taught under the mechanical engineering degree in Germany which may vary from university to university.

Mechanical Engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. The degree prepares students for careers within aerospace, automation, water supply, mechatronics, etc. It is the application of the principles and problem-solving techniques of engineering from design to manufacturing to the marketplace for any object. German universities and centers of research gives students exciting opportunities to use the skills they learn in the course in real life scenarios to solve real problems.

As a thriving economy that generously invests in its education system, Germany offers a good environment for aspiring international 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 mechanical engineering 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 mechanical engineer in Germany is around €45,000-70,000 per year.
• German university degrees are highly respected by employers around the globe.
• ‘Made in Germany’ is a quality cachet.
• Numerous scholarship opportunities in public and private universities.
• Post-study work visa for 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 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 

Most mechanical engineering degrees do not have restricted admissions such as aptitude tests, which means it is easier to be accepted to top universities, although you need to prove you have a passion for the subject.

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 Mechanical Engineering

1. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology – The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is one of the largest researches and teaching institutions in the world. The course majors are Automotive Engineering, Global Production Management, Energy Engineering and Railway Systems Technology. 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. 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. The university is among the best research-focused universities in Europe and Germany. The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering has always aimed to be “better, more efficient” and to create “more advanced technology for humans”.  It was one of the first universities in Germany to be named a University of Excellence. The world-class professors bring into the classroom their extensive scholarship and wide-ranging research experience. The degree programs the faculty offers are:
   • Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Science B.Sc.
   • Mechanical Engineering, Master of Science M.Sc.
3. University of Stuttgart – It is the leading technically oriented university known for its qualitative research, it guarantees research-based teaching. You will be equipped with numerous engineering fundamenals, as well as scientific and mathematical tools. The courses provide fundamentals of the subject of in theoretical, practical, and applied aspects. During the first two semesters at the master’s program students get to delve deep into the engineering fundamentals including two thematic specializations, out of 40 different areas.
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 mechanical engineering program is not limited to only current content but it also focused on fundamental underlying concepts that have been used through time. A unique feature is the program’s extensive cooperation with the engineering sciences and the regional industry.
5. Technical University of Braunschweig – It the oldest technical university in Germany. It is an internationally oriented research and teaching institution. The faculty pays special attention to knowledge, skills, and an unprejudiced attitude. The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering offers a Bachelor’s in General Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering and Automotive Engineering. Students can work independently to plan, conduct, document, and present projects of relevance to manufacturing and automobile. The research-oriented training and the high-quality of teaching making this university one of the best in Germany for Mechanical Engineering.

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 universities.

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 master’s 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 mechanical graduate, you will be eligible for Aerospace Engineer, Automotive Engineer, Entrepreneur, Research & Development Engineer, Instrumentation Engineer, Industrial Engineering etc. Cities like Stuttgart, Hamburg, Berlin, and Munich are advanced in terms of the availability of more jobs in the sector of mechanical engineering.

The top employers recruiting a mechanical graduate from Germany are:

• Apple
• Robert Bosch
• BMW Group
• GE aviation
• Daimler
• Siemens
• Audi AG

FAQs