How to find English-taught master’s programs in Germany

Finding an English-taught master’s program in Germany is absolutely possible, but it works best when you search with a clear method. Many international students start with rankings, famous university names or long lists of “top programs”. Those can be useful for inspiration, but they are not enough to build a realistic application plan.

A better approach is to filter programs by study field, language of instruction, university type, admission requirements, cost, city, application deadline and compatibility with your previous degree. This helps you avoid programs that look attractive at first glance but do not match your academic background, budget or timeline.

In this guide, you will learn how to build a practical shortlist of English-taught master’s programs in Germany. You can also start directly from the course catalog or visit the page about studying in Germany.

1. Define the type of master’s program you need

Before you start saving programs, clarify what kind of master’s degree actually fits your background. In Germany, many master’s programs are consecutive, meaning they continue a subject area you already studied during your bachelor’s degree. This means that simply having a university degree is not always enough. The university may require specific credits in mathematics, economics, engineering, computer science, natural sciences, design, social sciences or another related field.

For example, a student with a bachelor’s degree in business administration may find suitable programs in management, international business or business analytics. However, a technical data science master’s may require a strong background in programming, statistics and mathematics. If these credits are not visible in your transcript, the application may be rejected even if your overall profile is strong.

That is why your first filter should not be the city or the university brand. Start with academic fit. Read the admission requirements carefully and look for phrases such as “related bachelor’s degree”, “subject-specific requirements”, “minimum ECTS” or “academic background”. If you are still comparing academic levels, see also the guide on bachelor, master’s and doctorate programs in DACH.

2. Use the language filter carefully

When a program is listed as English-taught, this can mean different things. Some programs are fully taught in English. Others combine English and German, or they may include optional modules, internships, administrative documents or local activities where German can be useful.

If you do not speak German yet, look for programs where all mandatory modules, exams and core academic requirements are available in English. On the official program page, check fields such as “language of instruction”, “course language”, “English only” or “English and German”.

For admission, many international master’s programs accept proof of English through IELTS, TOEFL or another certificate recognized by the university. Still, learning basic German is a major advantage for daily life, housing, student jobs and integration after arrival.

3. Check the requirements before falling in love with the program

A common mistake is to find a perfect-looking program, imagine life in that city and only then read the admission requirements. It is safer to do the opposite. First confirm whether you are eligible. Then decide whether the program belongs on your main shortlist.

Pay close attention to the accepted previous degree, required subject credits, minimum grade or GPA, English certificate, work experience, motivation letter, portfolio, recommendation letters, application deadline and application platform. Some programs allow direct application through the university. Others use external platforms or have additional review steps.

Also check whether the program starts in the winter semester, the summer semester or both. Many international master’s programs open only once per year. Missing one deadline can delay your plan by several months.

4. Compare the real cost, not only tuition

Germany is well known for public universities with low or no traditional tuition fees, but studying is not free. Even when a program does not charge tuition, students still need to consider semester contributions, health insurance, rent, food, transport, study materials and initial relocation costs.

Rules can also vary by federal state, university, program type and student nationality. Some public universities charge specific fees for international students or for selected programs. Private universities usually charge higher tuition, although they may offer more direct admission processes and programs that are strongly connected to the labor market.

When comparing options, create columns for tuition, semester contribution, city, expected cost of living, program duration, possible scholarships and flexibility for student work. A tuition-free master’s program in an expensive city is not automatically more affordable than a moderately priced option in a smaller city.

For more detail, read the guide on programs without tuition in Germany.

5. Understand the main university types

Not every German higher education institution has the same profile. Traditional universities are often more academic and research-oriented. Universities of applied sciences, often called Hochschulen or Universities of Applied Sciences, usually have a more practical profile, applied projects and closer links to employers.

If your goal is a doctorate or a research career, a research-focused university may be a better fit. If you want to enter the labor market after graduation, a university of applied sciences can be a very strong option.

There are also private universities with English-taught programs, especially in business, technology, management and digital fields. These can be useful for some students, but you should evaluate the total cost, recognition, reputation and expected return carefully.

For a broader overview, see public universities in Germany: what international students should know.

6. Build a realistic shortlist

After applying the first filters, organize your options in a simple table. A shortlist of 8 to 12 programs is usually manageable. Fewer options can be risky. Too many options can make the process slow, expensive and confusing.

Include columns such as program name, university, city, country, language, duration, cost, application deadline, main requirements and estimated fit: ambitious, realistic or backup.

Do not choose only by city. Berlin, Munich, Hamburg and Frankfurt are attractive, but smaller cities can offer strong universities, lower living costs and less pressure in the housing market.

On Study in DACH, you can also compare programs in Germany with options in Austria and Switzerland. This is useful if your priority is to study in English in the DACH region rather than in one specific city. You can also explore studying in Austria, studying in Switzerland and the guide on how to compare study programs in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

7. Turn your search into an application plan

Once your shortlist is ready, group the programs by priority and deadline. Start with programs that close soon or require documents that take longer to prepare, such as certified translations, English certificates, recommendation letters or an academic pre-check.

A simple plan can look like this: define your field and target countries, filter 20 to 30 programs, reduce the list to 8 to 12 options, prepare common documents, adapt your motivation letter for each program and submit applications by priority.

The main benefit of this approach is that your search becomes concrete. Instead of endlessly browsing for “a master’s in Germany”, you work with a clear list of programs, requirements and next steps.

Related programs

Use these filters as a starting point, not as a final decision. Before applying, always confirm the details on the official university website.

You can also explore the course catalog and filter by country, degree level, language, field of study, tuition type and program profile.

Free orientation

If you are not sure where to start, a free orientation can help you turn a broad search into a clearer and more realistic shortlist. The goal is not to choose the program for you, but to help you organize filters, countries, costs and next steps.

You can start with the course catalog, visit the page about studying in Germany or read the guide on public universities in Germany.

FAQ

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace individual review by the university, consulate, official application platforms or an authorized advisor. Admission requirements, fees, deadlines, visa rules and financial requirements can change. Always confirm the information on the official program page before submitting documents or making payments.