All About Automotive Engineering in Germany

Why Study Automotive Engineering in Germany?

There are several advantages of studying automotive engineering in Germany, such as:

1. Global Automotive Leader: Germany is home to some of the world’s largest car manufacturers, including Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Porsche. These companies provide several job opportunities for students. The automotive sector contributes greatly to Germany’s economy. It is also the largest car manufacturer in the world.

2. Great Job Opportunities: Automotive engineers in Germany are in high demand. As a fresh graduate, you can expect to earn between EUR 50,000 and EUR 60,000 annually. After earning your degree, you can apply for an 18-month post-study work visa in Germany.

3. Technology and Innovation: Germany has already begun testing Level 4 autonomous vehicles on its highways. It is globally known for advanced research and development (R&D) facilities, innovation in electric vehicles (EVs), self-driving cars (ADAS), and digital automotive systems.

4. Top-Quality Education: German universities are highly ranked and accredited for their outstanding automotive engineering programs. Some of the most prestigious institutions include:

• RWTH Aachen University

• Technical University of Munich

• University of Stuttgart

• Hamburg University of Applied Sciences

• Esslingen University of Applied Sciences

• Technical University of Berlin

• Technical University of Ingolstadt

• University of Bayreuth

5. Affordable Education: Most public universities in Germany have low or even no tuition fees for international students. You might be required to pay a minimal semester fee.

6. English-Taught Programs: Many German universities provide programs in English, making it easier for international students to learn.

Types of Automotive Engineering in Germany

Germany offers Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Automotive Engineering for international students. Both research universities and universities of applied sciences in Germany offer these courses.

1. Bachelors Programs in Automotive Engineering

Most of these are taught in German, with only a few options available in English. They are recommended for students who want to build a technical foundation and feel comfortable studying in German. The duration of bachelors in automotive engineering in Germany is three to four years. Some of the options for automotive engineering in Germany include:

• BEng Automotive Engineering

• BSc Mechatronics

• BSc in Automotive Engineering

• BEng in Autonomous Vehicle Engineering

Note: Many international students tend to lean towards Master’s programs since there are fewer English-taught undergraduate courses for automotive engineering in Germany.

2. Masters in Automotive Engineering

The duration of masters in automotive engineering in Germany is 1.5 to 2 years. Several masters programs are offered in English. They are ideal for engineering graduates seeking advanced education with strong connections to the industry. Some of the popular options for automotive engineering in Germany include:

• MSc in Automotive Engineering

• MSc in Automotive Software Engineering

• MSc in Automotive and Engine Technology

• MEng in Automotive Systems

• MEng in International Automotive Engineering

• MSc in Vehicle and Mobility Innovation

• MSc in Powertrain & Vehicle Technology

Specializations in Automotive Engineering in Germany

In Germany, Automotive Engineering specializations focus on various aspects of vehicle development and technology. To specialize in a field of interest, students can choose various specializations such as:

• Powertrain Engineering

• Automotive Electronics

• Vehicle Dynamics

• Automotive Software & Embedded Systems

• Electric Mobility & Battery Systems

• Autonomous and Connected Vehicles

• Materials and Manufacturing

• Electric Vehicle Technology

• Engine Design and Thermodynamics

• Manufacturing and Lightweight Materials

• Vehicle technology and development

• Vehicle mechatronics

• Automotive systems engineering

• Autonomous driving

• Automotive software engineering

• Mobility systems engineering and management

• Commercial Vehicle Technology

• Automotive Design

• Mechatronic Systems in Automotive Engineering

Read More

Eligibility for Automotive Engineering in Germany

To study automotive engineering in Germany, the eligibility criteria differ for both bachelors and masters degrees.

For Bachelors Programs:

• Academic Requirements: Completion of Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics with a minimum of 75–85%.

• Entrance Qualification: An APS certificate is mandatory for Indian students to study in Germany.

• German Language Proficiency: B2 or C1 level of proficiency in the German language is required for most bachelors courses in automotive engineering.

• English Language Proficiency: Some universities might ask for English language proficiency exam scores like IELTS minimum score 6.5+ or TOEFL with a minimum score of 90.

Suppose you are not qualified for a bachelors degree in Germany. In that case, you will be required to take a Studienkolleg, a one-year preparatory course and then pass the Feststellungsprüfung (assessment exam).

For Masters Programs:

• Academic Requirements: A bachelors degree is required in Mechanical, Automotive, Mechatronics, or Electrical Engineering with a minimum GPA of 2.5 or German equivalent or 65–70%.

• English Language Proficiency: The Majority of the masters in automotive engineering in Germany programs are taught in English. Hence, an IELTS score of 6.5+ or a TOEFL score of 90+ is required.

• German Language Proficiency: For courses taught in German, the minimum level of proficiency in the language is C1.

• Entrance Qualification: Some universities in Germany require GRE scores (above 315).

Documents Required to Study in Germany

To study in Germany, applicants must note the following list of documents to apply for automotive engineering courses in Germany successfully.

• Proof of Funds

• German Student Visa

• Application form

• Academic transcripts

• Degree certificates

• CV

• Statement of Purpose (SOP)

• Letters of Recommendation (LOR)

• Passport

• Health insurance coverage.

Application Process for Automotive Engineering in Germany

Follow the steps mentioned below to successfully apply for automotive engineering in Germany.

Step 1: Research Programs & Universities: Understand what kind of program is offered at which university and if that aligns with your goals.

Step 2: Check Eligibility: Check if you are eligible for the programme and understand the programme requirements.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents: Start preparing the documents that are required to apply for a course in automotive engineering in Germany. These might include academic transcripts, certificates, language test scores, SOP, CV, LORs, Passport, APS Certificate, and more.

Step 4: Apply: You can apply through different portals available like UniAssist, DAAD or the university website. You can also opt for an agent such as IDP, Edwise International, AECC Global and more.

Step 5: Pay Application Fee: Based on your mode of application, the fee varies. Fees to apply for agents can vary. To save money, you can self-apply. However, if you self apply the fees are as follows.

Top Universities for Automotive Engineering in Germany

One of the key benefits of studying automotive engineering in Germany is the availability of top universities that provide top-quality education to all. There are research universities that are highly ranked by the QS World University Rankings every year. In addition, there are Applied Science Universities that are more focused on practical training.

Tuition Fees and Scholarships for Automotive Engineering in Germany

Germany is known for affordable education, as it does not charge tuition fees in most universities. However, there are some additional charges that international students are required to pay. Refer to the table below to understand the fees for automotive engineering in Germany at top universities.

Scholarships to Study Automotive Engineering in Germany

Indian students planning to study automotive engineering in Germany can apply for scholarships to cover living and tuition fees. Germany offers scholarships from government bodies like DAAD, universities, and private organizations.

Read More

Cost of Living in Germany

The average cost of living in Germany for international students can range from EUR 800 to EUR 1,500 per month. Cost of living in Germany differs based on the lifestyle chocies of an individual. According to Numbeo the estimated monthly costs for a single person without rent is EUR 1,005 which is approximately INR 1,00,780. Additionally it is estimated that the cost of living in Germany is 241.6% higher than India.

Expensive Cities in Germany

• Munich

• Stuttgart

• Berlin

Affordable Cities in Germany

• Saarbrucken

• Leipzig

• Dresden

Source: Numbeo

Germany Student Visa

To study automotive engineering in Germany, international students must apply for a German student visa. Students must apply for a National Visa (D Type) visa which is suitable for long-term courses. The German student visa fee is €75 ( approximately ₹7,520). The processing time for a German student visa is approximately 4–10 weeks. Applicants must meet the requirements for the visa which include:

• Passport

• Visa application form

• Legal declaration (Section 54 Residence Act)

• Statement of Purpose

• APS Certificate (mandatory)

• Admission letter

• Language proficiency certificates

• Academic transcripts and certificates

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Proof of financial resources

• German/EU scholarship letter

• Proof of tuition payment

• Biometric photos

• Visa fee payment slip

• Travel health insurance

Post Study Work Visa in Germany

After graduation, international students have the chance to apply for an 18-month post-study work visa that allows them to search for jobs in Germany. To extend your residence permit, make sure to submit these documents:

• Personal ID and passport

• Degree from a German university

• Evidence of financial resources

• Health insurance

After obtaining a job, if eligible, students can transition to a Job Seeker Visa or an EU Blue Card, which can be a pathway to permanent residency in Germany after 27 months.

Job Opportunities After Automotive Engineering in Germany

According to Payscale, the average salary of an automotive engineer in Germany is EUR 56,662 per year. However, the automotive engineering in Germany salary is based on the level of experience, job role, company, and location.

Top Automobile Companies in Germany

• Volkswagen

• Mercedes-Benz Group

• BMW Group

• Audi

• Bosch

• Porsche

• ZF Friedrichshafen

• Daimler Truck

• Siemens Mobility

Some of the popular job roles and their average salaries in Germany are listed in the table below.

Average Salary for Automotive Engineering in Germany

Conclusion

Studying automotive engineering in Germany will provide a good return on investment (ROI) as most universities do not charge tuition fees; instead, a minimal semester fee is charged. In Germany, you just need to take care of the living expenses. Hence, you invest a minimal amount to study in Germany as compared to other popular study abroad countries. Once you graduate, you can expect high salaries and the chance to work with renowned companies like BMW, Audi, and Porsche. Additionally, living costs in cities like Saarbrücken, Leipzig, and Dresden are quite affordable. International students can also take advantage of scholarships offered by the government, such as the DAAD, or by various universities. With the German automotive industry evolving rapidly in fields like electric vehicles, autonomous driving, and smart cars, pursuing a degree in automotive engineering in Germany is worth it.

Explore More