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8 Best Universities for MS in Automotive Engineering in Germany 2026: Ranking, Fees & Deadlines

8 Best Universities for MS in Automotive Engineering in Germany 2026: Ranking, Fees & Deadlines

Germany is undeniably the global hub for automotive engineering. Known as the birthplace of world-famous automobile brands like BMW, Porsche, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz, the country stands at the forefront of car innovation and advanced engineering research. It is no surprise that international students aspiring to build a career in this field choose Germany as their top destination for pursuing a Master’s in Automotive Engineering.

Studying MS in Automotive Engineering in Germany offers more than just a degree. Students gain access to world-class universities, state-of-the-art research facilities, and strong industry partnerships that directly connect them with leading automotive companies. With affordable tuition fees compared to other study destinations and excellent post-study work opportunities, Germany provides the perfect balance of quality education and career prospects.

This guide will walk you through the top German universities for MS in Automotive Engineering, their tuition fees, admission requirements, available scholarships, cost of living, and job opportunities after graduation.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the top universities in Germany for an MS in Automotive Engineering.

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Overview of MS in Automotive Engineering at Top Universities in Germany

Germany is globally recognized for its rigorous and highly practical automotive engineering programs. The best universities for MS in Automotive Engineering in Germany were carefully selected based on multiple factors: their reputation within the automotive industry, the quality and impact of their research, strong industry collaborations, and affordability. Public universities, in particular, offer world-class education with minimal tuition fees, making them an excellent choice for international students.

This guide will help you navigate the top universities, tuition costs, admission requirements, scholarships, and career prospects for an MS in Automotive Engineering in Germany.

Aspect

Details

Duration

2 years (4 semesters)

Intakes

Summer (April) & Winter (October)

Popular Programs

Automotive Engineering, Mobility Systems, Automotive Software Engineering

Average Tuition Fees

€0 - €5,000 per year at public universities

Average Living Expenses

€11,208 per year (INR 10.08L)

Post-Study Work Permit

18 months to find a job

PR Opportunities

Eligible for Permanent Residence after 2 years of employment

Why Choose the Best Universities in Germany for an MS in Automotive Engineering

Germany is the global hub for automotive innovation, where world-class education meets real-world industry experience. Pursuing an MS in Automotive Engineering in Germany allows you to not only learn advanced engineering principles but also apply them in one of the most innovative automotive industries in the world. The strong collaboration between universities and automotive companies ensures that your learning is practical, industry-focused, and globally recognized.

  • World Class Education: German universities consistently rank among the best globally. Their engineering curricula are highly respected.
  • Home of Automotive Giants: Germany is the headquarters for BMW, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, Audi, and Porsche. This provides unmatched industry exposure.
  • Strong Industry Curriculum: Coursework is designed in collaboration with industry leaders. It ensures you learn skills that employers actually need.
  • Excellent Post Study Work Rights: You can stay for 18 months after graduation to find a job. This is a major advantage for international students.
  • Cutting Edge Research Hubs: Universities work on future oriented projects like autonomous driving and electric mobility. You can be part of groundbreaking innovation.
  • High Return on Investment: With low tuition fees and high graduate salaries, an MS in Germany offers one of the best ROIs in the world.

Top 7 Universities in Germany for MS in Automotive Engineering

When looking for the top universities for automotive engineering, you will find they are primarily Technische Universitäten, which are Technical Universities. These institutions are known for offering highly specialized programs. These programs are famous for combining strong theoretical foundations with essential practical components.

Now, let us explore each university.

  • Technical University of Ingolstadt (MEng in International Automotive Engineering)
  • University of Wuppertal (MSc in Industrial Engineering Automotive)
  • FH Aachen (MSc in International Automotive Engineering)
  • Technical University of Ingolstadt (MEng in Automotive Production Engineering)
  • RWTH Aachen University (MSc in Automotive Engineering)
  • Technical University of Munich (MSc in Automotive Engineering)
  • Deggendorf Institute of Technology (MEng in Automotive Software Engineering)

Let's take a look at the top universities in Germany for Automotive Engineering.

1. Technical University of Ingolstadt (MEng in International Automotive Engineering)

The Technical University of Ingolstadt is strategically located in the heart of Bavaria's automotive industry, right next to Audi's headquarters. This provides unparalleled access to internships and industry projects. Its programs are highly practical and designed to meet the direct needs of automotive manufacturers.

Category

Details

QS Ranking 2026

Not Ranked (A specialized University of Applied Sciences)

Location

Ingolstadt, Bavaria

Application Deadlines

Winter Semester: October 1

Application Fee

Information not specified

Average Annual Tuition Fee

Approx. €0 (approx. $2k for living costs per year; tuition is free)

Popular Programs

MEng in International Automotive Engineering

Acceptance Rate

Information not specified (Moderately selective)

Admission Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, IELTS 5.5, APS Certificate

Official Website

2. University of Wuppertal (MSc in Industrial Engineering Automotive)

The University of Wuppertal offers a unique blend of industrial engineering principles with a specialization in automotive systems. This approach is ideal for students who want to understand the entire value chain of automotive production, from technical development to management and logistics.

Category

Details

QS Ranking 2026

Not Ranked (Ranked within the top 800-1000 globally)

Location

Wuppertal, North Rhine-Westphalia

Application Deadlines

Winter Semester: October 1

Application Fee

Information not specified

Average Annual Tuition Fee

Approx. €300 per semester (approx. $1k per year)

Popular Programs

MSc in Industrial Engineering Automotive

Acceptance Rate

Information not specified

Admission Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field, IELTS 6.0, APS Certificate

Official Website

3. FH Aachen (MSc in International Automotive Engineering)

FH Aachen is one of Germany's most renowned universities of applied sciences, known for its strong engineering programs and close industry links. Its location in Aachen, a major technology hub, provides excellent opportunities for collaboration with industry leaders and research institutions like RWTH Aachen.

Category

Details

QS Ranking 2026

Not Ranked

Location

Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia

Application Deadlines

Summer Semester: November 30

Application Fee

Information not specified

Average Annual Tuition Fee

Approx. €0 (approx. $1k for living costs per year; tuition is free)

Popular Programs

MSc in International Automotive Engineering

Acceptance Rate

Information not specified (Competitive due to reputation)

Admission Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar, IELTS 6.5, APS Certificate

Official Website

4. Technical University of Ingolstadt (MEng in Automotive Production Engineering)

This second program at THI focuses specifically on production engineering, making it a perfect choice for students targeting careers in automotive manufacturing, plant management, and production optimization. The connection to local industry is a significant advantage.

Category

Details

QS Ranking 2026

Not Ranked

Location

Ingolstadt, Bavaria

Application Deadlines

Summer Semester: January 15

Application Fee

Information not specified

Average Annual Tuition Fee

Approx. €0 (approx. $2k for living costs per year; tuition is free)

Popular Programs

MEng in Automotive Production Engineering

Acceptance Rate

Information not specified

Admission Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, language requirements not specified (likely German), APS Certificate

Official Website

5. RWTH Aachen University (MSc in Automotive Engineering)

RWTH Aachen is Germany's top-ranked technical university and a global powerhouse in engineering education. Its Automotive Engineering program is exceptionally rigorous and research-oriented, offering access to state-of-the-art facilities and leading professors. A degree from RWTH Aachen is highly valued worldwide.

Category

Details

QS Ranking 2026

#106 (RWTH Aachen's overall ranking)

Location

Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia

Application Deadlines

Winter Semester: March 1

Application Fee

Information not specified

Average Annual Tuition Fee

Approx. €350 per semester (approx. $1k per year)

Popular Programs

MSc in Automotive Engineering

Acceptance Rate

Approximately 10-15% (Extremely competitive)

Admission Requirements

Excellent Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field, GRE may be required, IELTS 6.0, APS Certificate

Official Website

6. Technical University of Munich (MSc in Automotive Engineering)

As you know from the first example, TUM is consistently ranked as Germany's top university. Its Automotive Engineering program is at the forefront of research in areas like autonomous driving and electromobility. Located in Bavaria, it has strong ties to BMW, Audi, and other major players. Please note the tuition fee listed appears to be an outlier for public universities in Germany and should be verified.

Category

Details

QS Ranking 2026

#37 (TUM's overall ranking)

Location

Munich, Bavaria

Application Deadlines

Winter Semester: October 13

Application Fee

EUR 75

Average Annual Tuition Fee

Information Discrepancy (Listed as $28k, but public tuition is typically ~€258/semester. Verify on website.)

Popular Programs

MSc in Automotive Engineering

Acceptance Rate

Approximately 8-12% (Extremely competitive)

Admission Requirements

Excellent Bachelor's degree, GRE, IELTS 6.5/TOEFL 88, APS Certificate, Aptitude Assessment

Official Website

7. Deggendorf Institute of Technology (MEng in Automotive Software Engineering)

DIT offers a highly specialized and modern program focusing on the critical intersection of automotive and software engineering. This is an excellent choice for students aiming to work in connected vehicles, autonomous systems, and in-vehicle software development, which is a rapidly growing field.

Category

Details

QS Ranking 2026

Not Ranked

Location

Deggendorf, Bavaria

Application Deadlines

Summer Semester: November 1

Application Fee

Information not specified

Average Annual Tuition Fee

Approx. €0 (approx. $2k for living costs per year; tuition is free)

Popular Programs

MEng in Automotive Software Engineering

Acceptance Rate

Information not specified

Admission Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, IELTS 5.5, APS Certificate

Official Website

Admission Requirements for Top Universities in Germany for MS in Automotive Engineering

Gaining admission to a German university is a competitive process. While the requirements are generally standardized across the board, some specific criteria can vary slightly between institutions. You will need to meet specific academic prerequisites. You must also fulfill strict language proficiency criteria.

Eligibility Criteria to Study MS in Automotive Engineering at Top Universities in Germany

  • Academic Qualification: A Bachelor's degree in Automotive Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field from a recognized university.
  • Minimum GPA: A minimum GPA equivalent to a German grade of 2.5 or better on a 5.0 scale. This is roughly 75% or 7.5 CGPA in the Indian system.
  • Relevant Coursework: Your undergraduate transcript must show sufficient credits in core engineering subjects like mathematics, thermodynamics, mechanics, and design.

Entrance Exams Required to Study MS in Automotive Engineering at Top Universities in Germany

  • GRE: Many top universities (like TUM, RWTH Aachen) require or strongly recommend a GRE score. A competitive quantitative score is typically above 160.
  • University Specific Tests: Some universities may have their own aptitude tests or interviews as part of the selection process.

English Proficiency Tests Required for MS in Automotive Engineering at Top Universities in Germany

  • IELTS: Minimum score required is usually 6.5 overall, with no section below 6.0.
  • TOEFL iBT: Minimum score required is typically between 80 and 95.

Note: Some programs are taught in German. For those, you will need to provide TestDaF or DSH scores.

Documents Required to Study MS in Automotive Engineering at Top Universities in Germany

  • Officially attested copies of academic transcripts and degree certificates
  • A valid passport
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) / Resume
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • Letters of Recommendation (usually 2)
  • GRE score report (if required)
  • English language proficiency score report
  • APS India Certificate (Mandatory for Indian students)
  • Proof of financial resources (Blocked Account statement)
  • Passport size photographs

Admission Process for Best Universities in Germany for MS in Automotive Engineering

The application process is sequential. It demands very careful planning. You should start your preparations at least one full year before your intended intake date.

  • Shortlist Universities: Research and finalize 5-7 universities based on your profile and goals.
  • Check Requirements: Visit each university's official website and note their specific deadlines and document requirements.
  • Appear for Exams: Take the required exams (GRE, IELTS/TOEFL) and ensure you get the minimum scores.
  • Apply for APS Certification: This is a mandatory step for Indian students. Apply for the APS India Certificate as it can take 6-8 weeks to process.
  • Prepare Application Documents: Draft your SOP, get your LORs, and get all your documents translated and attested if needed.
  • Apply via Uni-Assist/Portal: Most public universities require applications through the Uni-Assist portal. Some have their own online portals.
  • Pay Application Fees: Pay the required application fee for each university.
  • Receive Admission Letter: If selected, you will receive an offer letter.
  • Apply for Student Visa: Once you have the offer letter, open a Blocked Account and apply for a German Student Visa.
  • Plan Your Travel: Book your flights and arrange for accommodation in Germany.

Cost of Studying MS in Automotive Engineering at Top Universities in Germany

Studying in Germany is a relatively affordable option. This is especially true when you compare it to other popular study destinations. This lower cost is a major reason for its strong popularity among international students.

Tuition Fees for MS in Automotive Engineering at Top Universities in Germany

The tuition fees for MS in Automotive Engineering at public universities in Germany range from €0 to €5,000 (INR 0 to 4.5L) per year. Private universities can cost up to €30,000 (INR 27L) per year.

University Type

Average Annual Tuition Fee (EUR)

Average Annual Tuition Fee (INR)

Public University

€0 - €5,000

INR 0 - 4.5L

Private University

€10,000 - €30,000

INR 9L - 27L

Cost of Living in Germany for International Students

The average cost of living in Germany for international students ranges from €800 to €1,200 (INR 72,000 to 1.08L) per month. This depends on the city and your lifestyle.

Expense

Monthly Cost (EUR)

Monthly Cost (INR)

Accommodation

€400 - €700

INR 36K - 63K

Food

€200 - €250

INR 18K - 22.5K

Transport

€50 - €100

INR 4.5K - 9K

Health Insurance

€110

INR 9.9K

Miscellaneous

€100 - €200

INR 9K - 18K

Total (per month)

€860 - €1,360

INR 77.4K - 1.22L

Health Insurance and Miscellaneous Expenses for MS in Automotive Engineering at Top Universities in Germany

The average cost of health insurance is fixed at around €110 (INR 9.9K) per month. Miscellaneous expenses include phone bills, leisure, and stationery.

Expense

Annual Cost (EUR)

Annual Cost (INR)

Statutory Health Insurance

€1,320

INR 11.88L

Semester Contribution

€150 - €350

INR 13.5K - 31.5K

Miscellaneous (Leisure, etc.)

€1,000 - €1,500

INR 90K - 1.35L

Scholarships for MS in Automotive Engineering at Top Universities in Germany

Many top universities in Germany provide scholarship opportunities. The average funding ranges from €500 to €1,000 (INR 45,000 to 90,000) monthly. This financial support can significantly reduce the overall cost of your studies.

University Name

Name of Scholarship

Amount Offered (per month)

DAAD

EPOS, Study Scholarships

€850 - €1,200 (INR 76.5K - 1.08L) + travel grant

TUM

TUM Scholarship

€500 - €1,500 (INR 45K - 1.35L)

RWTH Aachen

RWTH Scholarship

€300 - €1,000 (INR 27K - 90K)

University of Stuttgart

Deutschlandstipendium

€300 (INR 27K)

KIT

KIT Scholarship

€500 - €1,000 (INR 45K - 90K)

Placement Rate at Top Automotive Engineering Universities in Germany

Graduates from top Automotive Engineering programs in Germany are in high demand. The average placement rate for these universities exceeds 90% within the first year after graduation. This high rate is a direct result of the strong industry need for these specialized skills.

University Name

Placement Rate (%)

Avg Annual Salary (EUR)

Top Recruiters

Technical University of Munich

95%

€65,000 (INR 58.5L)

BMW, Siemens, Audi, Porsche

RWTH Aachen University

93%

€62,000 (INR 55.8L)

Ford, FEV, Tesla, Bosch

University of Stuttgart

96%

€60,000 (INR 54L)

Mercedes Benz, Porsche, Bosch

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

91%

€58,000 (INR 52.2L)

BMW, Siemens, Mahle

TH Ingolstadt

98%

€56,000 (INR 50.4L)

Audi, Continental, Hyundai

Job Opportunities After MS in Automotive Engineering from Top Universities in Germany

Graduates can access a wide array of job opportunities. These roles are available at major OEMs, specialized suppliers, and leading tech companies. The industry's shift toward electric and autonomous vehicles has also created many new high demand roles for engineers.

Job Role

Description

Avg Annual Salary (EUR)

Automotive Design Engineer

Design and develop vehicle components and systems.

€58,000 (INR 52.2L)

Autonomous Driving Engineer

Work on software and systems for self driving cars.

€70,000 (INR 63L)

Electrification Engineer

Develop electric powertrains, batteries, and charging systems.

€65,000 (INR 58.5L)

Simulation Engineer

Use CAE tools to simulate and test vehicle performance.

€56,000 (INR 50.4L)

Project Manager

Lead engineering projects and coordinate between teams.

€68,000 (INR 61.2L)

How to Choose the Best University in Germany for MS in Automotive Engineering

Selecting a university for your Master's is a significant decision that requires careful thought beyond just rankings. To make a smart choice, you need to strategically evaluate how each program aligns with your personal academic, career, and financial goals. Rushing this process can lead to a poor fit, so it's crucial to methodically research and compare your options.

  • Scrutinize the Program Curriculum: Don't just skim course titles; dive into the syllabus details. Ensure the core subjects and specializations directly build the specific technical and business skills required for your target career path, whether it's data science, IT consulting, or systems management.
  • Evaluate Location & Industry Links: Prioritize universities located in or near major tech and business hubs like Austin, New York, or Chicago. A strong location provides unparalleled access to industry events, guest lectures, and, most importantly, a vast pool of local internship and job opportunities.
  • Analyze Cost versus Return on Investment (ROI): Look beyond the tuition sticker price; calculate the total cost including living expenses. Then, compare this investment against the program's average placement statistics and starting salaries to gauge the realistic financial return you can expect after graduation.
  • Research Faculty Expertise and Alumni Success: Investigate the research areas and industry experience of the professors, as their expertise can shape your learning. Furthermore, a strong, active alumni network in your desired field can be a powerful asset for mentorship and job placements long after you graduate.

From the Desk of СÓÅÊÓÆµ

Choosing to pursue your MS in Automotive Engineering in Germany is a smart career move. But the application process can feel overwhelming. You need to shortlist the right universities, craft a compelling SOP, and navigate requirements like the APS certificate.

This is where СÓÅÊÓÆµ can be your guide. Our platform offers detailed profiles of thousands of programs. You can find the best fit based on your scores and preferences. Our community of past admits can share their real experiences.

For personalized guidance, consider booking a session with a СÓÅÊÓÆµ Premium counselor. Our experts have helped thousands of students like you secure admission into top German universities. We provide end to end support, from shortlisting to visa assistance.

Let СÓÅÊÓÆµ help you turn your dream of studying in Germany into a reality. Explore our resources and connect with our counselors today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is GRE required for MS in Automotive Engineering in Germany?

Do I need German language skills to study this course?

What is the total cost of studying MS in Automotive Engineering in Germany?

What are the job opportunities after completing MS in Automotive Engineering in Germany?

Are scholarships available for international students in Germany?

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Tuition Fees

$2k

IELTS Requirements

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Deadline

Summer, Nov 1, 2025

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$28k

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