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
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Details
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QS Ranking 2026
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Not Ranked (A specialized University of Applied Sciences)
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Location
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Ingolstadt, Bavaria
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Application Deadlines
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Winter Semester: October 1
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Application Fee
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Information not specified
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Average Annual Tuition Fee
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Approx. €0 (approx. $2k for living costs per year; tuition is free)
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Popular Programs
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MEng in International Automotive Engineering
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Acceptance Rate
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Information not specified (Moderately selective)
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Admission Requirements
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Bachelor's degree in Engineering, IELTS 5.5, APS Certificate
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Official Website
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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
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Details
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QS Ranking 2026
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Not Ranked (Ranked within the top 800-1000 globally)
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Location
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Wuppertal, North Rhine-Westphalia
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Application Deadlines
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Winter Semester: October 1
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Application Fee
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Information not specified
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Average Annual Tuition Fee
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Approx. €300 per semester (approx. $1k per year)
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Popular Programs
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MSc in Industrial Engineering Automotive
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Acceptance Rate
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Information not specified
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Admission Requirements
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Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering or related field, IELTS 6.0, APS Certificate
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Official Website
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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
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Details
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QS Ranking 2026
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Not Ranked
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Location
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Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia
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Application Deadlines
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Summer Semester: November 30
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Application Fee
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Information not specified
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Average Annual Tuition Fee
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Approx. €0 (approx. $1k for living costs per year; tuition is free)
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Popular Programs
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MSc in International Automotive Engineering
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Acceptance Rate
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Information not specified (Competitive due to reputation)
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Admission Requirements
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Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar, IELTS 6.5, APS Certificate
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Official Website
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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
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Details
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QS Ranking 2026
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Not Ranked
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Location
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Ingolstadt, Bavaria
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Application Deadlines
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Summer Semester: January 15
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Application Fee
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Information not specified
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Average Annual Tuition Fee
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Approx. €0 (approx. $2k for living costs per year; tuition is free)
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Popular Programs
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MEng in Automotive Production Engineering
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Acceptance Rate
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Information not specified
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Admission Requirements
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Bachelor's degree in Engineering, language requirements not specified (likely German), APS Certificate
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Official Website
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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
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Details
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QS Ranking 2026
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#106 (RWTH Aachen's overall ranking)
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Location
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Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia
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Application Deadlines
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Winter Semester: March 1
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Application Fee
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Information not specified
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Average Annual Tuition Fee
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Approx. €350 per semester (approx. $1k per year)
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Popular Programs
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MSc in Automotive Engineering
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Acceptance Rate
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Approximately 10-15% (Extremely competitive)
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Admission Requirements
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Excellent Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field, GRE may be required, IELTS 6.0, APS Certificate
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Official Website
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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
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Details
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QS Ranking 2026
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#37 (TUM's overall ranking)
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Location
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Munich, Bavaria
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Application Deadlines
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Winter Semester: October 13
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Application Fee
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EUR 75
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Average Annual Tuition Fee
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Information Discrepancy (Listed as $28k, but public tuition is typically ~€258/semester. Verify on website.)
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Popular Programs
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MSc in Automotive Engineering
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Acceptance Rate
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Approximately 8-12% (Extremely competitive)
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Admission Requirements
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Excellent Bachelor's degree, GRE, IELTS 6.5/TOEFL 88, APS Certificate, Aptitude Assessment
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Official Website
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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
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Details
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QS Ranking 2026
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Not Ranked
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Location
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Deggendorf, Bavaria
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Application Deadlines
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Summer Semester: November 1
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Application Fee
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Information not specified
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Average Annual Tuition Fee
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Approx. €0 (approx. $2k for living costs per year; tuition is free)
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Popular Programs
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MEng in Automotive Software Engineering
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Acceptance Rate
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Information not specified
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Admission Requirements
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Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, IELTS 5.5, APS Certificate
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Official Website
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