Study Computer Science in Germany: Your Gateway to a Global Tech Career

• Germany offers world-class education and strong career opportunities in computer science.

• Public universities are more affordable but competitive, while private ones offer more flexibility and student support.

• Bachelor’s courses (3 years) cover core areas like programming and algorithms, while master’s programmes (1–2 years) focus on advanced topics like AI and cybersecurity.

• Berlin is a tech and start-up hotspot, ideal for internships and networking.

• International graduates can apply for an 18-month job seeker visa after their studies.

Are you dreaming of a career in computer science? Then consider an education in the heart of Europe! Germany is the place to be for computer science programmes. Here, you'll find high-quality education and a booming job market with hundreds of start-ups and tech giants, from SAP to Siemens to SoundCloud.

Public and private German institutions offer cutting-edge research and world-leading education. In this guide, we outline what to expect when studying computer science in Germany and how you can turn your dream into a reality.

Considering an education in computer science? Launching a tech career in Germany - one of the world's biggest economies - may just be your smartest move yet.

Germany has traditionally been the home of precision engineering and world-class cars. Now, the country is engaged in the digital revolution. It has quickly become a global hub for innovation, AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and computer programming. Data scientists and software developers flock to Germany thanks to the bountiful opportunities that exist in the country's tech industry.

These benefits draw international students from all over the world. Here's why you should join them and study computer science in Germany:

• A Global Tech Leader: Germany ranks 9th out of 133 participating countries for technological innovation, according to the Global Innovation Index 2024. The latest Paris AI Summit proved that the EU is willing to up its innovation game even further. Germany alone has already invested €5 billion in AI up to 2025!

• Industry Partnerships: German universities work with multinational tech titans like Siemens and Bosch in their research. Your lecturers will often have links to industry professionals and may even arrange valuable networking opportunities during your studies.

• Booming Job Market: Germany's innovation is accelerating fast (Bitkom reported 149,000 unfilled IT positions in Germany as of late 2023). This means the demand for skilled computer science graduates is huge. Plus, new investments in top tech companies like Intel, who recently committed €30 billion to chip manufacturing in Magdeburg, mean stable job prospects and long-term career opportunities.

• Rewarding Career Paths for International Students: Want to continue your time in Germany after your studies? International students can qualify for the 18-month post-study work visa. This means you’ll have plenty of time to find a role after you graduate in one of Europe’s strongest economies.

• Affordable, Accessible Degrees: Tuition fees in Germany are significantly cheaper than in other countries (such as the US or UK), and many public universities are free - even to international students. Plus, many programmes are taught entirely in English, so you won't even have to navigate the language barrier. Earning a globally respected degree is more straightforward than you think.

Germany is home to world-renowned public institutions and modern, career-focused private universities. This variety helps you pick the right computer science course for you based on your own preferences and budget.

Germany offers well-structured computer science programmes at both bachelor’s and master’s level. BSc degrees focus on building strong technical foundations, and MSc courses explore more advanced topics and specialisations. You'll get all the essential skills you need to prepare for today’s tech-driven job market.

You've made up your mind: you want to study computer science in Germany. Now, you’ll need to meet the right academic and language criteria. These often vary between universities, but here are the most common entry requirements:

• A recognised secondary school diploma (for bachelor’s programmes) or a relevant bachelor’s degree (for master’s).

• Proof of English proficiency (usually through IELTS or TOEFL for international students).

• Application submitted through Uni Assist (only in some cases - mostly for public universities) to help verify international qualifications.

• Any required application materials (things like transcripts, CV, personal motivation letter, and sometimes entrance exams or interviews).

Pro Tip: Always check the application deadlines, as they can vary by university and intake season.

Studying in Germany is affordable, but costs can vary between public and private universities.

Most public universities in Germany don't charge international students any tuition fees for bachelor’s programmes. That said, you might have to pay a semester contribution (usually between €250–€400) to cover administrative costs and public transport. Then there's the ordeal of dealing with a competitive application process and having to prove your German language abilities.

There's no better place to be than Berlin for studying computer science in Germany. But why is that?

Berlin is one of Europe’s most dynamic and diverse cities. International students benefit from far more than just a classroom. You'll quickly find life in the German capital is vibrant and constantly evolving, with a thriving tech ecosystem and endless networking opportunities.

What's next after you graduate with a computer science degree from a German university? You'll be greeted with opens doors to a range of career opportunities, including:

Note: The above salary ranges are our best estimates but may differ based on location, company size, individual experience, and additional qualifications. Job portals like Indeed Germany have the most current and detailed salary information.