At a Glance: Why You Should Study IT in Germany
Why choose Germany to study IT? There are plenty of reasons to study IT-related fields in Germany, including:
Global Tech Hub: Germany is a world leader in research and development, particularly in areas like AI, data science, robotics, and software development.
High Employability Rates: There's a high demand for IT professionals in Germany, which means IT graduates are more likely to find a stable job.
Affordable & High-Quality Education: Germany's universities are very well-respected. You can find both public and private universities that have low tuition fees and flexible payment options.
Safe & Welcoming Environment: You'll integrate well into daily life in Germany. This is thanks to the country's affordable healthcare and vibrant cultural scene.
Bustling Cities: Places like Berlin and Munich are rich in history and social activities. They're also hubs for startups and multinational tech companies alike - perfect for IT students looking to find a job or professional network.
Are you looking to begin a career in IT? Can't decide where to kick things off? We recommend studying in Germany if you're an international student with aspirations of a successful IT career. The country is a hotspot for IT professionals, with good salaries, opportunities, employment rates, and healthcare. And there's the 18-month post-study work visa to help you find a job.
In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know about studying IT in Germany. We cover everything from the types of degrees available to the best universities to what you can expect to pay. We answer your questions and provide all the information you need to decide whether Germany is the right next step for you.
Types of Information Technology Degrees Available in Germany
What IT degrees can you find in Germany? IT study programmes are available at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. A bachelor's degree is best if you're just beginning your academic journey, while a master's can help you build your skills or specialise.
Bachelor’s Degrees in IT (BSc/BEng)
Bachelor’s IT programmes in Germany typically last 3 years (6 semesters) and focus on practical skills and real-world applications. For example, you may find the best networking opportunities and internships during these courses, usually at Universities of Applied Sciences.
Wondering what bachelor's degree in IT you could choose? Here are some popular specialisations:
Computer Science: The foundation of IT, this subject covers programming, databases, algorithms, and systems architecture.
Cyber Security: Learn how to protect digital infrastructure and data from cyber threats.
Business & IT: Combine IT skills with business management to develop technical and strategic abilities.
Artificial Intelligence (AI): Focus on building intelligent systems and how to program machine learning software.
Click on the links above to explore English-laught IT bachelor’s degrees at IU!
Master’s Degrees in IT
Master’s programmes in Germany usually take around 1-2 years to complete (depending on the course and university). These advanced degrees help you specialise further and learn more complex subjects. They also train you in management, strategy, and leadership skills, helping you qualify for senior-level positions or research roles.
What kind of master's degrees can you study? Common IT field specialisations include:
Artificial Intelligence: Study deep learning, computer vision, and the ethical use of AI in real-world applications.
Cyber Security: Explore encryption, risk assessment, network security, and advanced defence systems.
Computer Science: Broaden your understanding of software development, data engineering, data systems, and cloud technologies.
Click on the links above to discover IU’s master’s programmes in Berlin (taught 100% in English)!
Best Universities in Germany to Study Information Technology
Germany is home to some of the world’s most respected universities for IT. You can find bachelor’s and master’s programmes in both public and private institutions, with each type of university having its strengths and weaknesses. This means it can be daunting to decide which is right for you, but don't worry! We cover all the information you need to know in this section to help you make up your mind.
Top Public Universities for IT in Germany
Public universities are often tuition-free (or at least charge very low fees). However, this makes them relatively difficult to get into, and the application process is highly competitive. Plus, you'll most likely be taught in German rather than English, although some master's courses are English-taught.
Which public universities should you consider for IT? Some of the best include the Technical University of Munich (TUM), the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), and the TU Berlin. These three offer strong courses in computer science and IT.
Public universities are ideal if:
You meet strict admission requirements (often via uni-assist)
You’re comfortable in a more independent learning environment
You want to progress into further research or a PhD
If this doesn't sound like a good fit for you, there are always private universities. These offer more flexible learning and support, particularly for international students.
Top Private Universities for IT in Germany
Private universities offer flexible admissions, personalised support, modern and blended learning environments, career services, and strong links to industry professionals. Tuition fees are higher but come with added services like internship support and visa assistance.
What private universities in Germany should you consider?
IU International University of Applied Sciences
IU International University of Applied Sciences is Germany’s largest private university. It's fully accredited and internationally recognised for leading IT degrees. When you study at IU, you get:
3-4 days classroom sessions per week in our Berlin campus, complemented by online learning.
100% English-taught programmes designed for international students.
Strong emphasis on career readiness, with 94% of graduates finding a job within 3 months.
Access to an 18-month post-study work visa, career services, and job platforms.
Other Private Universities in Germany
Other notable private institutions include the GISMA Business School (which offers business-focused IT master’s degrees) and the University of Europe for Applied Sciences (which combines design, tech, and innovation in one). Then there's the Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI) – affordable and with an international focus across its degrees.
Private universities are ideal if:
You want smaller class sizes and more one-on-one academic support
You prefer a modern, career-focused approach
You want to study in English without needing German proficiency
All German universities offering IT programmes must meet national accreditation standards. This means no matter where you go, you'll get high-quality education.
Admission Requirements and Tuition Fees for IT Programmes in Germany
Don’t forget additional living costs such as accommodation, food, public transport, and health insurance! You should budget about €850-€1,200/month, depending on the city.
Career Prospects After Studying IT in Germany
What happens after you graduate with an IT degree from a German university? You'll be in a strong position to start your career in Europe’s thriving tech sector.
Germany is facing a massive shortage of IT professionals (there were around 149,000 open positions in late 2023 alone!), and this is expected to continue until 2040 as investment in the IT sector grows. This means if you're a graduate in an IT-related field, you'll be in high demand!
At IU International University of Applied Sciences, 94% of graduates land a job within 3 months of graduation. This is thanks to:
Career-focused courses
Practical and blended learning
1-on-1 career coaching
A job listings platform
Interview training and CV checks
Networking events and employer connections
Plus, as an international student, you’re eligible for an 18-month post-study work visa. This gives you time to explore job opportunities across Germany and the EU after you graduate.
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Tips for Choosing the Right IT Programme in Germany
With so many IT study programmes available, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. Here are our 6 top tips to help you narrow it down:
Interested in artificial intelligence or software development? Choose a programme that matches your long-term goals. Specialised degrees like IU’s MSc in Cyber Security can fast-track your career.
Programmes from universities like IU often include internships or project work with companies. This helps you gain hands-on experience more easily.
If you prefer not to study in German, focus on English-taught study programmes like those offered at IU and other private institutions.
Some public universities require applications through uni-assist and are very competitive. Private universities tend to have lower entry barriers and more personalised application support, as well as multiple intakes throughout the year.
Public universities typically offer traditional classroom models, while private universities like IU offer a mix of online flexibility and in-person tutorials 2–3 days per week in Berlin.
A solid IT programme doesn’t end with a degree. Look for universities that offer career coaching, job platforms, and support for post-study employment.
Visit university websites, download brochures, and talk to current students or alumni when possible to get insider insights.
Final Thoughts: Is Studying IT in Germany Right for You?
If you’re looking for a future-proof career in tech, studying IT in Germany is a smart move. You’ll benefit from world-class education, English-taught courses, a strong focus on innovation, affordable study options, and direct access to the EU job market.
And if you choose to study at IU International University of Applied Sciences, you’ll get:
In-person teaching complemented by online learning.
Personal support from visa help to career coaching.
Industry-aligned programmes that get you job-ready fast.
With all these benefits, what's not to love about studying in Germany? Whether you’re into cybersecurity, AI, software development, data science, or any other IT field, Germany is ready to launch your tech career.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Studying IT in Germany
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