Study Architecture in Germany

In choosing to study architecture, you are choosing to pursue an education that connects artistic creativity and technical knowledge. You will learn to carry out the design process using traditional methods and digital tools and to correctly assess relevant materials and combine them with different construction methods. The basics of structural calculation and building physics are equally as important as the energy efficient planning of buildings and knowledge of architectural history.

The architectural field of study also includes historic preservation and interior architecture. This means that you can also specialise in the technical, artistical, economical, and ecological planning and design of interior spaces or the maintenance and restoration of historical monuments during your studies.

In most cases, the programme is very practice oriented. You will apply your knowledge in projects from early on as well as during internships, e.g., in the construction industry or architecture firms. This also helps you establish a network for your future career.

You can study architecture at universities, universities of applied sciences or at art colleges. To be eligible to study at a university, you must have a German Abitur (or the international equivalent); at universities of applied sciences, at least a so-called Fachabitur (or the international equivalent) is required. For a Master’s degree programme in architecture, most higher education institutions require a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject. The respective higher education institution decides what is considered relevant.

Whether your preferred course of studies is subject to admission restrictions varies depending on the higher education institution. In some cases, you will have to take part in a selection procedure/aptitude test, prove that you have completed a pre-study internship or demonstrate your artistic and creative skills in your application portfolio. This will mainly be the case if you are interested in a more artistically oriented degree programme, which is often offered at art colleges.

As you can see, it’s worth looking at different degree programmes at different institutions so that you can find the right one for you. You can find many courses of study in architecture at German higher education institutions right here at My GUIDE.

In Germany, you usually complete your studies in architecture with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Only some higher education institutions still offer a German Diplom degree in this subject, for which you should expect at least ten semesters of study. A Bachelor’s degree, on the other hand, is usually obtained after six to eight semesters, and a Master’s degree requires another four semesters in most cases.

Most state higher education institutions in Germany do not charge tuition fees. Nevertheless, you should check the programmes carefully: occasionally, fees are charged, especially for Master’s programmes. At private higher education institutions, of which the number has increased significantly in Germany over the last twenty years, fees are always charged, sometimes several hundred euros per month.

You have to pay semester contributions (so-called Semesterbeiträge) at all state higher education institutions and some private institutions as well. Depending on your institution of higher education, these costs can range anywhere from 100 to 400 euros. Sometimes your semester contribution covers a ticket for local public transport or you can purchase a discounted ticket. Depending on where you study, this may be valid for the city, the region or even for all of Germany. Ask your higher education institution whether such an offer is currently available.

The biggest item in your personal budget will be rent. In some cities, especially in eastern Germany or cities with more recently established higher education institutions, it can be quite easy to find affordable accommodation. However, in other cities, especially in attractive cities and popular, traditional student cities, you will have to dig deep into your pocket for a room. In any case, student halls of residence are usually your cheapest option. As soon as you have decided on where you want to study, you should start looking, as halls of residence can fill up quickly. Here, you can find information on local halls of residence and the respective application process for most cities. All other costs depend on your personal lifestyle.

To finance your studies in Germany, you should also find out about scholarships. There are many different scholarship programmes and excellent grades are not the only deciding factor. You can learn more about scholarships here and find suitable programmes directly on My GUIDE.

To be allowed to call yourself an architect after your graduation, which is a protected professional title in Germany, membership in a chamber of architects is required. For this, you must have completed a full-time degree in architecture with a minimum length of eight semesters and have at least two years of relevant professional experience. As a rule, a Bachelor’s degree is not sufficient for this. The regulations differ in detail from one federal state to the next, which is why you should familiarise yourself with them before deciding on a course of study. This way you can ensure that your Bachelor’s/Master’s combination will be recognised by the chamber you are interested in. By the way: dual studies or distance learning are also possible in architecture. However, you should be aware that the Federal Chamber of German Architects points out that such studies are currently not sufficient to obtain membership in a chamber of architects.

For a long time, architects had quite a difficult time starting out in their chosen careers, especially compared to other graduates in the engineering sciences. Meanwhile, in Germany, the chances have improved considerably and you don’t have to worry that you won’t find a job. But even though today, the unemployment rate among architects is low, the competition for jobs, contracts and tenders remains intense. In terms of pay, too, architecture graduates start out below the otherwise comparatively high entry salaries of the engineering sciences.

Architects work in the commercial sector, for example in construction or real estate companies, in the public sector or, of course, in architecture or (urban) planning offices. Many graduates also choose to become self-employed and either work freelance or set up their own office.