Study Electrical Engineering in Germany

Powerful electronic devices and systems such as smartphones or the internet have become an essential part of our society and define many aspects of modern life. For this reason, information technology and communications engineering are important areas of specialisation within electrical engineering. This has also made the lines separating the electrical engineering field from, e.g., computer science, increasingly blurred. Other possible areas of specialisation during the study of electrical engineering include:

• Automation technology
• Electrical power engineering
• Electronics
• Precision engineering
• Communications technology
• Microelectronics
• Microsystems technology
• Sensor technology, measurement technology

An interest in mathematics and physics is indispensable for studying electrical engineering. In the first semesters, you will have to take a lot of modules and exams in maths and physics, and sometimes also in areas such as chemistry and mechanics. Since modern electrical engineering often uses computer calculations and simulations, you should also enjoy working with computers. In addition to scientific knowledge, analytical thinking and creativity are good for you to have if you want to successfully study electrical engineering.

To be eligible to apply for a course of study in electrical engineering requires a higher education entrance qualification. In addition to the general higher education entrance qualification, this can also be a technical college entrance qualification or a subject-specific higher education entrance qualification. Some higher education institutions also let you enrol with a vocational certificate at the “Meister” level or completed technical training in the field of electrical engineering – i.e. without a higher education entrance qualification.

If your grades were only average during school, then don‘t worry too much. As is usual for technical degree programmes, most higher education institutions have no minimum grade admission restrictions for their electrical engineering programmes. If they do require a minimum grade, this is usually not set at an above-average level.

Before you apply for a degree programme, you should decide for yourself whether you want to focus on the practical relevance of your studies or whether you are more interested in science and research.

You will often find electrical engineering degree programmes at universities of applied sciences. The standard period of study for a Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering usually lasts seven semesters. In addition to the theory modules, lab experiments and internships, it is common for you to complete a compulsory practical semester. Electrical engineering students can do this in e.g., battery development or automation technology. This will let you apply the theory you have learned and establish contacts with future employers.

At universities, your electrical engineering degree will have more of a scientific or research orientation. The standard period of study for Bachelor’s degree programmes in electrical engineering is usually six semesters. This is due to the fact that universities usually do not require mandatory practical semesters. Nevertheless, you will also have the opportunity to conduct experiments in the laboratory or take part in excursions, so that practical experience is not neglected.

By the way: Some higher education institutions offer so-called orientation semesters to prospective students who are still unsure which type of institution suits them better. Here you will be enrolled as a student at one of the two types of higher education institutions and as a so-called Zweithörer (which is a different student status) at the other. This way you can find out whether the intensive practical orientation or the academic and research orientation suits you better.

Regardless of whether you choose a university of applied sciences or a university, you will have the opportunity to specialise in special focus modules in both the Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes. For example, you can choose between automation technology, communications engineering, energy technology, information technology and much more.

Generally, in Germany, you do not have to pay tuition fees at public higher education institutions. However, some institutions have exceptions for students from countries outside the EU. In addition, you may have to pay high tuition fees if you choose a private higher education institution.

However, even at state institutions, you are usually required to pay a so-called semester contribution for each semester. This mandatory flat-rate contribution is often between 100 and 400 euros. It is used to finance student representatives, student unions and, if necessary, administrative costs. 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.

Living costs are difficult to estimate in advance. To a large part, they will depend on where you decide to study. While you will have to pay high rents in popular German cities and sometimes also expect higher expenses for groceries, the costs are usually lower in smaller student towns. 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. However, keep in mind, that you can keep costs down by adjusting your personal lifestyle also.

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.

Electrical engineering plays an essential role in almost all areas of life today and the occupational fields open to you after graduating are equally as diverse. Graduates of a programme in electrical engineering plan, develop, and accompany diverse projects in various industries. In general, there is high demand for trained electrical engineers, and due to progressing digitalisation, this demand is expected to increase further in the coming years. The automotive industry is one of the major employers of electrical engineers, as its products increasingly become computers on wheels.

With a degree in electrical engineering, you will also be able to get a foot in the door in companies working in energy supply, telecommunications or in science and research.

As a graduate, you can expect a monthly starting salary above the average for the engineering sciences. With appropriate professional experience, your monthly salary can increase considerably.