Study Mechatronics, Systems Engineering in Germany

Degree programmes in the field of mechatronics and systems engineering will provide you with the foundational basics as well as elementary technical and methodological knowledge of the areas of mathematics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and computer science. In later semesters, it is possible to specialise in various areas including automation technology, measurement and control technology, operating technology, information technology, or systems engineering. It is also possible to include engineering and management or project management in your studies. As a mechatronic or systems engineer, you will be qualified to develop, construct, and maintain complex electrical devices and machines.

All higher education institutions attach great importance to practical experience. You gain this experience continuously in project work and laboratory experiments. You will also be asked to complete practical periods or entire practical semesters in industrial companies. And if you study mechatronics and systems engineering in a dual programme, you will gain an even more intensive insight into company practice.

You can also find degree programmes, often at Bachelor’s level, that have an integrated study abroad phase. In these internationally oriented programmes, students spend at least one semester at a foreign higher education institution. This strengthens their intercultural skills and teaches them how to present themselves appropriately in other cultures and how to interact successfully. This is especially important for your future career.

Especially at the Master’s level, there are courses of study that place a special emphasis on applied research. Students can thus gain their first own research experience, work on their own topic in state-of-the-art laboratories or actively be part of a research group.

For a Bachelor’s programme, the general higher education entrance qualification or the university of applied sciences entrance qualification is usually sufficient. Occasionally, there are also placement examinations with which you can gain admission to a degree programme. In most cases, no prior internship is required. If you want to study a dual studies programme, you also need a signed training or study contract with your partner company.

For some Master’s programmes, you must have a minimum grade point average in your Bachelor’s or “Diplom” degree. Your application may be regarded higher if you can provide evidence of vocational training or relevant work experience. In any case, it is worthwhile to find out early on what requirements your desired degree programme has. If you still have questions, you can also contact the higher education institutions directly here via My GUIDE!

Typically, a Bachelor’s programme lasts six to seven semesters and a Master’s programme three to four. There are also degree programmes that train you for a German Diplom degree; these usually last eight or ten semesters.

If you choose to study at a public higher education institution – whether it’s a university, technical university or university of applied sciences – you usually don’t have to pay tuition fees. There are occasional exceptions to this, so you should check this carefully when you are about to choose a degree programme. If you choose a private higher education institution, you will have to expect high tuition fees.

Even though studying at a state higher education institution is very cheap in an international comparison, it is not completely free. You should plan on paying between 100 and 400 euros per semester for the so-called semester contribution. This sometimes 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.

Most of your personal budget is likely to go towards rent. It is difficult to estimate the exact amount, as the rent in Germany can vary greatly. In big cities or cities that are popular with students, the rent is high while in small towns it can be easier to find affordable accommodation. 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. The rest of your expenses will depend on your 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.

These interdisciplinary degree programmes open the door to an extremely broad spectrum of career paths in various industries. Modern computer-aided systems are used in many application areas, including industrial robots, digital cameras, laser scalpels, and automotive systems. If you look at the different degree programmes, you will also find some that specialise – sometimes already at the Bachelor’s level – in a specific sector, such as automotive technology. If you are sure that you want to work in this sector in the future, it is of course a good preparation for working life and makes a good impression on your CV. However, if you want to get into the technology topics more broadly and don’t want to commit yourself right away, you should make sure to choose one of the more broadly oriented courses of study.

In times of globalisation and internationally operating companies, development teams often work across borders. Graduates who have already gained international competence and have in-depth language skills may therefore have better chances. At large multinational companies, your starting salary can be very satisfactory. But not only there, in general you can expect an above-average salary as a graduate of mechatronics or systems engineering, whereby the size of the company and the industry can make a difference.