Study Optical Technologies in Germany

Without optical technologies, many modern technological advances, including energy efficient light technology, photovoltaic, laser-based material processing in industrial manufacturing, or display technology, would be inconceivable.

In an optical technologies degree programme, you will first receive physical-theoretical training, which will be complemented by basic knowledge of mechanical engineering and other engineering-specific topics. This will provide you with a basic understanding of optical phenomena.

Areas of study in optical technology include laser technology, optoelectronics, optical engineering, and photonics. It is also possible to set your own area of focus in, e.g., bio photonics, digital optics (e.g., virtual reality), or optical measurement technology.

You can study optical technologies at universities or universities of applied sciences. The names of the degree programmes often differ and not all higher education institutions offer the degree programme under the specific name of optical technologies; try alternative search terms, e.g. applied photonics, optical engineering or laser technology to find your new degree programme!

You will graduate with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering or a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Science. A Bachelor’s degree usually takes six or seven semesters and a Master’s degree three to four. If you want to include more practical phases or a stay abroad, your studies may be extended.

You can achieve a much more intense practical orientation if you opt for a dual study programme. This gives you the opportunity to gain practical experience in a high-tech company right from the first semester: Another advantage is that you will be paid throughout your studies.

To be successful in your studies, it would be best for you to have some prior knowledge of mathematics and physics. To ensure that all students have the same basic background in the natural sciences, many higher education institutions offer pre-semester courses or study-related tutorials. This allows you to fill in gaps in your knowledge if necessary.

There are no admission restrictions for many of the Bachelor’s degree programmes in the field of optical technologies. Therefore, you do not have to go through any further selection procedure beyond submitting your Abitur or Fachhochschulreife certificate or their international equivalent; you can simply enrol. However, there might be exceptions, so it is best to check directly with the higher education institution where you wish to enrol.

For the Master’s programmes, on the other hand, you have to present a first academic degree in engineering or natural sciences; often also with proof of modules relevant to the subject. While there are higher education institutions that also expect a minimum grade or which require you to take an aptitude test, there are also some that do not. Therefore, it’s best to research carefully and early on which qualifications you need to prove for your desired degree programme. If you have any questions, you can contact the higher education institutions directly via My GUIDE.

If you’re interested in studying in Germany, you’ve probably already read about it: At public higher education institutions, you practically never pay tuition fees! What you will have to pay, however, is the so-called semester contribution. However, at between 100 and 400 euros per semester, it’s quite reasonable, especially in international comparison. Sometimes your semester contribution even 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. However, tuition fees may be charged at private higher education institutions or for selected Master’s programmes.

Among other things, you should not underestimate your future rent payment. Rents vary depending on the city you want to study in. In large cities, housing is often scarce and expensive, while in smaller cities it is comparatively affordable. 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 other costs of living depend entirely 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.

Graduates in optical technologies are in demand in the job market; there is virtually no unemployment among them at present. Especially with a Master’s degree or even a PhD in optical technologies, you can go straight into the research and development departments of leading industrial companies. The sectors are very diverse, so you are sure to find your dream job: ranging from mechanical and automotive engineering, micro- and optoelectronics and lighting technology to the pharmaceutical and medical device industry.

If you are not interested in research and development, you can also work in manufacturing and quality assurance or in marketing and/or sales. Some graduates also set up their own engineering or consultancy office and become self-employed.

Generally, starting salaries for engineering jobs in Germany are very good; at larger companies in economically strong regions, they are even above average.