Study Computer Science in Germany

Computer science deals with processing, analysing, and systematically working with data and information. Above all, this study area focuses on the automated processing of data and information with the help of computers and computing systems. At the beginning of your studies, you will primarily be taught the basics, e.g., of mathematics or electrical engineering. But you will also take classes in IT-specific content such as computer architecture, programming languages, software technology, and much more.

Because computer science offers such a diverse range of areas of application, you have a great deal of specialisations to choose from:

• Applied computer science
• Bioinformatics
• Geoinformatics
• Engineering informatics
• Media informatics
• Medical informatics
• Practical computer science
• Software engineering
• Computer engineering
• Theoretical computer science
• Information systems and management

Computer science is one of the most popular subjects in Germany and is offered at almost every higher education institution. Thus, you should be able to find a computer science programme in almost every major city.

Not only can you choose freely between places of study, but the type of higher education institutions is also diverse. Both universities and universities of applied sciences offer degree programmes in computer science. In addition, dual or part-time programmes, as well as distance learning programmes, are also common. However, you should always make sure that the specialisation of the respective course of study matches your interests.

Admission requirements for a Bachelor’s degree in computer science at universities are usually the German Abitur or an international equivalent. At universities of applied sciences, the so-called Fachabitur or its international equivalent is usually sufficient. Under certain circumstances, you can also apply with a completed apprenticeship at “Meister” level. For Master’s degree programmes, a Bachelor’s degree that fits the subject is usually expected.

The allocation of places in this subject is decentralised, i.e., the higher education institutions themselves decide which requirements you have to fulfil beyond the university entrance qualification. For example, certain language skills may be required or – especially for Master’s programmes – knowledge of certain programming languages. Whether a particular degree programme has free or restricted access is decided by the higher education institutions themselves as is the numerus clausus (NC) (a minimum grade) for those programmes with restricted admission.

In addition to these formal requirements, you should have a good knowledge of mathematics and computer science as well as English. The latter is especially important to be able to process subject-specific literature and work in international teams. You should not underestimate the team player aspect: Both during your studies and later in your job, you will work a lot in a team and communicate constantly, often with people who do not come from the tech sector. The ability to think logically and the joy of solving problems are also basic prerequisites for completing a degree in computer science and being successful in your later career.

Usually, you will receive the title Bachelor of Science or Master of Science when graduating from a computer science programme. However, a Bachelor of Engineering or Master of Engineering is also possible, although they are awarded less frequently. In some cases, you will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts or Master of Arts. This applies mainly to computer science programmes with a focus on design. By the way, for a Bachelor’s degree you can usually expect six to seven semesters to finish your programme, a Master’s degree often takes three to four semesters.

Take a look at the degree programmes offered in Germany and you will see that studying in Germany is quite inexpensive compared to internationally. Bachelor’s programmes in particular generally do not charge tuition fees. Many Master’s programmes are also offered without tuition fees. However, there are also private higher education institutions in Germany that charge high fees of several thousand euros per semester.

What you always have to pay at German higher education institutions, however, are so-called semester contributions. The exact amount is determined by the higher education institutions themselves, and it varies a lot but usually is between 100 and 400 euros per semester. 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.

Your budget needs will depend on your individual lifestyle and where you study. If you study in a large city or a traditional student town, you will most likely have to pay higher rent, for example. In smaller towns where a higher education institution was only established more recently, for example, or in many towns in eastern Germany, it is much cheaper to study. 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.

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.

Since hardly any company can do without IT professionals these days, your career prospects as a computer scientist are excellent. Even with a Bachelor’s degree, you will find a large number of suitable and well-paid job offers. With a Master’s degree, however, you will of course receive a higher salary.

Basically, the salaries of computer scientists also differ depending on the sector. If you start working in the automotive industry after your studies, for example, you will benefit from the very good salaries that are common there. The size of the company often plays a role, too: In large companies, you will usually get a higher salary than, for example, in a start-up. On the other hand, you often have more creative freedom and benefit from flatter hierarchies and less bureaucracy.