Study Mathematics in Germany

In the first few semesters of your degree programme, you will learn to understand, derive, and prove mathematical content. You will become familiar with the basics of the major mathematical subject areas, including algebra and geometry, which you already have knowledge of from school, as well as algorithms, analysis, mathematical logic, numerical mathematics, topology, stochastics and number theory, and computer-animated mathematics. You can also take courses in business administration, physics, economics, or computer science.
Depending on your chosen higher education institution, you can specialise in one of the following areas:

• Applied mathematics
• Statistics
• Technomathematics
• Business mathematics

Mathematics studies are demanding, and dropout rates are high. Many higher education institutions offer pre-courses, and it is advisable to attend them. In these pre-courses, you will learn the basics of mathematics that you will need for a successful start to your studies. You should also enjoy working in a team: Even during your studies, mathematical problems are often solved as a team.

Many students point out that the content of the pre-courses of mathematics studies already exceeds school-level mathematics, so an interest in science and very good knowledge of mathematics are both important. If you choose a course of study with a focus on analytics, an interest in data and the ability to work with it are of great advantage.

Some of the degree programmes offered are in English or with primarily English literature. Therefore, a good to advanced knowledge of English is desired in some degree programmes.

In many places in Germany, it is possible to study mathematics without restrictions. However, there are higher education institutions that require passing their own admission procedure such as an NC, i.e. selection according to grade point average or other internal aptitude tests.

In principle, you can only study in Germany if you have a higher education entrance qualification or an equivalent certificate. However, you can also apply for a place to study mathematics with previous vocational training. If you have an international school-leaving certificate, you can check here on My GUIDE whether you are eligible to apply directly to a higher education institution or whether you first have to complete a preparatory course.

The curricula of the courses of study are quite similar between the higher education institutions or fields of study during the first few semesters of the Bachelor’s degree programmes. In the beginning, there is often an introduction to the subjects of mathematics and computer science. The basic training, which usually lasts two semesters, is then followed by specialisation modules adapted to the respective degree programmes. A Bachelor’s programme in mathematics usually lasts six to eight semesters and is free of charge at many higher education institutions. You should check with the institution you wish to attend before applying.

In the Master’s programme, students are expected to specialise further in their field and develop their skills in three to five semesters. Here, too, there are tuition-free degree programmes, but also those with tuition fees.

Even for tuition-free studies, a so-called semester contribution of 100–400 euros must usually be paid in Germany, which is primarily intended to cover the administrative costs of the higher education institution and student services. 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.

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.

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.

The job opportunities for mathematicians are quite diverse. Mathematics is considered a foundational science and thus trains you for employment in mathematical and economic fields, in administration or for data analysis. Thanks to the problem-solving skills they have acquired both within and outside of mathematical issues, graduates are employed in market research institutes, political consultancies, energy utilities or in the finance and insurance sectors, among others. They are in high demand, and it will probably be easy for you to find an interesting job with good pay.

In the occupational fields listed above, software development, data analysis, consulting or product development are the main tasks open to you.

Mathematics can be studied in various formats in Germany. Although full-time study is the most common form, some higher education institutions also offer part-time study, distance learning or dual study programmes. Mathematics is also available as a training or practice-integrated programme. In this case, vocational training is completed in addition to the degree programme, which further improves your chances in the labour market. There are different approaches. Sometimes you work in a company for a few days of the week and spend the rest of the time at your higher education institution, sometimes your studies and work experience are alternated in blocks of several weeks.