The Ultimate Guide to Automobile Engineering in Germany

BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen: These brands have two things in common - they produce iconic cars, and they were all born in Germany. So, it comes as no surprise that studying automobile engineering in Germany is a popular choice for students all over the world. Whether you plan on building a career as a future engineer or simply are a car enthusiast interested in learning more about German-engineered machines, studying automobile engineering in Germany might be the right choice for you! So, are you ready to rev up your engines and drive into automotive engineering in Germany, where accuracy meets horsepower? You might just find yourself creating the next masterpiece.

Why study Automobile Engineering in Germany?

This country has much to offer its students, steering them to a path of studying to become automobile engineers in Germany. Right from top-notch education and globally ranking universities to high quality of life and exciting job opportunities upon graduation, Germany has it all! Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why you should choose to study in Germany.

1. Top-ranked universities

You can find some of the world’s leading automotive engineering universities in Germany, including Technical University of Ingolstadt, Technical University of Munich, Esslingen University of Applied Sciences, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, and Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, all of which rank among the top 100 universities globally. These universities have a diverse student population, making them a popular choice for international students as well. Students can consider these universities’ undergraduate and postgraduate programs if they wish to study automobile courses in Germany.

2. Career opportunities

Known for being one of the world’s top four automobile-producing countries, along with the USA, Japan, and China, Germany is home to several recognisable names such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Bosch. This legacy in the automotive industry is enough to prove the country’s efficiency and quality in the world’s leading car brands, which are known for producing reliable cars known for their high performance. The industry of automobile engineering in Germany accounts for about 5% of their GDP. Upon graduating in automobile engineering in Germany, students can expect a well-paying job as an automotive engineer, whose base salary typically ranges from €61,200-157,920 per year.

3. Hands-on experience

A global leader in innovation, Germany offers its students hands-on experience, allowing them to gain practical knowledge while working on real-world projects. This is just one of the reasons that makes studying automobile engineering in Germany an ideal choice for those who intend on pursuing an education in technology and innovation.

4. Cultural experience

Germany is quite welcoming, making it appealing to students from all around the world. German culture extends to its language, its thriving literary scene, and even its happening nightlife and student lifestyle. No matter which German city you’re studying in, you’ll come across several opportunities to explore German culture better, be it the festivals or cultural events. Overall, the country’s culture is quite diverse and unique, inviting students from all around the world to study automobile engineering in Germany. 

How to study Automobile Engineering in Germany?

Now that you know why studying automobile engineering in Germany is a promising education path, let’s take a look at the process for applying to study in this country. 

Step 1: Research and shortlist universities

Start by researching and shortlisting automotive engineering universities in Germany. Consider factors such as program curriculum, reputation, and location. Here are some of the best automotive engineering universities in Germany:

1. RWTH Aachen University

2. Technical University of Munich

3. University of Stuttgart

4. Hamburg University of Applied Sciences

5. Esslingen University of Applied Sciences

6. Technical University of Berlin

7. Technical University of Ingolstadt

Step 2: Check admission requirements

Visit the official websites of the universities you are interested in and check their specific admission requirements for the automotive engineering program. These requirements may include academic qualifications, language proficiency, and any additional documents.

Step 3: Prepare the necessary documents

Gather all the necessary documents required for the application process. These may include:

1. Completed application form

2. Academic transcripts

3. Language proficiency test (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL)

4. Statement of purpose

5. Letters of recommendation

6. CV/Resume

7. Passport-sized photographs

Step 4: Submit the application

Submit your completed application along with all the required documents to the university within the specified deadline. Some universities may require online submission, while others may require physical copies to be sent by mail.

Step 5: Pay application fees & track application status

Pay any application fees that may be required by the university. The fees vary depending on the university and program. Keep track of your application status through the university's online portal or by contacting the admissions office. Some universities may conduct interviews or additional assessments as part of the selection process.

Step 6: Await the university’s decision

Wait for the university to review your application and provide an admission decision. This may take several weeks or months, depending on the university and the number of applications received.

Requirements for Automobile Engineering in Germany

Based on the type of degree you’re applying for, undergraduate or postgraduate, as well as the university you’re applying to, the requirements for studying automobile engineering in Germany will differ. However, we’ve picked out the requirements that are commonly asked to be met.

1. Bachelor's degree in automobile engineering or a related educational field (for postgraduate degrees)

2. Scores for standardised examinations such as the GRE are mandatory for international students.

3. Based on the medium of instruction, you’ll need to present an English or German language proficiency test result. For English, you could pick from IELTS or TOEFL, while for German, TestDaF is usually recommended at Level 4 or B2/DSH Goethe Certification.

4. Documents required when applying to study automobile engineering in Germany can include academic transcripts of past education, a statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, your CV/resume, and passport-sized photographs.

Best Automobile Engineering Courses in Germany

Students can pick from a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs for automobile engineering in Germany. These programs are designed keeping in mind the industry’s needs, preparing students for a career in the German automotive industry. All of these programs for automobile engineering in Germany also have an up-to-date curriculum that is constantly updated to match the industry’s requirements. 

The undergraduate programs provide students with a good foundation, giving them plenty of opportunities to build their experience and knowledge in the field. The master-level courses, on the other hand, help students develop their skills while also allowing them to specialise in a particular area. German universities use modern techniques and methods to train their students. Some of the most popular postgraduate programs for automobile engineering in Germany include the following:

1. MSc in Composites (Focus Aviation)

2. Master in Automotive Computing and Communications

3. MS Automotive Engineering

4. MEng Automotive Engineering

5. Master in Intelligent Manufacturing and Control Engineering

6. Master in Automotive Mechatronics and Management

Scholarships for Automobile Engineering Students in Germany

Studying in a foreign country comes with its fair share of stress, one of which is that it isn’t easy on the pocket. The cost of living in Germany is affordable but is still higher than in many other countries. To cope with these additional expenses, students can simply look for a part-time job. However, trying to balance work and studies can be hectic for most. Luckily for students who wish to study automobile engineering in Germany, there are plenty of scholarships for international students that can help lighten the financial burden. Here are some scholarships that students can apply to when studying automobile engineering in Germany:

1. Scholarship for International Students

Technical University of Munich’s Scholarship for International Students awards students studying automobile engineering in Germany €500-1,500 per semester. This scholarship is awarded to applicants based on need as well as merit. 

2. Studienabschluss-Stipendium

Another scholarship offered by TU Munich, the Studienabschluss-Stipendium, is awarded to those students who are reaching the end of their studies. The amount of scholarship given depends on academic merit and varies from student to student.

3. Deutschlandstipendium

Technische Universitat Braunschweig awards €300 to students per month and is based on applicants’ achievement and talent. The amount of scholarship is awarded for two semesters.

4. DAAD Scholarships

DAAD, which stands for the German Exchange Service, offers several scholarships to international students studying automobile engineering in Germany. These are presented to both undergraduate and postgraduate students, with the amount being around €1,800 per semester. These scholarships are merit-based.

5. German Chancellor Fellowship

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation awards scholarships to international students based on subject-specific criteria, academic excellence, and financial need. This program provides fellows with the opportunity to spend one year in Germany networking with leaders from abroad while conducting independent research projects at their host institutions.

Career Opportunities after Automobile Engineering in Germany

As mentioned earlier, studying automobile engineering in Germany is sure to open doors to numerous career opportunities for graduates. You can expect to build a promising career upon graduating from this field. No matter which job role you end up picking, studying automobile engineering in Germany is sure to give you a high earning potential. Let’s take a look at some of the popular job roles that you might want to consider after studying automobile engineering in Germany.

1. Automotive Engineer

2. Automotive Designer

3. Quality Control Engineer

4. Production Engineer

5. Research and Development Engineer

So, as you can see, pursuing automobile engineering in Germany can be a vrooming experience! Germany has a lot to offer students interested in this field, such as top-notch education, a thriving industry, a variety of scholarships, and high employment rates and salary ranges to accompany a job in the German automobile industry. So, if you’re looking for a way to advance your career further or be a part of the next generation of fantastic German-produced cars, you should consider studying automobile engineering, which is one of the best engineering programs in Germany.