Studying Engineering in Germany: 6 Golden Advantages & A-Z Guide

Studying Engineering in Germany is always the top choice of Vietnamese students thanks to its world-class training quality, prestigious degrees and attractive job opportunities. With its strengths in industry, technology and applied research, Germany is considered the "cradle" of training leading engineers in Europe.

I. Why should you choose to study engineering in Germany?

Choosing to study engineering in Germany is a strategic decision, combining top-quality education with almost zero cost. Thanks to the 100% tuition-free policy at most public universities, you can receive a globally valuable engineering degree without the financial burden, making your dream of studying abroad more realistic than ever.

Study programs in Germany are always closely linked to practice, providing valuable internship opportunities at large corporations such as Siemens and Bosch. This ensures a wide range of career prospects after graduation with very attractive engineering salaries in Germany. With a clear stay-in-Germany job search policy and settlement roadmap, you will have a stable future in the heart of Europe.

II. 6 Outstanding advantages not to be missed

1. 100% tuition exemption at most public universities

This is one of the most competitive advantages of studying in Germany globally. The 100% tuition fee exemption policy applies to both EU and non-EU students at most public universities. Instead of paying tens of thousands of Euros per year, students only need to pay a semester fee called Semesterbeitrag (about €150 - €350), which includes administrative costs and public transport tickets in the state.

2. Quality education and globally recognized degrees

The quality of German engineering education is a golden guarantee for your career. German universities, especially the TU9 (top 9 technical universities), are constantly featured in the most prestigious rankings in the world. A German engineering degree is not only valuable in Europe but is also recognized and sought after globally.

3. The curriculum is closely linked to practice and large corporations

The philosophy of "learning by doing" is the guiding principle of German education. German engineering study abroad programs always have close links with industry. Students are encouraged and facilitated to participate in internships in Germany (Praktikum) at the world's leading technology corporations headquartered here such as Siemens, Bosch, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen.

4. Wide career prospects with engineering salary

Germany is facing a shortage of highly qualified personnel, especially in the engineering sector. This creates a potential German labor market for young engineers. Employment opportunities after graduation are extremely open, with a very high rate of engineering students finding employment within 6 months of graduation.

5. Opportunity to settle permanently in Germany and travel freely within 27 Schengen countries

One of the reasons why Germany is a dream destination is that the path to settling in Germany after studying abroad is very clear. According to current law, after graduating, you are allowed to stay in Germany for 18 months to find a job. Once you have a job in your field, you can easily apply for a long-term residence permit (EU Blue Card) and move on to permanent settlement after just a few years of work.

6. Safe living environment, reasonable cost of living

Life in Germany is famous for its safety, civilization and excellent social welfare system. The efficient public transport system, clean environment and modern infrastructure create ideal living conditions for international students. Compared to income and quality of life, the cost of living in Germany is considered quite reasonable, much lower than in countries like the UK, France or the Netherlands.

III. Top 5+ "HOT" engineering majors when studying abroad in Germany

1. Mechanical & Automotive Engineering

Home to renowned car brands such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Germany is a top choice for mechanical and automotive engineering. Students are exposed to the most advanced machine manufacturing technology, combining theory with intensive practice at leading factories. A German mechanical engineering degree is globally recognized, ensuring a solid career in this billion-dollar industry.

2. Information Technology (IT) & Computer Science

The strong digital transformation in Germany has created a huge demand for IT human resources. Study programs focus on hot areas such as software development, artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity. With wide-open job opportunities and IT salaries in Germany among the top in Europe, this is a field of study that ensures a solid future for technology enthusiasts.

3. Electrical & Electronic Engineering

Electrical and Electronic Engineering is the backbone of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and the green energy trend in Germany. Students are trained in-depth in automation, robotics and especially renewable energy. With the support of large corporations such as Siemens and Bosch, job opportunities after graduation in the fields of smart manufacturing are huge.

4. Construction and Architecture Engineering

Studying construction in Germany allows you to learn from a country with exemplary infrastructure and urban planning. The curriculum focuses not only on solid engineering but also on sustainable construction and green architecture. Students get to work on real-life projects, opening up a solid career in the design and management of future structures.

5. Biomedical Engineering

Germany is a world leader in medical technology, making biomedical engineering a promising field of study. Students will be involved in the research and development of advanced medical devices, from diagnostic machines to surgical robots. This is a meaningful field of study, providing opportunities to work in leading research institutes and technology companies with worthy remuneration.

IV. Conditions for studying engineering in Germany in 2026

1. Educational requirements

To meet the requirements for studying engineering in Germany, the academic requirements are the first screening factor. To prepare for the 2026 admissions, you need to graduate from high school and have a notice of admission to a university in Vietnam. In terms of scores, you need to achieve a total score of over 36 on the National High School Exam (with 6 subjects, no subject below 4).

Including a combination of subjects related to the engineering field you want to study. If you do not meet the requirements for direct university entry, you will need to attend a university preparatory course (Studienkolleg) in Germany for 1 year before officially entering the major.

2. Foreign language requirements

Study in German:This is the most popular option with a wider range of courses and opportunities. You need a minimum German language certificate of Goethe-Zertifikat B1 or equivalent for visa and preparatory studies. For direct entry to university, most universities require a B2 level or TestDaF 4.

Study in Germany in English:Some engineering bachelor programs are taught in English. You will need an IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL iBT score of 80 or higher. However, the number of courses is quite limited and basic German is still necessary for daily life.

3. TestAS and APS certificates

APS (Academic Testing Center):A certificate that verifies the validity of your academic documents, issued by the Cultural Section of the German Embassy. You must have an APS certificate before applying to universities. The APS verification process can take several months, so you should prepare well in advance.

TestAS (Test for Academic Studies): It is a test to assess university learning ability, including basic and specialized parts. Most top engineering schools require the TestAS certificate as an important criterion for admission, helping to assess your logical thinking and ability to suit your field of study.

4. Financial proof required

To apply for a German student visa, you are required to prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses for the first year. The most common and widely accepted form is to open a blocked account (Sperrkonto) at a licensed bank.

By the end of 2025, for 2026, the required amount in the account is €11,208 (this amount may change annually according to German government regulations). Every month, you will be able to withdraw a certain amount to cover your living expenses. This is a prerequisite for getting a visa.

V. Cost of studying engineering in Germany

VI. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is it difficult to study engineering in Germany?

Engineering in Germany requires logical thinking, good mathematical and practical skills, but if you have a solid foundation and work hard, learning is completely within your reach. The German training system combines theory and practice to help students grasp knowledge and easily apply it to work.

2. Can an average student study engineering in Germany?

Yes, if you meet the entry requirements and have a clear direction. In addition to top schools that require high scores, many universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) in Germany accept students with average academic performance, especially if you have foreign language skills and a serious learning spirit.

3. Should I study in English or German?

It depends on your abilities and goals. If you want to work in Germany for a long time, you should choose a German program. On the contrary, an English program is more suitable for international students who are just starting out. Many technical schools in Germany now offer courses entirely in English.

4. Can I work part-time while studying abroad?

Students are allowed to work up to 20 hours/week during the semester and full-time during the holidays. Students often work as teaching assistants, restaurant staff or technical workers, earning around 12–15 €/hour, which helps cover some of the living expenses.

5. How to hunt for scholarships to study engineering in Germany?

You can find scholarships from DAAD, Erasmus+ or directly from universities. Prepare a good academic profile with good grades, language certificates, a motivation letter and a clear study plan. Participation in projects or technical research will help your profile stand out.

Conclusion

With high-quality education, reasonable costs and wide career opportunities, studying Engineering in Germany is the ideal choice for young people who love technology and creativity. If you prepare your documents carefully, have a clear direction and invest time in learning German or English, the path to becoming an international engineer in Germany is completely within reach.