Masters in Design in Germany is a 1.5 to 2 year postgraduate degree program that offers students a unique opportunity to enhance their design skills and gain valuable experience in the field. This program is available as Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Design. While over 10 top universities offer Masters in Design in Germany, it is worth noting that most of these universities do not charge tuition fees for this program. However, students are required to pay a student body and social contribution fee, which is typically around 300 EUR (26,600 INR) per semester.
To be eligible for Masters in Design in Germany, students must have a bachelor's degree in design or a related field and demonstrate a strong portfolio of design work. They may also need to demonstrate proficiency in the German language or provide proof of proficiency in English. Many top universities for Masters in Design in Germany have extensive industry connections, and students can benefit from industry placements during their studies. Some top employers of Masters in Design in Germany include Volkswagen, BMW, and Adidas, among others. The average salary for a designer in Germany varies depending on the specific field, but it ranges from €35,000 to €70,000 (31 lakhs-62 lakhs INR) per year.
Course Highlights
| Program | MA in Design | MFA in Design |
| Program Type | Full-time |
| Program Duration | 1-2 Years |
| Eligibility Criteria | A 4 year Bachelor’s degree in any related field |
| English Proficiency Requirements | IELTS: 5.5 or above |
| Tuition Fee Range | No tuition fee is charged by state - funded Institutes. Only a minimal semester fee is charged of around 300 EUR (26,600 INR) |
| Average Salary | 55,000 EUR (50 lakh INR) |
Masters in Design in Germany: Top Universities
The following table shows the top universities for Masters in Design in Germany and their deadlines and tuition fees charged by different universities:
| University | Program | Deadlines | Total Tuition Fees (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin University of the Arts | MA in Design | 1 April 2023 | 320 |
| Bauhaus University | MFA in Media Art and Design | 31 March 2023 | 160 |
| Brand University of Applied Sciences | MA in Design and Innovation | 30 June 2023 | 21,670 |
| Technische Universität Berlin | MSc in Urban Design | 15 March 2023 | 1,950 |
| Hamburg University of Applied Sciences | MA in Design | 15 July 2023 | 1,035 |
| Macromedia University Of Applied Sciences | MA in Design Management | 15 June 2023 | 26,000 |
| RheinMain University of Applied Sciences | MSc in Media and Design Management | 15 July 2023 | 933 |
Why study Masters in Design in Germany?
- Germany is a top destination for international students worldwide. Over 365,000 international students are pursuing a university degree in Germany, according to the most recent official statistics and this number is steadily increasing.
- Within the EU-27, Germany's unemployment rate is among the lowest. In December 2022, 2.9% of people between the ages of 15 and 74 were out of work.
- A design professional with a master in design degree can earn more than 40,000 EUR (35.80 lakh INR) annually on an average.
- Germany has a policy of ‘no tuition fee’ in their universities. As most of the universities are state-sponsored they only charge a nominal administrative fee. So it gets easier to pursue Masters in Design in Germany without facing any financial hindrances in comparison to other popular student destinations, like Masters in Design in Canada.
- According to a recent report, Germany has one of the lowest unemployment rates within the EU i.e 3%. This indicates the abundant job opportunities available in the country
Explore: Top Universities in Germany
Masters in Design in Germany: Admissions
Whether you're interested in learning design in technology, the automotive industry, urban design, games, or communications, creative industries like interior design, or fashion, Germany has a great selection for you. The admission process for all the top design universities in Germany is different and has different eligibility criteria, but there is still a common framework to be followed by all the applicants. Below the selection criteria is discussed in detail.
Eligibility Criteria
There is a common requirement to be fulfilled by the international applicants to get admission into the Masters in Design in Germany like a 4 year Bachelor’s degree in any related field, English proficiency test requirement of IELTS 5.5 or above, LOR, SOP.
- Academic Degree- A 4 year Bachelor’s degree in any related field
- English Proficiency Test Score: IELTS (5.5 or above)
- Statement of Purpose/ Motivation Letter: A 500 word letter showing your interest in the program and your future plans.
- Letters of Recommendation: Academic LOR is needed.
- German Language Requirement: Language certificate German B1.
Admission Requirements
The following table shows the admission requirements specified by the the top universities for Masters in Design in Germany:
| University | Academic Requirement | Language of Instruction | GermanLanguage Requirement | Additional Documents (Work Experience, Resume, essay, SOP and LOR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin University of the Arts | 4-year B.A. degree or a comparable degree. Clear Entrance exam. | English and German | Language certificate German B1 for application and Language certificate German C1 for enrolment | PDF portfolio, curriculum vitae, SOP, MP4 video (1 minute short introduction and motivation) |
| Bauhaus University | Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Media Art and Design from the Faculty of Art and Design or a first university degree recognized as professionally relevant. | English | Language skills at the level C1 (DSH- 2 or TestDaF TDN 4). | PDF portfolio, curriculum vitae, SOP, School leaving certificate, completed form detailing planned areas of specialization |
| Brand University of Applied Sciences | first university degree in a related field with at least 210 CP | English | Basic Knowledge required | IELTS score- 5.5 or above PDF portfolio, curriculum vitae, SOP |
| Technische Universität Berlin | A first professional university degree in a degree in architecture, urban and regional planning, landscape architecture or a related subject. | English | Basic Knowledge required | English language skills at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages or an equivalent level. PDF portfolio, curriculum vitae, SOP |
| Hamburg University of Applied Sciences | Bachelor's or diploma certificate in a design course or a comparable artistic and creative course | German | Any of the following: Goethe-Institut C1, TestDaF 4, telc C1 Hochschule, DSH2, Deutsches Sprachdiplom KMK, Kleines or Großes Sprachdiplom Goethe-Institut) | PDF portfolio, curriculum vitae, SOP, Work Sample |
| Macromedia University Of Applied Sciences | Bachelor’s degree with 210 ECTS (3-semester programme) or 180 ECTS (4-semester programme) | English | Basic Knowledge required | IELTS score (6.0 or above), PDF portfolio, curriculum vitae, SOP, Work Sample, Personal Interview |
Explore: How to apply to German Universities
Masters in Design in Germany: Cost of study
Germany is one of the economical countries for international students to live in as it ranks the 15th highest in terms of cost of living. The tuition for most of the universities in Germany is free unless you are studying in a private university. And even then it’s very low as compared to other countries. The cost of study in Germany for every student is a combination of cost of living and the cost of their tuition fee.
Tuition Fees
University education in Germany is generally affordable. Most universities are state-funded and do not charge tuition but depending on the federal state and whether the fees are used to improve study conditions, some public universities may still charge a little fee amount as a semester contribution. The tuition fee for Masters in Design in Germany is given below:
| University | Total Tuition Fees (EUR) | Fee for Indian Students (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin University of the Arts | 320 | 28,600 |
| Bauhaus University | 160 | 14,000 |
| Brand University of Applied Sciences | 21,670 | 19.39 Lakh |
| Technische Universität Berlin | 1,950 | 17,400 |
| Hamburg University of Applied Sciences | 1,035 | 92,600 |
| Macromedia University Of Applied Sciences | 26,000 | 23.27 Lakh |
Cost of living in Germany
The average cost of living in Germany is around EUR 850 (~74,000 INR) per month or EUR 10,236 (~8.9 lakh INR) per year. The following is the breakdown of expenses you may incur in Germany as an international student.
| Expense Type | Average Monthly Expense (EUR) | Cost for Indian Students (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 325 | 28.7 Thousand |
| Meals | 154 | 13.6 Thousand |
| Transportation | 116 | 10.2 Thousand |
| Health Insurance | 96 | 8.4 Thousand |
| Personal Expenses | 65 | 5.7 Thousand |
| Telephone | 24 | 2.1 Thousand |
Explore: Travel and Student Accommodation in Germany
Scholarships for Masters in Design in Germany
Studying in a country like Germany can become heavy on the pocket for international students. To lighten this burden a lot of government and private bodies provide scholarships for international students with different eligibility criterias and award values. Following shows a few of the scholarships offered to students in Germany.
| Scholarship | Awarded by | Eligibility | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heinrich Boll Scholarships | The Heinrich Böll Foundation | Undergraduates, graduates, and doctoral students of all subjects and nationalities pursuing their degrees at a state or state-recognized universities in Germany | 850 Euro per month |
| DAAD Scholarship Programs | DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) Organisation | Full-time internationals who have completed their Bachelor's degree in the last 6 years and have at least two years of work experience | 850 Euro per month |
| Deutschland Stipendium Program | A public-private collaboration of businesses, foundations, or individuals who sponsor students. This scholarship is awarded by the universities. | ambitious and academically outstanding students from all around the world | 300 Euro per month |
| KAAD Scholarship | Government of Germany | Students with above-average academic achievements | 850 Euro monthly |
Jobs and Placement opportunities after MS in Design in Germany
Whether you're interested in the role of design in technology, the automotive industry, urban design, games, or communications, creative industries like interior design, or fashion, Germany has a great selection for you. Following are some of the jobs available in Germany:
| Profession | Average Annual Salary (EUR) | Salary for Indian Student (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Brand Manager | 49,485 | 44.29 Lakh |
| Product Manager | 48,185 | 43.13 Lakh |
| Interior Designer | 35,543 | 31.81 Lakh |
| Graphic Designer | 43,849 | 39.28 Lakh |
| Design Architect | 36,848 | 32.98 Lakh |
Masters in Design in Germany: Degree Comparison
Masters in Design is a popular program for students seeking to enhance their design skills and gain valuable industry experience. Germany and USA are two countries that are known for their exceptional academic programs in design, and both countries offer a variety of options for students looking to pursue a Masters in Design. The basic distinction between the two countries is tabulated below:
MS in Design in Germany vs USA
| Parameter | Degree in Germany | Degree in USA |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1-2 Year | 1-2 Years |
| Average tuition fees | Zero to 20,000 EUR (0-17.90 lakh INR) | 30,000 USD-70,000 USD (24-56 lakh INR) |
| Cost of living | 780 EUR (69 Thousand INR) | 1,800 USD (14.5 Thousand INR) |
| Admission Requirement | 4-year B.A. degree or a comparable degree | 3 to 4 years of a bachelor’s degree |
| Visa | Schengen Visa | F1 Student Visa |
| English language proficiency tests | IELTS (5.5 or above) | TOEFL, IELTS |
| Average Salary | 55,000 EUR (50 lakh INR) | 80,000 USD (64 lakh INR) |
Also read: Post study work permit in Germany for Indian Students
Masters in Design in Germany is gaining popularity among international students due to the opportunity to study in a diverse and innovative academic environment, as well as the potential to benefit from industry placements during their studies. Furthermore, most universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for the program, and several scholarships are available to international students, making it an affordable option for many.
Pursuing a Masters in Design in Germany can be a rewarding and valuable experience, providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the design industry. With a range of placement and job opportunities available and a strong network of industry connections, students can take advantage of the many benefits that studying in Germany has to offer.
FAQs
Ques. Is it possible to pursue a Masters in design in Germany for free?
Ans. Germany is well-known for its generous approach to higher education: public universities in 15 of the country's 16 states charge no tuition to students of any nationality.
Ques.Which are the top universities for Design in Germany?
Ans.Berlin University of the Arts is the best university in Germany for studying design. Some of the other top ranked universities for design in germany includes- Bauhaus University, University of Stuttgart, University of Duisburg, Leibniz University of Hannover, and Brand University of Applied Sciences
Ques.How much does a designer earn in Germany?
Ans.A skilled designer's annual salary in Germany can range from 55,000 EUR to 1,00,000 EUR (49-89 lakh INR), depending on the industry.
Ques.Is a German MS degree valid in India?
Ans.The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) accepts only two-year master's degrees from foreign universities. As a result, Indian students from Germany who have completed a one-year MS or fast-track MS cannot pursue a PhD at Indian universities.
Ques.Can I study for a masters degree in design in Germany if I don't speak German?
Ans.Most of the universities require you to have a basic level of knowledge about the German language like Berlin University of the Arts require you to have language certificate German B1 for application and Language certificate German C1 for enrolment as the course is delivered in German.
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