💼 Comprehensive Guide to Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Germany

  Thinking about pursuing a master’s degree in Germany but not sure about the requirements, how to choose a university, or the application process? Don’t worry—we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to walk you through everything you need to know! 

1. Basic Requirements for Master’s Programs in Germany

2. How to Choose a University in Germany

3. Application Process for Master’s Programs in Germany 

一、Basic Requirements for Master’s Studies in Germany 

1. Academic Background 

• To apply for a master’s program in Germany, you need a bachelor’s degree in a related field.

• Switching fields can be more challenging. For example, students with an arts background may find it difficult to apply for an engineering master’s program.

2. Academic Performance （GPA）

Germany uses a different grading system from Taiwan’s: the lower the score, the better, with 1.0 being the highest.

Here’s an approximate conversion from Taiwanese grades:

• 90% ≈ German 1.7

• 80% ≈ German 2.5

Most master’s programs require a GPA of 2.5 or better. In other words, a Taiwanese average of at least 80% is generally recommended to improve your chances of admission.

3. Language Requirements 

Language	Certificate	Minimum Score
German	TestDaF	≥ 4
German	DSH	≥ Level 2
English	TOEFL	80–92
English	IELTS	6.0–6.5

4. Application Documents 

• Academic transcripts (some programs may have GPA requirements)

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

• Motivation letter (statement of purpose)

• Letters of recommendation (usually two)

• For certain fields (such as art, design, or music), you may also need to submit a portfolio, attend an interview, or take a skills assessment

💡 Tip: For programs taught in German, you’ll typically need to submit your CV and motivation letter in German. A well-polished application can significantly improve your chances of admission. 

二、How to Choose a University in Germany 

  Choosing the right university is one of the most important steps in your application process. It’s recommended to first decide on your desired program, and then narrow down your options based on factors such as field of study, language of instruction, and location. 

   Recommended tool:  DAAD（German Academic Exchange Service）：

You can filter programs by field of study, degree type, and language of instruction. It’s especially useful for finding English-taught programs. 

💡 Tip: Application procedures can vary between universities and programs, so planning ahead can help you avoid missing important deadlines. 

三、Application Process for Master’s Programs in Germany 

1. Choose Your Target Programs 

• Timeline: Around 1 year before departure

• German universities typically offer two intakes: winter and summer, with the winter intake being the more common option. ：

Intake	Application Deadline	Admission Results	Semester Starts
Winter	Around July 15 each year	August–September	Early to mid-October
Summer	Around January 15 each year	February	Early to mid-April

⚠️ Note：Some universities or programs only offer winter intake, so be sure to check the official information carefully. 

2. Prepare Application Documents 

• Timeline: About 12–6 months before departure

• Required documents typically include:Academic transcripts 、Language test results 、CV、Motivation letter 、Letters of recommendation ，Portfolio or proof of professional skills (for certain programs) 

• For German-taught programs, it is recommended to submit your CV and motivation letter in German to improve your chances of admission. 

3. Submit Your Application 

• Timeline: About 4–5 months before the semester starts

  
  

There are two main application methods：

1. Apply directly to the university

2. Apply via Uni-Assist (a centralized application service for international students)

→ After passing Uni-Assist’s initial review, your application will be forwarded to the university

→ Final admission decisions are made by the university

Tip: Application deadlines vary by university and program, so make sure to check them well in advance. 

4. Apply for a Student Visa

• Timeline: About 2–3 months before the semester starts

• Once you receive your admission letter, you can follow the guidance of the German Institute in Taiwan to apply for your student visa.

5. Prepare for Departure

• Timeline: About 1 month before the semester starts

• Make sure all required documents are ready; it’s recommended to keep 1–2 printed copies for backup

• Arrange your accommodation (student housing or private rental) in advance

    Studying for a master’s degree in Germany may seem overwhelming, but with proper planning—preparing your documents, managing your timeline, and seeking professional guidance—your chances of admission can be significantly improved.

Our Germany study-abroad team provides end-to-end support, from university selection and motivation letter editing to document review, helping you prepare with confidence for your journey to study in Germany.