Best Mechanical Engineering Universities/Colleges in Germany

A mechanical engineering student wears a protection glass in the experiment lab.

Germany is known for its excellent engineering education and mechanical engineering is one of the most popular fields of study in the country. With its strong automotive and manufacturing industries, Germany offers great programs, research opportunities, and career prospects in mechanical engineering. Here is an in-depth guide to the best universities and colleges in Germany for mechanical engineering courses. 

Overview of Mechanical Engineering Studies in Germany

Mechanical engineering deals with the design, manufacturing, testing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. Some major sub-disciplines include:

• Thermodynamics and heat transfer
• Power generation, engines, and turbines
• Robotics and automation
• Aerodynamics and fluid mechanics
• Materials science and engineering
• Industrial engineering and management

In Germany, mechanical engineering programs are offered at different levels:

• Bachelor's - 3-4 years. Allows you to gain fundamental engineering knowledge and skills.
• Master's - 1-2 years after bachelor's. Allows you to specialize through advanced courses and research projects.
• Diplom - Integrated 5-year program equal to a master's degree. Being phased out in favor of bachelor's and master's degrees.
• Doctoral/PhD - 3-5 years after master's. Focuses on independent research.

Programs are taught in German and/or English. Reputed programs have accreditation from organizations like ASIIN and FIBAA.

Now let's look at the best universities and colleges for mechanical engineering in Germany.

#1 Technical University of Munich (TU München)

TU München is ranked among the top universities in Europe for engineering. It offers world-class mechanical engineering programs at undergraduate and graduate levels.

Key Facts

• Located in Munich, Bavaria.
• Over 42,000 students and over 550 professors.
• Ranked 4th for mechanical engineering in QS World Rankings.

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

• 3.5 year program with focus on mathematics, physics, thermodynamics, CAD, manufacturing, hydraulics, robotics among other core topics.
• Taught mainly in German.
• Specializations offered - Automotive Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computational Mechanics, System Dynamics.

Master's in Mechanical Engineering

• 2 year English taught program with specializations in Advanced Computational Mechanics, Biomechanics, Robotics among others.
• Focuses on research oriented projects and prepares for doctoral studies.

Research and Career Prospects

• Access to over 80 research institutes and groups like Munich School of Engineering and Munich Aerospace Faculty.
• Strong collaborations with industry like BMW, Audi, Siemens.
• Excellent career opportunities in automotive, manufacturing, robotics and other high-tech sectors.

#2 RWTH Aachen University

RWTH Aachen is one of Germany's leading universities of technology. It offers prestigious mechanical engineering programs and is at the forefront of research and innovation.

Key Facts

• Located in Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia.
• Over 45,000 students and over 530 professors.
• Ranked 12th globally for mechanical engineering by QS Rankings.

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

• 4 year program covering mathematics, CAD, thermodynamics, hydraulics, materials science.
• Taught in German. Specializations in computational mechanics, lightweight construction, bioengineering.

Master's in Mechanical Engineering

• 1.5 year program with seven specializations like renewable energy technology, robotics, biomechanics and others.
• Taught in English. Focuses on research projects.

Research and Prospects

• Access to flagship research institutes like Fraunhofer Institute and Institute for Advanced Study in Computational Engineering Science.
• Partnerships with leading companies like Ford, Siemens, BMW.
• Excellent reputation among employers in Germany and worldwide.

#3 Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

KIT is one of the largest research and education institutes in Germany. It offers world-class education and research in engineering disciplines.

Key Facts

• Located in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg.
• Over 25,000 students and over 9500 staff.
• Ranked 97th globally for mechanical engineering by QS Rankings.

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

• 3 year program covering mathematics, materials science, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, design and more.
• Taught in German. Specializations offered.

Master's in Mechanical Engineering

• 2 year English taught program with four specializations - computational mechanics, micro and nano systems, product development, production technology.
• Focuses on research oriented projects.

Research and Prospects

• Collaborations with major companies like Siemens, Daimler, Bosch, Porsche.
• Access to large research infrastructure and facilities.
• Strong industry recognition in Germany.

#4 Stuttgart University (Universität Stuttgart)

Stuttgart University is one of the top research universities in Germany with a strong focus on engineering. It has close ties with major companies in the engineering industry.

Key Facts

• Located in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg.
• Over 28,000 students and over 5000 staff.
• Ranked 151-200 for mechanical engineering globally as per QS Rankings.

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

• 3 year program taught in German covering mathematics, CAD, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics.
• Practical projects and seminars are a key component.

Master's in Mechanical Engineering

• 1.5 year English taught program with specializations in computational engineering, product development, production engineering among others.
• Strong research focus through projects and thesis.

Research and Prospects

• Collaborations with leading companies like Daimler, Porsche, Bosch, Siemens.
• On-campus science park provides access to R&D infrastructure.
• Recognized degree for engineering careers in the industry.

#5 Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin)

TU Berlin is one of Germany's largest and most prestigious technical universities. It offers highly regarded mechanical engineering programs.

Key Facts

• Located in Berlin, the capital of Germany.
• Over 35,000 students and over 450 professors.
• Ranked 102th globally for mechanical engineering by QS Rankings.

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

• 3 year program taught in German covering thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, design, mechatronics.
• Specializations offered in computational mechanics, lightweight engineering, production technology.

Master's in Mechanical Engineering

• 2 year English taught program with specializations in design and product development, thermo-fluids and energy systems among others.
• Research focused thesis project is a key component.

Research and Prospects

• Access to cutting-edge research through on-campus institutes and partnerships with companies.
• Collaborations with leading engineering firms like Siemens, Rolls Royce, Apple.
• Strong reputation in Germany's industrial sectors.

#6 Leibniz University Hannover

Leibniz University Hannover is a leading German technical university with renowned mechanical engineering programs supported by strong research.

Key Facts

• Located in Hannover, Lower Saxony.
• Over 25,000 students and over 2000 academics.
• Ranked in top 150 globally for mechanical engineering by QS Rankings.

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

• 3 year program taught in German covering engineering mathematics, CAD, production engineering, thermodynamics.
• Practical and industry oriented through projects, labs and seminars.

Master's in Mechanical Engineering

• 2 year English taught program with specializations in production engineering, lightweight construction, computational mechanics and more.
• Strong research focus through thesis and projects.

Research and Prospects

• Access to excellent research infrastructure through the LUH Research Alliance.
• Close partnerships with Volkswagen, Continental and other leading engineering companies.
• Recognized degree leading to prestigious engineering careers.

#7 University of Stuttgart

The University of Stuttgart offers top quality mechanical engineering education and research opportunities in collaboration with globally leading companies.

Key Facts

• Located in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg.
• Over 28,000 students and over 5000 staff.
• Ranked #177 globally for mechanical engineering by QS Rankings.

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

• 3 year program covering mathematics, materials, electronics, CAD, thermodynamics.
• Taught in German. Practical group projects are a key component.

Master's in Mechanical Engineering

• 1.5 year English taught program offering six specializations including automotive engineering, materials and manufacturing, dynamics and control.
• Research and industry oriented thesis project.

Research and Prospects

• Collaborations with prestigious companies like Daimler, Porsche, Bosch.
• Access to excellent research infrastructure and facilities.
• Recognized degree leading to prestigious careers in the automotive and engineering sectors.

#8 TU Braunschweig

TU Braunschweig is an excellent university for mechanical engineering, with highly ranked programs supported by strong research partnerships with industry.

Key Facts

• Located in Braunschweig, Lower Saxony.
• Over 20,000 students and over 1500 academics.
• Ranked in the top 250 globally for mechanical engineering by QS Rankings.

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

• 3 year program in German covering engineering mathematics, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, manufacturing.
• Options for international exchange semesters.

Master's in Mechanical Engineering

• 2 year program in English with specializations in design, lightweight engineering, biomedical engineering.
• Research focused program including industry thesis project.

Research and Prospects

• Strong research partnerships with Volkswagen, Siemens, Bosch and other leading companies.
• On-campus research institutes in automotive, aerospace and other areas.
• Recognized degree leading to prestigious careers in engineering.

#9 Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg

Friedrich-Alexander University offers prestigious mechanical engineering programs focusing on research, practical projects and industry collaborations.

Key Facts

• Located in Erlangen, Bavaria.
• Over 40,000 students and over 5000 staff.
• Ranked #176 globally for mechanical engineering by QS Rankings.

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

• 3 year German taught program covering mathematics, manufacturing, thermodynamics, hydraulics, CAD.
• Practical projects and seminars are a key part of the program.

Master's in Mechanical Engineering

• 2 year program with specializations like computational mechanics, micro and nanotechnology, biomedical engineering.
• Taught in English. Focuses on research oriented projects.

Research and Prospects

• Access to excellent research infrastructure and facilities.
• Partnerships with companies like Siemens, Bosch, Schaeffler.
• Recognized degree leading to prestigious engineering careers.

#10 Technical University of Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt)

TU Darmstadt is one of Germany's leading universities for engineering and technology. It offers world-class mechanical engineering programs supported by excellent research.

Key Facts

• Located in Darmstadt, Hesse.
• Over 25,000 students and over 500 professors.
• Ranked #179 globally for mechanical engineering by QS Rankings.

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

• 3 year program taught in German covering mathematics, manufacturing, thermodynamics, mechatronics.
• Practical projects and industry seminars included.

Master's in Mechanical Engineering

• 2 year program with specializations like computational methods, microsystems engineering, manufacturing.
• Taught in English. Focused on research oriented projects and thesis.

Research and Prospects

• State of the art research infrastructure through collaborations with institutes.
• Partnerships with major companies like Merck, Siemens, Evonik.
• Recognized degree leading to prestigious engineering careers.

#11 Technical University of Dresden (TU Dresden)

TU Dresden is a leading technical university offering prestigious mechanical engineering programs supported by excellent research infrastructure and industry partnerships.

Key Facts

• Located in Dresden, Saxony.
• Over 35,000 students and over 500 professors.
• Ranked #197 globally for mechanical engineering by QS Rankings.

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

• 3 year program taught in German covering engineering design, mathematics, manufacturing.
• Practical projects and seminars included.

Master's in Mechanical Engineering

• 2 year English taught program with specializations like computational engineering, micro and nanosystems, design and development.
• Focuses on research oriented projects and thesis.

Research and Prospects

• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and infrastructure.
• Partnerships with major companies like Volkswagen, Siemens, BMW.
• Recognized degree leading to prestigious engineering careers.

#12 Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen

RWTH Aachen is one of Europe's leading universities of technology offering prestigious mechanical engineering programs supported by world-class research partners.

Key Facts

• Located in Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia.
• Over 45,000 students and 530 professors.
• Ranked #12 globally for mechanical engineering by QS Rankings.

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

• 4 year program taught in German covering mathematics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, design and more.
• Practical projects and seminars included.

Master's in Mechanical Engineering

• 1.5 year English taught program with specializations in computational mechanics, lightweight construction, biomechanics and more.
• Focuses on research oriented projects and thesis.

Research and Prospects

• Access to Fraunhofer Society, Max Planck institutes and other prestigious research partners.
• Partnerships with major companies like Ford, Siemens, Bosch.
• Among the most prestigious degrees in mechanical engineering globally.

#13 Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin)

TU Berlin is a leading German university offering highly regarded mechanical engineering programs supported by strong research collaborations.

Key Facts

• Located in Berlin, the capital of Germany.
• Over 35,000 students and 450 professors.
• Ranked #102 globally for mechanical engineering by QS Rankings.

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

• 3 year program taught in German covering mathematics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, design and more.
• Practical projects and seminars incorporated.

Master's in Mechanical Engineering

• 2 year English taught program with specializations in computational mechanics, lightweight structures, renewable energy technology.
• Focuses on research oriented projects and thesis.

Research and Prospects

• Access to prestigious research institutes and partners.
• Partnerships with major companies like Siemens, Rolls Royce, Schaeffler.
• Among the most recognized degrees in mechanical engineering nationally.

#14 Universität Stuttgart

Universität Stuttgart offers prestigious mechanical engineering programs with a focus on automotive engineering, computational engineering, manufacturing supported by strong industry ties.

Key Facts

• Located in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg.
• Over 28,000 students and 5000 staff.
• Ranked #177 globally for mechanical engineering by QS Rankings.

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

• 3 year program taught in German covering engineering mathematics, design, manufacturing, fluid mechanics.
• Practical projects and seminars incorporated.

Master's in Mechanical Engineering

• 1.5 year English taught program with specializations in automotive engineering, computational engineering, manufacturing science.
• Research and industry oriented thesis project.

Research and Prospects

• Collaborations with leading companies like Daimler, Porsche, Bosch.
• State-of-the-art research infrastructure and facilities.
• Recognized degree leading to prestigious careers in automotive and manufacturing sectors.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mechanical Engineering in Germany

Here are answers to some common questions about pursuing mechanical engineering in Germany:

Q: What degree programs are offered in mechanical engineering?

A: Germany offers bachelor's (3-4 years), master's (1-2 years post bachelor's) and integrated diploma (5 years, being phased out) programs in mechanical engineering. Reputed programs have accreditations from agencies like ASIIN and FIBAA.

Q: What are the entry requirements?

A: For bachelor's programs you generally y need a secondary school certificate equivalent to the German Abitur certificate with good grades in mathematics, physics and technical subjects. For master's, a recognized bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field is required.

Q: What are the job prospects after mechanical engineering?

A: Germany has a strong engineering industry so there are excellent job prospects after mechanical engineering. You can work in automotive firms like BMW, Volkswagen, research institutes like Fraunhofer, manufacturing firms like Siemens or in high-tech start-ups.

Q: Is mechanical engineering taught in English or German?

A: Most bachelor's programs are taught in German. However, over 150 master's programs are offered in English to attract international students. These English-taught programs facilitate studying and working in Germany.

Q: Does university prestige matter for mechanical engineering?

A: Yes, prestigious universities like RWTH Aachen, TU Munich have greater reputation among employers. But other public universities also offer quality education. Focus on program specializations and research projects.

Q: How much does it cost to study mechanical engineering?

A: At public universities tuition is free or up to EUR 1500 per year for international students. Cost of living is about 800 EUR per month. For private universities tuition can be EUR 20000-35000 per year.