Civil engineering at private universities in Germany: from €219/month

Are there English-taught civil engineering programmes?

Currently, only one programme in this field is taught entirely in English:

All other civil engineering programmes at private universities are taught in German and require a language proficiency level of B2 to C1. Accepted certificates include TestDaF, DSH and the Goethe-Zertifikat. You can verify your existing qualifications through the anabin database and apply via uni-assist if your university requires it.

Distance learning, dual or campus: which format suits you?

Private universities offer civil engineering in four distinct study formats. Your choice depends on your visa situation, work commitments and learning preferences.

Distance learning (from 219 €/month)

Distance learning programmes let you study from anywhere, with flexible exam scheduling and digital learning platforms. Ideal if you are already working in the construction industry or cannot relocate to Germany immediately.

Dual study programmes

In a dual programme, you alternate between university coursework and practical training at a construction company. Tuition is typically covered by the employer, and you receive a monthly salary of 800–1,200 €.

Part-time programmes

Part-time programmes are designed for professionals already working in the construction industry who want to earn a degree alongside their career. Classes are held in the evenings, on weekends or in intensive block sessions.

What will you study?

A civil engineering degree combines engineering fundamentals with planning and management skills. The exact modules vary by university, but the core curriculum typically covers:

BIM – the key competency for the future

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been mandatory for all federal construction projects in Germany since 2025. Employers increasingly expect BIM proficiency in job interviews, and private universities tend to integrate BIM tools and workflows into their curricula faster than public institutions. If you want to stand out in the job market, look for programmes that include hands-on BIM training with software such as Autodesk Revit or Allplan.

Student visa, health insurance and working in Germany

If you are coming from outside the EU/EEA, here are the key figures for 2026:

Germany’s construction sector is booming: the €500 billion infrastructure investment package covers roads, bridges, rail and digital networks. The industry’s foreign workforce share has risen to 25%, up from just 8% in 2009. As an international graduate with a German civil engineering degree, you are well positioned to enter one of the country’s most in-demand professions – and the 18-month post-study visa gives you ample time to find a position.

Admission requirements

Bachelor

• Higher education entrance qualification (Abitur or equivalent) – NC-free at all private universities
• International qualifications: check recognition via the anabin database; apply via uni-assist if required
• Some universities require a maths aptitude test

Master

• First degree in civil engineering, architecture or a related field (minimum 180 ECTS)

Without Abitur

• Master craftsman or technician: direct entry without further examination
• Qualified professionals: at least 2 years of relevant work experience plus an aptitude test or trial semester

What do civil engineers earn in Germany?

Civil engineering salaries in Germany are strong and rise significantly with experience. The construction industry’s engineer shortage means employers compete for talent with attractive packages.

Typical career paths

• Site management: coordinating construction, managing timelines and budgets
• Structural engineering: calculating and designing load-bearing structures
• Geotechnical engineering: soil analysis, foundation planning
• Project control: keeping large-scale projects on time and budget
• Real estate development: guiding projects from concept to completion
• Expert/surveyor: assessing structural damage, advising courts

Extreme engineer shortage

The numbers speak for themselves:

• 306 open positions per 100 unemployed civil engineers (IAB)
• 10,000 construction planners missing for the infrastructure package (IW Cologne)
• 81% of civil engineering vacancies cannot be filled
• Construction sector foreign workforce share: 25% (up from 8% in 2009)

Sources: StepStone Gehaltsreport 2025, IAB/BA Engpassanalyse, IW Köln 2025.

Frequently asked questions about civil engineering in Germany

Related programmes at private universities

• Architecture
• Industrial Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Business Administration
• Computer Science