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Mechanical engineering programmes are available at several private universities in Germany – covering mechanical engineering, mechatronics, robotics, automotive and process engineering. All are NC-free, starting from 247 € per month. Despite a cyclical slowdown in the manufacturing sector, the structural engineer shortage persists: 222 open positions per 100 unemployed engineers (VDI/IW). One English-taught programme is available for students without German language skills.
- Overview of all Courses
- How much does it cost to study mechanical engineering at a private university?
- Are there English-taught programmes?
- Specialisations: which path suits you?
- Distance learning, dual or campus: which format suits you?
- What will you study?
- Student visa, health insurance and working in Germany
- What do mechanical engineers earn in Germany?
- Admission requirements
- Frequently asked questions about mechanical engineering in Germany
- Related programmes at private universities
Overview of all Courses
We have a total of 28 courses in the field of Mechanical Engineering. The first 20 top courses are displayed. Use the filter function or our search to discover more courses in the field.
Mechanical Engineering
- Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences
- 7 Semester
- online
- from 294 € monthly
- German
Mechanical Engineering
- RH Cologne – University of Applied Science
- 7 Semester
- Cologne
- German
Engineering
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- English
Mechanical Engineering
- SRH University
- 7 Semester
- Heidelberg
- from 650 € monthly
- German
Mechanical Engineering
- Georg Agricola University of Technology
- 6 Semester
- Bochum
- German
Mechanical Engineering
- Hamburger Fern-Hochschule
- 7 Semester
- online
- from 270 € monthly
- German
Mechanical Engineering
- Georg Agricola University of Technology
- 4 Semester
- Bochum
- German
Mechanical Engineering
- FOM University of Applied Sciences
- 8 Semester
- Essen
- from 350 € monthly
- German
Mechanical Engineering
- Private University of Applied Sciences
- 7 Semester
- Diepholz
- German
Engineering Mechatronics
- hochschule 21 - University of Applied Sciences
- 7 Semester
- Buxtehude
- German
Mechanical Engineering
- Hamburger Fern-Hochschule
- 3 Semester
- online
- from 490 € monthly
- German
Mechanical Engineering
- Hochschule der Bayerischen Wirtschaft
- 7 Semester
- Munich
- from 540 € monthly
- German
Process Engineering
- Georg Agricola University of Technology
- 6 Semester
- Bochum
- German
Mechatronics
- Private University of Applied Sciences
- 7 Semester
- Diepholz
- German
Mechanical Engineering
- Hochschule der Bayerischen Wirtschaft
- 7 Semester
- Munich
- from 540 € monthly
- German
Mechatronics
- DIPLOMA University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- Bad Sooden-Allendorf
- from 395 € monthly
- German
Mechanical Engineering
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- 2 Comments & Questions
- German
Mechatronics
- DIPLOMA University of Applied Sciences
- 7 Semester
- from 247 € monthly
- German
Mechanical Engineering
- Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences
- 3 Semester
- Darmstadt
- from 629 € monthly
- German
How much does it cost to study mechanical engineering at a private university?
Tuition fees at private universities range from 247 € to 650 € per month, depending on the study format and institution. Compared to the UK, the US or Australia, Germany’s private universities offer exceptional value – especially when you factor in the lower cost of living and the right to work part-time during your studies.
The most affordable programmes:
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechatronics, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | DIPLOMA University of Applied Sciences | 7 Semester | from 10817 € total from 247 € monthly | |
| Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | Hamburger Fern-Hochschule | 7 Semester | from 11830 € total from 270 € monthly | |
| Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | IU International University of Applied Sciences | 6 Semester | from 14040 € total from 259 € monthly |
International tuition comparison
| Country | Typical annual tuition | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Germany (private) | 2,960–7,800 € | NC-free, staatlich anerkannt |
| United Kingdom | £9,250 (home) / £20,000–£38,000 (int’l) | Higher for non-UK students |
| United States | $30,000–$55,000 | Excludes living costs |
| Australia | AUD 30,000–AUD 48,000 | International rate |
Financing your studies
- EU/EEA citizens: BAföG (up to 992 €/month), KfW student loans (up to 650 €/month)
- Non-EU students: Sperrkonto (blocked account) of 11,904 €/year, instalment plans offered by most universities, scholarships
- Part-time work: 140 full days or 280 half days per year permitted on a student visa
- Scholarships: DAAD programmes, Deutschlandstipendium (300 €/month), university-specific awards
Are there English-taught programmes?
Currently, one programme in this field is taught entirely in English:
| Course | University | Study site | Duration | Language | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Applied Mechatronic Systems, Bachelor of Engineering On-campus program | SRH University | Berlin | 7 Semester | German | from 27800 € total |
All other mechanical 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.
Specialisations: which path suits you?
Mechanical engineering at private universities covers five specialisation areas with distinct career paths:
| Specialisation | Focus | Career fields |
|---|---|---|
| General mechanical engineering | Design, structural analysis, manufacturing | Machinery, plant engineering, production |
| Mechatronics | Mechanics + electronics + software | Automation, medical devices, sensors |
| Automotive engineering | Vehicles & powertrains | Automotive, e-mobility, suppliers |
| Robotics | Robots & automation | Industry 4.0, logistics, AI applications |
| Process engineering | Thermal & chemical processes | Chemicals, pharma, energy, food |
General mechanical engineering programmes:
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering On-campus program | Georg Agricola University of Technology | 6 Semester | from 1446 € total | |
| Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | Hamburger Fern-Hochschule | 7 Semester | from 11830 € total from 270 € monthly | |
| Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | IU International University of Applied Sciences | 6 Semester | from 14040 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Part-time program | FOM University of Applied Sciences | 8 Semester | from 16800 € total from 350 € monthly | |
| Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences | 7 Semester | from 17217 € total from 294 € monthly |
Mechatronics and specialist programmes:
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechatronics, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | DIPLOMA University of Applied Sciences | 7 Semester | from 10817 € total from 247 € monthly | |
| Mechatronics, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | IU International University of Applied Sciences | 6 Semester | from 14040 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Robotics, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | IU International University of Applied Sciences | 6 Semester | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Automotive Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences | 7 Semester | from 16254 € total from 387 € monthly |
Mechanical engineering compass: find your specialisation
What excites you most?
Distance learning, dual or campus: which format suits you?
Private universities offer mechanical engineering in four distinct study formats. Your choice depends on your visa situation, work commitments and learning preferences.
| Format | Structure | Duration | Cost range | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance learning | Online lectures, compact lab sessions | 6–12 semesters | 247–490 €/month | Working professionals |
| Dual study | Alternating university + company | 7 semesters | Employer-funded | School leavers |
| Part-time (campus) | Evening, weekend or block sessions | 8–9 semesters | 350–420 €/month | Employed professionals |
| Full-time campus | Regular daytime lectures | 6–7 semesters | 215–650 €/month | Student visa holders |
Distance learning (from 247 €/month)
Distance learning programmes let you study from anywhere, with flexible exam scheduling and digital learning platforms. Compact lab sessions ensure you gain practical skills. Ideal if you are already working in engineering or cannot relocate to Germany immediately.
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechatronics, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | DIPLOMA University of Applied Sciences | 7 Semester | from 10817 € total from 247 € monthly | |
| Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | Hamburger Fern-Hochschule | 7 Semester | from 11830 € total from 270 € monthly | |
| Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | IU International University of Applied Sciences | 6 Semester | from 14040 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Robotics, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | IU International University of Applied Sciences | 6 Semester | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences | 7 Semester | from 17217 € total from 294 € monthly |
Dual study programmes
In a dual programme, you alternate between university coursework and practical training at an engineering company. Tuition is typically covered by the employer, and you receive a monthly salary.
| Course | University | Study site | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechatronics, Bachelor of Engineering Dual studies | Private University of Applied Sciences | Diepholz | 7 Semester | ||
| Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Dual studies | Private University of Applied Sciences | Diepholz | 7 Semester | ||
| Engineering Mechatronics, Bachelor of Engineering Dual studies | hochschule 21 - University of Applied Sciences | Buxtehude | 7 Semester | ||
| Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Dual studies | Hochschule der Bayerischen Wirtschaft | Munich | 7 Semester | from 22680 € total |
Part-time programmes
Part-time programmes are designed for professionals already working in industry who want to earn a degree alongside their career. Classes are held in the evenings, on weekends or in intensive block sessions.
| Course | University | Study site | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Part-time program | FOM University of Applied Sciences | Essen | 8 Semester | from 16800 € total | |
| Mechanical Engineering - Technical Revision, Bachelor of Engineering Part-time program | bbw Hochschule | Berlin | 8 Semester | from 17640 € total | |
| Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Part-time program | Hochschule der Bayerischen Wirtschaft | Bamberg | 9 Semester | from 22680 € total |
What will you study?
A mechanical engineering degree combines engineering fundamentals with applied and management skills. The exact modules vary by university, but the core curriculum typically covers:
| Engineering fundamentals (~60%) | Application & management (~40%) |
|---|---|
| Engineering mechanics, materials science | Production management, quality assurance |
| Machine design, CAD | Project management, cost estimation |
| Thermodynamics, fluid mechanics | Manufacturing processes, logistics |
| Electrical engineering, control systems | Occupational safety, environmental engineering |
| Computer science, programming | Business administration, technical English |
Industry 4.0 and AI – the transformation of mechanical engineering
Digitalisation is fundamentally changing mechanical engineering: digital twins, additive manufacturing (3D printing), predictive maintenance and AI-driven process optimisation are becoming part of everyday work. Private universities tend to integrate these technologies into their curricula faster than public institutions.
When choosing a programme, look for modules such as Digital Factory, Industrial IoT or Machine Learning in Production – these competencies give you an edge in the job market.
Student visa, health insurance and working in Germany
If you are coming from outside the EU/EEA, here are the key figures for 2026:
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Blocked account (Sperrkonto) | 11,904 €/year (992 €/month) |
| Health insurance | ~120 €/month for students under 30 |
| Part-time work | 140 full days or 280 half days/year |
| Transport | Deutschlandticket 63 €/month |
| Post-graduation | 18-month job-seeking visa |
Germany’s engineering sector remains one of the largest in Europe. While the manufacturing industry faces a cyclical downturn, the structural shortage of 222 open positions per 100 unemployed engineers (VDI/IW) continues. As an international graduate with a German engineering degree, you benefit from the 18-month post-study job-seeking visa and strong demand for multilingual engineers in Germany’s export-driven economy.
What do mechanical engineers earn in Germany?
Mechanical engineers are among the best-paid professionals in Germany. Salaries vary significantly by industry, region and whether a collective bargaining agreement (Tarifvertrag) applies – employees with a Tarifvertrag earn on average 18% more.
| Career stage | Gross annual salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (Bachelor) | 47,000–50,000 € |
| Entry level (Master) | 52,000–57,000 € |
| Mid-career (5–10 years) | 60,000–67,000 € |
| Senior (10+ years) | 69,000–90,000 € |
Salary by industry
| Industry | Entry level | Experienced (10+ years) |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive | 52,000 € | 72,000 € |
| Aerospace | 50,000 € | 70,000 € |
| Pharma & chemicals | 48,000 € | 65,000 € |
| Mechanical engineering (industry) | 47,000 € | 64,000 € |
| Energy & environment | 46,000 € | 60,000 € |
| Engineering consultancy | 43,000 € | 55,000 € |
Typical career paths
- Design/R&D: designing machines, components and systems
- Production/manufacturing: planning, controlling and optimising manufacturing processes
- Automation engineering: programming and integrating robots and production lines
- Quality management: ensuring products and processes meet standards
- Technical sales: advising on and selling complex technical products
- Project management: keeping large-scale technical projects on time and budget
Labour market outlook
Germany’s mechanical engineering labour market shows a paradox: while job postings fell by 22% in 2025 due to a cyclical downturn, the structural shortage persists with 222 open positions per 100 unemployed engineers (VDI/IW Q2/2025). By 2034, an estimated 178,000 engineers will retire from the workforce. Graduates with skills in digitalisation, AI and sustainable production are particularly well positioned for long-term career success.
Sources: StepStone Gehaltsreport 2025, VDI/IW-Ingenieurmonitor Q2/2025, gehalt.de 2025.
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
- Solid maths and physics background recommended
Master
- First degree in mechanical engineering, mechatronics 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
Frequently asked questions about mechanical engineering in Germany
Yes. All private universities listed here are staatlich anerkannt (state-recognised) and their programmes are accredited by agencies such as ASIIN, FIBAA or ZEvA. A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a private university carries the same legal weight as one from a public university – both in Germany and internationally.
Currently, one programme is taught entirely in English: Applied Mechatronic Systems (B.Eng.) at SRH University in Berlin. All other mechanical engineering programmes require German at level B2 or C1. Accepted certificates include TestDaF, DSH and the Goethe-Zertifikat.
Yes, in the long run. The current slowdown is cyclical, while the structural shortage is demographic: by 2034, around 178,000 engineers will retire. Meanwhile, Industry 4.0, e-mobility and sustainable manufacturing are creating demand for new skill profiles. Graduates who start now will enter a labour market where long-term demand for engineers far exceeds supply.
Mechanical engineering focuses on designing, building and manufacturing machines and components – primarily mechanical systems. Mechatronics adds electrical engineering and computer science, dealing with systems where mechanics, electronics and software interact – such as robots, sensors or autonomous vehicles. Choose mechatronics for a broader skill set; choose mechanical engineering for deeper expertise in design and manufacturing.
Related programmes at private universities
About the Author Marcus Schütz
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