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The majority of master’s degree programs in Germany consist of 120 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits.

A master’s degree in Germany usually lasts two years (four semesters). Some universities (usually those of applied sciences) may offer shorter programs lasting 1 and a half years (three semesters) if they’re built upon four-year bachelor’s degrees. One-year programs are less common, as they’re typically specialized degrees such as fast-track MBAs.
We must note that many universities offer some flexibility for students to exceed the standard period of study (Regelstudienzeit). They set a maximum duration of study that you can’t exceed for the program, which for two-year programs is usually eight semesters.

If you see Numerus Clausus (NC) when you’re looking into a master’s degree in Germany, it means that that particular program has a limited number of spots. Admission is therefore restricted, and candidates are selected based on academic performance and qualifications.
If a program is Non-NC, it means there are no restrictions on admissions and there are enough spots for all qualified applicants in the program.

The cost of a master’s degree in Germany first depends on whether the program is at a public or private university. At the majority of public universities, master’s programs are free of charge for all students, you only pay a semester contribution ranging from €100 to €400 per semester.
However, some federal states or specific universities in those states have started imposing tuition fees for third-country students. More specifically, universities in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Saxony may charge tuition fees in addition to the semester contribution. For example, non-EU students who want to study at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have to pay between €2,000 to €6,000 per semester for master’s degrees.
Continuing education programs such as Master of Business Administration (MBA), M.Sc. Real Estate Management, etc., are another exception. Although hosted by public universities, they can be a bit more expensive, usually ranging between €2,000 to €10,000 per semester.
Then, we have private universities, which are free to set their own tuition fees. These can range heavily from one university to the other, and from one program to another. However, to give you a general idea, you can expect to pay €5,000 to €10,000 or more per semester.

There are two intakes in German universities: the winter and summer intakes. Some master’s program courses offer the option to start during either intake, but the winter intake is most common for starting master’s studies.

Application deadlines for these intakes vary on the university, however, the most common dates are:

• For courses starting on the winter semester: July 15th

• For courses starting on the summer semester: January 15th

There are abundant career opportunities for graduates of master’s degree programs in Germany, especially high-demand peofessions.
If you’re from an EU/EEA country (including Switzerland), you can stay in Germany to work after graduation without any restrictions. If you’re not from these countries, you can extend your residence permit for up to 18 months to find a job related to your field of study.
You can also pursue a PhD and work toward a career in academia—your options are endless. Plus, your German degree is recognized globally, so you can even look into international career opportunities in multinational companies and organizations