The strongest economy in Europe, Germany, has witnessed a significant push in international student enrolment, particularly at the master’s level. As far as the number is concerned, more than 160,000 international students were completing their master’s degrees in Germany during the period of 2023-24, as per the German Academic Exchange Services or DAAD, and the number is increasing every year. Of course, Germany is in dire need of Immigrants and is putting in lots of initiatives to attract students.
Germany has proved itself as an engineering hub in front of the global platform and heaven for the students who are looking for technical programs such as Engineering, Technology, or sciences. All the reputed brands, such as BMW, Volkswagen, Bosch, Siemens etc., and renowned universities, such as Technical University of Munich, Ludwig Maximillian University, Technical University Berlin etc., belong to German soil But while planning to go to Germany for higher education, students feel a little bit anxious about the admission process, and one popular puzzle they face is whether appearing for the GRE is mandatory. Will it affect their acceptance chances? Are there any benefits of appearing for the GRE? etc. We will figure it out one by one
First things first, let’s briefly discuss the GRE
What is the GRE?
GRE is a short form for Graduate Record Examination, a standardized test for admission to PG-level programs or master’s degrees. It is a computer-based, multiple-choice test for 3 hours and 45 minutes that assesses a student’s skills in different metrics, such as analytical reasoning, verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, etc. The purpose of the GRE is to help graduate schools assess whether applicants have the skills and readiness to thrive in their programs.
Is it mandatory to appear for GRE to get admission in Germany?
GRE is not mandatory for German universities, but some top-notch universities do ask for it. These universities and their programs are very competitive and consider GRE scores as one aspect of their admission process. It is the filtration part where the university checks whether the student is capable enough to understand the level of a master’s degree. Candidates should keep in mind that Germany is known for its exceptional quality of education. With the rising number of international applicants each year, many are exploring innovative ways to make their applications shine. One effective strategy is submitting GRE scores. Even if the GRE is not mandatory, submitting your scores can give your application a major boost, especially if you have got impressive scores (eg, 315 and above). Then it is a great way to show you are ready to tackle the academic challenges ahead. In addition, top universities and highly competitive programs, especially in STEM fields or those offering scholarship opportunities, may either require or strongly recommend GRE scores. So, it’s always worth considering if you are aiming for the best. Let’s check which universities make it mandatory to have the GRE for their technical master’s programs.
- RWTH Aachan University
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
- Technical University of Munich
- University of Freiburg
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Universities that do not want GRE at all
For students dreaming of studying in Germany but not keen on taking the GRE, here is some great news—you do not have to appear for the GRE for sure. Many German universities do not require GRE scores for admission to their master’s programs, particularly in fields like engineering, humanities, and social sciences. So, no need to worry; your path to studying in Germany is still wide open. Some of the finest names are –
- University of Cologne
- University of Kiel
- Saarland University
- Free University of Berlin
- University of Mannheim
Germany offers a wide range of high-quality programs where the GRE is not a requirement, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your application, like your academic background, English proficiency, extracurricular activities, motivation letter, and work experience. Whether you’re passionate about engineering, exploring social sciences, or diving into the humanities, there is always a spot for you.
Focus on building a strong academic profile, showcasing your English proficiency, and meeting the specific requirements of your chosen program and university. These are the real keys to standing out. Instead of stressing over the GRE, put your energy into highlighting your strengths, whether it is your academic achievements, relevant experience, or language skills. Tailor your application to match exactly what the university is looking for, and you will be on the right track.
Curious to learn more about Germany and would like to study for free in Germany? check out the link below
