Germany has 46 English-taught computer science programs across 27 universities for 2026 and most charge zero tuition fees. You can study at world-ranked institutions like TUM or RWTH Aachen, graduate debt-free, and stay for 18 months on a work visa to launch your tech career in Europe's largest economy.
This guide covers everything you need: which universities offer English programs, actual admission requirements, living costs, and how to apply. If you're deciding whether Germany is right for your CS degree, here's what you need to know.
Why Study Computer Science in Germany in 2026?
Germany produces more computer science graduates than any other EU country and the tech sector still can't fill positions fast enough.
- The curriculum is built around real tech problems. German CS programs partner directly with companies like SAP, Fraunhofer Institute, and Max Planck computing labs. You'll work on actual industry projects, not just textbook exercises. TUM students, for example, get access to supercomputing clusters and AI research facilities used by BMW and Siemens.
- You graduate fluent in Europe's most in-demand tech stack. German universities emphasize systems programming, algorithm optimization, and software architecture, the fundamentals that transfer across any language or framework. Plus, many programs include mandatory internships (Praktikum) where you build production code at real companies.
- The CS job market pays well and needs you now. Germany has 149,000 unfilled software engineering roles. Entry-level developers earn €45,000–55,000, senior roles hit €80,000+. After graduation, you get 18 months to find work; no job offer required upfront. Most CS graduates find positions within 3-6 months.
- You can study in English without paying tuition. 46 CS programs run entirely in English at public universities that charge €0–350/semester. You can learn German through free university courses while studying, which helps with daily life and opens doors to German-language companies.
Computer Science Specializations in Germany
Computer science in Germany isn't one-size-fits-all. Universities offer specialized programs so you can focus on what interests you most.
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning - Build systems that learn from data, create neural networks, and work on automation. Programs like AI and Data Science at East Bavarian Technical University Regensburg or Autonomous Intelligent Systems at TU Braunschweig focus on robotics, deep learning, and intelligent systems.
- Cybersecurity - Learn how to protect networks, hack ethically, and secure data. Security Management programs teach you to defend against cyber threats and manage digital risk.
- Data Science and Bioinformatics - Work with massive datasets in healthcare, biology, or business. Bioinformatics programs at Free University of Berlin combine coding with medical research. Data science tracks teach you to analyze patterns and build predictive models.
- Business Information Systems - Bridge the gap between tech and business. These programs teach programming plus how companies use technology—perfect if you want to work in tech consulting or product management.
- Software Engineering and Technical Computer Science - Focus on building reliable, scalable software systems. You'll learn software architecture, system design, and how to manage complex coding projects.
- Specialized Fields - Universities also offer niche programs in computational linguistics (teaching computers to understand language), medical informatics (healthcare technology), and applied AI for specific industries.
Most universities let you choose your specialization in year 2 or 3 of your bachelor's, or when you apply for a master's program.
Best Universities for Computer Science in Germany
German universities offer 46 computer science programs across 26 institutions, ranging from general CS to specialized tracks like AI, cybersecurity, data science, and business informatics.
Popular Programs by Specialization:
General Computer Science
- Computer Science at Humboldt University Berlin (B.Sc. & M.Sc.)
- Computer Science at Technical University Braunschweig (B.Sc. & M.Sc.)
- Computer Science at Free University of Berlin (B.Sc. & M.Sc.)
- Computer Science at TU Darmstadt (B.Sc. & M.Sc.)
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Autonomous Intelligent Systems at TU Braunschweig (B.Sc.)
- Artificial Intelligence at Macromedia University Berlin (B.Sc.)
- AI and Data Science at East Bavarian Technical University Regensburg (B.Sc.)
- AI and Machine Learning at TU Darmstadt (M.Sc.)
- AI for Molecular Sciences at TU Braunschweig (M.Sc.)
Data Science & Analytics
- Data Science at Free University of Berlin (M.Sc.)
- Applied Data Science at Georg August University Göttingen (B.Sc.)
- Data Science at Justus Liebig University Giessen (M.Sc.)
- Applied Data Science and AI at SRH Berlin (M.Sc.)
- Analytics & AI at ESMT Berlin (M.Sc.)
Cybersecurity
- Security Management at Berlin School of Economics and Law (B.A.)
- Cyber Security at Fachhochschule des Mittelstands Düren (B.Sc. & M.Sc.)
- IT Security at TU Darmstadt (M.Sc.)
- Enterprise and IT Security at University of Technology Offenburg (M.Sc.)
Software Engineering
- Software Engineering at Macromedia University Berlin (B.Sc.)
- Software Engineering at Free University of Stuttgart (B.Sc. & M.Sc.)
- Web Development at SRH Berlin (B.Sc.)
Business Informatics & Information Systems
- Business Information Systems at TU Braunschweig (B.Sc. & M.Sc.)
- Business Informatics at Humboldt University Berlin (M.Sc.)
- Information Systems at Free University of Berlin (M.Sc.)
- Business Intelligence at Berlin School of Economics and Law (M.Sc.)
Specialized Programs
- Computational Neuroscience at Humboldt University Berlin (M.Sc.)
- Bioinformatics at Free University of Berlin (B.Sc. & M.Sc.)
- Computational Linguistics at Free University of Stuttgart (B.Sc.)
- Medical Informatics at TU Braunschweig (B.Sc.)
- Digital Technologies & Coding at Macromedia University Berlin (B.Sc.)
Find your program: Use our Program Database to filter by degree level, specialization, city, or cost. Save programs to your wishlist and compare options.
Requirements to Study Computer Science in Germany
The Money Reality
You need €11,904 in a Blocked Account before applying for your student visa. This amount is set by the German government and releases €992 per month to cover your living expenses. This is the official requirement you must meet.
Language Requirements (and the truth about "no German needed")
English programs technically don't require German, but:
- Part-time jobs mostly need German (even in tech)
- Bureaucracy (residence permits, bank accounts) is easier with German
- Most internships prefer German speakers
Tests needed: IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 90+
If Your Degree Doesn't Qualify Directly
Studienkolleg (preparatory year) is your option. Takes 1 year, costs €0-300/semester. After completing it, you apply to universities like everyone else. Common for students from [countries that need it].
Application Mistakes That Cost You a Year
Starting too late: If you apply in July for October, visa processing (6-12 weeks) might make you miss orientation. Better timeline: Have all documents by May, apply in June, get visa by August.
University Acceptance Rates Vary Wildly
TUM/RWTH Aachen: Very competitive (~10-15% acceptance) FH Dortmund/Bremen University: Much higher acceptance (~50-70%)
If you're borderline on grades, apply to a mix.
📚 Still exploring other subjects?
Check out what else you can study in Germany or visit the main Study in Germany guide for tips on applications, requirements, and student life.
How Long Does It Take?
Bachelor's: 6-8 semesters (3-4 years) First 2-4 semesters: Core fundamentals Next 2-4 semesters: Specialization + electives Final semester: Bachelor's thesis
Master's: 2-4 semesters (1-2 years) Most programs are 4 semesters (2 years) Final semester dedicated to master's thesis
Alternative: Ausbildung (Vocational Training) "Ausbildung zum Fachinformatiker" - 3-year program where you earn money (€800-1,200/month) while learning. You work at a company and attend vocational school. No university degree required to start.
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How to Choose Your Computer Science Specialization
Most bachelor's programs let you pick a specialization in year 2 or 3. Master's programs require you to choose upfront. Here's how to decide:
If you like working with data and numbers → Data Science
You'll analyze datasets, build prediction models, and work with statistics. Jobs: data scientist, business intelligence analyst, data engineer. High demand in finance, healthcare, and e-commerce.
If you want to protect systems → Cybersecurity
You'll learn ethical hacking, network security, and how to prevent cyber attacks. Jobs: security analyst, penetration tester, cybersecurity consultant. Growing field with constant job openings.
If you want to build intelligent systems → Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning
You'll work on neural networks, robotics, and automation. Jobs: ML engineer, AI researcher, robotics engineer. Requires strong math skills. Best job market in automotive and tech.
If you want to design user experiences → Human-Computer Interaction
You'll focus on how people interact with technology and design better interfaces. Jobs: UX designer, product designer, interaction designer. Good for people who like both tech and creativity.
If you prefer building applications → Software Engineering
You'll learn full software development lifecycle, coding best practices, and project management. Jobs: software developer, backend engineer, solutions architect. Most versatile option with jobs everywhere.
If you want to combine business and tech → Business Informatics
Half CS, half business management. You'll learn coding plus how companies use technology. Jobs: IT consultant, product manager, business analyst. Good if you want to work in management later.
Still not sure?
Start with a general computer science program. You'll get exposure to all areas in the first year, then choose your focus.
Job Prospects & Salaries After Graduation
Entry-level positions start at €45,000-50,000. With 3-5 years of experience, you'll earn €60,000-75,000. Senior roles pay €80,000+.
FAQ
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