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Mathematics Schools and Programs in Germany

20 schools in Germany teach Mathematics.

Mathematics Studies in Germany

Mathematics is taught at German universities as a Bachelor of Science followed by a Master of Science. The bachelor's degree gives a broad grounding in pure and applied mathematics. Many universities also offer applied variants such as business mathematics (Wirtschaftsmathematik) and mathematics for engineering (Technomathematik), and teacher-training degrees with mathematics as a school subject.

SpainExchange lists 20 universities in Germany under Mathematics, among them universities in Bonn, Heidelberg, Munich, Münster, Ulm, Mannheim, Stuttgart, Cologne, Frankfurt, Hannover, Kiel and Potsdam.

How the degree is organised

According to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the standard period of study for a bachelor's degree is usually six semesters, and a master's degree takes two to four more. A doctorate can follow the master's degree.

The programmes at the listed universities follow this pattern. The B.Sc. in Mathematics at the Technische Universität München (TUM) has six semesters and 180 ECTS credits and starts in the winter semester. It begins with lectures on analysis, linear algebra and discrete structures. From the first semester students also work on a minor in economics, computer science, physics or electrical engineering, and in the fifth and sixth semesters they choose advanced courses in areas such as financial mathematics, biomathematics or engineering mathematics. The degree ends with a bachelor's thesis.

At the Universität Heidelberg the Bachelor of Science in Mathematics also has a standard period of six semesters, starts in the winter semester only and has no admission restrictions. A two-week preliminary course takes place before the programme starts. Universität Ulm lists its B.Sc. in Mathematics with 180 ECTS credits, six semesters and no admission restriction.

Where it is taught

  • Heidelberg: the Universität Heidelberg, established in 1386, describes research in pure mathematics focused on arithmetic and geometry, and applied mathematics linked to its Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR)
  • Munich: TUM teaches the B.Sc. in Mathematics in Garching, with specialisations that include biomathematics, financial and insurance mathematics, operations research and data science
  • Münster: the University of Münster offers an English-language M.Sc. in Mathematics; its other mathematics degrees are taught in German
  • Mannheim: the Universität Mannheim offers a bachelor's programme in Mathematics in Business and Economics (B.Sc., German, six semesters) and a master's programme of four semesters taught in German and English
  • Ulm: the B.Sc. in Mathematics at Universität Ulm is taught in German and English
  • Stuttgart and Duisburg-Essen: the Universität Stuttgart lists a B.Sc. in Mathematik taught in German, and the Universität Duisburg-Essen lists bachelor's and master's degrees in Mathematik, Technomathematik and Wirtschaftsmathematik

Admission and language

Applicants need a school-leaving certificate that is recognised as a higher education entrance qualification in Germany. Certificates from EU and EEA countries and Switzerland usually qualify. According to DAAD, applicants from other countries often need two or three semesters of comparable study at home or a Studienkolleg in Germany; the T course of the Studienkolleg prepares for mathematical, scientific and technical degrees. Applicants from outside the EU apply through uni-assist or directly to the university.

Many mathematics bachelor's programmes have no admission restriction, so applicants who meet the formal requirements can enrol directly. Some universities use their own procedure; TUM, for example, applies an aptitude recommendation procedure. Bachelor's programmes are normally taught in German, and most institutions require German at B2 level of the CEFR or above. English-taught options are found mainly at master's level and require proof of English instead.

Costs and visa

There are generally no tuition fees for bachelor's courses or most master's courses at state higher education institutions. All students pay a semester contribution of between €70 and €430; the Universität Heidelberg, for example, lists fees and contributions of €189.80 per semester for the bachelor's degree. Baden-Württemberg, where Heidelberg, Stuttgart, Ulm, Mannheim and Freiburg are located, charges non-EU citizens €1,500 per semester. In Bavaria institutions decide on their own fees: TUM states that non-EU students usually pay €2,000 or €3,000 per semester for bachelor's programmes and €4,000 or €6,000 for master's programmes.

Citizens of EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland do not need a visa. Students from most other countries apply for a national visa at the German embassy or consulate in their home country and, as of 1 January 2025, must show €992 per month in financial resources.

Careers

Universität Ulm names education and research, software development and IT, management consultancy and data analysis, and finance and insurance as professional fields for mathematics graduates. The bachelor's degree also gives access to a master's degree, which is the usual route into research and a doctorate.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a mathematics degree take in Germany?

A bachelor's degree usually takes six semesters and 180 ECTS credits. A master's degree takes two to four more semesters.

Can I study mathematics in Germany in English?

Bachelor's programmes are normally taught in German. English-taught programmes exist mainly at master's level, for example the M.Sc. in Mathematics at the University of Münster.

Is it hard to get a place to study mathematics in Germany?

Many programmes have no admission restriction, for example at the Universität Heidelberg and Universität Ulm. International applicants still need a recognised school-leaving certificate and proof of language skills.

Do mathematics students pay tuition fees in Germany?

State universities generally charge only a semester contribution. Non-EU students pay €1,500 per semester in Baden-Württemberg, and some Bavarian universities, including TUM, charge fees to non-EU students.