Popular Subjects to Study in Germany
Suppose you are one of the many students seeking an exceptional and promising academic future. In that case, look no further than Germany, which has been the home to world-class universities, a rich educational background, cutting-edge research, and reliable degrees that open doors globally. Germany is known to prepare students who are not only knowledgeable but also job‑ready with a rich and dynamic atmosphere.
When it comes to studying abroad, the real challenge is what you study. If you don't have a proper field of interest and are confused about popular and prospering subjects, this guide is for you. Selecting a suitable topic isn’t just about what you enjoy; it can shape your entire future, so it requires thorough research from job opportunities to visa prospects.
So, let’s explore the most popular subjects to study in Germany. We will shed light on the most in-demand degrees in Germany right now and why they could be your ticket to a brilliant career globally.
Why Are Some Subjects More Popular in Germany?
Before exploring popular subjects in Germany, let's examine the factors that drive high demand for them. These factors and features have built an academic ecosystem with specific strengths that attract both domestic and international students to these subjects.
A large number of outstanding and top-rated technical universities (Technische Universitäten or TUs) are known primarily for engineering, computer science, and natural sciences. They are mainly known for their high-quality practice, advanced education, updated curriculum, and reliable degree.
Language has always been an issue when it comes to studying in Germany. Lots of English‐taught bachelor’s and master’s programs aim to lower the barrier for non‐German speakers, especially in business, IT, and environmental studies.
German firms often partner with universities in engineering, automotive, renewable energy, AI, etc This provides lab or internship opportunities, which many students value.
Considering these main factors, subjects and fields that incorporate high demand (in the job market), strong academic resources, and growing global significance are the ones rising to the top. You can trace back all of the mentioned attributes in popular subjects to study in Germany.
Read more: German Language Test
Top 8 Subjects to Study in Germany
Now, let's get to the popular subjects to study for BA, MA, and PhD degrees in Germany. Here are subjects that are particularly popular and good choices if you're applying to study in Germany. Although these fields are mostly popular and favored globally, some of them have higher repetition and demand for the exceptional quality of education in Germany.
Read more: Study phd in Germany
Engineering in Germany
Engineering has been a popular field in Germany for a long time and still is. Mechanical, electrical, civil, and automotive engineering are traditional strengths with excellent infrastructure, research labs, and industry demand. Germany's flourishing market is a wonderful place to study engineering.
Choosing to study engineering in Germany means benefiting from top-rated professors, high-level educational experiences, a strong theoretical foundation, and sometimes direct pathways into major German firms, such as BMW, Bosch, Siemens, and Volkswagen.
Top universities for Engineering in Germany
Technical University of Munich (TUM)
RWTH Aachen University
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
If you are looking to study engineering in Germany, check out the latest positions, universities’ requirements, and suitable supervisors on the ApplyKite platform. All you need to do is visit our home page and choose the services you need from our solution bar.
Computer Science, Data Science, and Artificial Intelligence
For those who are interested in more modern areas of research and technology, computer science and related subjects like data science and AI are perfect choices. Data science and AI are now two popular areas in reputable and famous companies in Germany with promising salaries and benefits.
If you are excited about innovation, technology, and the rapidly growing field of data-driven decision making, computer science and related subjects are perfect and offer high capacity for improvement both in academic and professional life. Universities in Germany are heavily supporting AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, software engineering, and robotics. Many master’s and PhD programs are English‑taught, especially in data science and AI.
Top universities for Computer Science and AI in Germany
Technical University of Munich (TUM)
RWTH Aachen University
- Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin)
Business, Management, and Finance in Germany
Business administration, finance, and other management fields are exciting trends these days, and many people are drawn to them due to potential job opportunities in the future. Whether you are a local or international student, studying in business and related fields are always a good idea and a reliable guarantee for a future career.
Most of these programs are taught in English, so don't worry if German isn't your mother tongue. Many emerging specializations, like sustainability management, supply chain management, and fintech, are growing, which is reflected in the academic process, ensuring you are prepared for the future market and evolving demands.
Top universities for Business and Management in Germany
University of Mannheim
WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management
University of Cologne
Read more: Top Universities for PhD Study in Germany
Medicine and Health Sciences
It's no surprise that medicine and health sciences are not only popular subjects in Germany but also in many other countries in Europe. Each year, many talented students come to Germany to study medicine for its world-class academic resources and rich research environment in these disciplines.
Note that medicine, dentistry, and health professions are more competitive and more challenging to enter compared to the mentioned fields in Germany. German language ability is typically required for clinical work and patient interaction, so many medical programs require proficiency in German; however, there are also many English-taught programs available.
Top universities for Medicine / Health Sciences in Germany
Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Heidelberg University
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)
Natural Sciences (Biology, Physics, Chemistry)
Germany has long been a powerhouse and primary reference with strong research resources and a rich academic environment. Plus, there are many terrific labs available, pioneered in natural sciences. In natural sciences.
Check carefully each university's reputation in your specific subfield before choosing a program or supervisor. Moreover, you need to consider other essential factors such as the capability of research groups, available grants and funding, infrastructure, and whether courses are offered in English or German.
Top universities for Natural Sciences in Germany
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)
University of Göttingen
- University of Heidelberg
Environmental Science, Sustainability, and Renewable Energy
With the lack of green energy sources and detrimental problems such as air and water pollutants, subjects like sustainability and renewable energy are gaining rapid popularity. Germany’s commitment to renewable energy, climate policy, and green technology means that many universities, research institutes, and industries invest heavily in this area.
If you are interested in working with experienced professionals and prisoners of environmental sciences, Germany is the best destination for you. If you don't want to lose the recent positions for these fields, check ApplyKite's intelligent positions search, which provides speedy access to the latest available programs.
Top universities for Environmental Science & Sustainability in Germany
Technical University of Munich (TUM)
University of Göttingen
University of Bremen
Architecture, Design, and Urban and Spatial Planning
The popularity and charm of architecture are not a story of today or tomorrow. It has always been a favorite and top field to study in Germany. Plus, now there is a growing interest and enthusiasm for urban design and spatial planning, and many students choose Germany to achieve their dreams in these fields
If you have creative interests, architecture, urban planning, and design programs in Germany are taught with top technologies, a strong research-based curriculum, and a dynamic environment for progress and new achievements. Urban design and planning programs in Germany are also highly updated and evolving with new trends such as sustainability, smart cities, renewable materials, and green design thinking.
Top universities for Architecture / Design in Germany
Technical University of Munich (TUM)
TU Berlin (Technische Universität Berlin)
- RWTH Aachen University
Emerging and Niche Subjects
Apart from the big fields, some specialized or interdisciplinary areas are gaining traction. Programs combining technology with climate policy, sustainable development, geoinformatics, renewable energy technology, AI ethics, or environmental economics are growing.
Here are some of the most interesting niche subjects to study in Germany. All of these fields are now emerging as significant trends in the market and academic environments around the world, and many top companies and industries are seeking experts in these subjects, primarily in data analytics, machine learning, and cybersecurity.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Data Analytics / Big Data
Cybersecurity
Renewable Energy Technologies / Green Engineering
Sustainable Development / Climate Policy
Interdisciplinary Programs combining technology, policy, and environment, among others.
Top universities for Emerging / Niche Subjects in Germany
Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
- University of Freiburg
Things to Check Starting the Application Process
Before applying for these subjects, first of all, it's essential to know your passion honestly; don't choose a topic merely because it's popular and top-ranked. Plus, here is a valuable list of all critical things to consider before applying for any subject to study in Germany.
Language of instruction: Many programs are in English, but not all, especially in the early years. Check the language requirements carefully before making the final decision.
Tuition, fees, and costs of living: Public universities usually have little or no tuition, but living costs differ by region (Munich, Berlin, smaller towns).
Career prospects: This is especially important after graduation, when you have limited time to find a job. How easy is it to get internships and jobs in that field in Germany, especially as an international student?
Visa and residency permissions: Some job markets are more accessible and easier to enter than others for non-EU graduates. Knowing what is in demand helps.
University reputation and research strength: If you prefer to study in a research-based institution, selecting a university with strong labs, publications, and professors is highly valuable.
Picking the Right Subject to Study in Germany
Popularity is a valuable signal; it often reflects job market, funding, and academic strength, but it shouldn’t be the only factor, and ignoring other crucial criteria in choosing the subject and university. Use popularity as one of many guides. Also, think about what you love, what you’re good at, where you want to live/work in the future, and whether you’re okay with the language requirements.
It may be hard to choose a subject and start the application. To avoid falling into a labyrinth of choices and options, you can rely on Applykite services, from mentorship to matching positions and finding the subjects available on our platform.
Germany offers great options across many fields. Whether you go for engineering, computer science, medicine, or the newer ones like AI or sustainability, there’s good potential, especially if you plan carefully. Good luck with your decision!