Materials Science and Engineering
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Information last verified July 2026
Program Overview
The master's degree program in Materials Science and Engineering combines technology with natural science in the search for ever better or even new materials and substances. The integration into the engineering sciences enables an overall view from the atomic structure to process technology through to application in a specific product. In the master's degree program, you will deepen the knowledge gained in a relevant bachelor's degree and can deepen your knowledge in one or two specialist areas. The program is designed to be research-oriented and also allows you to write a master's thesis in large-scale research. It can be studied in German or English.
The degree program contains only a few compulsory subjects and a large area of in-depth study. STEM subjects and interdisciplinary qualifications are added as an "interdisciplinary supplement". The breakdown is as follows (in ECTS credit points):
The available modules and their contents can be found in the module handbook.
A professional internship of at least 9 weeks must be completed as part of the master's degree program. It enables you to apply the knowledge you have acquired in a real professional environment and gives you an insight into possible future fields of activity. The internship is worth 12 CP. You look for an internship in a private or public institution yourself. Further information.
Key Program Features
- • use of the resources of KIT's large-scale research area • integration in research projects • high level of education • high international ranking position of the department • wide range of interdisciplinary courses • professional internship • good international connections • good supervision ratio use of the resources of KIT's large-scale research area integration in research projects high level of education high international ranking position of the department wide range of interdisciplinary courses professional internship good international connections good supervision ratio
Career Opportunities
New and constantly improved materials are both a prerequisite and an impuls for modern technologies. Thus, there is a growing demand in science and industry for specialists with a university education in this field. Fields of application are departments of research and development in companies, but also testing and research facilities. There is a rising need for professionals and experts in materials science in a wide range of sectors, including plastics, chemicals, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, automotive, aerospace, alternative energies, microelectronics, medical technology and environmental protection. With a good master's degree from KIT, you can also aim for a doctorate at KIT. After that, you are able topursue a scientific career.
Program Curriculum
The degree program contains only a few compulsory subjects and a large area of in-depth study. STEM subjects and interdisciplinary qualifications are added as an "interdisciplinary supplement". The breakdown is as follows (in ECTS credit points):
• Materials Science Major Course (20 CP): you take the compulsory modules "Thermodynamics and Kinetics", "Simulation" and "Properties".
• Specialization (40 CP): one (40 CP) or two (2 x 20 CP) of the specializations:Structural MaterialsComputational Materials ScienceFunctional Materials
• Interdisciplinary Complementation (18 CP)In this subject, you can develop your personal and professional strengths. You will take a classic Interdisciplinary Qualification such as a language course or a course on presentation techniques. You will also strengthen your knowledge of the impact of your subject area on social issues. This subject is rounded off with elective modules from the STEM field.STEM Elective Module (12 CP)Technology and Society (4 CP)Key Competencies (2 CP)
• Structural Materials
• Computational Materials Science
• Functional Materials
• STEM Elective Module (12 CP)
• Technology and Society (4 CP)
• Key Competencies (2 CP)
The available modules and their contents can be found in the module handbook.
Admission Requirements
The requirements for admission to the master's degree program in Materials Science and Engineering are based on the current admission regulations:
• a bachelor's degree or at least an equivalent degree in the Materials Science and Engineering degree program or a degree program with essentially the same content at a university, university of applied sciences or university of cooperative education or at a foreign university. The degree must have been completed within a standard period of study of at least three years and with a minimum number of 180 ECTS credits.
• minimum knowledge and minimum achievements in the areas ofmetals and material physicsceramicspolymersfunctional materialsadvanced mathematicstechnical mechanicsexperimental physicsinorganic and applied chemistry
• metals and material physics
• ceramics
• polymers
• functional materials
• advanced mathematics
• technical mechanics
• experimental physics
• inorganic and applied chemistry
The scope and content of these areas should correspond to those of the bachelor's degree program in Materials Science and Engineering at KIT.
There is no conditional admission (catching up on subjects during the master's program).
If you do not meet the minimum achievement requirements, you can qualify by taking a written entrance examination test. You pass if you achieve at least 50 points. It takes place in September for the winter semester and in March for the summer semester. After your application has been reviewed, you may be invited by the admissions committee.
Persons who have completed their university degree in a country that does not belong to the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and is not a signatory to the Lisbon Convention must also have successfully completed a test, either the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) in the field of Mechanical Engineering or Metallurgical Engineering or the Graduate Examination Test (GRE). The following scores must have been achieved in the GRE:
• Verbal Reasoning: at least 151 points
• Quantitative Reasoning: at least 164 points
• Analytical Writing: at least 4 points
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
No tuition fees (German public university — see fee_details)
Semester contribution ~€235 covers public transport (KVV) and student union services.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
No tuition fees at KIT (German public university). Semester contribution of approx. €235 covers public transport and student services. Funding available via DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium, Baden-Württemberg Stipendium, and KIT internal scholarships.
About Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Karlsruhe, Germany
The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is one of Germany's leading public research universities and among Europe's most prestigious institutions for science, engineering, and technology....
University Profile- Application Deadline EU/German nationals: September 30 | Non-EU nationals: July 15
- Start Date Winter semester
- Language German
- Duration 4 semesters
- Credits 120 ECTS
