Major Shift in German University Admissions as GRE Scores Become Mandatory for Key Master’s Programs in 2026

BREAKING: Major Shift in German University Admissions as GRE Scores Become Mandatory for Key Master’s Programs in 2026

Subheadline: The move impacts thousands of international applicants in STEM and Computer Science as leading institutions tighten admission criteria to manage high application volumes and ensure candidate quality.

BERLIN, GERMANY – In a significant policy shift affecting thousands of prospective international students, several of Germany’s top-ranking public universities have begun updating their admission requirements for the 2026 intake, making the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test a mandatory component for many of their most competitive Master’s programs.

This development marks a departure from Germany's traditionally flexible application process and signals a move towards more standardized evaluation methods, similar to those in the United States and Canada. The change is primarily concentrated in high-demand fields like engineering, computer science, and data analytics, where application numbers from around the globe have surged in recent years.

Which Universities and Programs are Affected?

While official announcements are still rolling out on individual university websites, reports indicate that this new requirement is being implemented by Germany's leading technical universities (TU9 alliance) and other major research institutions.

Universities that have either made the GRE mandatory for specific programs or are strongly recommending it include:

• Technical University of Munich (TUM)
• RWTH Aachen University
• Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
• TU Berlin
• TU Darmstadt
• University of Stuttgart

The programs most commonly impacted are:

• M.Sc. in Computer Science & Informatics
• M.Sc. in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
• M.Sc. in Mechanical & Automotive Engineering
• M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering & Information Technology
• M.Sc. in Management and Technology (MIM/TUM-BWL equivalent)

New GRE Score Benchmarks Emerge

With this new requirement, a clear pattern of score expectations is beginning to form. While minimums can vary by university, the generally accepted competitive scores are:

• 300+ (Quant > 155): For general engineering and related STEM programs.
• 310–320 (Quant > 160): For competitive programs like Computer Science, Data Science, and AI.
• 315+ (Quant > 162): For highly sought-after, research-intensive programs at top-tier universities.

Why Are German Universities Adopting the GRE?

University officials and education experts point to several factors driving this change. "The sheer volume of applications from highly qualified students worldwide has made it challenging to differentiate candidates based on GPA alone," stated a source familiar with university admission policies.

The key reasons include:

• Managing High Application Volumes: German universities, especially those with no tuition fees, receive tens of thousands of applications for a limited number of spots.
• Standardized Evaluation: The GRE provides a uniform metric to compare applicants from diverse educational systems and grading scales.
• Quality Filtering: It helps admission committees identify candidates with strong quantitative and analytical reasoning skills, which are crucial for success in rigorous STEM programs.
• Global Competition: Adopting the GRE aligns German universities with global admission standards, particularly those of top North American institutions.

Mixed Reactions from the Student Community

The news has been met with a mix of apprehension and understanding from the international student community. While many students appreciate the added clarity a standardized test can bring to the competitive process, others are concerned about the additional financial burden and preparation time required to take the GRE. Online forums are buzzing with discussions as students rush to book test dates and re-evaluate their application strategies.

An Advisor's Perspective

"This is the new reality of applying to top German universities," commented an international education consultant. "The landscape is becoming more competitive. Experts recommend that students planning to apply for the 2026–2027 intakes should begin their GRE preparation at least 4–6 months in advance. More German universities are expected to follow this trend as they continue to align with global examination practices. A strong GRE score is no longer just a bonus; it's becoming a necessity."

Conclusion: A More Competitive Future

The move to mandate GRE scores represents a pivotal moment for Germany's international education sector. While it adds a new hurdle for applicants, it also underscores the increasing prestige and global appeal of a German Master's degree.

Prospective students are strongly advised to meticulously check the official admission portals of their target universities for the most up-to-date requirements and to factor GRE preparation into their application timeline immediately.

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