Frequently Asked Questions

For international students applying through UNI-ASSIST:

• Application period summer semester: 1 October to 30 November each year
• Application period winter semester: 1 April to 31 May each year

For the students with German citizenship, a German university entrance certificate or graduates from a German institution of higher education applying directly through the portal of the University of Rostock:

• Application period winter semester: 1 June to 30 September
• Application period summer semester: 1 February to 30 March

Applicants with a German citizenship, a German university entrance certificate (“Abitur” or “Allgemeine Hochschulreife”) or a graduation certificate from a German institution of higher education can apply directly through the portal of the University of Rostock:

The application periods are as follows:

• For the winter semester from June 01 to September 30 each year
• For the summer semester from February 1 to March 31 each year

The portal will be activated for these periods.

Applicants need to register and provide the following documentation electronically in the first step:

• Signed application for enrolment (this can be found in the online portal)
• Officially certified copy of the first professionally qualifying university degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, diploma, or similar)
• A copy of your valid identity card or passport
• Complete curriculum vitae in tabular form from the age of 16 with date and signature
• If you were already enrolled at another university: Copies of all certificates of exmatriculation and a current or last certificate of enrolment with semester details

A guide for the online application process is available:

Please inform your health insurance company immediately that you have applied for enrolment at the University of Rostock and arrange for electronic proof of your insurance status to be sent. Please quote our dispatch number H0001053. Please note that this may take a few days. Privately insured persons must also contact a statutory health insurance fund to clarify their insurance status (“exempt from compulsory insurance” or “statutory insurance”). The required electronic notification can only be made by them.

For admission original documents need to be send by post. Please do not staple or clip the documents and submit them in at least A5 format. The submitted documents will be destroyed after processing. Therefore, in your own interest, please do not attach any original documents to your documents, but only officially certified copies.

Enrolment can only be completed once all documents have been submitted in due time and form, the electronic notification from the health insurance company has been received by the University of Rostock and the semester fee has been transferred.

Confirmation of receipt of the documents will only be issued if a stamped and addressed postcard is enclosed as confirmation of receipt.

Further information can be found here:

Feel free to contact the student secretariat in case of further questions:

If you do not have a German citizenship, a German university entrance certificate or a graduation certificate from a German institution of higher education, you need to apply through UNI-ASSIST within the respective application periods:

• Summer semester: 1 October to 30 November each year
• Winter semester: 1 April to 31 May each year

Make sure to submit the following documents complete and on time:

• Copies of your educational background certificates such as from secondary school, university entrance exams, academic records of prior university semesters and other university reports and diplomas
• Proof of pre-check of the German embassy (APS certifcate) for applicants from China, Mongolia, Vietnam and India
• A copy of your certificate of sufficient English language skills
• German or English transcripts of all your documents
• Complete curriculum vitae from the age of 16 with date and signature

Incomplete or delayed applications cannot be taken into account. Unattested copies or transcripts will not be accepted. Details on attested certifications can be found here:

After all documents have been checked you will be notified of the results of the admission procedure and get your letter of acceptance.

After admission, you have to enroll through the portal of the University of Rostock.

Further information for your application via UNI-ASSIST can be found here:

Feel free to contact the student office in case of further question:

If you have a German citizenship, a German university entrance certificate or a graduation certificate from a German institution of higher education, you can apply through the portal of the University of Rostock. All others need to apply through UNI-ASSIST.

There are no admission restrictions for this degree program. There are sufficient places available. Please note that you must nevertheless fulfil the formal and programme-specific requirements for admission to this degree program.

No, there is no interview or test as part of the application process. Decisions on admission or rejection will be made on the basis of the submitted documents.

If you have a German citizenship, a German university entrance certificate or a graduation certificate from a German institution of higher education, you can apply through the portal of the University of Rostock. In this case, please see the documents required here:

If you do not have a German citizenship, a German university entrance certificate or a graduation certificate from a German institution of higher education, you need to apply through UNI-ASSIST. Click here for more information:

In order to fulfil the academic requirements of this degree programme, you need to hold a Bachelors certificate in engineering with at least 180 credit points or another equivalent degree with at least 65% of the CGPA (equivalent to the grade 3.0 in the German grading system) or with a comparable grade in a different grading system. Alternatively, a GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) with a minimum score of 500 is accepted.

Your transcripts need to show that you have in-depth knowledge in the fields of Mathematics (at least 15 CP), Technical Mechanics (at least 10 CP) and Fluid Mechanics/Hydrodynamics (at least 5 CP).

A maximum of 12 CP (corresponding to two modules with 6 credit points each at the University of Rostock) can be made up in the course of the first year. Please note that the respective courses at the University of Rostock might be offered in German only.

For some countries, specific requirements on the duration of the Bachelors studies are applying. A check for possible country-specific requirements on Bachelor certificates can be performed here:

Proof of a first professionally qualifying degree in engineering with at least 180 credit points or another equivalent degree is required. For some countries, specific requirements on the duration of the Bachelors studies are applying. A check for possible country-specific requirements can be performed here:

You need to show that you have successfully completed your first qualifying degree with at least 65% of the CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average, equivalent to a grade of 3.0 in the German grading system) or with a comparable grade in another grading system, unless you have taken the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) with at least 500 points instead of the required final grade and can provide further evidence of subject and course-specific qualifications.

Your transcripts need to show proof that you have successfully acquired the required in-depth knowledge in mathematics (at least 15 CP), technical mechanics (at least 10 CP) and fluid mechanics / hydrodynamics (at least 5 CP). A maximum of 12 CP (corresponding to two modules with 6 CP each at the University of Rostock) can be made up in the course of the first year. Please note that the respective courses at the University of Rostock might be offered in German only.

Yes, the University of Rostock offers preparatory courses for mathematics. These take place before the start of the winter semester, usually at the end of September. Please note that these courses are only offered in German.

A motivation letter is not required. You can provide a motivation letter if you wish, but this will not give you an advantage in the application process.

Once you received a letter admission from the University of Rostock, you can start in the semester you have applied for. But it is also possible to enrol and start studying one semester or one year later.

As soon as your documents have been forwarded to the university by UNI-ASSIST, our team will review them. Once a decision has been made, you will receive a letter of admission or rejection.

There are no provisional or conditional admissions at the University of Rostock.

Yes, you can already apply with a current transcript of records or a provisional certificate of your Bachelor’s degree. Please note that you need to provide your Bachelor’s degree certificate for enrolment latest.

No, HND degrees are not accepted. You have to show proof of a first university degree qualifying for a profession in the subject of Engineering, with a minimum of 180 credit points / ECTS, or a similar degree.

If you are an applicant from India, China, Vietnam, or Mongolia, you need an APS certificate from the German embassy in your country.

You have to prove English language skills on level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. The acquisition of a general higher education entrance qualification in Germany is recognised as proof of sufficient English language skills.

The following certificates are also recognised:

• IELTS Academic with at least 6.5 points
• TOEFL iBT (internet-based) Certificate (including the “Home Edition”) satisfies this requirement with at least 90 points and no less than 20 points per area. TOEFL “MyBest Score” is not recognised.
• Trinity ISE II certificate with distinction in all four areas
• Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) with a total of 176 points and no less than 169 points per section
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) with a total of 176 points and no less than 169 points in each area
• PTE Academic with at least 62 points and no less than 59 points per section

The proof must not be older than two years.

The proof of completion of a course of study at a recognised higher education institution with English as the sole language of instruction is also recognised. Suitable certificates or diplomas as proof of an English-language degree programme are the degree certificate, a transcript of records, a diploma supplement, statutes on admission and studies or comparable proof.

Applicants whose native language is English are exempt from the obligation to provide proof. English is considered as a native language if the certificate of higher education entrance qualification is obtained in an English-language course of study in a country where English is the official language.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: We currently receive information that some embassies in India request language certificates that are not older than one year as the only option for the proof of language skills for the visa process. Please contact the embassy that is responsible for your visa application to make sure that you fulfil the requirements.

If the language of instruction for your Bachelor’s degree was English, no further language certificate needs to be submitted. Suitable certificates or diplomas as proof of an English-language degree programme are the degree certificate, a transcript of records, a diploma supplement, statutes on admission and studies or comparable proof.

No, the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) exam is not mandatory. If you have taken the GATE with at least 500 points instead and can provide further evidence of subject and course-specific qualifications, it can be accepted as an alternative to the required 65% of the CGPA for your Bachelor’s degree.

No, if English is your native language, you do not need any additional proof. English is considered as your native language if you have obtained certificate of higher education entrance qualification in an English-language course of study in a country where English is the official language.

You do not need proof of your German language skills. But we encourage you to take a German course after your arrival in Rostock, e.g., at the Language Center of the University of Rostock. This will help you to find your way around in everyday life. You can even select a German language course as part of your curriculum in this degree programme.

If your country of origin is an EU member state or you are from Liechtenstein, Iceland, Norway, or Switzerland, no proof of financial resources is required.

If you are a citizen of a non-EU country, you need to apply for a student visa to come to Germany. The application also includes to proof of financial resources as a requirement (as of September 1, 2024). The reason for this requirement is to make sure you do not struggle financially during your studies in Rostock. The University of Rostock charges only minimal fees, but you must have enough money for expenses such as accommodation, food, health insurance, transportation, and other essentials.

Currently, you have to prove that you have €992 per month or €11,904 total for the first year of studies in Germany. There are different ways to demonstrate proof of funds for the German student visa:

• Depositing money into a German blocked account
• Providing proof of your parents’ income and financial assets
• Presenting confirmation that you’ve been awarded a scholarship from a recognized provider
• Presenting a bank guarantee
• Having a permanent resident in Germany guarantee to cover your expenses

The latest information regarding the proof of sufficient financial resources for the visa process can be found here (external link, commercial provider):

No, possible professional experience is not part of the requirements or criteria that we apply for admission.

Apart from documents and certificates that are required as proof that you are fulfilling the formal, academic and language requirements of this degree programme, no additional documents such as personal motivation letters or proof of professional experience is required. You can provide additional documents if you wish, but this will not give you an advantage in the application process.

The programme is new and starts in the winter semester 2025/2026 for the first time. Generally, you can start studying Sustainable Maritime Engineering in winter semester or in summer semester. The winter semester at the University of Rostock starts on 1 October, the summer semester on 1 April every year.

We recommend you to start studying Sustainable Maritime Engineering in the winter semester.

Generally, you can start studying Sustainable Maritime Engineering in winter semester or in summer semester. We recommend you to start in winter semester. Due to the frequency of offer of some of the mandatory courses, a start in summer will either lead to a semester of increased work load and additional self-study and/or an elongation of the study period.

Sustainable Maritime Engineering is a 2-year (4 semesters) Master’s programme. It consists of mandatory and elective elements. You are generally free to compile your study plan individually, but we recommend that you follow our study plan structure that will streamline your studies so that you can graduate after 2 years.

Recommended study plan, starting in winter semesters:

• In the first semester, you take five mandatory courses (30 CP)
• In the second and third semester, you select nine elective courses out of our catalogue (54 CP). Depending on the specialization you want to pursue, we offer three paths with a specially curated course selection:
  • Naval Architecture
  • Ocean Engineering
  • Underwater Technologies
• In the third semester, you take the mandatory team project (6 CP)
• In the fourth semester, you work on your Master’s thesis (30 CP)

These recommendations are based on the experience of the teaching staff of the programme.

Apart from the mandatory courses, students are generally free to combine elective courses within the following minimum requirements per category:

• At least 36 CP have to be taken in SME electives.
• At least 12 CP have to be taken in technical electives.
• At least 6 CP have to be taken in non-technical electives.

The course combinations of the three paths are based on the experience of the teaching staff of the programme. You do not have to follow one of these paths if you want to compile an individual course portfolio that suits your career perspectives better. In this case, it is recommended to discuss your plans with the teaching staff or the programme coordinator.

Apart from the mandatory courses (including Master’s thesis 66 CP in total), students are generally free to combine elective courses within the following minimum requirements per category:

• At least 36 CP have to be taken in SME electives.
• At least 12 CP have to be taken in technical electives.
• At least 6 CP have to be taken in non-technical electives.

There is no explicit mobility window in the programme, but we offer students very good opportunities to spend a semester at a foreign university, preferably in the second or third semester. Existing collaborations, such as the “International Master in Advanced Design of Sustainable Ships and Offshore Structures” (EMship) or the EU-CONEXUS partnership, provide an excellent framework for this.

Furthermore, there are ERASMUS collaborations with the following universities with maritime Master’s programmes:

• Ghent University, Belgium
• Klaipeda University, Lithuania
• Newcastle University, UK
• Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
• Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway
• Technical University of Varna, Bulgaria
• Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain
• Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
• University of Genoa, Italy
• University of Southern Denmark
• University of Stavanger, Norway
• University of Tromsø, Norway
• West Pomeranian University of Technology, Poland
• Yildiz Technical University, Turkey

Yes, all courses that are listed in the catalogue of the programme at completely taught in English. Written and oral examinations will also be in English. For oral examinations, German is also a possible option.

The supervisor-student ration for this degree programme is 1:5 to 1:10.

No, the Masters programme in Sustainable Maritime Engineering is exclusively offered by the University of Rostock.

Yes, we are issuing diploma supplements for this programme.

Written exams are in English only. For oral exams, you can choose English or German as examination language.

The programme has been set up in close cooperation with the maritime industry. An advisory board with industrial members ensures that the programme is frequently adjusted to the demands of the maritime sector.

Through their excellent connections to the ship and offshore industry as well as to research institutions, the teaching staff of the Master’s programme in Sustainable Maritime Engineering offers individual consultations regarding Master’s thesis with companies and career opportunities.

Highly skilled experts from maritime companies are integrated into the course programme as guest lecturers. This ensures that the content and the skill set that is taught is up to date with the latest developments in the maritime sector.

The programme is new and starts in winter semester 2025/2026 for the first time. As soon as we have the first alumni, a network and exchange platform will be established.

The city of Rostock is located in the northeastern part of Germany. It lies on the coast of the Baltic Sea, in the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Rostock is one of the largest cities in the region and has a rich history, particularly in maritime trade and ship building as a former member of the Hanseatic League.

Rostock is a charming coastal city, offering a mix of historical charm, vibrant student life, and beautiful nature with access to the sandy beaches of the Baltic Sea. It’s an affordable place to live with a relaxed atmosphere. As a regional center, it offers everything you need from shopping to cultural events and sports. Berlin and Hamburg are easy to reach by train or car for a day trip.

Rostock has a population of around 210,000 people, making it one of the larger cities in the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. It covers an area of approximately 181 square kilometers (70 square miles).

In Rostock, you can enjoy water sports on the river Warnow and the Baltic Sea, explore beautiful nature through hiking and cycling, or immerse yourself in cultural events and historic sites. The city also offers vibrant nightlife, dining options, and leisure activities like visiting parks and gardens.

Rostock is about 2.5 hours by train (around 230 km) from Berlin and about 2 hours (around 190 km) from Hamburg.

Winters in Rostock are not too cold, with temperatures often ranging between 5°C to -5°C, and it can be damp and windy due to the proximity to the Baltic Sea. Snow is rather rarely seen.

Summers are often sunny and not too hot with temperatures between 20 and 25°C and long hours of daylight.

Yes, you can enjoy the beach in summer, as Rostock is located on the Baltic Sea, offering nearby beaches like Warnemünde for swimming and relaxation. The water temperature of the Baltic Sea reaching 20°C in summer.

Studying in at public universities in Germany in generally for free. The University of Rostock does not charge tuition. However, there is a small semester fee (around €300), which covers administrative costs but also includes a ticket for public transport and gives you free access to many student services.

Compared to some other major European countries, the cost of living in Germany is quite reasonable. But there are of course variations within Germany itself. While living in large cities such as Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg or Berlin is expensive, prices in smaller cities such as Rostock are lower. As of 2025, the recommended minimum a single person (e.g. a student) in Rostock needs is at least €1,000 per month or €12,000 per year to cover living expenses. This includes rent, food, utilities, health insurance, clothes, transport, recreational activities and the semester fee. We strongly advise you not to come to Rostock if you are not certain how to cover your expected cost of living.

External links (commercial provider):

If you want to enroll at a German university or plan to stay for a prolonged stay (visa) in Germany, you need to prove sufficient health insurance. In addition, we strongly recommend all students to obtain a personal liability insurance and an accident insurance, return to your home country (in case of illness or death) included.

If you are a student from an EU country, the proof of the European Health Insurance card is sufficient for your arrival. We advise non-EU international students to enter Germany simply with travel insurance and to obtain a proper health insurance only after arrival. Insurance policies taken out abroad often do not have the scope required in Germany and you would need an additional insurance in this case. If you are under 30 years of age, the cost for a student health insurance in Germany is about €120-130 per month.

Yes, there are various scholarships available, both for international students and specific academic programs. The University of Rostock offers some scholarships, and there are also external funding options. Please note that it is not guaranteed that you will receive funding and that the funding will cover your entire cost of living in Rostock. We strongly advise you not to come to Rostock if you are not certain how to cover your cost of living.

In addition to your studies, you can work part-time. Please note that the degree programme is designed as a full-time course of study but if you feel that you can keep up with the coursework and exams you can usually organize your time flexibly and manage your schedule independently.

You can find accommodation in student dormitories managed by the Studierendenwerk Rostock-Wismar, which offers private apartments or shared flats (WG). The university’s accommodation office can assist in finding housing options.

With a Master’s degree in Sustainable Maritime Engineering, you will be a sought-after expert in the maritime sector, qualified to work world-wide in the industry, research institutes, academia and authorities. With the selection of your path of study, you are free to decided in with area you want to become a specialist.

With a specialisation in Naval Architecture, graduates are ideally equipped for all activities related to ship technology and in particular the challenges surrounding the topic of green shipping. Potential employers include shipyards, shipowners, engineering offices, suppliers, service providers, research and testing facilities and classification societies.

With a specialisation in Ocean Engineering, graduates are sought-after specialists in the field of offshore infrastructures, in particular for the utilisation of renewable energies from the sea. There are excellent prospects of getting a job at shipyards, engineering offices, energy companies, suppliers, research and testing facilities and classification societies.

With a specialisation in Underwater Technologies, graduates are excellently prepared for exciting tasks in the field of marine research technologies and underwater vehicles. Potential employers include research institutions, engineering offices, suppliers and service providers.

Note that the selection of a path does not exclude you from the career in another area.

The University of Rostock offers free advice and services for students and doctoral candidates through its central Careers Service.

Through their excellent connections to the ship and offshore industry as well as to research institutions, the teaching staff of the Master’s programme in Sustainable Maritime Engineering offers individual consultations regarding career opportunities. Selected job advertisements can be found on the noticeboards in the faculty as well as on the programme websites.

The faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Marine Technologies supports students with good ideas on their way towards the becoming a start-up. Please contact the teaching staff if you want to know more.

The Center for Entrepreneurship of the University of Rostock offers free intensive consultation for students, covering all phases from idea generation to business model development and start-up.

The Master’s degree in Sustainable Maritime Engineering from the University of Rostock is a globally renowned degree which will make you a sought-after expert in the maritime sector. You will be qualified to work world-wide in the industry, research institutes, academia and authorities.

The demand on well-educated engineers is high in Germany, Europe and many other countries worldwide and we are cooperating closely with industry in research and education.

There are several relevant companies such as shipyards, operators, design offices and suppliers located in the greater Rostock area. In addition, Fraunhofer and Leibniz institutes have their offices in the city. There is always a demand for bright and well-educated engineers.

Speaking German is not a general prerequisite, but it will certainly improve your chances of finding a job in Germany. Many companies have no problem if you do not speak German, but there are still some who expect you to.

But we encourage you to take a German course after your arrival in Rostock, e.g at the Language Center of the University of Rostock. This will help you to find your way around in everyday life and increase your career chances in Germany. You can even select a German language course as part of your curriculum in this degree programme.

The average starting salary for mechanical engineers with a Masters degree in Germany is around €55,000 per year. Salaries can vary based on the region, sector and level of expertise.

With a Master’s degree in Sustainable Maritime Engineering, you can pursue a PhD. There are many options to continue your academic career through research positions at the University of Rostock, and there are various PhD programs.