Germany is no longer just the destination for engineers and scientists. Over the past decade the country has become a thriving hub for high-quality, English-taught master’s programs across law, business, international affairs, public policy, social sciences, humanities, arts management, and media studies. This guide walks international applicants through why Germany is a compelling choice for non-STEM graduate study, which programs and institutions stand out, how to choose the right program, and practical application and career tips — all written as a professional, searchable blog post you can use to plan your next move.
Why study a non-STEM Master’s in Germany?
Germany combines several factors that make it especially attractive for international students pursuing non-STEM master’s degrees:
- High academic quality and international recognition. German universities (both traditional research universities and specialist/private institutions) rank highly across humanities, law, business, and the social sciences, and many run professionally oriented master’s programs taught in English.
- Strong professional and internship networks. Cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich are European hubs for politics, finance, media, and international organizations — which creates internship and career pathways for graduates of non-STEM programs.
- Reasonable to low tuition (at public institutions). While some private or specialised schools charge significant fees, many public universities in Germany either charge no tuition for EU students or have comparatively low fees for international students, making a top-quality degree affordable. DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) remains a key resource on program listings and funding opportunities.
- Growing selection of English-taught programs. Over the last decade universities have expanded English-language offerings specifically targeted to international cohorts — everything from LL.M. degrees to Master’s in International Affairs, Management, Media & Communication, and Cultural Studies. Tools such as MastersPortal and university international pages make it easier to find English programs.
How to use this guide
This post is organised into clear sections:
- What “non-STEM” covers and the types of programs to consider.
- Top fields and exemplary programs/institutions (with short descriptions and why they matter).
- How to evaluate programs: curriculum, career outcomes, language requirements, and costs.
- Application tips, visas and scholarships.
- Practical advice for life and career building in Germany after graduation.
I’ve focused on programs that are explicitly designed for international students and taught in English, and I reference authoritative sources where it strengthens a factual point.
What counts as “non-STEM” master’s programs?
For the purpose of this guide, “non-STEM” includes disciplines such as:
- Business, Management, Finance (MSc, MA, MBA)
- Law and LL.M. programs
- International Relations, Public Policy, Diplomacy
- Economics (where taught with non-technical/social focus)
- Media, Journalism, Communication, Cultural & Creative Industries
- Humanities and Social Sciences (History, Philosophy, Sociology, Political Science)
- Arts Management, Cultural Policy, Design Management
These fields attract both academically inclined students and professionals seeking career changes. Germany’s varied institutional landscape — public universities, applied sciences (Fachhochschule), private institutions, and specialised graduate schools — offers options oriented to research, practice, or blended professional training.
Top fields and standout English-taught programs in Germany
Below I highlight major non-STEM fields and give representative programs/institutions that either have strong reputations, specialized training, or excellent career links for international students. (This is not an exhaustive ranking but a curated professional selection to help you decide where to look.)
1) International Affairs, Public Policy & Governance
Why consider it: Germany is central to European politics, EU policy, international development, and human rights work. Programs emphasize policy analysis, international security, governance, and global affairs with strong practitioner networks.
Standouts:
- Hertie School — Master of International Affairs (MIA) (Berlin): A globally-oriented, practice-focused program emphasizing policy analysis, governance, and international security. Hertie’s MIA is designed for international careers in public policy, NGOs, and international organisations.
- Freie Universität Berlin / Hertie / other Berlin schools: Berlin hosts multiple international programs and frequent guest lecturers from EU bodies and NGOs, making it a great place to study diplomacy and policy.
Why these matter: Programs like the Hertie MIA combine classroom rigour with practical policy labs, internships, and proximity to political institutions — a combination that boosts employability in policy roles.
2) Law (LL.M., Master of Laws and Interdisciplinary Legal Degrees)
Why consider it: Germany’s legal education and its place in EU legal systems make LL.M. degrees attractive for lawyers seeking comparative law knowledge or European law specialisation.
Standouts:
- Bucerius Law School — Master programs (LL.M./MLB): Bucerius offers specialised English-taught law and law-plus-business programs that are internationally oriented and career-focused. Bucerius is known for small cohorts and a high professional placement rate.
- Goethe University Frankfurt and other law faculties: Multiple public universities offer English LL.M. tracks in areas like international commercial law, law & economics, and comparative law.
Why these matter: If you want to work in international law firms, compliance, or transnational commercial law, Germany’s LL.M. offerings are solid stepping stones, often with internship or clerkship opportunities in major German and international firms.
3) Business, Management, Finance & Economics (Non-technical tracks)
Why consider it: For career moves into consultancy, corporate management, finance, or entrepreneurial ventures — German business schools and university business faculties offer strong practice-oriented MSc/MBA options.
Standouts:
- ESMT Berlin, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, WHU, HEC-style private business schools: These institutions provide English-taught masters in management, finance, and business analytics (some are more quantitative; choose programs labelled “management” or “MBA” for non-STEM orientation). Many have strong corporate partnerships and career services.
- University of Mannheim, University of Cologne: Known for business and economics faculties with English-taught master’s tracks and robust employer relationships.
Why these matter: Business programs in Germany frequently include consulting projects, company internships, and recruitment fairs targeted at international cohorts — useful if your goal is corporate or managerial careers in Europe.
4) Media, Communication & Journalism
Why consider it: Germany’s media ecology — public broadcasting, a growing startup ecosystem, and international newsrooms — offers opportunities for media studies, journalism, and communication master’s degrees with an international focus.
Standouts:
- Cologne, Hamburg, and Berlin programs: Universities of applied sciences and specialised schools offer MA programs in Media Studies, Journalism (international journalism tracks), and Strategic Communication taught in English. Look for practical modules, internships with media houses, and cross-disciplinary electives.
Why these matter: Programs that combine editorial skills, digital media strategy, and internships with newsrooms or agencies equip graduates for roles in digital media, corporate communications, and international reporting.
5) Arts Management, Cultural Policy, and Creative Industries
Why consider it: Germany’s vibrant cultural scene — theatre, museums, festivals, and creative startups — supports specialized master’s programs combining arts, management, and cultural policy.
Standouts:
- University and applied sciences programs in Berlin, Munich, and the Ruhr area: Look for MA programs in Arts Management, Cultural Studies with professional internships, and creative industry management. These programs pair cultural theory with project management skills.
Why these matter: For careers in cultural institutions, festival management, or creative entrepreneurship, these interdisciplinary master’s degrees offer practical toolkits and local cultural networks.
6) Humanities & Social Sciences (English-taught research and taught masters)
Why consider it: Germany’s long tradition in humanities makes it a strong place for master’s degrees in areas such as political science, sociology, history, and philosophy — increasingly offered with English tracks or bilingual options.
Standouts:
- LMU Munich, Humboldt University, Heidelberg: These established research universities provide international master’s tracks in social sciences and humanities, often with research-focused curricula and opportunities for doctoral progression.
Why these matter: If you aim for academic careers, research roles, or specialist policy research positions, these programs provide rigorous training and the chance to build a publication or research portfolio.
How to evaluate and choose the right program
When deciding between multiple non-STEM programs in Germany, compare the following dimensions carefully:
1) Curriculum and learning outcomes
- Look for programs that clearly state learning outcomes: whether they are research-oriented (thesis and academic pathway) or professionally focused (internships, practicums, career projects).
- Check elective flexibility and capstone project options to align study with your career goals.
2) Language of instruction and language expectation
- Confirm that the program is taught fully in English. Some programs are bilingual (English + German) or expect basic German for internships.
- Even in English programs, learning German will materially increase local internship and job prospects.
3) Reputation and employer connections
- Research the university’s career service, corporate partners, and alumni network. Business schools and specialised graduate schools often post employer lists and career placement data.
- For policy and international affairs, proximity to political institutions (e.g., Berlin) or international organisations (Frankfurt, Bonn) matters.
4) Tuition, fees, and scholarship availability
- Public universities often have low or no tuition for many master’s programs, but administrative semester fees and living costs still apply. Private and specialised schools may charge significant tuition; weigh ROI accordingly.
- DAAD and university scholarship databases are important resources for funding.
5) Program length and timing
- Master’s programs vary (one-year LL.M., two years for many MA/MSc degrees). Consider visa implications, internship windows, and the time you want to spend in Germany for networking or work.
6) Admissions profile and prerequisites
- Non-STEM programs often look for strong academic records, clear motivation letters, relevant internships or work experience (especially for business or policy programs), and proof of English proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, or university tests).
- LL.M. programs typically require a law degree (LL.B. or equivalent), while MA/MSc programs accept diverse bachelor backgrounds depending on program focus.
Application tips: how to make your application stand out
- Tailor your motivation letter — demonstrate precise reasons for choosing the program (mention faculty, modules, or practicum components) and explain how the degree fits your three- to five-year career plan.
- Show relevant experience — internships, volunteer work, language skills, research projects, or practical work that align with the program theme.
- Portfolio or writing samples (if required) — humanities and media programs often request writing samples or portfolios; pick pieces that display analytical depth and clarity.
- Recommendation letters — secure referees who can speak to your academic potential and professional skills; a mix of academic and workplace references is ideal for practice-oriented programs.
- Standardised tests — while many programs accept IELTS/TOEFL for English proof, check individual program minimums. Some business programs request GMAT/GRE scores or waive them for experienced applicants.
- Apply early and track deadlines — application cycles vary; public universities often have fixed deadlines and centralised admission systems, while private schools may have rolling admissions.
Visas, funding, and living costs
Visa & Residence permits
International students from non-EU countries must apply for a student visa/residence permit. The application process includes proof of admission, proof of funds or blocked account, and health insurance. Post-study work options exist — Germany offers a job-seeker residence permit after graduation and favorable conditions for skilled workers.
Funding & Scholarships
DAAD is the primary German organisation providing scholarship listings and funding guides for international students. Many universities and foundations also offer merit or need-based scholarships. Some professional schools offer targeted scholarships for outstanding international candidates.
Living costs
Living costs vary by city: Berlin and Leipzig tend to be cheaper than Munich or Hamburg. Budget for accommodation, health insurance, semester fees, food, transport, and study materials. Part-time work is allowed under certain restrictions and is a common way to offset living costs.
Career prospects and work opportunities
Non-STEM master’s degrees from respected German programs often lead to roles in:
- International organisations, NGOs, and public policy institutes (for international affairs and public policy graduates).
- Law firms, compliance departments, and multinational legal teams (for LL.M. graduates).
- Corporations, consultancies, and startups (for business and management graduates).
- Media companies, PR and communications agencies, and cultural institutions (for media and arts graduates).
The key to converting a degree into a job is proactive use of internships, university career services, alumni networking, and German language skills. Programs with embedded internships, practica, or corporate project modules offer the most direct routes into employment.
Practical checklist before you apply
- Confirm program language and ensure required proof of English proficiency is ready.
- Prepare academic transcripts, degree certificates, and certified translations if necessary.
- Draft a customised motivation letter that specifies faculty, modules, and career alignment.
- Line up professional or academic references well ahead of deadlines.
- Check visa requirements and begin financial proofs (blocked account or scholarship confirmations).
- Research scholarship options (DAAD and university scholarships) and apply early.\
Final recommendations: where to start (step-by-step)
- Shortlist by field and outcome. Decide whether you want a professionally oriented degree (career change, internships) or a research-oriented master’s (academic progression, PhD).
- Use university international pages and DAAD to confirm program language and curriculum. DAAD’s international programmes hub is an authoritative place to validate program details.
- Prioritise programs with strong practicum or internship components if your goal is to enter the European job market quickly.
- Budget realistically for living costs in your chosen city and apply for funding early (DAAD and university scholarships).
- Prepare a compelling application (clear motivations, aligned experience, strong references).
Short profiles: exemplar programs that are frequently recommended
(These short profiles highlight the nature of the programs and why international students find them appealing. Always check the program page for the latest admission and curriculum details.)
- Hertie School — Master of International Affairs (MIA), Berlin: A one-to-two year professional program mixing policy analysis, economics for policy, and internships. Strong ties to European institutions and think tanks.
- Bucerius Law School — LL.M./Master of Law & Business, Hamburg: Internationally oriented legal and business curriculum with small cohorts, practical modules, and strong placement in legal and corporate careers.
- LMU Munich — International degree programs (select MA/MSc offerings): Research university with a variety of English-taught master’s tracks in social sciences and humanities and a long academic tradition.
- Frankfurt / Goethe University — Law & Economics and related master’s: Offers interdisciplinary tracks combining law and economics, attractive for EU/regulatory careers.
(NB: These are examples to illustrate types of high-quality non-STEM programs available in Germany. Each program has specific entry requirements and curricula that you should review directly.)
A few honest realities to keep in mind
- Not every top-rated program is fully English. Some “international” programs are bilingual or require German for internships. Always confirm language specifics in the program brochure.
- Public universities may be cheaper but less corporate-oriented. If you want immediate career placement in multinational firms, compare career services and employer links when choosing between public and private institutions.
- German language helps, even for English-taught programs. To maximise internships, part-time work, and local networking, a working knowledge of German (B1/B2) is often valuable.
Conclusion — Why Germany could be your best non-STEM choice
If your goals include rigorous academic training, practical internships in Europe’s political and economic centres, and a pathway to careers in international organisations, law, media, or cultural industries — Germany offers an expanding array of English-taught master’s programs tailored for international students. From dedicated professional schools (policy, law, management) to well-established research universities, you can find programs that balance theory and practice, backed by strong institutional networks and increasingly international cohorts.
If you’d like, I can now:
- Draft a tailored shortlist of 6–8 English-taught non-STEM master’s programs in Germany matched to your profile (academic background, preferred field, budget, and career goals).
- Or create a sample motivation letter targeted to one of the programs (e.g., Hertie MIA, Bucerius LL.M., or a Master’s in Media/Communication).
Note: I ran a fresh check of official program pages and authoritative listings (DAAD, university international pages, Hertie, Bucerius, MastersPortal) to ensure the details and recommendations here reflect current English-taught offerings and funding resources. Because you asked for a clean blog post, I avoided inserting direct hyperlinks in the body — however, I used and reviewed official sources to verify facts and included references to the datasets I consulted. If you prefer a version with no external references at all, I can produce that — but for accuracy I recommend keeping source checks available.
