„2100 students, 300 doctoral students and 500 scientists from 80 countries make SIC a first-class location for computer science.“
Prof. Verena Wolf
International Computer Science Master’s Degree Program at Saarland University
How does AI think? How do data centers store massive amounts of data? How do mass-produced softwares come to be? Since the start of the 21st century, digital technologies developed with a rapid pace, along with the demand for computer scientists developing them.
The Saarland Informatics Campus connects the Department of Computer Science and the Department of Language Science and Technology at Saarland University with five world-renowned research institutes: the Helmholtz Center for Information Security (CISPA), the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), the Center for Bioinformatics Saar, the Max Planck Institute for Informatics and the Max Planck Institute for Software Systems — all located on the same campus. This is a unique combination in Germany.
In the computer science master’s program, you’ll specialize further as a professional in an internationally recognized environment. Studying at the heart of five closely collaborating research institutes, you will learn more about topics such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, IT security, data mining, and distributed systems— and how to apply them in different contexts. Will you accelerate groundbreaking research? Will you be at the forefront of industry? After your education at Saarland University, that will be your choice.
Customize Your Curriculum
The Computer Science Master’s program is aimed towards students who want to deepen their existing knowledge in the field. With a wide range of modules covering practical and theoretical computer science, the students have opportunities to extend their knowledge in their preferred direction. The students can learn more about a topic they’re interested in, or get research experience in multiple fields during their studies.
Computer Science at Saarland University
With 1100 scientists doing research in 16 fields, Saarland University has one of the most interdisciplinary computer science departments in Germany, regularly ranking among the top places in Germany to study computer science. Alongside our field-recognized faculty members, scientists from the five surrounding research institutes also teach in the program.
The Computer Science Master’s Program at a glance
- Top places in the CHE Ranking
- Saarland University ranked #176 in Time Magazine’s global university ranking and #13 among the 47 German universities
- One of the most international universities in Germany: over 20% of our researchers and almost 60% of our CS master’s students come from abroad
- A European leader in computer science
- All courses are taught in English, German is not required
- Application deadlines: November 15 (Summer semester) / May 15 (Winter semester)
- Usual program length: 4 semesters
- No tuition fees, only a semester fee
- High quality of life in Saarbrücken at low rents
- Doctoral studies at the Graduate School of Computer Science
Application Areas
The Master’s program in Computer Science prepares you comprehensively for the challenges of the digital future. An incredibly exciting field of work and research awaits you!
- Autonomes Fahren
- Digitale Sprachassistenten
- Industrielle Automatisierung
- KI‑Gaming
- Chatbots in Marketing und Medien
- Warnsysteme für drohende Umweltkatastrophen
- Graphisches Design
- Diagnosesysteme für Krankheiten
Software Engineering
Artificial Intelligence
Computer Networks
Data Compression
Computer Graphics
Machine Learning
Cryptography
Data Mining
Your Computer Science Studies
In the Computer Science master’s program, students will be prepared for both research and industry oriented careers. The program offers more than 36 modules, which cover both theoretical and practical applications of computer science. Core lectures include Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cryptography, Computer Vision, Data Mining, Human-Computer Interaction, and more.
The four semester master’s program is comprised of 120 CPs. To successfully finish the program, students needs to obtain 36 CPs from the core lectures, 24 CPs from advanced lectures, 14 CPs from the seminars, 4 CPs from tutoring, 12 CPs from the Master’s seminar, and 30 CPs from the Master’s thesis.
Students can choose from a broad range of core and advanced courses based on their interests.
_ A bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification from a German or foreign university in: Informatics, computer science, a related field or proof of equivalent academic achievement
_ Advanced English proficiency at C1 level, a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate is not accepted
_ Applicants must provide an accepted English language certificate, list of accepted certificates
_ Proof of sufficient academic merit in school and higher education
_ Personal statement demonstrating interest in the master’s program
_ Two relevant academic references
_ Details of relevant work experience
Admission to the master’s program is possible in the winter and summer semesters. Application deadlines: November 15 for the summer semester and May 15 for the winter semester. To start the application process, please read the application guide.
_ University bachelor’s degree in computer science or in a related course of study
_ Under certain conditions, a master’s program can also be started with a degree from a university of applied sciences
_ Good English skills
„I was surrounded by truly inspiring people and there were plenty of possibilities to learn, explore, and collaborate. I think I got really lucky with the Max Planck Institute for Informatics in Saarbrücken.“
Anna Kukleva, Former PhD Student, researcher (Meta), winner of the Otto Hahn Medal awarded by the Max Planck Society
Anna Kukleva
After graduation? Careers in science and industry
As of 2026, computer scientists remain high in demand in Germany. It is projected that long-term demand for skilled IT workers in Germany will grow by 2040. This increases the need for qualified computer science graduates. The program combines a strong academic foundation with practical skills. Additionally, as a student, you can gain experience early-on during your studies — whether it be a research assistant position at the university or one of the surrounding research institutes, or an internship in the rich start-up ecosystem of the SaarLorLux region.
Want to drive innovation in the industry? The computer science master’s program will prepare you for the global job market. Graduates will be in demand in various fields, including Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, Cloud Infrastructure, Automated Systems, and more. Want professional experience during your studies? SIC has collaborations with large companies such as Airbus, Boeing, Dell, Disney, Facebook, Google, Intel, Microsoft and more.
Want to continue your path with a scientific career? Saarbrücken not only has the modules, but also the infrastructure for that. With 77 research groups and 4 research institutes on site, you can gain research experience while continuing your coursework and graduate as a strong PhD candidate. You will also have the option pursue your doctorate at the Saarbrücken Graduate School of Computer Science.
Got your own ideas? The Saarland Informatics Campus has your back. With the innovation ecosystem Triathlon on campus, young start-ups are supported.
Computer science at the Saarland Informatics Campus
Interdisciplinary and unique in Europe
The Saarland Informatics Campus offers a unique diversity throughout Europe. Four internationally renowned institutes, such as the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence and the Max Planck Institutes, cooperate closely with the university. For students, this environment offers unique opportunities to get to know the many facets of the world of computer science.
A springboard for your career
The Saarland Informatics Campus is full of opportunities for young talents: early research access, PhD positions, industry collaborations. PhD after Master’s? Continue at the Saarbrücken Graduate School of Computer Science! Industry? With the experience and connections you’ll make at our partnering institutes, you’ll be a top candidate.
A student-centric department
No matter which direction you want to take your career, the Saarland Informatics Campus will cater to your needs to develop as a professional. With preparatory courses to catch up before starting your studies and extensive tutoring in courses — your improvement is at the center.
Future-oriented and renowned
Those studying computer science in Saarbrücken learn in close proximity to many respected researchers who have received numerous awards for their work. It’s no wonder that computer science was voted one of the four best subjects in Germany (CHE ranking).
Preparing for your time at Saarland University
Once you receive confirmation of acceptance, all you have to do is enroll, pay your semester fee and then find accommodation. Before travelling to Germany, there are a number of things you will need to do to get organized and, once you arrive in Saarbrucken, a few administrative formalities to complete. For instance, you will need to take out health insurance cover and open a bank account. You will also need to apply for a temporary residence permit and register with the local authorities. Our checklist summarizes all you need to do.
Accommodation services
If you aren’t already living in Germany, you can apply to rent one of the apartments reserved by the university for its international BSc. programs. These apartments are intended to make it easier for you to settle in and can be rented for one year. By the end of the first year, you’ll need to find new accommodation (either in a university hall of residence or on the private housing market). The university provides assistance with both. It is also very common to share an apartment with fellow students (called Wohngemeinschaft in German, or WG for short). More information.
An aerial view of the campus
Get an impression of what awaits you when you’re a student in Saarbrucken with a virtual tour of the campus. You can see the main buildings and lecture halls for computer science students here. It gives you an idea of the uni before you even get here.
How much will the course cost?
Although Saarland University is an internationally acclaimed research center for computer science, Saarbrücken remains a hidden gem among German university cities and therefore has a very moderate cost of living compared with other cities here.
The academic study programs offered at Saarland University are state-funded. Therefore no tuition fees are charged for all Bachelor’s and consecutive Master’s programs. Instead, students pay an administrative fee of 412.30 EUR per semester, which includes a pass for public transportation and further benefits.
Students in Saarbrücken should calculate to have about 950 EUR living expenses per month, though this figure will vary individually. This figure includes fixed costs such as the obligatory health insurance and the rent for an apartment. The health insurance is 115 EUR per month and covers all necessary procedures. The rent adds up to about 350-450 EUR per month, which is significantly less than in Munich, Aachen, Berlin or Karlsruhe.
There are lots of different funding opportunities for studying in Germany:
You want to not only study computer science, but change the digital world of the future?
Find out more now about the diverse Master’s program in Computer Science at Saarland University.
Ready to apply? Take a look at the application guide!