GRE for Germany 2026: Score Requirements for TU Munich & Other Universities

Germany is rapidly emerging as a top destination for Indian STEM students — and the GRE is playing an increasingly important role in admissions to elite German universities. With virtually free tuition (just €300–500 semester fees), a total cost of living of ₹8–12 lakh per year, and post-study work visas of 18 months, Germany offers an extraordinary value proposition. But here's the key question: do you need the GRE for Germany? The answer depends on the university and program. This guide covers GRE requirements for TU Munich, RWTH Aachen, TU Berlin, LMU Munich, and other top German universities — plus how EEC can help you leverage a single GRE score for both USA and Germany applications.

GRE in Germany: A Growing Trend

Historically, German universities relied on academic transcripts, GATE scores (for Indian engineers), and motivation letters for admissions. The GRE was rarely required. But since 2020, a significant shift has occurred: top German technical universities have begun recommending or requiring the GRE — especially for competitive STEM master's programs. This trend accelerated after ETS expanded its partnerships with European universities.

Why the shift? German universities receive thousands of applications from India and China, and they need a standardised metric to compare candidates across different grading systems. The GRE provides exactly that — a globally standardised assessment of quantitative and verbal reasoning. For Indian students, this is actually good news: your GRE score can now open doors at German universities in addition to US universities, giving you more options from a single test.

TU Munich (TUM): GRE Requirements

Technische Universität München (TU Munich / TUM) is Germany's #1 technical university and consistently ranks among the world's top 50. For Indian students, TUM is the most sought-after German university for MS programs in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Data Science.

TUM's official stance: the GRE is "recommended" but not mandatory for most STEM master's programs. However, in practice, submitting a strong GRE score significantly boosts your application. TUM's admissions committee uses a points-based system, and GRE scores contribute to your aptitude assessment. For competitive programs like MS in Informatics or MS in Robotics, a GRE score is strongly recommended.

Target GRE scores for TUM: Quant 162+, Verbal 150+. For MS in Informatics (Computer Science), aim for Q165+. TUM values Quant scores heavily for STEM programs — this is where Indian students typically excel.

RWTH Aachen: GRE Requirements

RWTH Aachen University is Germany's largest technical university and a member of the prestigious TU9 alliance. Known for engineering excellence, RWTH Aachen is especially popular among Indian students for Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Electrical Engineering master's programs.

GRE status at RWTH Aachen: Optional but beneficial. RWTH Aachen does not explicitly require the GRE for most programs, but several competitive programs (especially in Computer Science and Data Science) consider GRE scores as an additional qualification metric. A strong GRE Quant score can compensate for a slightly lower GPA in the aptitude assessment.

Target GRE scores for RWTH Aachen: Quant 160+, Verbal 148+. Engineering programs place the heaviest weight on Quant performance.

TU Berlin & LMU Munich: GRE Requirements

Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin)

TU Berlin, located in Germany's capital, is another TU9 member university popular with Indian STEM students. The GRE is optional for most master's programs, but submitting a score can strengthen your application — particularly for programs in Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, and Information Systems. Target: Q160+.

Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)

LMU Munich is Germany's highest-ranked university overall (though TUM leads in engineering). For programs in Data Science, Statistics, and Economics, the GRE may be required or strongly recommended depending on the specific program. Some LMU programs accept GMAT as an alternative. Target: Q160+, V155+ for programs with significant verbal components.

GRE vs GATE for Germany: Which Is Better?

Indian engineering students often ask: should I submit my GATE score or GRE score for German university applications? The answer depends on your goals:

When GATE Is Better

Some German universities (especially for engineering programs) specifically accept GATE scores — for example, RWTH Aachen and TU Munich recognise GATE for certain engineering master's programs. If you already have a strong GATE score (95+ percentile) and are applying only to Germany, you may not need the GRE at all.

When GRE Is Better

If you're applying to both Germany and the USA (which EEC strongly recommends for maximum options), the GRE is the clear winner — it's accepted by both American and German universities. GATE is accepted only in Germany (and not by all programs). The GRE also covers non-engineering programs (MBA, Data Science, Economics) where GATE is irrelevant.

GRE Score Targets for German STEM Programs

German universities weigh GRE Quant scores more heavily than Verbal for STEM programs — which is great news for Indian students who typically excel in mathematics. Here are realistic score targets based on EEC's placement data:

For TU Munich CS: aim for Q165+, V150+, AW 3.5+. For RWTH Aachen Engineering: Q160+, V148+, AW 3.0+. For LMU Data Science: Q163+, V155+, AW 4.0+. The AWA score is less critical for German STEM admissions, but a very low AWA (below 3.0) can raise red flags about your English writing ability.

Germany's Free Tuition Advantage: The ROI Calculation

Here's why Germany is a game-changer for Indian students: most public German universities charge no tuition fees — just a small semester contribution of €300–500 (₹28,000–46,000) per semester. Compare this to the USA where tuition alone can run ₹28–65 lakh per year. The total cost difference is staggering:

“I scored Q164 on the GRE at EEC. Used the same score to apply to 4 US universities and 3 German universities. Got into TU Munich with zero tuition and Arizona State with a $5,000 scholarship. Having both options let me make the smartest financial decision for my family.”

— Arjun K., MS in Mechanical Engineering, TU Munich — GRE Q164, V153

USA + Germany Dual Application Strategy

EEC's most successful students don't choose between the USA and Germany — they apply to both. The GRE score is valid for 5 years and accepted by universities in both countries. Here's how the dual strategy works:

Apply to 3–4 US Universities

Target universities that match your GRE score, GPA, and research interests. The USA offers the highest salaries post-graduation (₹80 lakh–₹1.5 crore for STEM) and the STEM OPT 3-year work authorisation. See GRE score requirements for US universities.

Apply to 3–4 German Universities

Target TU Munich, RWTH Aachen, TU Berlin, and 1–2 other TU9 universities. Germany offers free tuition, an 18-month post-study work visa, and a pathway to permanent residency. It's the perfect "safe bet" — even if you don't get into your dream US university, you still get a world-class education at virtually no tuition cost.

With EEC's Germany counselling and USA counselling, you get expert guidance for both countries — university shortlisting, SOP customisation, application review, and visa support for both destinations. All included when you join EEC for GRE coaching at ₹7,500.

EEC Germany Counselling: Your Complete Support System

EEC has been placing Indian students at German universities for over a decade. Our Germany counselling covers every step: university shortlisting (matching your GRE score, GPA, and goals to the right programs), SOP and LOR guidance (German universities value detailed motivation letters), application submission, blocked account setup (€11,904 required), visa appointment booking, and pre-departure briefing.

Every EEC GRE coaching student receives free study abroad counselling — including Germany-specific guidance. No separate counselling fee. No hidden charges. Just ₹7,500 for GRE coaching, and your path to studying in Germany is fully supported.

Related reads: GRE Scores for MS in USA | Study in Germany with EEC | Study in USA with EEC | Free Consultation.

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