International exposure to health science fields is a major stepping stone for students who aspire to contribute to health care systems around the world. However, language barriers can make international students hesitant to apply to institutions abroad. Germany is one country where several public health-related master’s programs are offered in English or partly in English, making these programs more accessible to international applicants.
Germany’s high-quality education system attracts international students pursuing higher education. Its strong economy and high standard of living make it an ideal study destination for foreign students. For those still comparing study paths, it can also be helpful to explore courses in Germany to see how Public Health fits alongside other academic choices. Public health is an important field for students who want to address health challenges at local, national, and global levels.
With that in mind, let’s look at universities and institutions in Germany that offer master’s programs related to Public Health, especially for international applicants.
Top Schools Offering Public Health Master’s Programs in Germany
1. Hamburg University of Applied Sciences
Hamburg University of Applied Sciences offers an English-taught Master of Public Health (MPH) through its Faculty of Life Sciences. The program is designed for professionals who want to develop academic knowledge and practical skills in evidence-based public health, empirical research, and the implementation of research findings.
The MPH has a standard duration of three semesters and is worth 90 ECTS credits. The first two semesters cover 10 modules worth 60 credit points, and the third semester is devoted to the master’s thesis, worth 30 credit points. The program can be completed as a full-time degree course, and part-time status is possible.
Applicants generally need a relevant first degree with at least 210 ECTS credits, one year of relevant professional experience in public health or qualified scientific work, proof of English at CEFR C1 level, and, for international applicants, preliminary review documentation from uni-assist. The study fees are €2,400 per full-time semester, for a total of €7,200, plus the semester contribution.
2. Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Next on our list is Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, one of Germany’s best-known institutions for medicine, health care, and health research. Charité traces its history back to 1710 and remains closely associated with medical education and research in Berlin.
The Master of Public Health offered through the Berlin School of Public Health is a professional, fee-based program. It awards the academic degree Master of Public Health (MPH), comprises 60 ECTS credits, and is completed part-time over four semesters.
The program is methodologically and scientifically oriented. Its structure includes four compulsory core modules, four advanced elective modules, a research project, a master’s thesis, and an oral defense. The course languages are German and English, so applicants should not treat it as an English-only program; some core modules are taught in English, while advanced modules are often taught in German. The total program fee is €10,200, plus regular enrollment and re-registration fees.
3. Deggendorf Institute of Technology
Another institution to consider is the Deggendorf Institute of Technology (DIT), a public university of applied sciences in Bavaria. Its Master of Science in Global Public Health is offered at the European Campus Rottal-Inn in Pfarrkirchen.
The M.Sc. in Global Public Health is taught in English and is designed for students from backgrounds such as medicine, health policy, academic health research, and related health fields. The program focuses on public health in both industrialized and developing areas of the world, including global health problems and their relationship to culture, politics, human rights, and ethical values.
The program lasts three semesters, carries 90 ECTS credits, and starts in the winter semester. The curriculum includes courses such as Essentials of Global Public Health, Digital Health, Sustainable Health Economy, Epidemiology and Health Data Analysis, Global Public Health Law and Ethics, Research Methods and Writing Skills, Universal Health Coverage, Project Management, electives, and a master’s thesis.
DIT lists no tuition fees for this program, but students must pay the student union fee. International students from non-EU/EEA countries are also required to pay service fees each semester.
FAQS About Studying for a Public Health Master’s Degree in Germany
Do Universities in Germany Offer Master’s in Public Health Taught in English?
Yes, Germany offers several public health-related master’s programs that are taught in English or partly in English. However, students should check the exact program title and language of instruction carefully, because not every program is an MPH and not every program is taught entirely in English.
Examples of English-taught public health-related programs include the MPH at Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, the M.Sc. Health Science – Prevention and Health Promotion at the Technical University of Munich, the M.Sc. Global Urban Health at the University of Freiburg, the M.Sc. Global Public Health at Deggendorf Institute of Technology, and the M.Sc. Population-Based Medicine at the University of Tübingen. Charité’s professional MPH uses both German and English, so applicants should review the language expectations before applying.
Who Are Qualified to Undertake Master’s in Public Health in Germany?
A bachelor’s degree is usually the minimum academic qualification for a public health-related master’s program in Germany. Many programs prefer or require a degree in a relevant field such as public health, health sciences, medicine, nursing, social sciences, natural sciences, health policy, or another health-related discipline.
Specific requirements vary by university. Some programs require professional experience, a minimum number of ECTS credits from the first degree, proof of English proficiency, or preliminary documentation review through uni-assist. For example, HAW Hamburg requires a relevant first degree with at least 210 ECTS credits, one year of relevant professional experience, English at CEFR C1 level, and VPD documentation for international applicants. Deggendorf Institute of Technology requires a relevant undergraduate degree with 210 ECTS credits, or 180 ECTS credits with a pathway to complete the missing credits.
What Career Prospects Are Available for Graduates of a Master’s in Public Health in Germany?
Studying public health in Germany can prepare graduates for roles in health research, health promotion, health policy, epidemiology, health care management, public administration, international organizations, NGOs, consulting, and academic institutions.
Graduates of public health-related master’s programs may work as public health researchers, epidemiologists, health policy analysts, health care managers, health promotion specialists, public health educators, program managers, or consultants. Career outcomes depend on the program focus, previous professional experience, German-language ability, visa or work authorization status, and the labor market at the time of graduation.
Public Health is a major discipline that covers many areas of the health care sector. Because Germany has a strong health care and research environment, earning a public health-related master’s degree there can be valuable for international students who want to build careers in health research, health policy, prevention, health promotion, and global health.
We hope this article helped you understand universities and institutions offering Public Health-related master’s programs in Germany. If you are interested in studying in Germany, check out the Available Programs in Germany and Study in Germany!
