All courses are held in English.
The programme will start in the winter semester 2025/2026.
We strongly recommend starting in the winter semester. In case you want to start in the summer semester, please contact the programme coordinator.
Please check the application periods online at
https://www.sme-germany.com.
Or directly contact the programme coordinator Prof Dr Florian Sprenger via e-mail:
florian.sprenger@sme-germany.com.
Sustainable Maritime Engineering is an international Master's programme, focusing on maritime technologies – from the ocean’s surface to its deepest depths. It provides a broad, critical understanding of the field, emphasising a sustainable use of the world’s oceans while at the same time protecting them.
Students engage in interdisciplinary, application-oriented projects with options to specialise in Naval Architecture, Ocean Engineering, or Underwater Technologies. Team projects are a key to fostering collaboration across the different specialisations.
The programme benefits from partnerships with regional industry and research institutes. It aligns with the University of Rostock’s strong maritime focus and aims to meet world-wide future maritime industry needs.
During the first three semesters, students follow mandatory and elective courses in order to achieve a total sum of 90 credit points (30 credit points each semester). In the fourth semester, students will write and defend their Master's theses (30 credit points).
The curriculum offers German language courses for beginners at level A1 and English for engineers at C1. Other language courses can be selected after consulting the programme coordinator.
The programme is regularly enriched by international guest lecturers from academia and industry.
Based on strong collaborations with the industry, practice-relevant topics and tasks for project work and Master's theses are offered to the students.
The programme does not include an explicit mobility window, but it offers 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:
276 EUR per semester, including a semester ticket that is valid for public transport and regional trains all across Germany
Compared to other German cities, the cost of living in Rostock is moderate to low.
A maximum of 12 CP can be made up in the course of the first year.
An admission will only be given if a successful graduation from the Master's course of study can be expected. Therefore, we accept only candidates who have completed their first university degree with at least 65% of the CGPA (cumulative grade point average) 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.
Applicants 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:
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.
Please check the application periods online at
https://www.sme-germany.com.
Or directly contact the programme coordinator Prof Dr Florian Sprenger via e-mail:
florian.sprenger@sme-germany.com.
Universität Rostock
c/o uni-assist e.V.
11507 Berlin
Germany
There are limited opportunities for international students to work while studying. Foreign students with a residence permit for study purposes are allowed to work as far as this work does not exceed 120 full days or 240 half days a calendar year. In addition, they can work as student assistants. Other jobs need to be approved by the labour authorities and the Immigration Office. Permissions are granted only in special cases.
Rostock's dormitory places are arranged and assigned by the student services organisation, “Studierendenwerk Rostock”. Their website provides information on location, facilities, and monthly rent. An application for a place in a dormitory can be filed online or downloaded and sent by mail to the following address:
Studierendenwerk Rostock – Wismar
Abt. Studentisches Wohnen
St.-Georg-Straße 104 – 107
18055 Rostock
Germany
The University of Rostock offers free advice and services for students and doctoral candidates through its central Careers Service.
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.
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 University of Rostock, founded in 1419, proudly stands as the oldest university in the Baltic region. Our motto, "Traditio et Innovatio" — tradition and innovation — perfectly encapsulates the spirit of our institution: a place where centuries of academic excellence meet a forward-looking openness to new ideas and change. We offer a broad range of subjects across ten distinct faculties, providing students with a dynamic and interdisciplinary education rooted in both depth and diversity. Our commitment to high-quality research and teaching, paired with exceptional student support services, ensures a well-rounded academic experience.
Studying at the University of Rostock is not just about academic achievement; it’s also an opportunity for significant personal and professional growth. Beyond gaining expertise in your field, you'll develop intercultural competence and proficiency in the German language, preparing you for success in a globalised world. Studying abroad here also provides a unique chance to build lasting international connections and friendships, laying the foundation for a truly global career.
One great way to make friends is the participation in the faculty's Waterbike Team or Hanseatic Efficiency Team. Students from different disciplines and backgrounds work jointly together on new concepts from design to fabrication. We are very proud of the successful history of both student teams in international competitions and continuously support their future ideas.
With a long tradition of welcoming international students and scholars, we are proud to extend our invitation to you to join our vibrant, diverse academic community. At the University of Rostock, you will become part of a rich history while being empowered to shape the future.
With a population of approximately 200,000, Rostock is the largest city and the economic heart of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. A historic Hanseatic and harbour town, Rostock offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, making it a vibrant place to live and study.
Located just a short half-hour bike ride from the stunning Baltic Sea coastline, the city provides an ideal balance between urban life and natural beauty. Rostock’s cultural scene is rich and varied, featuring theatres, museums, and numerous events throughout the year. For relaxation, you can explore the city’s zoo, botanical gardens, the expansive IGA park, or one of its many green spaces.
One of the highlights of the year is the Hanse Sail in August, an international maritime festival that attracts nearly a million visitors and sailing ships from across the globe. For students, the lively Kröpeliner-Tor-Vorstadt district is a hub of social life, offering a popular café and pub scene that fosters a strong sense of community.
Rostock combines the charm of a historic town with the excitement of modern city life, making it a unique place to experience both culture and coastal living.
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