All courses are held in English.
Generally, you can start studying Sustainable Maritime Engineering in the winter semester or in the summer semester. We strongly recommend you to start in the winter semester. Due to the frequency at which some of the mandatory courses are offered, a start in summer will either lead to a semester of increased work load and additional self-study and/or a longer study period.
For international students applying through uni-assist:
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:
Studying at public universities in Germany is generally for free. The University of Rostock does not charge tuition. However, there is a small semester fee (around 300 EUR) that covers administrative costs. It also includes a ticket for public transport and gives you free access to many student services.
Compared to some other major European countries, the cost of living in Germany is reasonable. But there are of course variations within Germany itself. While living in large cities such as Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg or Berlin is expensive, prices in smaller cities such as Rostock are lower. As of 2025, the recommended minimum a single person (e.g. a student) in Rostock needs is at least 1,000 EUR per month or 12,000 EUR per year to cover living expenses. This includes rent, food, utilities, health insurance, clothes, transport, recreational activities and the semester fee. We strongly advise you not to come to Rostock if you are not certain how to cover your expected cost of living.
The University of Rostock offers some scholarships, and there are also external funding options. Please note that it is not guaranteed that you will receive funding or that the funding will cover your entire cost of living in Rostock. We strongly advise you not to come to Rostock if you are not certain how to cover your cost of living.
In order to fulfil the academic requirements of this degree programme, you need to hold a Bachelor's certificate in engineering with at least 180 credit points or another equivalent degree with at least 75% of the CGPA (equivalent to the grade 2.5 in the German grading system) 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.
Your transcripts need to show that you have in-depth knowledge in the fields of:
Note: For some countries, specific requirements on the duration of the Bachelor's studies apply.
In case you did not receive your degree certificate yet, you can apply with a current transcript of records or a provisional certificate of your Bachelor’s degree. Please note that you need to provide your Bachelor’s degree certificate by the time of your enrolment at the latest.
You 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 a country where English is the official language.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: We recently received information that some consulates in India request language certificates that are not older than one year as the only option for the proof of language skills for the visa process. Please contact the embassy that is responsible for your visa application to make sure that you fulfil the requirements.
For international students applying through uni-assist:
Universität Rostock
c/o uni-assist e.V.
11507 Berlin
Germany
In addition to your studies, you can work part-time. Please note that the degree programme is designed as a full-time course of study but if you feel that you can keep up with the coursework and exams, you can usually organise your time flexibly and manage your schedule independently.
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 Career 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 Rostock International House organises an orientation week at the beginning of each semester to support new international students in settling into university life. This programme includes orientation sessions, campus tours, and social events to help students adjust to life in Germany and integrate into the university community.
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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