MSW Course in Germany- Universities, Eligibility and more

Updated on 05 October, 2023

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

A Master of Social Work, also known as an MSW, is a graduate degree that qualifies social workers. MSW degrees commonly last two years and are recognized by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) to fulfill requirements that integrate state license standards and professional ethics.

 

MSW course in Germany program educates students on how to aid people in need through community initiatives, counselling sessions, and support groups. Social workers assist families in stepping away from the cycle of poverty, assisting individuals in overcoming addiction or counselling people with mental illness. This article covers all the information on pursuing an MSW course in Germany.

Why Study MSW in Germany?

  • Cross-cultural knowledge is critical in social work. 
  • Master’s Social Work Germany programs give students broader background for developing a thorough understanding of the subject as a whole.
  • In Germany, social work is a profession that assists those suffering from drug addiction, mental disease, and poverty. This hands-on experience will significantly benefit your future profession as you will be focusing on the same challenges that occur in all countries across the globe.
  • There are counseling opportunities and community initiatives that are consistently in need of student assistance to benefit the community. Studying an MSW course in Germany is recommended as their social welfare programs are effective, and it will provide a different insight into how to deal with social problems.
  • Human and social service job roles constitute 10-19% of total employment in countries such as Finland, Denmark, Belgium, France, and Germany, as per Social Services Europe.

MSW Course in Germany Eligibility

MSW course in Germany admission is offered to graduates of a Social Work course and those with a degree in Social Sciences, Human Sciences, Humanities, or Theology with an overall grade point average of 2.0 or above. Some MSW courses in German universities require one year of professional experience: relevant work experience based on the specialization. 

Applicants with grades ranging from 2.1 to 2.9 may be allowed case-by-case.

The MSW course in Germany eligibility for English language requirements:

How to Apply to German Universities?

Choose the right MSW course university 

You’ve picked on Germany as your overseas study location; now it’s time to select the best MSW course and university for you. You should review the most recent rankings of Germany’s best universities while selecting, or look at the most recent QS Rankings by Subject to find the top German Master’s in Social work university.

Check the MSW course in Germany admission requirements 

Check that your preferred university accepts your present qualifications; check the MSW course in Germany eligibility before applying. You should also look over the language MSW course in Germany requirement. If your MSW course is in English, you will need to demonstrate your language understanding with a test such as IELTS or TOEFL.

Organize your finances

One will need to present evidence that one has, or has access to, around €8,700 per year to support your living costs and other requirements.

Apply

For most MSW programs, you can apply directly to the university’s international office. Many German institutions allow applicants to apply for MSW course in Germany admission twice a year, in the winter and summer semesters. It is advised that applications be submitted at least six weeks before the deadline to allow for any necessary adjustments or additions.

Top 10 MSW Program German Universities

University Subject Score
Humboldt University of Berlin #112 in Best Universities for Social Sciences and Public Health 
University of Munich 101 in Best Universities for Social Sciences and Public Health 
Ruprecht Karls University Heidelberg

 

#125 in Best Universities for Social Sciences and Public Health

Free University of Berlin

 

#173 in Best Universities for Social Sciences and Public Health 

University of Hamburg

 

#177 in Best Universities for Social Sciences and Public Health

Technical University of Munich #206 in Best Universities for Social Sciences and Public Health
Eberhard Karls University of Tubingen #236 in Best Universities for Social Sciences and Public Health
Technical University of Berlin #253 in Best Universities for Social Sciences and Public Health 
University of Mannheim #258 in Best Universities for Social Sciences and Public Health 
University of Freiburg #277 in Best Universities for Social Sciences and Public Health 

MSW Course in German Subjects and Curriculum

The MSW curriculum is divided into semesters-wise. It includes domains like healthcare, psychology, nursing childcare, and sociology. Along with basic MSW courses in Germany subject semester courses, the MSW course has different specializations for additional skills acquisition. The program does not require an apprenticeship, but it does require extensive study and research during the course duration.

MSW Course in Germany Subjects

  • History of Social Work
  • Social Work Research and Quantitative Analysis
  • Rehabilitation and Resettlement
  • Corporate Social Responsibility

Elective Subjects

  • Social Work Administration
  • Disaster, Crisis, and Intervention
  • Medical Social Work
  • Children, Families, and Couples
  • Forensic Populations and Settings

Specializations 

The course has been divided into different fields, and applicants pursuing an MSW can choose to specialize in one of them. In addition to the subject in which they have chosen to specialize, most German universities include mandated certification courses as part of the curriculum to enable students to obtain expertise in disciplines in which they are not focusing. The specialization with the best future job prospects are as follows:

  1. Mental health and substance abuse
  2. Child and family social work
  3. Community social work
  4. Geriatric social work
  5. School social work
  6. Criminal justice social work

Academic Cycle: Intakes & Deadlines: General 

There are two application dates for MSW courses in German universities: summer and winter intake. Summer enrollment begins in March or April. The winter intake commences in September or October. Most colleges’ summer semester application deadlines begin in early December and close on January 15. The application period for the winter intake begins in early May and closes on July 15.

Cost of Attendance 

The pathway to the college or institution of your dreams begins long before you arrive. The table below shows the approximate MSW course in Germany fees and living costs in German universities:

College Name MSW course in Germany fees (EUR)
Alice Salomon University Approx. 8,550.00/-
Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg Approx. 11,945.67/-
University of Hamburg Approx. 9,561.07/-
University of Kent Approx. 18000/-

Pre-Arrival Cost in Germany

The following is a list of the pre-costs and MSW course in Germany requirement:

Nature of Expense Cost in EUR
IELTS 160
TOEFL 166
GRE 185
Student Visa Application 75-85

Cost of Living in Germany

  • €168 for food
  • €42 for clothes
  • €94 for transport
  • €31 for telephone, internet and TV license
  • €24 for Working materials
  • €301.43 On-campus Accommodation
  • €64 Recreation, culture and sports

Study and settle in Germany – Consult Experts Now!

Top Recruiters Hiring Social Workers in 2022

If you’re considering a career in social work, you might be wondering which recruiters pay the most. Here we have the top firm recruiters for social workers positions.

Company Salary for Social Workers
US Army $91,204
AbleTo $83,469
US Department of Veterans Affairs $74,633
UnitedHealth Group $72,123
HCA Healthcare $66,198
DaVita $62,975
VITAS Healthcare $60,370
Department of Children and Family Services $58,312
CVS Health $57,865
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center $48,396

Career Prospects after MSW

After completing your MSW course in Germany, you will most likely find several work opportunities in both the commercial and governmental sectors. You will have the chance to work in a wide range of environments and with a diverse group of individuals. 

Job title Salary
Child welfare social worker  $45,525 per year 
Medical social worker  $62,786 per year 
Social science researcher $67,028 per year 
Community service manager $69,600 per year 
Therapist $73,504 per year 
Mental health technician $84,572 per year 
School social worker $54,936 per year 

FAQs

How much does a social worker earn in Germany?

In Germany, the average monthly earnings for a Social Worker is €3,303. The yearly salary for a Social Worker in Germany is €39,636.


 

Is an MSW worth the investment?

Obtaining an MSW is worthwhile if you want to advance to higher-level positions, such as that of a social work supervisor, and if you want to boost your earnings substantially to offset the cost of the degree.


 

Where do MSWs make the highest money?

Working for the federal government pays the most for social workers. Federal social workers assist in the direction of research and the development of social services, medical, and education policy.


 

What is a good GPA for MSW in Germany?

In the MSW course in Germany admission, master’s programs with GPA standards demand a minimum grade of 2.5 on average.

 

 

 


 

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upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.

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