I am pursuing my BTech in mechanical engineering and want to pursue mechatronics or industrial engineering at a German public university. My CGPA is 8.71. Please suggest which one is better, as I want some automation in the courses. Also suggest the best universities for these courses.
Hi @Abhishek_Katore ,
With your 8.71 CGPA in Mechanical Engineering, both Mechatronics and Industrial Engineering are great options, but since you’re interested in automation, Mechatronics is the better choice. It focuses more on robotics, sensors, control systems, and embedded technology — all core to industrial automation. Industrial Engineering, on the other hand, leans more toward process optimization and management. I’m currently studying Industrial Automation at the University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt, a top public university known for its practical, hands-on approach rather than purely theoretical learning. For Mechatronics, universities like Weingarten (RWU), Esslingen UAS, FH Aachen, and TU Darmstadt are excellent choices with strong industry links. You can also explore programs on the DAAD portal and always cross-check details on each university’s official website for the latest course and admission info.
Hey! I’m also from a mechanical background and had the same confusion between mechatronics and industrial engineering. With an 8.7 CGPA, you’ve got a solid profile, so you’ll be eligible for most German public universities.
If you’re more into automation, robotics, and control systems, I’d say go for mechatronics, it’s got a nice balance of mechanical and electronics with some programming mixed in. Industrial engineering is also good, but it leans a bit more toward management and production systems rather than hands-on automation.
A few unis you can check out for mechatronics are TU Munich, RWTH Aachen, TU Darmstadt, and Esslingen University. For industrial engineering, TU Berlin and KIT Karlsruhe are pretty good too.
I’d suggest checking the course modules on each uni’s website before deciding some are more theory-heavy, while others focus more on practical work. Also, this page on Studying in Germany gives a good overview of public unis, admission requirements, and how to shortlist based on your field.
hey @Abhishek_Katore
With your B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering and a CGPA of 8.71, you’re in a great position to apply for either Mechatronics or Industrial Engineering in Germany. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Mechatronics
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Focuses on automation, robotics, and smart systems.
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Courses usually cover robotics, control systems, embedded systems, and automation tech.
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Career: Robotics engineer, automation specialist, control systems engineer.
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If you really want hands-on automation, this is the better pick.
Industrial Engineering
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Focuses on optimizing processes, productivity, and systems.
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Courses include operations research, supply chain management, and production planning.
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Career: Process engineer, supply chain manager, operations consultant.
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Good if you want a broader systems/management approach rather than hardcore automation.
Top German Universities
For Mechatronics
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TUM (Technical University of Munich) – MSc Mechatronics & Robotics → Link
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TU Hamburg (TUHH) – MSc Mechatronics → Link
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Deggendorf Institute of Technology – MSc Mechatronic & Cyber-Physical Systems → Link
For Industrial Engineering
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KIT (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology) – MSc Industrial Engineering & Management → Link
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TUM – MSc Management & Technology → Link
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RWTH Aachen – MSc Industrial Engineering → Link
My advice:
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If your main goal is automation and robotics, go for Mechatronics.
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If you want a broader career in systems, operations, and management, Industrial Engineering works.
Both options have solid career prospects in Germany, so it really comes down to whether you want to work more on hands-on tech or process/system optimization.