SOP for Computer Science in Germany: Guidelines for top universities, Structure, Tips for international students

Statement of Purpose mainly explains an applicant's intentions and motivation behind applying for a particular program. It is normally required as a Motivation Letter, Cover Letter or Personal Statement for computer science program of German universities. It is not mandatory or a major requirement for undergraduate application. SOP for Computer Science in Germany usually plays an important role in graduate programs admission.

SOP for Computer Science in Germany: How is it Different

SOP in Germany for computer science program can be divided into 4 main parts: introduction, academic background, professional experience (if any) and conclusion. It has following major elements associated with it:

It is required to focus on how the program fits into the applicant's ambitions and plans rather than the applicant's previous requirements
Experience is not a major element in SOP for Computer Science in Germany unlike other programs.
There are no strict restrictions on format, fonts, or font size. However, most universities have word or page limits.

University-wise Guidelines for Writing SOP for Computer Science in Germany

Below are some of the universities in Germany that require a statement of purpose or a letter of Motivation for admission.

SOP for Computer Science at Technical University of Munich

The Technical University of Munich requires a Motivation Letter or Personal Statement for application into a master's program in Computer Science. It is required to be approximately 800 words or two pages. The document is required to answer the following questions:

Why does the applicant want to study Computer Science at TUM?
Why the program fits in into the applicant’s previous academic career and plans for the future
How the Computer Science program fits into or catalyzes the applicant's academic and professional ambitions?
An elaborate description of the applicant’s skills and abilities relevant to the applicant's future academic plans
Information about extracurricular activities or social commitment undertaken by the applicant

The Technical University of Munich advises the applicant to avoid praising the university at length and should avoid repeating information already provided in the CV or resume.

SOP for Computer Science at University of Freiburg

University of Freiburg requires a motivation letter for application into its MS in Computer Science program. It is an opportunity for the applicant to let the admission committee know him or her as a person and academic records, grades, and achievements. The letter should address the following points:

The Motivation letter should in its entirety tell the admission committee what inspired the applicant to apply to the university.
The applicant can go on to talk about what makes them passionate about learning and educating themselves
How does the program relate to their previous education experiences or does it affect their future plans?
What experiences or qualifications do the applicants think to make them suitable for the program and how does the program help their academic plans?

The letter should be around 600 to 650 words. The applicant should avoid trying to present himself or herself as the perfect candidate but rather be honest and factual as possible.

SOP for Computer Science at University of Cologne

The University of Cologne requires a Cover Letter or Motivation Letter. It is required to be 2 pages and it is to give detailed information on the applicant's motivation for pursuing the program at that particular level.

The cover letter should demonstrate the applicant's aptitude for the program because the cover letter will be used as a major factor in taking the admission decisions and the university strongly states that any application without a cover letter will not be considered.

SOP for Computer Science at University of Göttingen

At the University of Göttingen, the Motivation Letter is not a mandatory requirement but university highly recommends international students to submit it.

Statement should be written in German.
It should explain the reasons why the applicant would love to study Computer Science at the University of Göttingen.
It should be signed by the applicant and have less than two DIN A4 pages.
It has to be compelling and should reflect the applicant’s personal reasons for year gap or low grades.

SOP for Computer Science at University of Potsdam

For computer science programs at the University of Potsdam, a statement of purpose or Motivation letter is required. The statement is to explain why the applicant would love to study at the University of Potsdam. It is required to be two to three pages in length and it is required to answer the following questions:

How the applicant's previous academic studies correspond with the program
How the program’s scope and focuses would be of benefit to the applicant in terms of research interests
Applicant’s plans and ambitions after graduation

Tips for Writing SOP for Computer Science in Germany

International applicants should follow below given tips while writing SOP for Computer Science in Germany:

Start the article with a hook, unique, or catchy introduction.
Make sketchy illustrations with words with vivid and specific language, to give a picture of personal stories such as background, primary education timeline, and achievements.
Sketch out the description of recent degrees. This also contains academic experiences, most liked course curriculum, and research projects, if any.
Elaborate on work experience and extracurricular activities.
Explain why you’ve chosen that particular university and the program.
State ambitions and plans and how they align with the program and the university.
Proofread the SOP draft then give it to another person, preferably a professor to proofread it again.

SOPs for Computer Science in Germany should follow a chronological order with respect to the required information and each answer should have its own paragraph. Finally, proofreading is very important and it should be done by the applicant first, and then by someone else, preferably, a professor that knows the applicant.