MATSE (mathematical-technical software developer): Ausbildung in Germany
The most demanding and best-paid of the IT Ausbildung professions, for minds that combine mathematics and software development.
The profession
The MATSE does maths-heavy software development, often trained at universities and research institutes (for example Fraunhofer), frequently combined with a parallel Bachelor in Scientific Programming. They work on scientific computing, simulation and data.
Salary
During the Ausbildung, pay is about 980 to 1,200 € per month (depending on the institution and tariff). After the diploma, the range is wide, about 2,825 to 4,300 € per month (often around 3,800 € given the maths and software content), with a cross-population median of about 5,630 € per month, the highest of the IT Ausbildung professions (source: Gehalt.de, 2025).
Duration and path
The training lasts 3 years, often with a Bachelor pursued in parallel. It ends with the final exam of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK).
Employers hiring
Research institutes (Fraunhofer), universities, technical and scientific employers, finance and data-heavy industry hire this profile.
Prospects
Prospects are high but niche: the maths barrier keeps the supply of candidates low.
Career progression
You can move toward scientific computing, data science, research and development, or continue into studies.
Language level
It is the most linguistically demanding of these professions, given the maths and software theory; level B2 is strongly recommended. This is the level we aim for in our training.
Recognition and access
Access is through an Ausbildung contract signed with an institute or company in Germany; the IHK diploma, often paired with a Bachelor, is recognised nationwide. No prior equivalence is needed since the training takes place in Germany.
Visa
Entry is with the vocational training visa (Ausbildung). Once you graduate, you switch to a skilled-worker permit to work in Germany.
Your Karriere Fähre support
We train you in German up to the required level, find the institute or company and the Ausbildung contract, prepare the visa file and support you all the way to your settling in.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need strong maths skills?
- Yes, strong maths skills are essential: they are the core of the profession and the main barrier to entry.
- Is the training combined with a degree?
- Often yes: it is frequently pursued alongside a Bachelor in Scientific Programming, which strengthens its value.
Indicative gross ranges from public German sources (StepStone, Gehalt.de, Federal Employment Agency, Bitkom, IHK). Salary portals differ and update their data; real figures depend on region, employer, collective agreement and experience. Visa rules change: always check your case with the competent German authorities.