Owing to its prestigious universities, solid focus on research and innovation, and budget-friendly or tuition-free education for overseas students, Germany is a popular study abroad destination. Students from all over the world are drawn to study in Germany due to its vibrant cultural legacy, thriving cities, and varied academic courses.
Why Study in Germany?
Students should think about studying at universities in Germany for these compelling reasons:
- Top-Notch Instruction: Internationally acknowledged universities with solid academic standing are located in Germany.
- Low or Tuition-Free Education: Overseas students are charged low or no tuition fees at a number of public universities in Germany.
- Robust Research Possibilities: Germany is a world leader in research and innovation in a range of disciplines.
- Varied Cultural Exposure: Students who study in Germany benefit from a vibrant, cosmopolitan setting.
- Outstanding Employment Opportunities: The robust economy in Germany provides graduates with excellent internship and employment prospects.
Top 10 Universities in Germany for International Students
Listed below are the top 10 best colleges in Germany for overseas students:
1. Technical University of Munich (TUM)
One of the world-class universities in Germany, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) is specially notable for its mastery in technology, engineering, and the natural sciences. It has solid international linkages with more than 300 partner universities as well as offers a vast array of Master’s programs that are instructed in English. Overseas students studying here are offered a wide range of support services, entailing designated offices, buddy programs, and German language programs. Situated in Munich, TUM provides access to a thriving innovation centre with solid connections to industry leaders.
2. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich)
Renowned for its natural sciences, medicine, and humanities programs, LMU Munich is a distinguished research university. With a solid academic standing and faculty that includes Nobel Prize winners, it attracts top talent from all around the world. On of the best universities in Germany, LMU Munich provides an increasing number of English-taught graduate programs as well as a wide range of international summer schools. LMU, located in the historic city of Munich, provides students with both academic excellence and a vibrant social setting.
3. Heidelberg University
Heidelberg University, the oldest in the Germany university list, is an internationally recognized institution renowned for its expertise in the sciences, medicine, and the humanities. The university, as a member of the German Excellence Initiative, places a heavy focus on interdisciplinary research and innovation. Students from more than 130 nations are welcome at the university and it offers a number of English-taught Master’s and PhD programs. Situated in the beautiful town of Heidelburg, the university offers an enchanting and historic setting for academic life.
4. Humboldt University of Berlin
Situated in Berlin, Humboldt University, one of the English universities in Germany is well-known for its programs in social sciences, natural sciences, and the humanities. Having once hosted scholars such as Albert Einstein and the Humboldt brothers, the university has a prestigious academic heritage. The university provides a range of international Master’s programs and actively encourages a varied international student population. Its strategic location in Berlin offers students an abundance of cultural, political, and employment prospects.
5. Free University of Berlin
One of the colleges in Germany for international students, the Free University of Berlin is renowned for its expertise in social sciences, humanities, and political science. Consistently placing among the leading 100 universities around the world, a vast array of research and academic courses are offered by the university. With a number of English-taught courses and a wide range of exchange agreements, the university has a robust international outlook. Free University of Berlin is situated in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and partners with internationally acclaimed institutions.
6. RWTH Aachen University
The largest and one of the most reputable technical universities in Germany for Masters, RWTH Aachen is especially well-known for engineering and applied sciences. Maintaining solid connections with leading firms like BMW and Siemens, the university provides students with outstanding research and internship possibilities. An increasing number of graduate programs offered at the university are instructed in English, particularly in technical fields. RWTH, with over 10,000 overseas students, offers a globally engaged and nurturing educational setting.
7. University of Freiburg
One among the best universities in Germany, the University of Freiburg is renowned for its interdisciplinary expertise across medicine, science, and the humanities. The university, situated near the Black Forest, provides a beautiful and premium quality of life for students. It is a member of Germany’s Universities of Excellence and acquires substantial research funding. A number of Master’s programs in English are offered at the university and it offers strong support services for overseas students.
8. University of Tübingen
One of the best colleges in Germany for overseas students, the University of Tübingen is particularly well-regarded in fields such as philosophy, medicine, and neuroscience. It is acknowledged for its top-tier research and involvement in a number of global research initiatives. University of Tübingen is home to students from more than 130 countries and provides a vast array of English-taught graduate courses. Tübingen, an ancient town, lends a distinctive, enduring elegance to a university that values contemporary academic practices.
9. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
A world-class institution for computer science, engineering, and natural sciences, KIT is renowned for its state-of-the-art innovation and research. It is especially prevalent in fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and energy. A number of English-taught Master’s programs are offered by the university and it fosters global academic and industry ties. Its tech-driven campus and amenities provide students with direct access to cutting-edge research and development.
10. Goethe University Frankfurt
Goethe University Frankfurt, situated in the financial capital of Germany, is renowned for the social sciences, law, and economics programs it offers. Owing to the university’s closeness to key financial institutions, students who study there are offered outstanding internship and networking possibilities. One among the top 10 universities in Germany for international students, Goethe University Frankfurt is home to a varied global population and offers a vast array of English-taught academic courses. With a contemporary campus and thriving urban environment, students benefit from both academic rigor and career opportunities.
Cost of Studying in Germany
In comparison to a number of other nations, studying in Germany is typically economical. Both domestic and overseas students are charged minimal to no tuition fees at public universities in Germany, although a small semester contribution (usually ranging between €150-€350) that pays for student services and administrative expenses are charged by certain federal states. Nevertheless, students studying at private universities in Germany need to pay tuition fees, which can differ to a great extent.
Besides tuition, students should set aside money for living costs, which cost approximately €850 to €1,200 per month, and entail food, housing, transit, health insurance, and individual expenditures. Top-notch instruction with comparatively low expenses is typically offered by Germany, thereby, making it an alluring destination for overseas students.
Eligibility Criteria to Study at Universities in Germany
The typical Germany university admission prerequisites are:
- The student needs to have completed secondary education (comparable to German Abitur). For Master’s programs, the student needs to hold an accredited undergraduate degree.
- He/she needs to have secured a minimum GPA (as specified by the university).
- The student needs to appear for Hochschulzugangsberechtigung which is a university entrance qualification acknowledged by universities in Germany.
- For English-taught programs, the student needs to prove his/her fluency in English by appearing for English language proficiency tests like the IELTS (usually 6.0–7.0) or TOEFL (minimum 80–100). German-taught programs require students to prove their fluency in German by appearing for tests like TestDaF, DSH, or Goethe-Zertifikat (B2/C1).
- Students from India, China, Vietnam, etc. need to have the APS Certificate.
- Applying to particular fields such as art, medicine, and music require students to appear for entrance exams or aptitude tests.
- For Master’s programs, the student needs to have a statement of purpose and letters of recommendation.
- Students must have health insurance coverage.
- Non-EU/EEA students need to hold a student visa.
- Students need to provide evidence of funds (~€11,208/year in blocked account).
FAQs: Top Universities in Germany
Are overseas students admitted to universities in Germany for free?
The majority of public universities in Germany do not charge tuition for undergraduate programs, even for overseas students. Nevertheless, they need to pay a semester fee (approximately €150-€350) that entails administrative expenses, public transit tickets, as well as student services. Tuition fees may be charged by certain master’s courses and private universities in Germany.
In which language are courses instructed in
A number of undergraduate courses are taught in German, nevertheless, a number of master’s programs and certain undergraduate courses, particularly in technical and business fields are offered in English.
Are overseas students allowed to work while studying in Germany?
Yes, while studying at universities in Germany, overseas students are permitted to work for a maximum of 120 full days or 240 half days annually. Part-time employment helps pay for the cost of living but should not interfere with studies.
Do overseas students have access to scholarships?
Yes, DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), institutions, universities, and other organizations offer scholarships.
For further assistance or queries students can contact us, Edwise International, and avail our wide range of services for students on destinations like Universities in Australia, study in Australia, study in UK, study in USA, study in Canada, study in Ireland, study in New-Zealand, study in Singapore, study in Germany, study in France and many other countries.
