Germany is a popular study destination for international students, with 11 of the world's 100 most international universities located there. Public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees and offer a high standard of living and a variety of degree programs to choose from. There are over 50 universities in Germany that are considered among the best in the world, with many programs offered in English.
Additionally, German universities offer internationally recognized degrees, which can be valuable in the job market. With over 300,000 international students choosing to study in Germany each year, it is a great option for those looking for a high-quality education at a lower cost than in other countries.
Public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees, including for international students. However, the rules can vary depending on the federal state where the university is located. In most cases, students will have to pay a small semester fee.
Germany is a great destination for students because of its excellent educational system, top-ranked universities, and low or no tuition fees. With over 400,000 foreign students currently studying in Germany and the numbers increasing, it is becoming a popular choice for students. German universities focus on preparing students to become future leaders and in a globalized world, offering programs in English is crucial to achieving this goal.
As a result, many universities are shifting towards offering programs in English or a combination of German and English.
Top 5 Universities in Germany for International Students
Technical University of Munich
The Technical University of Munich is considered one of the best universities in Europe, known for its excellent research, teaching, and talent development. With 15 faculties and 42,705 students, including 32% international students, it offers a wide range of degree programs. The university is staffed by 566 professors who provide high-quality education to prepare students for their desired careers.
Ranked 69th in the world as the most international university, TUM is one of Germany's prestigious institutions, with 17 Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and faculty. Additionally, 33% of students enrolled at TUM annually are international students.
Popular Programs
- Architecture
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Construction Geo Environment
- Aviation, Space Travel, and Geodesy
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Sports and Health Sciences
- Economics
- Medicine
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) Munich is a leading research university in the heart of Europe, with a tradition of excellence in teaching and research for over 500 years. 15% of the student population is made up of international students, numbering around 7,000. LMU has strong partnerships with over 400 universities worldwide, allowing students to participate in exchange and joint degree programs.
The university has a diverse range of faculties, with notable strengths in mathematics, economics, and neuroscience, and a reputation for producing successful startups. To be admitted, students may need to prove proficiency in German, unless they are enrolled in a master's or doctoral program taught in English. LMU is the sixth-oldest university in Germany and consistently ranks highly in global university rankings. It offers a wide range of disciplines including humanities, social sciences, medicine, and natural sciences.
Popular Programs
- Catholic Theology
- Protestant Theology
- Law
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Medicine
- Veterinary Medicine
- History and the Arts
- Philosophy
- Psychology and Educational Sciences
- Mathematics, Informatics, and Statistics
- Languages and Literature
- Social Sciences
- Physics
- Biology
- Chemistry and Pharmacy
- Geosciences
Humboldt University of Berlin
The Humboldt University of Berlin (HU Berlin) is a highly-regarded university with a total enrollment of 35,475 students, of which 5,610 are international students. It has a strong reputation for teaching and research, with 420 professors and over 1,900 assistants. 18% of the academic staff at HU Berlin come from outside of Germany, providing students with a diverse and international perspective.
The university was founded in 1810 by Wilhelm von Humboldt with the idea of combining research and teaching and has since grown to become one of the most prestigious universities in Germany and Europe. HU Berlin is particularly renowned in the arts and humanities and has educated 29 Nobel laureates. It is ranked 74th as the world's most international university and is the oldest university in Berlin.
Additionally, it offers students a wide range of extracurricular activities such as university sports, choirs, and orchestras.
Popular Programs
- Law
- Culture, Social Sciences, and Education
- Life Sciences
- Mathematics and Natural Sciences
- Philosophy
- Linguistics and Literature
- Theology
- Business and Economics
- Medicine
Free University of Berlin
The Free University of Berlin (FU Berlin) is a highly-ranked international university, founded in 1948 and ranked 62nd in the world for international universities. It has a strong focus on international students, with around 23% of its student population coming from abroad, and offers a variety of English-taught programs across different disciplines.
Since 2007, FU Berlin has been a leading institution in science and teaching and is home to 33,000 students, including 13% international students in its undergraduate programs and 27% international students in its graduate programs.
The university aims to prepare students to address current societal challenges. It also counts 5 Nobel Prize laureates among its staff and is located in Dahlem in southwest Berlin, offering over 150 programs and 17 collaborative research centers.
Popular Programs
- Biology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy
- Earth Sciences
- Education and Psychology
- History and Cultural Studies
- Law
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Philosophy and Humanities
- Physics
- Political and Social Sciences
- Veterinary Medicine
- Business and Economics
- Medicine (with a joint institution)
RWTH Aachen University
RWTH Aachen University is internationally recognized for the quality of its degree programs, teaching, and research. It is ranked among the top 10 universities in Germany and is known for its innovative solutions to global challenges. The university has a strong connection with industry which provides students with additional opportunities to gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the global job market.
With 45,628 students, of which 11,280 are international students coming from around the world, it is home to one of the largest technical faculties in Europe. Over 26% of its students come from abroad, and every sixth person in Aachen is a student. The university has a long-standing focus on engineering and is considered one of the best universities in Germany for engineering studies.
Popular Programs
- Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences
- Architecture
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Georesources and Materials Engineering
- Electrical Engineering and Information Technology
- Arts and Humanities
- School of Business and Economics
- Medicine
