Top 10 Universities in Germany for International Students in 2023


Universities in Germany for international students provide superb study-abroad options, for more reasons than one. Did you know that German public universities are free of tuition fees? Coupled with this is the fact that the quality of education is also high at most German universities.

There are over 300 public universities in Germany that provide quality education. With their excellent academic reputation, world-class facilities, and welcoming culture, these universities attract students from all over the globe.

What’s more is that in comparison to other states in Europe, Germany has a 91.3% graduate employability rate, making it a very viable and attractive study destination for students. There are many reasons why international students choose Germany as a study destination. However, it’s best to know about different countries, as each has its own unique offering. You may, for instance, want to know what’s difference between studying in the UK and Germany.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 universities in Germany for international students in 2023. Whether you’re looking to study engineering, business, or humanities, these universities offer some of the best programs in Germany.


What are the benefits of studying at German universities for international students?


Here are the top 5 benefits of studying at German universities for foreign students.

Low/No tuition fees

Compared to other countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, tuition fees in Germany are relatively low. Public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees at all, even for foreign students – though if you are not from the EU, you need to get a residence permit before arriving, but that can be managed if you know the steps to follow.

High-quality education

German universities are renowned for providing high-quality education and are highly ranked in international university rankings. German universities have a strong focus on research and innovation, which means that students benefit from being taught by experts in their field.

Scholarships and funding opportunities

There are many fully-funded scholarships and funding opportunities available for overseas students who wish to study in Germany. These can be offered by the German government, universities, and other organizations.

Multicultural environment

Germany is a highly diverse country, and its universities reflect this. Foreign students can expect to study alongside students from all over the world since there are over 4,00,000 foreign students currently studying in Germany. Moreover, this can also lead to a rich cultural exchange and provide valuable networking opportunities.

A strong economy and job opportunities

Germany has one of the strongest economies in Europe, with many opportunities for graduates to find employment after completing their studies. Germany also offers a job seeker visa, which allows overseas students to stay in the country for up to 18 months after graduation to search for work.

What are the best universities in Germany for international students?


If you’re a student looking to study in Germany, it’s essential to know about the best universities in the city that offer top-notch programs and facilities. Here are the top 10 universities in Germany as per QS World University Ranking 2023.

S.No University Name QS World Ranking Location
1 Technical University of Munich 49 Munich
2 Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München 59 Munich
3 Universität Heidelberg 65 Heidelberg
4 Freie Universität Berlin =118 Berlin
5 Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin =131 Berlin
6 KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology =141 Karlsruhe
7 RWTH Aachen University =147 Aachen
8 Technische Universität Berlin 158 Berlin
9 Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen 169 Tübingen
10 Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg 189 Freiburg im Breisgau

Technical University of Munich


Source: TUM

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) was founded in 1868 and is one of the oldest and most prestigious technical universities in Europe. TUM is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in Germany and is known for its excellence in engineering, natural sciences, and technology. The Technical University of Munich has three campuses – the Munich campus, Garching Campus and Weihenstephan Campus.

Why is it good to study here?

TUM is one of the founding members of the EuroTech Universities Alliance, a group of leading technical universities in Europe that work together on research and innovation projects. TUM has a diverse student body, with over 40,000 students (out of which foreign students make up 40% of the total student population) from more than 120 countries enrolled in its programs. Moreover, TUM has a large and active student community, with over 100 student-run clubs and organizations on campus. It also has strong collaborations with companies like BMW, Siemens, and Audi providing students with access to research opportunities, internships, and job placements.

Fees

The tuition fees for studying at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) can vary depending on factors such as the degree, the level of study, and the nationality of the student. However, students are required to pay a semester fee of approximately  €130- €150.
Some of the scholarships offered to cover the fees are as follows

  • Scholarships for International Students with the one-time financial aid of €500 to €1500 per semester
  • Scholarship Deutschlandstipendium worth €300 per month

Eligibility

As the course is taught in both German and English, it is necessary to have proficiency in both languages.

  • Completed a recognized higher secondary education
  • TOEFL score of  88 or IELTS score of 6.5 or PTE score of at least 65 points
  • German language proficiency certifications such as DSH-2/ DSD II/ Telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule / Goethe certificate C2

Depending on the program you are applying for, you may need to take an entrance exam such as the Test for Academic Studies (TestAS) or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT).

Courses offered & admission process

TUM offers over 182 unique degree programs.

  • Engineering
  • Natural Sciences
  • Life Sciences
  • Medicine
  • Political And Social Sciences
  • Management etc.,

The first step is to check whether you meet all the eligibility requirements and prepare the necessary documentation such as a CV, Letters of motivation, certificates etc. To get admission at TUM, the students have to first submit their applications online at TUM Portal. The severity of the competition delays the announcement of results by a few weeks. You can track your admission status in your online account.

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München


Source: LMU München

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich) is a research university located in Munich, Germany. Founded in 1472, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe. There are two additional campuses at LMU – Grosshadern Campus for medicine and Martinsried Campus for natural sciences – in addition to the City Campus.

Why is it good to study here?

LMU Munich has a diverse student body, with over 50,000 students from 130 different countries enrolled in its programs. LMU has a diverse student community, with around 15% of its students coming from abroad. LMU offers a wide range of services and resources to help students with their career goals, including career counseling, job fairs, and networking opportunities. Many of its graduates go on to successful careers in various fields, both in Germany and abroad.

Fees

For most degrees at LMU Munich including undergraduate and graduate programs, tuition fees for overseas students are not charged. However, all students are required to pay a semester fee, which covers administrative costs, student services, and public transportation which is around 130 euros.

Eligibility

  •  University entrance qualification which is similar to a high school completion certificate
  •  Passing a recognized German language test
  • TOEFL total score of 80 points or an IELTS overall score of 6.5 points

Courses offered & admission process

LMU offers an English-taught master’s degree program, double degree programs, and an international doctoral program. More than 300 programs are offered by LMU with 33 international degree programs which include

  • American History, Culture, and Society
  • Astrophysics
  • Biochemistry
  • Data Science
  • Economics
  • English Studies
  • Human Biology
  • Insurance, Executive Master
  • International Health
  • Journalism, Media & Globalization

The applications to study at LMU start from May to July. It is recommended to apply as early as possible to avoid any last-minute mishaps. Before applying, students have to check whether they meet the eligibility criteria prescribed for their courses of study. Additionally, students must also apply to the international office to assess their eligibility. All the documents must be submitted via the application portal. The selection committee will review your application and announce your admission decision within approximately two weeks after the application deadline via email.

Universität Heidelberg


Source: Heidelberg University
Universität Heidelberg is the oldest university in Germany, founded in 1386, and is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in Europe. The university has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, boasting a Nobel laureate, 55 Leibniz Prize winners, and numerous other distinguished scholars among its faculty and alumni.

Why is it good to study here?

Ranked 65th in the world QS rankings and 3 in Germany, the university attracts a large number of students from abroad, with over 20% of the student population coming from outside of Germany. The university has a strong focus on research and innovation and is home to numerous research institutions and centres, including the Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies and the Heidelberg Center for American Studies. Also, The university offers career services to help students with job placements and career development. The services include career counseling, job fairs, and internship opportunities.

Fees

Foreign students are required to pay a tuition fee of €1500 per semester. To cover the fee, students can apply for a German scholarship valued at €300 per month. Other than that, students can also apply for other government and non-government scholarships.

Eligibility

  • University entrance qualification which will be assessed as per the framework of  the Central Office for Foreign Education
  • Since all bachelor’s degrees are taught in German, German language proficiency such as passing the minimum level of DSH-2 is mandatory.

Courses offered & admission process

Universität Heidelberg offers more than 180 programs in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and medicine, making it a multidisciplinary institution.
The application to study at Universität Heidelberg is submitted through an online portal called common app. Official transcripts, Letters of motivation, and language proficiency certificates must be uploaded during the application process. Typically, students receive their admission decision within a week of submitting the required documents.

Freie Universität Berlin


Source: Wikipedia

Freie Universität Berlin, commonly known as FU Berlin, is a public research university located in the Dahlem neighborhood of Germany. It was founded in 1948 as a response to the restrictions placed on academic freedom in Soviet-occupied East Germany. It has 4 campuses namely Dahlem Campus, Düppel Campus, Benjamin Franklin Campus, and Lankwitz Campus.

Why is it good to study here?

FU Berlin has ranked 118 in the QS World university rankings. With over 30,000 students out of which 5000 are foreign students and 4,000 academic staff members, the university provides students with the best teaching experience. It is one of the top research universities in Germany and Europe and is a member of the German Excellence Universities.

Fees

FU Berlin does not charge any tuition fee for foreign students. Only semester charges of around €239 to €300 may apply. As such, no in-house scholarships are given to students at this university.

Eligibility

For all bachelor’s degrees, a secondary school leaving certificate is mandatory. Other than that, since all bachelor’s degree courses are taught mainly in German, FU Berlin requires a proficiency certificate in German such as

  • DSH 2 or
  • Telc C1 or
  • C2 Zertifikat des Goethe-Instituts or
  • DSD II or
  • TestDaF

Courses offered & admission process

FU Berlin offers over 150-degree programs in bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, 73 Bachelor, 105 Master and 52 Doctoral Degrees in

  • Computer Science
  • Physics,
  • Psychology,
  • Mathematics
  • Business Administration,
  • Digital Media and Technology,
  • Economics, etc.

Applications can be made using the online portal via uni-assist. The students should submit the supporting documents for original certification from an Academic Evaluation Centre before the given deadlines. The deadlines to submit applications are April 1 and November 1 for Fall and spring semesters respectively. It takes a minimum of 6 weeks for the admission committee to review your application and communicate the decision via email.

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin


Source: Humboldt University

The Humboldt University of Berlin was established in 1810 and has grown to have 4 huge campuses namely – Adlershof Campus, Mitte Campus, Buch Campus, and Nord Campus.

Why is it good to study here?

In 2023, Humboldt University is ranked 61st in Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report. Rich history and tradition in education and research and a wide range of programs are some of the best reasons for an international student to enroll at HU berlin.

Did you know that Nobel laureates like Einstein and Shrodinger are from HU Berlin?

The university has a strong network of alumni and industry partners giving ample amounts of research and network opportunities for the students.

Fees

The administrative fee for Bachelor’s program and Master’s program range from  € 2863.70 to €315.64 per semester. Students can apply for suitable scholarships such as the PROMOS scholarship, ERASMUS scholarship, DAAD scholarship, Heinrich Böll scholarship, etc., to help with the funding purpose.

Eligibility

The eligibility to apply for a bachelor’s program is as follows

  • School leaving certificate
  • German language certificates such as results of the C-Test or Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung, Goethe-Zertifikat C2, DSH, TestDaF

Courses offered & admission process

Over 150 Bachelor and Master programs are offered on the following subjects namely Chemistry, Mathematics, History, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, Law, Business Administration, Computer Science, and Physics.
The applications are made online to uni-Assist with all the necessary application documents. The deadline for application is 15 April – 31 May for the winter semester and 15 October – 30 November for the summer semester. Your application will be reviewed and the admission decision will be announced shortly via email.

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology


Source: KIT

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is a leading research university located in the city of Karlsruhe, Germany. It was established in 2009 by the merger of the University of Karlsruhe and the Karlsruhe Research Center, two prominent research institutions with long-standing traditions in science and engineering.

Why is it good to study here?

KIT has ranked 141 in QS World University Rankings and 46th in Graduate Employability Ranking. Over 19,731 are currently studying at KIT out of which the number of overseas students is 3000+. The university is committed to addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges through innovative research and education and is recognized globally as a leader in science and technology. KIT is one of the few universities in Germany to offer a variety of programs in geothermal energy, reflecting its focus on developing sustainable and renewable energy sources. Moreover, KIT has a long-standing partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), which includes joint research projects, student exchange programs, and faculty collaborations.

Fees

Non-EU students are required to pay 70  euros as an administrative contribution and 1500 euros as a tuition fee per semester. Baden-Württemberg-Scholarship for Overseas-Incoming s is one of the best scholarship options for students.

Eligibility

To apply for a Bachelor’s degree, Students must have

  • Secondary School Certificate
  • A TOEFL score of  88 or an IELTS 6.5 is required.

In case, if the program is offered in German only, then

  • B1 proficiency in German is necessary. Students can submit test scores of accredited German language proficiency tests.

Courses offered & admission process

The university offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees that are mainly focused on subjects like Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics, and Financial Engineering. These programs are offered both in German and English.
International students are required to apply online at KIT. The deadline for the winter term is July 15. All documents must be submitted to the KIT through their application portal.

RWTH Aachen University


Source: RWTH

Located in Aachen, Germany, the RWTH Aachen University is a renowned research university. Founded in 1870, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious technical universities in Europe, with a strong focus on engineering, natural sciences, and medicine.

Why is it good to study here?

There are a variety of research internship opportunities available at RWTH Aachen University. Students from abroad are also allowed to work in the private sector for up to four months during the semester or semester break. To assist them with their financial needs, students are allowed to take up full-time work for 120 days or part-time positions for 4 hours each day for 240 days during the course duration. In addition, each year there are 30 scholarships of 1,850 Euros each are made available for the students.

Fees

At RWTH Aachen University, there is no tuition fee for both German or Non-German students. But other costs of living, transport, etc., will come up to approximately 1,132 euros per month for international students.

Eligibility

For Bachelors:

  • University entrance qualification certificate or equivalent
  • Telc Deutsch C1/ SDH II /  TestDaF at level 4 minimum or equivalent

Courses offered & admission process

With over 100 courses of study, the nine RWTH Aachen faculties offer a broad program of engineering sciences, natural sciences, geosciences, business and economics, humanities, and medical subjects.
Students who want to apply to study at RWTH Aachen University will first have to register in RWTHonline. They have to create an account, apply for the desired courses and upload the required documents through that portal. The application will be reviewed and admission decisions will be announced shortly. You can track the application progress at the online portal.

Technische Universität Berlin


Source: Wikidata
TU Berlin was founded in 1879 as the Royal Technical College of Charlottenburg. It has since gone through several name changes and is currently known as Technische Universität Berlin. The names of its campuses are Campus Charlottenburg, Campus EUREF, Campus El Gouna, and Campus Salzufer.

Why is it good to study here?

TU Berlin is ranked as the 158th best university in the world according to QS World University Rankings 2023. In the same ranking, it is ranked as the 8th best university in Germany. It has a diverse student body with over 35,000 students from more than 130 countries. It also has a high percentage of international students, with about 30% of the student body coming from outside of Germany.

TU Berlin has produced several notable alumni, including Nobel laureates Albert Einstein and Ernst Ruska, as well as the former CEO of Deutsche Bank, Josef Ackermann. This University also has partnerships with universities around the world, including MIT in the United States, Tsinghua University in China, and the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay in India which opens up global career opportunities for students.

Fees

There are no tuition fees to pay except the semester fee which ranges from €231.89 and €380. Students can apply for DAAD Scholarships, Scholarships from other German foundations, and other international scholarships offered by the government to cover additional costs.

Eligibility

Proof of university entrance qualification for an undergraduate degree is required. According to the language of instruction of the program, international students must also demonstrate proficiency in English or German such as Telc Deutsch C1/ SDH II /  TestDaF at level 4 minimum or equivalent for German and IELTS/ TOEFL iBT scores for the Master’s programs in English.

Courses offered & admission process

Over 10 Undergraduate and graduate programs are offered at TU Berlin. You can view all the courses here.
International students need to apply through Uni-Assist, which is the central platform for processing applications to universities in Germany. They need to create an account on the Uni-Assist website, upload their documents, and pay the application fee of €75. Depending on how quickly uni-assist processes your documents, you may receive the results after a few weeks of the application deadline.

Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen


Source: Wikipedia

Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen was founded in 1477 by Count Eberhard in Bart of Württemberg, making it one of the oldest universities in Germany.  In the QS World University Rankings 2023, it was ranked 169th in the world. With over 28,000 students and more than 300 degree courses, the University of Tübingen offers a broad range of educational opportunities

Why is it good to study here?

It is ranked between 300 to 500 in the Graduate Employability Ranking. The university has produced many notable alumni, including the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, the astronomer Johannes Kepler, and the theologian and reformer Martin Luther.

The university also has a strong international reputation, with partnerships and exchange programs with universities around the world Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen has a vibrant student life, with over 160 student organizations and clubs covering interests ranging from music and sports to politics and social issues. The university has partnerships and exchange programs with over 300 universities around the world, offering students a truly global education.

Fees

The bachelor program fees range from a tuition fee of 1,500 euros per semester with a  general semester fee of 158.30 euros per semester while master’s programs have a fee of 650 euros per semester with a general semester fee of 158.30 euros per semester.

Eligibility

  • University entrance qualification i.e Secondary school completion
  •  Telc Deutsch C1 or SDH II or  TestDaF at level 4 minimum or equivalent

Is required to apply for a Bachelor’s degree

Courses offered & admission process

The Faculty of Humanities offers both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree while all other faculties such as Science, Medicine, Economics and Social Sciences, etc offer only a Master’s degree.  Courses are offered mainly in German with selective courses being taught in English.

The admission process starts with applying for the desired courses online on the website portal. The application deadlines are January 15  for Summer Intake (closed now) and July 15 for Winter Intake. The selection process is based on your academic performance, letter of motivation and other certificates and grades. You will be notified about the admission decision after 4 weeks of application.

Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg


Source: Wikipedia

Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, commonly known as the University of Freiburg, is a public research university located in the city of Freiburg, Germany. It was founded in 1457 and is one of the oldest universities in Germany. It has 5 main campuses namely Stadtmitte, Institutsviertel, Littenweiler, Herdern, and Zahnmedizin campus.

Why is it good to study here?

It is one of the top public universities that has ranked 189 in QS World University Rankings 2023, 108 in the Times Higher Education Ranking, and is positioned between 101-150 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU). With over 25,000 students and over 3000 international students studying currently, the university offers Strong support for international students, including language courses and cultural events.

Fees

A semester fee of 1,500 euros is charged for international students. Besides this, there is also the usual semester fee which is currently 161 euros that need to be paid. Freiburg University also offers a Deutschlandstipendium scholarship worth 300 euros to international students. Other than this the university does not provide any scholarships.

Eligibility

Completion of High school with a secondary school leaving certificate is the minimum eligibility. German is the language of instruction in all undergraduate degree programs except the Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Thus, passing of  DSH-2 or -3, Test of German as a foreign language (TestDaF), with the resulting level 4 or 5, Goethe-Zertifikat C2, SDH II is required.

Courses offered & admission process

Over 160 undergraduate and graduate programs in Medicine, Law, Economics, Philosophy, History, Political Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and many more.

The applications are to be made online through the university website. For winter semester applications, the website opens June 1st, and for summer semester applications, it opens December 1st. You will be selected based on your academic achievement and motivation to study at the University of Freiburg.

How to apply to international universities in Germany?


If you want to improve your chances of admission, it is important to seek help from an expert.

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Our platform enables students to study anywhere in the world in just a few steps. From search and discovery and finding the right course fit for you, to applications, visas, and departure – we see you through it all.

To move forward with us, download our app or visit tcglobal.com and sign in to create an account on our student platform and onboard with us in quick, easy steps.! 🚀

Then simply set up a visit Calendly.com/tcglobal to pick a Relationships Team closest to you and choose a slot to meet with a Relationship Member to know all about getting into a top university in Germany for MS.

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Date added
21.03.2023

Filed under:

Global Ed

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