International students who want to study in Germany but are unsure of which institutions provide a high-quality education can find the best German universities for international students in this article brought to you by World Scholars Hub.
German universities are well-known throughout the world as a result of the country’s educational system.
Degrees in any field of study are available from institutions throughout the country. In the country, international students can find universities in Germany that teach in English.
Do I need to remind you? Higher education in Germany is widely regarded as having some of the best medical programs in the world.
That is to say, the country produces some of the best medical doctors you will ever come across. Students also travel to Germany because it is a hub for the best pre-med courses.
In the meantime, this article will provide you with detailed information on top German universities where international students can study to obtain the best education.
Why study in any of the best German universities?
German is a place where you can get a world-class education, with her schools consistently ranking high in global rankings.
Hundreds of thousands of international students have visited the country to study and benefit from the cheap universities in Germany available to international students. Most of Germany’s top universities welcome international students and provide programs and services to them.
International students on a student visa can work part-time with permission from the Agentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency) and the Ausländerbehörde (foreigners’ office), which will help them reduce the cost of studying in Germany.
Students can work 120 full days or 240 half days per year in jobs that only require basic skills because of the availability of high-paying jobs without degrees or experience. The German minimum wage can help students cover a significant portion of their expenses, including tuition.
What requirements do I need to study in any of the best universities in Germany?
Applying to study in Germany is simple. To begin, select a degree that is appropriate for you. There are over a hundred authorized public and private universities in Germany. so you’ll have to choose the one that suites you.
Filter your options until you’re left with two or three universities that you believe would be a good fit for your academic goals. Furthermore, college websites include useful information about what your course will cover, so make sure you read that section carefully.
When applying for college in Germany, the following documents are frequently required:
- Degree Qualifications that are Recognized
- Certificates of academics records
- Evidence of German Language Proficiency
- Evidence of Financial Resources.
Some German institutions may also require additional documentation, such as a CV, Motivation Letter, or relevant references.
It is critical to emphasize that undergraduate degrees at German public universities are taught in German. As a result, if you want to study at this academic level, you must first obtain a certificate in German. Some German institutions, on the other hand, accept a variety of additional language competence examinations.
Cost of studying in Germany for international students
Even though there are tuition-free universities for international students in Germany, there is a fee per semester for enrolment, confirmation, and administration. This is typically no more than €250 per academic semester, but it varies by university.
A cost that covers public transportation expenses for six months, may incur an additional fee – the price varies depending on which Semester ticket option you select.
If you exceed the standard period of study by more than four semesters, you may be subject to a long-term fee charge of up to €500 per semester.
Best German universities for foreign students
Here is the list of the best German universities for international students:Â Â
- RWTH Aachen University
- Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg
- Berlin Institute of Technology
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
- Free University of Berlin
- Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg
- Technical University of Munich
- Georg August University of Göttingen
- KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
- University of Cologne
- University of Bonn
- Goethe University Frankfurt
- University of Hamburg.
Top 15 Best German universities for international students in 2022
The following universities are regarded as the best German universities for international students who wish to further their studies in Germany.
#1. RWTH Aachen University
The “Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen” is a top-notch German university for international students committed to innovation. Students have every chance to gain practical knowledge and benefit from adequate research funding because of their close ties to the industry. Around one-fourth of all RWTH students are international.
Students can choose to study in one of the following programs:
- Engineering & Technology
- Environment & Agriculture
- Art, Design & Media
- Natural Sciences & Mathematics
- Computer Science & IT
- Medicine & Health
- Business & Management.
#2. Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg
The “Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, is known today for its innovation in interdisciplinary studies.
The institute’s commitment to international exchange, openness, and knowledgeable professors and teachers fosters an ideal environment for learning and research.
ALU Freiburg students follow in the footsteps of famous philosophers, researchers, and award-winning scientists. Furthermore, Freiburg is one of Germany’s most livable cities.
International students can specialize in one of the following fields of study:
- Medicine & Health
- Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences & Mathematics
- Engineering & Technology
- Environment & Agriculture
- Humanities
- Computer Science & IT
#3. Berlin Institute of Technology
Another legendary learning and research institution in Berlin is the “Technische Universität Berlin.” The TU Berlin is internationally renowned as one of Germany’s largest technical universities, attracting students from all over the world.
Natural and technical sciences, as well as humanities, are represented in the faculties, which also include economics, management, and social sciences.
International students can study one of the following programs:
- Computer Science & IT
- Engineering & Technology
- Business & Management
- Social Sciences
- Art, Design & Media
- Environment & Agriculture
- Law
- Natural Sciences & Mathematics.
#4. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
The “Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München,” located in the state of Bavaria and right in the heart of Munich, is a world-class academic and research institution.
With over 500 years of dedication to teaching and learning, academic research and attendance at the institution have always been international.
Approximately 15% of all students in this top institution are international, and they benefit from the high standards of teaching and research.
Students can select a program to study in one of the following fields:
- Humanities
- Medicine & Health
- Computer Science & IT
- Natural Sciences & Mathematics
- Social Sciences
- Environment & Agriculture
- Business & Management
- Engineering & Technology.
#5. Freie University of Berlin
The Freie Universität Berlin aspires to be a centre for research, international cooperation, and academic talent support. The institution’s research activities are supported by a large network of global academic and scientific relationships, as well as external funding.
International students can choose from the following fields of study:
- Â Biology & Chemistry
- Earth Sciences
- History & Cultural Studies
- Law
- Business & Economics
- Mathematics & Computer Science
- Education & Psychology
- Philosophy & Humanities
- Physics
- Political & Social Science
- Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine.
#6. Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen
The “Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen” does not focus only on innovation and interdisciplinary research and studies, but it also maintains international connections with research partners and institutions worldwide.
International students are welcome here, thanks to collaboration and networking, and the university ranks highly in global competition.
The following study areas are available:
- Mathematics
- Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Business & Management
- Computer Science & IT
- Medicine & Health
- Humanities
- Engineering & Technology.
#7. Humboldt University of Berlin
Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin realizes his vision of a new type of university by combining research and teaching. This method became the framework for various educational institutions, and the “HU Berlin” is still highly regarded by students and academics alike.
The following program’s areas are available in the school for international students:
- Law
- Mathematics & Natural Science
- Life Science
- Philosophy (I & II)
- Humanities & Social Science
- Theology
- Economics & Business.
#8. Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg
Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg offers over 160 academic studies with a diverse range of subject combinations. As a result, the university is ideal for both highly individual studies and interdisciplinary learning.
The University of Heidelberg not only has a long tradition, but it is also internationally oriented in terms of teaching and research.
Degrees in the following fields are available to students:
- Social Sciences
- Art, Design & Media
- Business & Management
- Computer Science & IT
- Humanities
- Law.
#9. Technical University of Munich
TUM, as a technical university, focuses on Architecture, computer science, Aerospace, Engineering, Chemistry, Informatics, Mathematics, Medicine, Physics, Sports & Health Science, Education, Governance, Management, and Life Science.
This university in Germany, like most public universities, receives public funding to provide services to its 32,000+ students, one-third of whom are international.
Although TUM does not charge tuition, students must pay a semester fee ranging from 62 Euros to 62 Euros.
Degrees in the following fields are available to students:
- Business & Management
- Engineering & Technology
- Natural Sciences & Mathematics
- Medicine & Health
- Computer Science & IT
- Social Sciences
- Environment & Agriculture.
#10. Georg August University of Göttingen
The Georg August University of Göttingen first opened its doors in 1734. It was founded by King George II of the United Kingdom to promote the ideal of enlightenment.
This university in Germany is well-known for its Life Science and Natural Science programs, but it also offers degrees in the fields listed below.
- Â Agriculture
- Biology & Psychology
- Chemistry
- Forest Science & Ecology
- Geoscience & Geography
- Mathematics & Computer Science
- Physics
- Law
- Social Science
- Economics
- Humanities
- Medicine
- Theology.
#11. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
The Karlsruher Institut für Technologie is both a technical university and a large-scale research facility. The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology tackles today’s challenges in research and education to provide sustainable solutions for society, industry, and the environment. Students’ and teachers’ interactions are highly interdisciplinary, encompassing engineering sciences, natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
International students interested in university can apply to the following study program:
- Engineering & Technology
- Business & Management
- Natural Sciences & Mathematics.
#12. University of Cologne
Cologne is well-known for its internationalism and tolerance. The metropolitan region is not only appealing as a study location, but it also provides students with a diverse range of contact opportunities for professional practice.
The region has an appealing and sustainable mix of industries, with media and creative industries, logistics, and life sciences all playing important roles throughout Germany.
Degrees in the following fields are available to students:
- Business Administration.
- Economics.
- Social Sciences.
- Management, Economics & Social Sciences.
- Information Systems.
- Health Economics.
- Vocational School Teacher Training.
- Study Integrals.
#13. University of Bonn
This free German state institution, officially known as the Rhenish Friedrich Wilhelm University of Bonn, is ranked ninth in Germany. It was established in 1818 and is now based on an urban campus in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
Students have the liberty to choose from the following field of studies:Â
- Catholic Theology
- Protestant Theology
- Law & Economics
- Medicine
- Arts
- Mathematics & Natural Science
- Agriculture.
#14. Goethe University Frankfurt
The university is named after German writer Johann Wolfgang Goethe. Frankfurt, also known as “Mainhattan” due to its skyscrapers, is one of the country’s most ethnically diverse cities, and its banking sector provides numerous opportunities.
Programs offered at the universities are as follows:Â
- Linguistics
- Mathematik (Mathematics)
- Meteorology
- Modern East Asian Studies.
#15. University of Hamburg
The University of Hamburg (or UHH) is a top German university. It is well-known for its Arts and Humanities programs, as well as degrees in Physical Science, Life Science, Social Science, and Business. The school was established in 1919. It has over 30,000 students, with international students making up 13% of the total.
Programs available at the school are :
- Law
- Business Administration
- Economics & Social Science
- Medicine
- Education & Psychology
- Humanities
- Mathematics & Computer Science
- Engineering.
Best Universities in Germany that teach in English
Because Germany is a German-speaking country, the majority of its universities teach in German. However, there are several universities that accept international students and also use English to teach. Students can even study engineering in English in Germany and a lot of other programs.
If you are from an English-speaking country and looking for these universities, below is the list.
- Free University of Berlin
- Technical University of Munich (TU Munich)
- Heidelberg University
- Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin)
- University of Freiburg
- Humboldt University Berlin
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
- RWTH Aachen University
- University of Tübingen.
List of the top German universities for international students free
As an international student, you can study for your undergraduate or graduate studies for free at the following German universities:
- University of Bonn
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
- RWTH Aachen University
- Technical University of Munich
- Georg August University of Göttingen
- Free University of Berlin
- University of Hamburg.
Checkout our exclusive article on the Tuition Free Schools in Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is German good for international students?
A German education provides a gateway all over the world. The schools in Germany have everything you need to reach your full potential, from their world-renowned universities to their innovative teaching methods and the leading minds who deliver them.
Is studying in Germany expensive?
If you want to study in Germany, you’ll be relieved to know that tuition fees for Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees are waived (except if you plan to pursue a Master’s degree in a subject other than the one you studied as a Bachelor’s student). All foreign students, regardless of their country of origin, are eligible for the German free tuition system.
Does studying in Germany count towards citizenship?
Studying in Germany does not count towards citizenship because you must have spent at least eight years in Germany before you can become a citizen. The time spent in Germany as a tourist, international student, or illegal immigrant does not count.
Best German universities Conclusion
Studying in Germany is a good idea for international students because the country is a popular destination for students and families from almost every country in the world due to its numerous benefits. Germany provides a high standard of living, as well as numerous job opportunities and intriguing traditions and cultural aspects.
Furthermore, Germany has one of the most developed and largest economies in the world, with a stable and well-developed labour market. It is regarded as one of the most desirable countries for research, innovation, and successful professional careers. Do well to make the country your next study abroad destination.