15 Best German Universities for International Students

1. RWTH Aachen University

Founded: 1870
Location: Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

RWTH Aachen University is a German university that is committed to innovation and is known for its excellence in engineering and technology, environment and agriculture, art, design and media, natural sciences and mathematics, computer science and IT, medicine and health, and business and management.

The university has a strong focus on practical knowledge and research funding, which is evident from its close ties to the industry. Around one-fourth of all RWTH students are international, making it a popular destination for students from around the world.

RWTH Aachen University has nine faculties, which are:

Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences
Faculty of Architecture
Faculty of Civil Engineering
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering
Faculty of Georesources and Materials Engineering
Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Faculty of Business and Economics
Faculty of Medicine

2. Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg

Founded: 1457
Location: Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, also known as the Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, is a public research university located in Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

The university was founded in 1457 and is one of the oldest universities in Germany. It is known for its innovation in interdisciplinary studies and its commitment to international exchange, openness, and knowledgeable professors and teachers, which fosters an ideal environment for learning and research.

The university has produced many famous philosophers, researchers, and award-winning scientists.

The university offers a wide range of courses in various fields of study, including Medicine & Health, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences & Mathematics, Engineering & Technology, Environment & Agriculture, Humanities, Computer Science & IT.

3. Berlin Institute of Technology

Founded: 1879
Location: Berlin, Germany

Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg is a public research university located in Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

It was founded in 1457 and is one of the ten best universities in Germany, offering a full spectrum of disciplines at eleven faculties.

The university has attained many distinctions for its outstanding research and teaching in nationwide competitions. From the humanities and engineering to medicine at the University Medical Center, one of the largest medical facilities in Europe, it offers its 24,000 students as well as its numerous researchers and other employees an environment in which it is a pleasure to study, research, and to live.

4. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich

Founded: 1472
Location: Munich, Germany

Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) is a world-renowned academic and research institution located in the heart of Munich, Bavaria.

LMU has a rich history of over 500 years of teaching and learning and has always been an international institution with a diverse community of students and staff.

LMU is home to approximately 15% of international students, who benefit from the high standards of teaching and research offered by the university.

Students can choose from various programs in the following fields: Humanities, Medicine & Health, Computer Science & IT, Natural Sciences & Mathematics, Social Sciences, Environment & Agriculture, Business & Management, and Engineering & Technology.

5. Freie University of Berlin

Founded: 1948
Location: Berlin, Germany

The Freie Universität Berlin is a public research university in Berlin, Germany. The institution aims to be a hub for research, international collaboration, and academic talent support.

The university has a large network of global academic and scientific relationships, as well as external funding.

Freie Universität Berlin offers over 150 degree programs in all areas of study, including Biology and chemistry, Earth Sciences, History and cultural Studies, Law, Business and economics, Mathematics and Computer Science, Education and Psychology, Philosophy and Humanities, Physics, Political & Social Science, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine.

6. Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen

Founded: 1477
Location: Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen is a German university known for its innovative, interdisciplinary research and studies.

The university has a strong international presence, with research partners and institutions worldwide. The university is highly ranked in global competition and welcomes international students.

The university offers a wide range of study areas, including Mathematics, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Business & Management, Computer Science & IT, Medicine & Health, Humanities, Engineering & Technology.

The university is home to the Foreign Language Center (FSZ), which offers courses in a great number of languages from beginner to advanced levels for students of all faculties and other target groups. The university also has a Welcome Center that provides support and assistance to international students and researchers.

7. Humboldt University of Berlin

Founded: 1810
Location: Berlin, Germany

Humboldt University of Berlin, also known as HU Berlin, is a public research university located in Berlin, Germany.

The university was founded in 1810 by the linguist, philosopher, and educational reformer Wilhelm von Humboldt, then Prussian minister of education. The university’s vision of combining research and teaching has become a framework for various educational institutions.

HU Berlin offers a wide range of programs in Law, Mathematics and Natural Science, Life Science, Philosophy (I & II), Humanities and Social Science, Theology, Economics and business.

8. Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg

Founded: 1386
Location: Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg is a German university that offers over 160 academic programs with a diverse range of subject combinations.

This makes it ideal for both highly individual studies and interdisciplinary learning. The university has a long tradition and is internationally oriented in terms of teaching and research.

It is one of the oldest universities in Germany, founded in 1386. The university has 12 faculties and offers degree programs in some 100 disciplines, with the language of instruction usually German and some in English and French.

Students can choose from various fields of study, including Social Sciences, Art, Design and Media, Business and Management, Computer Science & IT, Humanities, and Law.

9. Technical University of Munich

Founded: 1868
Location: Munich, Bavaria, Germany

Technical University of Munich (TUM) is a public research university located in Munich, Germany. It is one of the largest and most influential universities in Europe, with over 50,000 students and 8 schools and departments.

TUM is a technical university that focuses on a wide range of fields, including architecture, computer science, aerospace, engineering, chemistry, informatics, mathematics, medicine, physics, sports & health science, education, governance, management, and life science, among others.

TUM is a public university and receives public funding to provide services to its students, one-third of whom are international. Although TUM does not charge tuition, students must pay a semester fee ranging from 62 Euros to 129 Euros, depending on the services they use.

10. Georg August University of Göttingen

Founded: 1734
Location: Göttingen, Germany

The Georg August University of Göttingen was established in 1734 by King George II of the United Kingdom to promote the ideal of enlightenment.

It is a public research university located in the city of Göttingen, Germany. The university is committed to the values of social responsibility of science, democracy, tolerance, and justice.

The university is well-known for its Life Science and Natural Science programs. Still, it also offers degrees in the fields of Agriculture, Biology and Psychology, Chemistry, Forest Science and ecology, Geoscience and geography, Mathematics and Computer Science, Physics, Law, Social Science, Economics, Humanities, Medicine, and Theology.

The university has produced more than 40 Nobel laureates who have lived, studied, researched, and taught at the university. The university has a strong international reputation and is one of the largest universities in Germany with about 30,000 students and more than 210 degree programs.

11. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

Founded: 2009
Location: Karlsruhe, Germany

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is a public research university located in Karlsruhe, Germany. It was founded in 2009 by merging the University of Karlsruhe and the Karlsruhe Research Center.

KIT is a member of the Helmholtz Association, which is Germany’s largest scientific organization. The institute offers more than 100 degree programs in natural and engineering sciences, economics, humanities, social sciences, and teaching.

KIT is committed to providing sustainable solutions for society, industry, and the environment through research and education. The institute’s research areas include energy, mobility, information, and health.

KIT is also known for its interdisciplinary approach to research and education, with students and teachers from various fields working together to tackle today’s challenges.

12. University of Cologne

Founded: 1388
Location: Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

The University of Cologne is a public research university in Germany, founded in 1388 and re-established in 1919.

It is a member of the German U15 association of major research-intensive universities and has produced 4 Nobel Laureates, 11 Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Prize winners, and 7 Humboldt Professors among its alumni and faculty.

The university offers over 200 fields of study in six faculties, including Business Administration, Economics, Social Sciences, Management, Economics and Social Sciences, Information Systems, Health Economics, and Vocational School Teacher Training.

13. University of Bonn

Founded: 1818
Location: Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

The Rhenish Friedrich Wilhelm University of Bonn, also known as the University of Bonn, is a public research university located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.

It was founded in 1818 and is one of Germany’s top universities, ranked ninth in the country. The university has a diverse range of faculties, including Catholic and Protestant theology, law and economics, medicine, arts, mathematics and natural science, and agriculture.

The University of Bonn is one of only 11 German Universities of Excellence and the only German university with six Clusters of Excellence.

14. Goethe University Frankfurt

Founded: 1914
Location: Frankfurt am Main, Germany

Goethe University Frankfurt is a public research university located in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

The university was founded in 1914 as a “citizens’ university,” which means it was founded and funded by the wealthy and active liberal citizenry of Frankfurt. The university is named after Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, one of the city’s most famous natives.

Goethe University Frankfurt offers a wide range of undergraduate and advanced degrees in all traditional subject areas. The university has over 48,000 students and offers programs in Linguistics, Mathematics, Meteorology, and Modern East Asian Studies.

15. University of Hamburg

Founded: 1919
Location: Hamburg, Germany

The University of Hamburg (UHH) is a renowned German university that was established in 1919.

It has over 30,000 students, with international students accounting for 13% of the total. The university is well-known for its Arts and Humanities programs, as well as degrees in Physical Science, Life Science, Social Science, and Business.

The university offers more than 170-degree programs, including Law, Business Administration, Economics and social Science, Medicine, Education and psychology, Humanities, Mathematics and Computer Science, and Engineering.

In addition to its academic programs, UHH is also a leading research institution in Germany and Europe. The university has seven Nobel Prize winners and one Wolf Prize winner among its faculty and staff.

FAQs on the Best German Universities for International Students

Why should I consider studying in Germany?

Germany is renowned for its high-quality education, world-class research opportunities, and a welcoming environment for international students.

Are there scholarships available for international students in Germany?

Yes, many German universities offer scholarships for international students based on merit, need, or specific criteria. Additionally, there are external scholarship programs and government-funded initiatives to support international students.

Which language is used for instruction in German universities?

While many programs are offered in German, there is a growing number of programs taught in English to accommodate international students. It's crucial to check the language requirements for your chosen program and university.

Can I work part-time while studying in Germany?

Yes, international students in Germany are allowed to work part-time during their studies. There are restrictions on the number of hours you can work, but part-time employment can be a valuable way to gain experience and supplement your income.

Conclusion

German universities often provide orientation programs for international students.

Hence, it’s essential to attend these and take advantage of the support services offered by the university. Learning about local culture and customs can also ease the transition.

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15 Best German Universities for International Students

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List of the 15 Best German Universities for International Students