Top 10 Universities in Germany for International Students
Germany is one of the best countries in the world for higher education. Known for its excellent teaching, strong research focus, and affordable tuition fees, it attracts thousands of international students every year.
While studying at one of the best universities in Germany is every student’s dream, it sometimes can get confusing to choose the university. National or international rankings would be one of the key factors in your decision.
This article gives you a better idea of how universities in Germany are ranked as well as an overview of the top 10 universities in Germany that are most popular among international students.
How Relevant Are University Rankings in Germany?
University rankings can be helpful when comparing institutions, but they don’t tell the full story, especially in Germany. Rankings are published by organisations, journals, or individual institutions. Each of these ranking bodies has unique parameters to define the ranking of a university.
The most common factors of rankings are for example the number of courses, student awards and achievements, faculty performance, research excellence, alumni network, employment opportunities, alumni pay scale, scholarship opportunities, accreditation, or the infrastructure among other factors.
You will be amazed by the number of rankings that exist both at the national and international level. But rarely do the rankings for German universities consider the experience of international students as a ranking factor. This is why we decided to create a ranking based on the recommendations of international students who have attended German universities and shared their experiences.
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Benefits of Studying in a German University for International Students
Studying in Germany offers many advantages, with the main one being that German universities have high academic standards across the board, even among smaller or lesser-known institutions. Here are some more benefits for international students:
Low or no tuition fees
Most public universities in Germany charge little to no tuition fees, even for international students. You only pay a small semester contribution that covers administrative costs and public transport.
Cultural experience
Living in Germany gives students the chance to explore Europe, learn a new language, and experience a rich culture that values education and innovation.
High-quality education
German universities are known for their strong research focus, modern facilities, and close links with industry.
Post-study work opportunities
Graduates can stay in Germany for up to 18 months after completing their studies to look for a job.
The Best Universities for International Students in Germany
We have put together the most recommended German universities for international students, based on reviews from international students who have completed their studies in Germany. These recommendations provide you with essential insights into the overall quality of education, support services, and student experience, helping you make an informed choice.
For international students, finding a highly recommended university by fellow international students is key to a successful academic journey. Feedback from peers who have faced similar challenges ensures you select a university that offers a supportive and enriching environment tailored to your needs. Explore our rankings to find the most recommended universities in Germany for international students:
1. Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
The Friedrich Schiller University Jena is a dynamic and innovation-driven university centrally located in Germany. With a broad range of disciplines, it shapes the future through excellent research and teaching. Its scientific excellence is reflected in the profile lines “Light. Life. Liberty.”, which provide pioneering insights and sustainable solutions for the society of tomorrow.
Overall Score: 88%
2. Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich
The Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich is a public research university in Munich, Bavaria. Originally established as the University of Ingolstadt in 1472 by Duke Ludwig IX of Bavaria-Landshut, it is Germany’s sixth-oldest university in continuous operation.
Overall Score: 86%
3. Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences
The Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences is a public university located in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. It provides about 38 study programmes in architecture and civil engineering, business and business law, informatics and engineering, social work and health.
Overall Score: 84%
4. Technische Universität Dresden
TU Dresden (for German: Technische Universität Dresden), also as the Dresden University of Technology, is a public research university in Dresden, Germany. It is the largest institute of higher education in the city of Dresden, the largest university in Saxony and one of the 10 largest universities in Germany.
Overall Score: 84%
5. Universität Kassel
The University of Kassel was founded in 1971 and is located in Kassel, Hessen, in central Germany. As of the winter semester 2024/25, it had about 21,352 students and about 3,349 staff, including more than 300 professors.
A special unit (Studienkolleg) prepares international students for their period of study (language and academic skills). International students in Uni Kassel come from over 115 countries.
Overall Score: 84%
6. Georg-August-Universität Göttingen
The University of Göttingen, officially the Georg August University of Göttingen, is a public research university in the city of in the state of Lower Saxony. Founded in 1734 by George II, King of Great Britain and Elector of Hanover, it began instruction in 1737 and is recognised as the oldest university in Lower Saxony.
Overall Score: 84%
7. Technische Hochschule Köln
Cologne University of Applied Sciences is an institute of higher education located in Cologne, Germany and was established in 1971. It was created from a merger of numerous smaller colleges, the oldest of which was the Royal Provincial Trade School, founded in 1833, and renamed Trade College of the City of Cologne in 1879.
Overall Score: 82%
8. Fachhochschule Schmalkalden
Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences is located in the federal state of Thuringia. The university offers a wide range of study programmes under the umbrella of the five faculties: Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, Business and Economics and Business Law.
Overall Score: 82%
9. Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg
The University of Bamberg in Bamberg, Germany, specialises in the humanities, cultural studies, social sciences, economics, and applied computer science.
Overall Score: 80%
10. Brandenburgische Technische Universität (BTU), Cottbus
Located in the historically rich city of Cottbus, Brandenburgische Technische Universität is known for its speciality in engineering and technology. The university has a significant international student body and a supportive campus environment, making it a preferred choice for students from around the world.
Overall Score: 80%
Find the Perfect German University For You
With our University Finder, we help you find the right university for you.
Answer a few questions and our experts will set about finding the perfect uni for you. This is completely free for Fintiba customers.
FAQs about universities in Germany
Find answers to the most common queries international students have about German universities.
The best university in Germany for international students according to fellow international students is the Friedrich Schiller University in Jena. In a Fintiba study, international students in Germany reviewed Friedrich Schiller University as the best university because of its quality of education, accessibility of staff and support for the international student body.
Pinpointing a single university with the highest acceptance rate for international students in Germany is difficult. However, these universities have a large international student population: Free University of Berlin, Technical University of Munich (TUM), RWTH Aachen University, Humboldt University of Berlin and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.
Most public universities in Germany are tuition free – making a majority of German universities “cheap” or affordable for international students. In most cases, students only need to pay a semester contribution fee of up to €400 every semester. However, in the state of Baden-Württemberg non-EU students need to pay a tuition fee of €1,500 per semester.
It’s hard to select a single university that is the easiest to apply to in Germany. This is because the university application process is quite similar across most German universities as they all use a centralised system. Additionally, admission to a university programme is often directly tied to your qualifications and the specific requirements of the programme.
The University of Mannheim, a public research university, is often referred to as the “Harvard of Germany” because of its great reputation in economics, business administration and social sciences. Additionally, the University of Mannheim is often in top positions in German university rankings – both nationally and internationally.