Study in Ireland
Want to study in Ireland? Explore Universities & Courses
Best Student Cities in Germany for International Students 2024
Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on Jun 17, 2024 05:52 PM IST
The first thing that comes to an international student’s mind when planning to study abroad 2024 in Germany is ‘Which are the best cities in Germany for Indian students’. A few of the best cities in Germany for international students include Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Aachen, and more. These top cities in Germany are a hub of some of the prominent universities that provide Indian students with world-class education, top research facilities, highly educated faculties, affordable cost of living in Germany, and work opportunities for Indian students.
A few of the top universities in the world that are situated in these top cities in Germany for international students are RWTH Aachen University, Technical University of Berlin, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Heidelberg University, University of Hamburg, University of Bonn, and many more.
The top German universities offer a variety of courses with English as a language of instruction and students on graduation can apply for a work visa in Germany as well. So, it is considered one of the top study-abroad destinations due to all the benefits of studying in Germany. One can read the article below to learn more about the best cities in Germany for Indian students.
Top 10 Cities in Germany for International Students 2024
Many students aspire to study in Germany. They try to research the universities that reside in the best cities in Germany to live; in so, that they can live there without facing any harsh conditions. They also research the places where they can easily find part-time work along with their studies to support them. A few of the top cities in Germany for international students to live in are:
Berlin
Munich
Stuttgart
Heidelberg
Hamburg
Dresden
Bonn
Frankfurt
Aachen
Cologne
Best Cities in Germany for International Students 2024
One can choose from more than 2000 cities in Germany to live in. Also, Indians ponder over the question ‘Which German city is best for international students?’. There are different cities famous for their prominent universities as well as home-like surroundings in the area. As they are home to some of the top universities in Germany, students must also check some facts about these cities. Therefore, a few of the best cities in Germany for Indian students are mentioned below:
Berlin for International Students
Berlin is the capital of Germany and is home to some of the prominent universities in Germany. It is a hub of over 70 research facilities and about 40 higher education institutions. Berlin is also the largest city in Germany with a population of over 3.5 million people.
Berlin is famous for its diverse culturalism, bustling nightlife, and dynamic art scene. Also, over 45,000 international students study here making it one of the best cities in Germany to live for international students.
Berlin City Highlights:
QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2024: 8th rank
Estimated Berlin Cost of Living: It is Rs 90,428 without rent (EUR 1,009) and accommodation costs in Berlin range from EUR 400 to EUR 900.
Top Universities in Berlin:
Berlin Universities | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
97 | |
126 | |
147 |
Hamburg for International Student
Hamburg is the second-largest city in Germany after Berlin and the 8th-largest in the European Union, with over 1.9 million people. It is also a hub of many prominent universities in the world making it one of the best cities in Germany for Indian students. One notable advantage of studying in Hamburg is that German public universities have no tuition fees; instead, students pay a semester fee, including public transportation access.
Hamburg City Highlights:
QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2024: 80th rank
Estimated Hamburg Cost of Living: It is Rs 91,969 without rent (EUR 1,026) and accommodation costs in Hamburg are EUR 900 on average.
Top Universities in Hamburg:
Hamburg Universities | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
191 | |
1401+ |
Munich for International Students
Munich is the third largest city in Germany after Berlin and Hamburg which is centrally located in Europe. Munich is a hub of a few of the most renowned and top-notch universities in the world and this city is rich in history, culture, and tradition. Munich is known for its beautiful architecture and vibrant cultural scene. It provides students with an exceptional standard of living with plenty of other activities for leisure making it the best place to study in Germany for Indian students. Moreover, Munich is also among the most expensive cities in Germany; so, international students must budget keeping it in mind.
Munich City Highlights:
QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2024: 5th rank
Estimated Munich Cost of Living: It is Rs 94,993 without rent (EUR 1,060) and accommodation costs in Munich are EUR 1,250 per month on average.
Top Universities in Munich:
Munich Universities | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
28 | |
59 |
Heidelberg for International Student
Heidelberg is the fifth-largest city in the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg in Southwest Germany. It is also one of the oldest cities in Germany which provides international students with traditional and magnificent views of the entire town and castle ruins. Heidelberg is also home to one of the oldest universities in Germany and other renowned academic institutions. It is one of the best cities to live in for international students because it offers them a natural and traditional lifestyle.
Heidelberg City Highlights:
QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2024:---
Estimated Heidelberg Cost of Living: It is Rs 91,969 without rent (EUR 1,026) and accommodation costs in Heidelberg range from EUR 400 to EUR 500 on average.
Top Universities in Heidelberg:
Heidelberg Universities | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
84 | |
Ruprecht Karls University Heidelberg | – |
Bonn for International Student
Bonn is the ex-capital of Germany. Bonn is also home to many political and public entities, including the UN Campus and over 150 non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Student life in Bonn is slightly more affordable than in some of Germany’s larger cities, such as Berlin or Munich when estimated. It is home to more than 46,858 students. Bonn is a place to some of the top universities in Germany making it one of the best cities to live for Indian students.
Bonn City Highlights:
QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2024:---
Estimated Bonn Cost of Living: It is Rs 90,225 without rent (EUR 1,007) and accommodation costs in Bonn are EUR 700 to EUR 800 on average.
Top Universities in Bonn:
Bonn Universities | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
227 | |
hochschule bonn-rhein-sieg | – |
Which German city is best for International Students?
As already discussed above, there are different cities in Germany which can be opted by international students to pursue an academic degree. These cities are the best cities in Germany for Indian students to live in their own ways. As per the references, students can check the different factors and determinants in choosing one of the top cities in Germany for international students. Here is a list of parameters for Indian students to select the best cities in Germany.
Academic Significance: Students must research cities in Germany which are also hubs of top universities in the world which provide courses in English as language of instruction as well. They must also check whether the course they would like to pursue in future is available at those universities or not. They can surf some of the top courses to study in Germany to select from.
Quality of Life: Students must also enquire about the living standards of the cities in Germany. They must look for whether there is a presence of good environment for them to live in.
Job Prospects: Many students find the cost of living abroad in any country a very crucial factor for their higher studies. Hence, they must look at whether the city in Germany has a work opportunity which they can pursue along with their studies. They can support their tuition and living expenses from these job prospects.
Safety: This is one of the major concerns of international students. One must check whether the city in Germany they decided to go to is safe for them or not. For example, Munich is noted for having low crime rates.
Cultural Experience: There are some cities which provide a good traditional as well as cultural vibe. Cities with vibrant cultural scenes, such as Berlin and Cologne, can enrich the living periods of international students.
Cost of Living: Consider the living expenses of the cities in Germany as they vary from one city to another. For example, Munich is considered one of the most expensive cities in Germany for Indian students.
Transportation: The availability of well-connected and efficient public transportation in the city can make life easier for international students.
Also Read:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where do most Indian students study in Germany?
Most of the Indian students study at some of the popular and top universities of Germany which include Heidelberg University, Technical University of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, and RWTH Aachen University.
2. Which city is best for Indians in Germany?
It depends on students and their preferred way of living. One can select from a wide range of the best cities in Germany. For example, if one is looking for a place with luxury standards of living, they can choose Munich city in Germany to study.
3. What are the best cities to study in Germany?
Some of the best cities to study in Germany are Berlin, Munich, Stuttgart, Heidelberg, Hamburg, Dresden, Bonn, Frankfurt, Aachen, Cologne, and many more. These cities are the hub of some of the prominent universities in Germany.
4. Which is the safest city in Germany?
The safest city in Germany is Munich. Munich is considered one of the cities with a very low crime rate and that is a reason this city is one of the best cities in Germany.
Articles
Mar 26, 2025
Questions related to
Get answers from students and experts
Hello,
It depends on the university you are applying to. Most German universities do not require GATE for admission to a Master's in Biotechnology. However, some universities may ask for the GRE , especially if you are applying to a highly competitive program.
You should check the specific admission requirements of the universities you are interested in. Generally, having IELTS (or TOEFL) and a German language proficiency certificate (if the course is in German) is enough.
Hope it helps !
Prachi Kumari 20 March,2025
Germany is a fantastic destination for higher education.
Regarding your online BCA degree from Shoolini University , its validity for APS (Akademische Prufstelle) purposes is uncertain. Here's what you should know:
1. APS requirements: The APS certificate is mandatory for Indian students seeking admission to German universities. APS verifies the authenticity of your educational documents and ensures they meet German academic standards.
2. Online degrees: APS has specific guidelines for online degrees. They might not recognize online degrees or may require additional documentation for verification.
3. Shoolini University: As a recognized Indian university, Shoolini University's degrees are generally accepted. However, the online nature of your BCA degree might raise concerns.
To confirm the validity of your online degree for APS purposes:
1. Contact APS directly: Reach out to the APS office in New Delhi or visit their website to inquire about their policies on online degrees.
2. Consult with Shoolini University: Verify with your university whether they have any information or experience with APS recognizing their online degrees.
3. Prepare additional documentation: Be prepared to provide additional documents, such as transcripts, course certificates, or proof of online coursework, to support your application.
It's essential to clarify this aspect before applying for APS to avoid any potential issues or delays.
sadafreen356 12 March,2025
Hello,
No, an online BCA degree from Shoolini University may not be considered valid for APS. APS (Academic Evaluation Center) mainly verifies regular degrees. Since German universities generally do not recognize fully online degrees, there is a chance that your one-year online BCA may not be accepted.
It’s best to contact APS India directly to confirm whether your online degree will be considered valid for the evaluation.
Hope it helps !
Prachi Kumari 13 March,2025
Hello!
You are planning to enroll in bachelor studies at Germany following twelve years of school and an additional one year of B.C.A. online courses at Shoolini University in India. You need to apply for Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) certification but you doubt whether an online degree will be accepted here.
Key Points to Consider:
1. German University Admission Requirements:
German universities demand students to possess the Abitur certificate which students earn at the end of secondary school after completing either 12 or 13 years of education.
All international students must obtain a qualification that corresponds to the German Abitur. Many education institutions do not accept students with just 12 years of post-GCSE education as equivalent to a German Abitur certificate and might need supplementary qualifications and exams assessments.
2. APS Certification:
As part of their functions the APS carries out document and qualification verification services for students from India and other select nations who want to study in Germany. The main function of the APS centers on authenticating academic documents regardless of the education delivery method which can be either online or in-person.
3. Recognition of Online Degrees:
Different German educational institutions follow various approaches to acknowledge online academic credentials. Specific universities allow admission of web-based qualifications as other institutions doubt their validity. You need to verify how particular universities handle online learning through direct communication.
Recommendations:
You must contact APS for verification regarding the suitability of your Shoolini University online B.C.A. year as a qualification for APS certification.
Make contact with the acceptance offices of German universities where you plan to enroll. The entry requirements of universities become clear through discussions with them because they will specify what you need along with your qualifications to meet program admission standards.
Enough evidence shows that your current qualification level falls short of German entry requirements so you need to conduct additional qualifications through studies or preparatory courses.
Divyanshi Priya 12 March,2025
Most people pursue an MBA after a BTECH degree gaining a significant increase in their salary too. Your existing B.Tech degree will significantly enhance your profile and make you eligible for a wider range of MBA programs.Gain experience in a relevant work, preferably in a field of engineering or management, and boost your profile as much as you can.
CAT/GMA are must for the top MBA programs, but they are quite challenging. So, focus on preparation in quantitative aptitude, verbal ability, and logical reasoning.You can give other entrance exams for MBA like XAT, CMAT.A few certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or software tool-specific certifications makes your profile more valuable .Projects, internships, or extracurricular activities demonstrate your skills and interests.You can Consider Tier-2 and Tier-3 B-Schools.You can get into the international colleges too if you want but you have to study hard.
A path to a top-tier MBA is not easy, but with focused preparation, strategic planning, and a strong performance in entrance exams,well it is definitely possible.
MBA
Samprikta Mondal 28 November,2024
Applications for Admissions are open.
GMAT™ Exam
ApplyUnlock GMAT Success Timeline & Expert Videos | Select test center appointment | Scores valid for 5 Years | Multiple Attempts
Jindal Global Law School Admissions 2025
ApplyRanked #1 Law School in India & South Asia by QS- World University Rankings | Merit cum means scholarships | Regular Admissions Deadline: 30th Apr'25
TOEFL ® Registrations 2024
ApplyAccepted by more than 11,000 universities in over 150 countries worldwide
Study in Canada
ApplyExplore Universities, Courses & Subjects | Work while study
Study in UK
ApplyApply for upcoming intake & plan your journey
Study in USA
ApplyUniversities inviting applications | Get expert guidance
News and Notifications
Back to top