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Top Universities in Germany for International Students 2024-25
Edited By Team Careers360 | Updated on Jun 01, 2024 10:07 AM IST
Germany is one of the top study-abroad destinations for higher education in 2024. Many German universities are competing with top universities in the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada in Times Higher Education, QS, and ARWU rankings. These top universities in Germany are home to some of the cutting-edge research, inventions, and discoveries in Engineering and Sciences.
This Story also Contains
- Top Universities in Germany 2024
- Technical University of Munich
- Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich
- University of Heidelberg
- Free University of Berlin
- RWTH Aachen University
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- Technical University of Berlin
- University of Freiburg
- University of Hamburg
- Top Universities in Germany by Employability
There are 100+ Nobel laureates from Germany, including Max Plank, Wolfgang Pauli, and Werner Heisenberg, indicating the depth of knowledge in the Universities in Germany. With such a history of academic excellence, study in Germany is attracting international students for all over the world. There are over 400 officially recognized universities in Germany, and around 51 are listed in the QS 2024 World University Rankings. Find the list of top universities in Germany for international students and their details like tuition fees, and acceptance rates through this article below.
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Top Universities in Germany 2024
International students can study in both private and public universities of Germany. Most of the best public universities in Germany have zero or less tuition fees for both EU and non-EU students. Check the list of best universities Germany in the table below and for obvious reasons the admissions to these colleges is very competitive.
Top 10 Universities in Germany 2024
University Name | QS 2024 Ranking | THE 2024 Ranking |
Technical University of Munich | 1 | 1 |
Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich | 2 | 2 |
University of Heidelberg | 3 | 3 |
Free University of Berlin | 4 | 9 |
RWTH Aachen University | 5 | 5 |
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology | 6 | 14 |
Humboldt University of Berlin | 7 | 4 |
Technical University of Berlin | 8 | 13 |
University of Freiburg | 9 | 11 |
University of Hamburg | 10 | 12 |
Technical University of Munich
Known as the Entrepreneurial University that fosters a supportive environment for budding entrepreneurs, the Technical University of Munich consistently tops in all international ranking agencies. It is #1 among the top 10 universities in Germany 2024. It is also among the best universities in Germany for studying globally renowned courses in Engineering and Technology. Seven TUM schools together offer 182 degree programs to international students.
This best uni in Germany is home to around 39% of international students, with 20,894 of them. It is one of Germany's most highly competitive universities, with only an 8% acceptance rate. Average tuition fees at TUM are EUR 2,000-6,000, depending on the course level.
Technical University of Munich - Highlights
Particulars | Data |
International Acceptance Rate | 8% |
Top Courses | MS Computational Science and Engineering, MS Automotive Engineering, Master in Management |
Average Salary | Up to EUR 131,000/annum |
Minimum GPA for Masters Programs | 3.6 (91% or above) |
Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich
LMU Munich is the sixth oldest university established in 1472 in Germany. It is one of the best public universities in Germany and Europe, serving international students through 18 faculties. With over 500 years of educational excellence, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich is popular for the courses in humanities, law, economics, natural sciences, and medicine.
Being the top universities in Germany 2024, it holds 15% of international students in its campuses. While courses are available both in German and English languages, 27 master programs are exclusively offered in English language, making it easy for Indian students. It is one of the cheapest universities in Germany. There are no tuition fees at this top uni in Germany, except semester fees of up to EUR 300.
Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich - Highlights
Particulars | Data |
International Acceptance Rate | 10% |
Tuition Fees | Nil |
Top Courses | MS Data Science, M.Sc Public Health, MS Software Engineering |
Average Salary | Up to EUR 159,730/annum |
Minimum GPA for Masters Programs | 3.6 (91% or above) |
University of Heidelberg
With an acceptance rate of 27%, the University of Heidelberg is one of the top universities in Germany according to QS and THE rankings 2024. The university is the oldest in Germany established in 1386. It focuses on research and has produced more than 30 Nobel laureates, including Max Weber and Dimitri Mendeleev.
Around 30,000 students are currently enrolled at the University of Heidelberg, which has over 180 programs of study for international students. There are student exchange programs with 480 universities across the world. The University of Heidelberg is one of the top universities in Germany without IELTS. Tuition fees are €1500 per Semester at the University of Heidelberg.
University of Heidelberg - Highlights
Particulars | Data |
International Students | 18.6% |
Tuition Fees | €1500 per Semester |
Top Courses | MS Applied Computer Science, MS Molecular Biotechnology, MS Psychology |
Average Salary | Up to EUR 95,000/annum |
Minimum GPA for Masters Programs | 55% |
Free University of Berlin
Free University of Berlin is also among the top universities in Germany 2024. It is among the eleven top German universities of Excellence. There are around 150 programs available to 32,000 students who call the Free University of Berlin their home. What makes the Free University of Berlin one of the top 10 universities in Germany is its research-intensive education with 17 research collaboration centres. There are 5 Nobel prize winners among its staff.
Admissions are offered in Fall and Spring semesters every year, accepting 15% of the applicants. It is one of the highly competitive universities in Germany, where scholarships are awarded to deserving students from across the world. Courses in both English and German are offered at the university.
Free University of Berlin - Highlights
Particulars | Data |
International Students | 20% |
Tuition Fees | Nil |
Top Courses | MS Data Science, MS Finance, Accounting and Taxation, MS Management and Marketing |
Average Salary | Up to EUR 171,000/annum |
Minimum GPA for Masters Programs | 83-86% |
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RWTH Aachen University
Located in Germany's westernmost important city, Aachen, RWTH mainly focuses on Engineering and related disciplines. However, there are faculties of Medicine and Philosophy at RWTH Aachen. With 15,000 international students from 140 countries enrolled, RWTH Aachen is one of the top universities in Germany for cutting-edge Engineering research. The acceptance rate is also very low at 10%. There are a total of 9 faculties that together offer around 100 programs.
There are no tuition fees for international students. Scholarships worth EUR 7500 are offered to Indian Master/PhD students from IIT Madras. It is among the top universities in Germany for masters in mechanical engineering. The average salary of mechanical graduates of RWTH Aachen is EUR 51,000 per annum.
RWTH Aachen University - Highlights
Particulars | Data |
International Students | 23% |
Tuition Fees | Nil |
Top Courses | MS Computer Science, MS Data Science, BS Mechanical Engineering |
Average Salary | EUR 61,000/annum |
Minimum GPA for Masters Programs | 2.5 or above on 4.0 scale |
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
KIT has made it to the top 10 universities in Germany for 2024 in both QS and THE global rankings. It also ranks topy in the ARWU 2023 rankings with 301st position. It is also a member of the 11 "Germany Universities of Excellence" and is home to more than 4,000 international students. However, most of the programs at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology are in German, with only a few courses available in English. The KIT is one of the top universities in Germany for Engineering
It has many campuses in Karlsruhe, hosting cultural Centres, Sports Centers, Theatres, a Music Club, and a Gym. The university offers on-campus accommodation facilities, dormitories, and shared flats for international students. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology accepts only 20-30% of international students.
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology - Highlights
Particulars | Data |
International Students | 20% |
Tuition Fees | €1500 per Semester |
Top Courses | MS Computer science, BS Mechanical Engineering, MS Electrical engineering and information technology |
Average Salary | EUR 93,000/annum |
Minimum GPA for Masters Programs | 3.0 out of 4.0 (83-86%) |
Humboldt University of Berlin
Humboldt University of Berlin is a public university in Germany. It is the oldest university in Berlin, established in 1810. It is ranked 120 in QS 2024 rankings and 80 in THE 2024 rankings. The faculty of Humboldt University of Berlin includes Albert Einstein and has 55 Nobel laureates associated with it so far. Notable alums include Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, founders of Marxism.
Arts and Humanities courses at Humboldt University of Berlin have a global reputation and it is also one of the top universities in Germany for masters in computer science. All undergraduate programs at this one of the top universities in Germany are taught in German. English-taught programs are available only at the PG level. DAAD scholarships are available for study at Humboldt University of Berlin.
Humboldt University of Berlin - Highlights
Particulars | Data |
International Students | 5,223 |
Tuition Fees | Nil |
Top Courses | MS Psychology, MS Management Information Systems, BS Computer Science |
Average Salary | EUR 62,735/annum |
Technical University of Berlin
Known for technical Excellence and courses related to Technology, Technical University of Berlin is part of TU9, a group of the largest and most notable German institutes of technology. TUB is among the top 10 universities in Germany 2024 for core Engineering. Mechanical Engineering and Transport Systems, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Humanities and Process Sciences are some renowned programs. Over 115 programs are offered at all levels. 20 PG courses are taught in the English language. The Technical University of Berlin's acceptance rate is fair at 52%.
Technical University of Berlin - Highlights
Particulars | Data |
International Students | 16% |
Tuition Fees | Nil |
Top Courses | MS Computer Science, MS Civil Systems Engineering, MS Industrial Engineering and Management |
Average Salary | EUR 52,000 per annum |
University of Freiburg
The University of Freiburg is the 5th oldest university in Germany, established in 1457. There are 113 bachelor's degree courses and 130 master's on offer. However, German language proficiency is required for the majority of the courses. What makes the University of Freiburg a top 10 university in Germany is its notable alumni, education excellence that has delivered 19 Nobel Laureates, and absence of tuition fees. University accommodation is available in the form of student dormitories. The Library of the University of Freiburg is one of the largest in the country. The acceptance rate of the University of Freiburg is around 30% for international students.
University of Freiburg - Highlights
Particulars | Data |
International Students | 15% |
Tuition Fees | €1500 per Semester |
Top Courses | MS Psychology: Clinical Psychology, Neurosciences and Rehabilitation Sciences, MS Nursing Sciences, BS Nursing Sciences |
Average Salary | EUR 189,000/annum |
Minimum GPA for Masters Programs | 2.5 out of 4.0 (77-70%) |
University of Hamburg
University of Hamburg is one of the youngest among the top universities in Germany 2024. It is a public university in Germany with only four faculties initially: political science, law, medicine, and natural sciences. However, there are now 18 separate faculties that offer around 70 bachelor's and 100 master's. Most of these programs are in German, with only a few English-taught programs.
So, German language proficiency is mandatory to study at the University of Hamburg. It has attained a ranking of 136 in 2024, indicating research excellence. True to its place among the top universities in Germany, it has produced five Nobel laureates since its inception in 1919.
University of Hamburg - Highlights
Particulars | Data |
International Students | 14% |
Acceptance rate | 18% |
Tuition Fees | Nil |
Top Courses | MS Psychology, BS Business Administration, MBA Health Management |
Average Salary | Up to EUR 222,000/annum |
Top Universities in Germany for MBA 2024
Business school Name | QS Ranking 2024 |
Frankfurt School of Finance and Management | 1 |
Mannheim Business School | 2 |
WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management | 3 |
HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management | 4 |
EU Business School | 5 |
Hochschule Bremen | 6 |
Top Universities in Germany by Employability
Being technically intense institutions, Germany university graduates are some of the highly sought after talent by employers across the globe. International students seeking good job prospects may check the list below for top universities in Germany.
Top Universities in Germany for Employability
University | QS World University Ranking 2024 |
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology | 119 |
RWTH Aachen University | 106 |
Technical university of Darmstadt | 246 |
TU Berlin | 154 |
University of Munchen | 54 |
Humboldt Universitat zu Berlin | 120 |
Technical university of Dresden | 246 |
University of Erlangen Nurnberg | 229 |
University of Konstanz | 478 |
| 454 |
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is German language proficiency necessary for top universities in Germany?
It depends on the type of program. In the case of English taught programs German language proficiency is not mandatory. However, it is preferred to have proficiency in German language.
2. What are the top courses to study in Germany?
Most of the universities in Germany are known for Engineering and Sciences. However, Germany is equally worthy for Medicine, Humanities, Social Sciences, Arts, MBA, etc.
3. What are semester fees in Germany?
Public universities in Germany don’t charge any tuition fees. Instead, there are semester fees for administrative purposes, student unions, etc. They cost around EUR 100-300 per semester.
4. What are highly competitive universities in Germany?
Technical University of Munich, LMU Munich, University of Hamburg, RWTH Aachen University are four of the highly competitive universities in Germany for international students.
5. Is IELTS accepted in Germany?
Yes, there are many German universities where IELTS is accepted as proof of English language proficiency.
Articles
Apr 02, 2025
Apr 02, 2025
Questions related to
Get answers from students and experts
Hello,
yes you can study for a bachelor's degree in Germany, as your diploma in nautical science may be considered equivalent to the 12th year for admission purposes. However each university may have specific requirements, so its important to check their entry criteria you might also need to provide additional documentation, like your diplomas' equivalency to German standards.
Riya Dhoot 01 April,2025
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
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
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!
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
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