Complete Directory of Universities in Germany for International Students

Best Universities in Germany for International Students

Discover top-ranked German universities, public universities in Germany with free tuition, prestigious TU9 technical universities, universities of applied sciences Germany, and leading private universities in Germany—all specifically welcoming international students from around the world.

With over 400 German universities offering world-class facilities, comprehensive support services, and pathways to permanent residency, universities in Germany for international students provide unmatched opportunities for your academic and professional future. Get expert guidance choosing the right German university for your goals.

400+

German Universities

Public universities in Germany and private institutions

1,500+

English Programs

At German universities taught entirely in English

50+

University Cities

From vibrant Berlin to historic Heidelberg

99%

Employment Rate

German universities graduates find jobs within 6 months

€0

Average Tuition

Public universities in Germany charge no tuition

300,000+

International Students

At universities in Germany for international students from 180+ countries

Best Public Universities in Germany for International Students

Public universities in Germany consistently rank among the world's best universities in Germany—and they're tuition-free for international students seeking quality education.

Technical University of Munich (TUM)

Munich, Bavaria

  • World Rank: #30 (Best universities in Germany)
  • Students: 45,000+ international students welcome
  • International: 35% of students
  • Founded: 1868
  • Tuition: Free (public university in Germany)
Popular Programs for International Students:
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Computer Science
  • Natural Sciences
  • Management & Economics
Languages: German & English programs at this German university

Heidelberg University

Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg

  • World Rank: #42 (Best universities in Germany)
  • Students: 30,000+ including international students
  • International: 20% of student body
  • Founded: 1386 (Oldest German university)
  • Tuition: Free (public university in Germany)
Popular Programs at This German University:
  • Medicine & Life Sciences
  • Law
  • Physics & Astronomy
  • Chemistry
Languages: German & English programs available

Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU)

Munich, Bavaria

  • World Rank: #46 among German universities
  • Students: 52,000+ (universities in Germany for international students)
  • International: 15% international student population
  • Founded: 1472
  • Tuition: Free (public university in Germany)
Programs at This Top German University:
  • Arts & Humanities
  • Social Sciences
  • Medicine
  • Law & Economics
Languages: German & English (universities in Germany for international students)

Humboldt University of Berlin

Berlin

  • World Rank: #67 (best universities in Germany)
  • Students: 36,000+ at this public university in Germany
  • International: 18% international students
  • Founded: 1810
  • Tuition: Free for international students
Programs at This German University:
  • Humanities
  • Social Sciences
  • Life Sciences
  • Psychology
Languages: German & English programs

RWTH Aachen University

Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia

  • World Rank: #99 among German universities
  • Students: 47,000+ (universities in Germany for international students)
  • International: 23% international student body
  • Founded: 1870
  • Tuition: Free (public university in Germany)
Engineering Programs at This German University:
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Automotive Engineering
  • Chemical Engineering
Languages: German & English (best universities in Germany for engineering)

Free University of Berlin

Berlin

  • World Rank: #102 (German universities ranking)
  • Students: 33,000+ international students welcome
  • International: 20% of students
  • Founded: 1948
  • Tuition: Free (public universities in Germany)
Programs at This German University:
  • Political Science
  • International Relations
  • Biology
  • History & Philosophy
Languages: German & English programs available

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg

  • World Rank: #119 (best universities in Germany)
  • Students: 25,000+ at this German university
  • International: 19% international students
  • Founded: 1825
  • Tuition: Free (public university in Germany)
Top Programs at German Universities:
  • Engineering Sciences
  • Computer Science
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
Languages: German & English (universities in Germany for international students)

University of Göttingen

Göttingen, Lower Saxony

  • World Rank: #123 among German universities
  • Students: 26,000+ (public university in Germany)
  • International: 13% international students
  • Founded: 1737
  • Tuition: Free for international students
Academic Programs at This German University:
  • Natural Sciences
  • Theology
  • Mathematics
  • Social Sciences
Languages: Primarily German (public universities in Germany)

Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin)

Berlin

  • World Rank: #148 (German universities)
  • Students: 35,000+ (universities in Germany for international students)
  • International: 27% international student population
  • Founded: 1879
  • Tuition: Free (public universities in Germany)
Programs at This Top German University:
  • Engineering
  • Urban Planning
  • Architecture
  • Information Technology
Languages: German & English programs (best universities in Germany)

University of Bonn

Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia

  • World Rank: #152 (public universities in Germany)
  • Students: 38,000+ at this German university
  • International: 14% international students
  • Founded: 1818
  • Tuition: Free (public university in Germany)
Academic Excellence at German Universities:
  • Economics
  • Mathematics
  • Agriculture
  • Law
Languages: German & English (universities in Germany for international students)

TU Dresden

Dresden, Saxony

  • World Rank: #165 among best universities in Germany
  • Students: 31,000+ (public university in Germany)
  • International: 15% international students
  • Founded: 1828
  • Tuition: Free for international students
Engineering Programs at German Universities:
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechatronics
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Medicine
Languages: German & English (public universities in Germany)

University of Freiburg

Freiburg, Baden-Württemberg

  • World Rank: #172 (German universities ranking)
  • Students: 25,000+ (universities in Germany for international students)
  • International: 16% international student body
  • Founded: 1457
  • Tuition: Free (public universities in Germany)
Programs at This German University:
  • Medicine
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Renewable Energy
  • Forestry
Languages: German & English programs available

University of Tübingen

Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg

  • World Rank: #180 among public universities in Germany
  • Students: 28,000+ at this German university
  • International: 14% international students
  • Founded: 1477
  • Tuition: Free (public university in Germany)
Top Programs at Best Universities in Germany:
  • Medicine & Neuroscience
  • Theology
  • Life Sciences
  • Archaeology
Languages: Primarily German at this public university

University of Mannheim

Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg

  • Specialty: Business Excellence among German universities
  • Students: 12,000+ (universities in Germany for international students)
  • International: 16% international students
  • Founded: 1967
  • Tuition: Free (public universities in Germany)
Business Programs at German Universities:
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Management
  • Social Sciences
Languages: German & English (best universities in Germany for business)

TU Darmstadt

Darmstadt, Hesse

  • Specialty: Engineering Focus (public university in Germany)
  • Students: 26,000+ at this German university
  • International: 18% international students
  • Founded: 1877
  • Tuition: Free (public universities in Germany)
Engineering at Best Universities in Germany:
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Materials Science
Languages: German & English (universities in Germany for international students)

Learn more about types of German universities and how to choose the right one

TU9 - Germany's Elite Technical Universities for International Students

The TU9 is an alliance of nine leading German Institutes of Technology among the best universities in Germany with strong industry connections and world-class research facilities for international students.

What Makes TU9 German Universities Special for International Students?

  • Represent Germany's top engineering schools (best universities in Germany)
  • Strong partnerships with BMW, Siemens, Volkswagen, Bosch
  • Over 250,000 students combined at TU9 German universities
  • Exceptional research funding at these public universities in Germany
  • High employability (95%+ within 6 months) for international students
  • Excellent international recognition of German universities
  • Cutting-edge laboratories and facilities
  • Active alumni networks worldwide from these German universities

RWTH Aachen University

Aachen, NRW

Specializations at This German University:
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Automotive Engineering
  • Production Technology
  • Materials Science

Industry Partners: Volkswagen, Ford, Ericsson (universities in Germany for international students with industry connections)

TU Berlin

Berlin

Programs at This Public University in Germany:
  • Urban Development
  • Transportation Systems
  • Energy Engineering
  • Information Technology

Industry Partners: Siemens, Deutsche Bahn, Airbus (best universities in Germany partnerships)

TU Braunschweig

Braunschweig, Lower Saxony

Aerospace Programs at German Universities:
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Vehicle Engineering
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Biotechnology

Industry Partners: Airbus, Volkswagen, DLR (public universities in Germany)

TU Darmstadt

Darmstadt, Hesse

Technology Programs at Best Universities in Germany:
  • Computer Science & AI
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechatronics
  • Architecture

Industry Partners: Merck, Software AG, Bosch (German universities with industry connections)

TU Dresden

Dresden, Saxony

Engineering at Public Universities in Germany:
  • Microelectronics
  • Nanotechnology
  • Medical Engineering
  • Renewable Energy

Industry Partners: Infineon, Globalfoundries, Fraunhofer (universities in Germany for international students)

Leibniz University Hannover

Hannover, Lower Saxony

Programs at This German University:
  • Production Engineering
  • Renewable Energy Systems
  • Geodesy & Geoinformatics
  • Civil Engineering

Industry Partners: Continental, Volkswagen, WABCO (best universities in Germany)

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg

Technology at Public Universities in Germany:
  • Energy Technology
  • IT & Automation
  • Nanosciences
  • Chemical Engineering

Industry Partners: SAP, Daimler, BASF (German universities partnerships)

TU Munich (TUM)

Munich, Bavaria

Excellence at Best Universities in Germany:
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Life Sciences
  • Management & Economics
  • Medicine

Industry Partners: BMW, Siemens, Google, Microsoft (universities in Germany for international students)

University of Stuttgart

Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg

Automotive Engineering at German Universities:
  • Automotive Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Manufacturing Technology
  • Systems Engineering

Industry Partners: Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Bosch (public universities in Germany)

Universities of Applied Sciences Germany (Fachhochschulen) for International Students

Universities of applied sciences Germany focus on practical, hands-on education with direct industry connections and mandatory internships—excellent options among universities in Germany for international students seeking career-focused programs.

Why Choose a University of Applied Sciences Germany?

  • Hands-on, practical learning approach at universities in Germany for international students
  • Mandatory industry internships (usually 1 semester) at these German universities
  • Smaller class sizes (better interaction) compared to large public universities in Germany
  • Strong connections with companies at university of applied sciences Germany
  • Higher employment rate after graduation from these German universities
  • Focus on applied research at universities of applied sciences Germany
  • Often located in industrial hubs across Germany
  • Same free tuition as research universities (€0!) at public institutions

Munich University of Applied Sciences

Munich, Bavaria

  • Students: 18,000+ (university of applied sciences Germany)
  • Programs: Engineering, Business, Design
  • Highlight: Strong BMW partnership at this German university
  • Tuition: Free (universities in Germany for international students)

Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences

Frankfurt, Hesse

  • Students: 15,000+ at this university of applied sciences Germany
  • Programs: Business, IT, Engineering
  • Highlight: Financial sector connections in Frankfurt
  • Tuition: Free (public universities in Germany)

Hamburg University of Applied Sciences

Hamburg

  • Students: 17,000+ (universities in Germany for international students)
  • Programs: Maritime, Media, Engineering
  • Highlight: Port & logistics expertise at this German university
  • Tuition: Free (university of applied sciences Germany)

TH Köln (Cologne UAS)

Cologne, NRW

  • Students: 26,000+ (largest university of applied sciences Germany)
  • Programs: Engineering, Social Work, Media
  • Highlight: Diverse program range at this German university
  • Tuition: Free (public universities in Germany)

Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences

Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg

  • Students: 9,000+ (universities in Germany for international students)
  • Programs: Automotive, Architecture, Business
  • Highlight: Automotive industry hub at this university of applied sciences Germany
  • Tuition: Free (public universities in Germany)

Nuremberg Tech (Technische Hochschule Nürnberg)

Nuremberg, Bavaria

  • Students: 13,000+ at this German university
  • Programs: Engineering, IT, Business
  • Highlight: Strong Siemens connection (university of applied sciences Germany)
  • Tuition: Free (public universities in Germany)

Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences

Darmstadt, Hesse

  • Students: 16,000+ (universities in Germany for international students)
  • Programs: Engineering, Computer Science, Design
  • Highlight: Innovation & technology focus at this German university
  • Tuition: Free (university of applied sciences Germany)

HTW Berlin

Berlin

  • Students: 14,000+ at this university of applied sciences Germany
  • Programs: Engineering, Economics, Design
  • Highlight: Startup ecosystem connections (German universities)
  • Tuition: Free (public universities in Germany)

FH Aachen

Aachen, NRW

  • Students: 15,000+ (universities in Germany for international students)
  • Programs: Engineering, Life Sciences, Business
  • Highlight: Near RWTH collaboration at this university of applied sciences Germany
  • Tuition: Free (public universities in Germany)

Complete guide to universities of applied sciences Germany and how they differ from research universities

Top Private Universities in Germany & Business Schools for International Students

Premium private universities in Germany offering specialized programs with smaller class sizes and extensive corporate networks—excellent alternatives to public universities in Germany for international students seeking personalized education.

About Private Universities in Germany for International Students

Benefits of Private Universities in Germany:
  • Smaller class sizes (15-30 students) at private German universities
  • Extensive corporate partnerships for international students
  • Modern facilities & resources at these private universities in Germany
  • Strong international focus (universities in Germany for international students)
  • Personalized career support at private German universities
Considerations for Private Universities in Germany:
  • Tuition: €10,000-€30,000 per year (unlike free public universities in Germany)
  • Highly selective admissions at best private universities in Germany
  • Often require work experience (MBA programs)
  • Strong ROI in business fields from these German universities
  • Scholarships available for top international students

WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management

Vallendar, Rhineland-Palatinate

  • Rank: #1 Business School among private universities in Germany
  • Programs: BSc, MSc, MBA for international students
  • Tuition: €15,000-€38,000/year (private German university)
  • Focus: Management & Entrepreneurship

ESMT Berlin

Berlin

  • Rank: Top 10 in Europe (best private universities in Germany)
  • Programs: MBA, MIM, Executive Education
  • Tuition: €20,000-€58,000 (private university in Germany)
  • Focus: Leadership & Innovation for international students

Mannheim Business School

Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg

  • Rank: Triple Crown Accredited (best universities in Germany for business)
  • Programs: MBA, Part-time MBA
  • Tuition: €35,000-€44,000 (private universities in Germany)
  • Focus: General Management for international students

Frankfurt School of Finance & Management

Frankfurt, Hesse

  • Rank: Leading Finance School (private universities in Germany)
  • Programs: Finance, Management, Law
  • Tuition: €15,000-€39,000/year (private German university)
  • Focus: Banking & Finance for international students

EBS University

Wiesbaden, Hesse

  • Programs: Business, Law at this private university in Germany
  • Tuition: €14,000-€36,000/year (private universities in Germany)
  • Focus: Entrepreneurship for international students
  • Highlight: Strong alumni network (German universities)

Hertie School

Berlin

  • Programs: Public Policy, Governance (private universities in Germany)
  • Tuition: €28,000-€32,000 (private German university)
  • Focus: Public Administration for international students
  • Highlight: International perspective (universities in Germany for international students)

Bucerius Law School

Hamburg

  • Programs: Law (LL.M.) at this private university in Germany
  • Tuition: €20,000-€25,000 (private universities in Germany)
  • Focus: International Business Law
  • Highlight: Germany's first private law school for international students

Constructor University

Bremen

  • Programs: Engineering, Sciences, Humanities (private universities in Germany)
  • Tuition: €20,000/year (private German university)
  • Focus: English-language programs for international students
  • Highlight: 100% international student body

Munich Business School

Munich, Bavaria

  • Programs: International Business, MBA (private universities in Germany)
  • Tuition: €15,000-€28,000/year (private German university)
  • Focus: Global management for international students
  • Highlight: 90%+ employment rate (best private universities in Germany)

Student Support Organizations for International Students at German Universities

Essential services and organizations that help international students succeed at universities in Germany for international students, whether at public universities in Germany or private universities in Germany.

DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service)

The world's largest funding organization supporting international students at German universities with scholarships and guidance.

Services for International Students at German Universities:
  • Scholarships: Over 100 funding programs for universities in Germany for international students
  • University Database: Search 20,000+ programs at best universities in Germany
  • Application Guidance: Step-by-step support for public universities in Germany and private universities in Germany
  • Country Offices: DAAD offices worldwide including Asia supporting German universities applications
  • Alumni Network: Connect with DAAD scholars from German universities globally
Website: daad.de/en (for universities in Germany for international students)

Studentenwerk (Student Services)

Non-profit organizations present in every German university city providing comprehensive support for international students.

Services at Universities in Germany for International Students:
  • Student Housing: Affordable dormitories (€250-€400/month) at German universities
  • Cafeterias (Mensa): Subsidized meals (€3-€5) at public universities in Germany
  • Counseling Services: Academic, personal, and financial advice for international students
  • Financial Aid: Emergency funds and loans for students at German universities
  • Part-Time Jobs: Job board for student positions at best universities in Germany
  • Childcare: Daycare services for student parents at universities in Germany
Note: Available in every city with German universities

International Offices (Akademisches Auslandsamt)

Every German university has a dedicated international office supporting foreign students at public universities in Germany and private universities in Germany.

Support at Universities in Germany for International Students:
  • Visa Support: Help with residence permit applications for German universities
  • Orientation Programs: Introduction weeks for new international students
  • Buddy Programs: Pairing with local students at best universities in Germany
  • Integration Services: Language tandems and cultural activities
  • Academic Advising: Course selection and registration help at German universities
  • Emergency Contact: 24/7 support for urgent issues at universities in Germany
Availability: At every German university (public and private universities in Germany)

Other Essential Organizations for German Universities

Uni-Assist

Application portal for international students applying to German universities (public universities in Germany and some private universities).

  • Centralized application platform for best universities in Germany
  • Document verification service for German universities
  • Used by 180+ universities in Germany for international students
  • Fee: €75 first application, €30 additional (universities in Germany)
Make it in Germany

Official German government portal for international skilled workers and students.

  • Job search assistance after German universities graduation
  • Visa information for international students
  • Recognition of qualifications at best universities in Germany
  • Living in Germany guide for students at public universities and private universities

Get Expert Support for German Universities Admission

Choosing among the best universities in Germany—whether public universities in Germany with free tuition, universities of applied sciences Germany for practical education, or private universities in Germany for specialized programs—can be overwhelming. As experienced Germany education consultants, we help you select the right German university, complete applications, and succeed throughout your studies.

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