25 Best Universities In Germany For International Students 2026

If you are looking to study in Germany, you are surely making a great choice. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 345 universities and colleges in Germany, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 345 universities in Germany, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and Technical University of Munich are the top-performing schools in Germany. This list covers both public and private institutions in Germany.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Germany. We based our rankings on academic reputations from reputable sources and the number of international students. By doing this, you’ll have an efficient way of comparing your target universities and choose your host university in Germany.

How do I get admission to the best universities in Germany?

Applying to the universities in Germany involves submitting requirements and following specific admissions procedures set by your chosen university. The requirements often include a student visa, application packages, and language scores. Check out our guide for international students who want to study in Germany to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

How much are the tuition fees at the best universities in Germany?

Tuition fees at Germany’s universities can vary depending on which university, degree, and program you will be enrolling in. Generally, tuition fees for the bachelor’s level range from 0 Euros to 31,500 Euros , while tuition fees for the master’s level range from 0 Euros to 59,500 Euros. If you are interested, check out the affordable universities in Germany!

As we cover the best universities in Germany for international students, feel free to check out the university’s information on Admission, Tuition, Courses, and Language Requirements by looking at the individual university pages.

Top Universities in Germany for International Students

The Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, also known as LMU Munich, is a public higher education institution. It is recognized as one of the top-performing universities in Europe and across the globe. The school delivers well when it comes to both research and teaching, assuring you that you are getting high-quality education and training.

The Technical University of Munich is one of the most prestigious academic institutions in Germany. Founded in 1868, the university has a long history of educational and research excellence, as proven by its 17 Nobel Prizes and standing in international rankings. At present, the university has more than 48,000 students, 38% of which are international students.

The Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg, shortly referred to as Heidelberg University, was founded in 1386, making it the oldest university in Germany. With centuries of academic and research history, the university has become one of the most established in the world. Over 50 Nobel Laureates are associated with the university, introducing modern science, particularly in the field of Psychiatry, Physics, and Sociology. The university is currently home to over 29,000 students.

The Technical University of Dresden is one of the leading academic institutes in Germany. It offers programs across a wide range of disciplines at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Established in 1828, the university uniquely blends tradition and modernity. The university campus features buildings constructed in the post-war era as well as modern laboratories with the most advanced facilities in the world.

RWTH Aachen University is among the top universities in Germany and is most recognized for its excellence in engineering and natural sciences. The university strongly focuses on research and practical learning, which is why it continues to maintain close ties with its industry partners. The university also takes pride in producing many notable individuals who have received various awards in research and innovation. 

Free University of Berlin (FU) is a quintessential example of an institution founded on the principles of liberty and equity. The university was established in 1948 with support from The US to promote the values of individual expression and free speech. Since its inauguration, FU has developed into an excellent institution of higher learning, focusing primarily on research and technological innovation. The university also places great emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and collaboration which is notable through its numerous cooperation agreements with multitudinous institutions and industries around the globe.

The University of Hamburg (UHH) is a public research university in Hamburg and is among the largest universities in Germany. UHH is deeply woven into the development and structure of Hamburg and has over 180 properties scattered across the city. However, the main campus of the university is at Von-Melle-Park. In terms of teaching and research, UHH has distinguished itself. The university has made great strides in sustainability research and applies sustainable teaching and research practices.

Humboldt University of Berlin is one of the most renowned universities in the world. Since its establishment in 1810, the institution has undergone several redevelopments and improvements that have led them to become a world-class university widely known to students and professionals across the globe. More so, the university is the home of several elite individuals and Nobel laureates such as Albert Einstein, Karl Marx, and Max Planck. A truly exceptional institution that provides the highest standards of education.

Known for its size and diversity, the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz offers students over 200 courses in a wide range of disciplines to choose from. This research-intensive university also has a high alumni employability thanks to its practical approach to teaching and its close ties with its industry partners. JGU is a recipient of multiple international awards for research excellence in different fields including medicine, physics, and humanities. 

Founded in 1457 by the Habsburg dynasty, The Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg is among the oldest universities in Germany. It is also one of the top universities in Germany, receiving numerous awards yearly for excellence in teaching and research. The University of Freiburg is a comprehensive university and offers a wide variety of programs, ranging from science and engineering to theology and humanities. Its diversity of programs gives it the capacity to conduct extensive interdisciplinary programs and initiatives, which goes a long way to bolster innovation and creativity at the university.

The Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg may have been founded in 1743, but it still takes pride in being a modern, research-oriented university that highly values equality and diversity. It currently offers 267 degree programs to over 38,000 students from within and outside Germany. FAU is also internationally recognized for being the second most innovative university in Europe. 

The Eberhard Karl University of Tübingen, also called the University of Tübingen, was founded in 1477, making it among the oldest universities in Germany. It is also one of the best, having been one of the 11 German Excellence Universities. Besides its academic standing in the international community, the university is known for its research breakthroughs, particularly in Chemistry and Medicine.

Goethe University Frankfurt, colloquially referred to as Goethe University, is a public institution of higher learning in Frankfurt. The university is named in honour of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a famous philosopher from Frankfurt. Since its founding by prominent Frankfurt citizens in 1914, Geothe University has grown into one of the leading universities in Germany, gaining an outstanding reputation for its business and social research programs.

The university has five campuses spread across various locations in the city. Its new Westend Campus, with its picturesque fields and travertine-faced buildings, is one of Germany’s most beautiful campuses.

Located in the nation’s capital, the Technical University of Berlin is a public university known for its world-class quality of education and research in various fields. The university aims to impart not only academic expertise to its students but also independence, creativity, social awareness, critical thinking, and other skills that would make them highly adaptable, competent, and socially responsible individuals. TU Berlin is also dedicated to conducting innovative research to help make society better.

The Rhenish Friedrich Wilhelm University of Bonn offers more than 200 courses for over 35,000 German and international students. It is known for its academic excellence and innovative research aimed at promoting sustainability and addressing different social and scientific issues. It is also recognized as the university that has produced the most Nobel Prize winners and recipients of other notable awards in Germany. 

The University of Cologne is recognized as one of the well-distinguished and research-focused institutions in Germany. It is one of the oldest schools founded in Central Europe, and it is also one of the biggest institutions in its country. The university has notable alumni that have received awards, such as the Noble Prize and Leibniz Prize.

The University of Münster has a profound and rich history that can be traced back to the 16^th century. The institution has had a fair share of ups and downs, but it has flourished to become one of the most renowned and well-respected universities in Germany and across the globe. Over the years, it has designed and developed countless cutting-edge programs to accommodate a diverse group of students. And at present, several of its unique programs are considered to be globally acknowledged and desired by a significant number of prospective students.

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), or Karlsruher Institut für Technologie in german, is a leading public institution in Germany. KIT was established in 2009 due to the merging of two prominent schools: Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe and Universität Karlsruhe. With its rich history, it has grown to become a globally recognized institution providing a full range of study programs in the field of applied science. Some internationally recognized courses at KIT are engineering, informatics, humanities, and literature. Moreover, the institute has always supported society’s welfare by contributing significantly to research and teaching.

Ruhr University Bochum (RUB) is a public research university in Bochum City. It is part of the German Research Foundation and has made numerous innovative strides in engineering, psychology, and materials science. Unlike other prestigious German universities, RUB initially operated a single mega campus south of Bochum City. However, the university is perpetually evolving and is currently developing state-of-the-art facilities in various locations within the city. Among its new properties is the Mark 51°7 technology campus, which is presently under construction. Facilities like third-party research institutes, tech start-ups, and innovation hubs are in the works to populate the new campus.

Leibniz University Hannover has a rich and profound history that dates back to 1831. The university has gone through numerous redevelopments and improvements and has been renamed several times. As one of the oldest universities in Germany, and with its continuous progress in delivering top-quality higher education, the institution has become one of the most prominent universities in the world. In addition, the university offers internationally recognized academic programs, and it is best known for providing superior education in science and technology.

 

The Technical University of Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt) is a public institute of higher studies in Germany. It is a prestigious center of learning, mainly due to its rich historical background and top-quality courses and programs. Adding to this, TU Darmstadt is also consistently included in lists of top universities worldwide.

The University of Würzburg is the home of well-known personalities of highly respected public officials, distinguished scientists, and world-renowned scholars. With years in operation, it is considered one of the elite institutions in the world. It is also no surprise that it is highly positioned in the European and world rankings. The university is genuinely world-class in providing exemplary academic programs and research.

Founded in 1409, Leipzig University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Germany. The university is home to more than 31,000 students, 12% of which are from abroad. With its long history, the university has established 14 faculties and around 130 research centers and institutes.

Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf is a German educational institution that is open to students at all tertiary levels. It is located in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Moreover, the institution specializes in arts, business, humanities, law, mathematics, and more.

The Christian-Albrecht University of Kiel, more commonly known as the University of Kiel, is a prestigious public institution for tertiary studies in Germany. It is based in the scenic state of Schleswig-Holstein. Furthermore, it is famed for its high-quality education and impactful contributions to research.