11 Best Universities In Thuringia For International Students 2025

Thuringia is surely one of the places you should be considering if you’re looking to study in Germany. This location has a lot to offer for international students, including world-class universities and exciting student experiences. With more than 11 universities and colleges in Thuringia, you’ll surely have a wide range of choices.

Out of 11 universities in Thuringia, Friedrich Schiller University Jena and Ilmenau University of Technology are the top-performing schools in Thuringia.

To help you narrow down your school options, we’ve compiled the best universities in Thuringia. 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 Thuringia.

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

Applying to the universities in Thuringia 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 Thuringia to learn more about applying for admission in this country’s universities!

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

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

As we cover the best universities in Thuringia 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 Thuringia for International Students

The Friedrich Schiller University Jena, simply known by most as the University of Jena, is a public center of learning in Germany. It is situated in the lovely state of Thuringia. Additionally, it is popular for being one of the oldest universities in the country as it was founded in the year 1558.

The Ilmenau University of Technology was established in 1894. As a public research university. The Ilmenau University of Technology has focused on the area of engineering while having a strong background as well as natural sciences and economics. The Ilmenau University of Technology also offers degrees in other areas such as economics, technology, media, mathematics, and management, among others.

The Bauhaus University at Weimar, Germany specializes in offering engineering, architecture, design, and media courses. It also provides various facilities and services that boost students’ academic experience. Interestingly, the university is among the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Germany with its historic buildings.

The University of Erfurt, or Universität Erfurt in German, is a public institution in Thuringia, Germany. Its roots are ancient, established in 1379, but it did experience temporary closure from 1816 to 1993. Upon reopening, the university focused on religion, culture, humanities, teaching, and social studies. It is home to one of the country’s most extensive manuscript collections. Both bachelor’s and master’s programs are available at the University of Erfurt.

University of Music Franz Liszt Weimar, or Hochschule für Musik Franz Liszt Weimar in German, is a specialized public institution in Thuringia, Germany. Named after the famous Hungarian pianist Franz Liszt, one of his students founded the university and ensured it stands on three pillars: practical music training, teacher training, and research. These pillars help provide a holistic and high-quality musical education and training.

University of Applied Sciences Jena offers a wide range of courses focusing on the fields of economics, social affairs, and technology. The university greatly relies on research and experience to magnify the capabilities of its students. University of Applied Sciences Jena works closely with businesses and foreign institutions to heighten its internationalization.

Situated near a local mountain range, the Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences is a young institution that was established in the year of 1998. Over time, nearly 30 academic programs were created, and courses related to sustainable tech, top-tier research, and nature conservation are all waiting for your arrival. If you want a family-like environment filled with modern-day technology, this university might be the right choice for you.

A young higher education institution of applied sciences in Thuringia is the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt, more widely known as FH Erfurt. One thing to know about the university is it implements a practice-based learning approach. This is incredibly beneficial, especially for a specialized university like FH Erfurt. Moreover, it has countless possibilities for every student. Training, seminars, workshops, and internships are highly prioritized and explicitly designed to meet the students’ interests.

Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences, or Hochschule Schmalkalden in German, is a public institution in Thuringia, Germany. Although relatively small, the university offers several programs, including dual studies and English-taught programs. Students enjoy many benefits, such as free tuition and a high employment rate, as most of its programs include a practical semester when students get to work with companies.

SRH University of Applied Health Sciences, Gera is private academic institution founded in 2006. It offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in Health, Social Sciences, and Therapeutic Science. The university has more than 1,200 students in its 13 study locations.

The Gera-Eisenach University of Applied Sciences was founded in 1998. It is located in the city of Gera, Thuringia. The Gera-Eisenach University of Applied Sciences awards higher education degrees to its students as recognized by the Thuringian Ministry of Education, Science and Culture.