Germany is more than just an exciting travel destination. It is home to some of the best universities in Germany. The German education system is world-renowned for delivering high-quality, free education at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The top universities in Germany offer excellent courses, many of which are taught in English.
International students enroll in German schools for engineering, business, and computer science courses. And whether you’re a local or overseas student, studying in one of these elite departments at a German university can improve your chances in the global job market.
If you’re planning to study in German public or private universities and are looking for the most suitable school, check out our top 10 list of the best schools in Germany. The Germany schools ranked in this article are based on global performance. Our article covers the reputation of these universities, as well as their acceptance rates, graduation rates, and teaching methodologies.
What Attracts Students to Universities in Germany?
Universities in Germany are highly regarded for providing high-quality education, free tuition, affordable cost of living, and teaching in the English language, among other student privileges and subsidies. The section below lists the best schools in Germany according to world rankings.
Germany Schools Ranked: An Overview
| Germany Rank | World Rank on Times Higher Education | World Rank on US News | Institution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 32 | N/A | Ludwig Maximilian University Munich |
| 2 | 38 | 74 | Technical University of Munich |
| 3 | 42 | 54 | Heidelberg University |
| 4 | 73 | N/A | Charity Medical University Berlin |
| 5 | 74 | 78 | Humboldt University of Berlin |
| 6 | 78 | 180 | University of Tübingen |
| 7 | 83 | 95 | Free University of Berlin |
| 8 | 108 | 172 | University of Freiburg |
| 9 | 108 | 192 | RWTH Aachen University |
| 10 | 112 | 119 | University of Bonn |
The Best Universities in Germany, Explained
This list of the best universities in Germany includes some of the most prestigious universities in the world. They provide a high-quality learning experience and an exciting environment for an international student body. Below are the best universities in Germany, complete with information gathered from the university’s official site and other authoritative sources.
1. Ludwig Maximilian University Munich
- Campus Location(s): Geschwister-Scholl-Platz, Grosshadern and Martinsried, Sendlinger Tor, Obersschleissheim
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Graduation Rate: N/A
- US News Country Rank: N/A
Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, or simply LMU Munich, is a premier academic and research institute in Munich. It is well known for its courses in humanities, economics, social sciences, and law. The university curriculum and academic training emphasize research and how students can apply research skills to a rewarding career.
2. Technical University of Munich
- Campus Location(s): Munich, Garching, Freising, Heilbronn, Singapore
- Acceptance Rate: 8%
- Graduation Rate: 60% for bachelor’s, 87% for master’s
- US News Country Rank: #74
Technische Universität München, or Technical University of Munich (TUM), is a prestigious public institution located in Munich, with three campuses in Germany and one offshore campus in Singapore. Technische Universität is well known for its courses in science and technology, which focus on forging young scientists through research and interdisciplinary education.
3. Heidelberg University
- Campus Location(s): Baden-Württemberg
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Graduation Rate: N/A
- US News Country Rank: #54
Heidelberg University is Germany’s oldest university and a well-known comprehensive research institution offering courses in the fields of medicine, humanities, physical science, natural sciences, and law. The University of Heidelberg has one of Germany’s best libraries, with over three million books and even an on-campus museum.
4. Charity Medical University Berlin
- Campus Location(s): Hindenburgdamm, Lindenberger Weg, Charitéplatz, Augustenburger Platz
- Acceptance Rate: 4%
- Graduation Rate: N/A
- US News Country Rank: N/A
Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, or Charity Medical University Berlin, is the largest university hospital in Europe. Many international students study medicine here because of the high-quality education and medical courses taught in English. It is one of the most research-intensive medical institutions in the world, bringing medical students to the forefront of medicinal science.
5. Humboldt University of Berlin
- Campus Location(s): Berlin
- Acceptance Rate: 18%
- Graduation Rate: 38% for bachelor’s, 63% for master’s
- US News Country Rank: #78
The alma mater of Karl Marx, Humboldt University is a prestigious public research university in Germany, with excellent programs in humanities, arts, and natural sciences. This university boasts 29 Nobel Prize winners. Its partner universities include Princeton University and the University of Vienna, which give their German students the privilege to study abroad.
6. University of Tübingen
- Campus Location(s): Geschwister
- Acceptance Rate: 18%
- Graduation Rate: N/A
- US News Country Rank: #95
The University of Tübingen, also known as Eberhard Karls University, is one of the oldest and most respected German institutes. It is a top academic authority in the natural sciences, theology, and other fields of study. The university provides a comprehensive support system and assistance for international students who wish to study on its campus.
7. Free University of Berlin
- Campus Location(s): Kaiserswerther
- Acceptance Rate: 15%
- Graduation Rate: N/A
- US News Country Rank: #95
Freie Universität Berlin, or the Free University of Berlin in English, is an elite, public research university. It is one of the largest academic institutions in Berlin, widely recognized for its contributions to the humanities and social sciences. The university is home to five Nobel Prize winners and 17 Leibniz awardees.
8. University of Freiburg
- Campus Location(s): Fahnenbergplatz
- Acceptance Rate: 33%
- Graduation Rate: N/A
- US News Country Rank: #172
The University of Freiburg, also known as the Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg, is the fifth-oldest German university. It is known for its courses in social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and technology. Its beautiful campus is located in the so-called Green City of Freiburg, a place known for sustainable urban development.
9. RWTH Aachen University
- Campus Location(s): Templergraben
- Acceptance Rate: 10%
- Graduation Rate: 47% for bachelor’s, 78% for master’s
- US News Country Rank: #192
RWTH Aachen University is a public research university with a student population of more than 47,000 and 144 academic departments. It is the largest technical university in Germany and is famous for its courses in engineering and the natural sciences.
10. The University of Bonn
- Campus Location(s): Regina Pacis Weg
- Acceptance Rate: 18%
- Graduation Rate: 34% for bachelor’s, 74% for master’s
- US News Country Rank: #119
The University of Bonn is a public research university, one of the largest in Germany, with a student population of 35,000. It is a well-known authority in the natural sciences. The campus has 58 libraries and 67 of its campus buildings are protected historical monuments. This university is home to 11 Nobel Prize winners, such as Reinhard Selten and Wolfgang Paul.
How We Created Our List of the Best Schools in Germany
To create our list, we followed the Times Higher Education 2022 World University Rankings. This ranking was created by evaluating teaching, research, citations, international outlook, and the industry outcomes of over 1,600 institutions from around the world. Complementary information was retrieved from the US News Best National University Rankings.
Is a Top University in Germany Right for You?
Yes, a top German university is right for local and international students looking for high-quality education, subsidized tuition fees, and a low cost of living. You can find your dream program in one of the best German public universities as long as you meet the requirements for getting into any good college, including excellent grades and a well-rounded application.
If you don’t think you’re quite ready for serious, full-time studies, you can take skills-enhancing courses at the best free coding bootcamps to prepare you for admission into German schools. If you are a foreign student, you should take German language lessons, get a student Visa, and make sure you maintain your GPA, especially if you want to pursue postgraduate studies.
Best Universities in Germany FAQ
Yes, getting into the best universities in Germany is difficult because of the strict requirements. The acceptance rates are very small because of the stringent screening of students. Don’t be disheartened if you get rejected because there are still ways you can receive a high-quality German education, including from the best bootcamps in Berlin.
No, you do not need to be proficient in German to study in Germany. However, all international students need to meet the minimum language test requirements, even if the course will be taught in English. The more fluent you are in German, the higher your chances of admission.
No, all German universities are not free. The majority of public universities in Germany, however, do provide free tuition subsidized by the government. If you want to attend a private university in Germany, you’ll have to pay tuition and fees. Courses related to engineering, medicine, and business are usually the most expensive at these schools.”
Using the German grading scale, where 1.0 is the highest and 5.0 is failing, a GPA of 3.0 to 1.0 is a requirement for most German universities. Higher GPAs are given higher standing during the application process.
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