Best Universities in Germany for International Students
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Shahid Murshed

Study Abroad Content Writer at Collegedunia.com

Highlights:

  • According to QS, Technical University of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University, University of Heidelberg are the top 3 universities in Germany
  • You can apply for Winter (October to March) and Summer intakes (April to September) to study in Germany
  • Majority of the German Universities offer DAAD Scholarships ranging from 934 to 1,200 EUR per month to eligible graduate and doctoral students
  • Medicine or Healthcare, Engineering, and IT are among the top-paying streams in Germany
  • The cost of living in Germany is affordable, averaging around 720-850 EUR per month including rent, food, transport, health insurance, telephone/internet, study materials and leisure activities

There are 114 private and over 200 public universities in Germany. Many of the best universities in Germany have free or very low tuition-fee programs available for international students. Whether you want to study Engineering, Medicine, Architecture, or Business, Germany is the place to be. IELTS, TOEFL, TestDaf, DSH scores are required as language proficiency scores for admission to any university. The minimum accepted IELTS, TestDaf and DSH is 6.0, level 4, level 2 respectively. 

Top Universities in Germany

Germany is a one-stop destination for Indian students due to its affordable cost of living. A total of 49 universities were featured in the latest released version of QS World University Rankings 2024. Come along to learn more about the best German universities.

Reasons to Study in Germany

Some of the reasons to study in Germany are as follows

  • World-class education
  • Tuition-free education in most of the public universities
  • Low cost of living
  • A wide range of scholarships like DAAD scholarship
  • More than 1,800 international programs along with 21,000 bachelor's, Master and doctoral degree programs to choose from.
  • Nearly 77% of the graduates find employment in Germany within months of completing their degrees.

List of the Top-Ranked Universities in Germany

German universities consistently rank among the top 100 best universities in global ranking platforms like QS, Times Higher Education, US News and World Reports. You can pursue higher education in Universities, Universities of Applied Sciences, Colleges of Education, Colleges of Theology, Colleges of Art and Music, and Colleges of Public Administration. The top 10 universities in Germany along with their rankings and tuition fees are tabulated below

Universities Tuition Fee Global Rank 2024 Rank in Germany
Technical University of Munich Bachelors: 2,000 or 3,000 EUR per semester

Masters: 4,000 or 6,000 EUR per semester

#37 in QS

#30 in THE

#1 in QS
Ludwig Maximilian University Free

Only semester fees are required

#54 in QS

#34 in THE

#2 in QS
Heidelberg University 1,500 EUR per semester #87 in QS#47 in THE #3 in QS
Freie-Universität Berlin Free

Only semester fees are required

#98 in QS

#102 in THE

#4 in QS
RWTH Aachen University Free

Only semester fees are required

#106 in QS

#90 in QS

#5 in QS
KIT, Karlsruher-Institut für Technologie 1,500 EUR per semester #119 in QS #6 in QS
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Free

Only semester fees are required

#120 in QS

#87 in THE

#7 in QS
Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin) Free

Only semester fees are required

#154 in QS #8 in QS
Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg 1,500 EUR per semester #192 in QS #9 in QS
Universität Hamburg Free

Only semester fees are required

#205 in QS #10 in QS

Note: 1 EUR= 90.97 INR as of May 17, 2024

Top Universities in Germany for Medicine and Healthcare

Healthcare and Medicine is one of the high-paying sectors in Germany, with an average annual salary of 65,000 EUR. MBBS in Germany is one of the most pursued programs in Germany, offering an annual average salary of 68,300 EUR. Some of the top Universities in Germany for Medicine and Healthcare are tabulated below. These are also regarded as the best universities in Germany for masters.

University Popular Subjects Tuition Fees Global Rank
Heidelberg University Biomedical EngineeringDentistry

Medical Biometry
Medical Education
Medical Informatics and more

1,500 EUR per semester #87 in QS

#47 in THE

Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin Dentistry

Health Sciences
Nursing Care
Midwifery Science
Public Health

16,400 EUR NA
Technical University of Munich Clinical Medicine

Pre-clinical medicine

Bachelors: 2,000 or 3,000 EUR per semester

Masters: 4,000 or 6,000 EUR per semester

#37 in QS

#30 in THE

Hannover Medical School Medicine

Dentistry
Midwifery
Biochemistry
Biomedicine

355.42 EUR per semester #158 in QS WUR Ranking By Subject 2024
University of Hamburg Medicine

Dentistry
Midwifery
Molecular Life Science
Bioinformatics

332 EUR per semester #205 in QS
Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen Medicine

Dentistry
Medical Engineering
Molecular Medicine
Nursing

1,500 EUR per semester #213 in QS
University of Freiburg Medicine

Dental Medicine
Molecular Medicine
Nursing Science
Midwifery Science

985 EUR per semester #192 in QS
University of Bonn Midwifery Science

Human Medicine
Medical
Immunosciences and Infection
Neurosciences
Dentistry

324 EUR per semester #91 in THE

Note: 1 EUR= 90.97 INR as of May 17, 2024

Most Prestigious Universities in Germany for Engineering and IT

Germany is known for its engineering and technological advancements. Some of the most prestigious universities in Germany for Engineering are tabulated below

University Popular Subjects Tuition Fees Global Rank
Technical University of Munich Aerospace & Geodesy

Architecture
Civil & Environmental Engineering
Energy & Process Engineering
Engineering Physics & Computation

Bachelors: 2,000 or 3,000 EUR per semester

Masters: 4,000 or 6,000 EUR per semester

#37 in QS

#30 in THE

RWTH Aachen University General Mechanical Engineering.

Energy Engineering.
Automotive Engineering and Transport.
Plastics and Textile Technology.
Aeronautical Engineering and Astronautics.

303.49 EUR per semester #106 in QS

#90 in QS

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Bioengineering

Biomedical Engineering
Chemical and Process Engineering
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology

1,500 EUR per semester #119 in QS
Technical University of Berlin Energy Engineering and Process Engineering

Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Computer Engineering
Automotive Engineering

310 EUR per semester #154 in QS
Technical University of Dresden Electrical Engineering

Computer Science
Information Systems Engineering
Mechanical Engineering

350 EUR per semester #246 in QS

Note: 1 EUR= 90.97 INR as of May 17, 2024

Top Ranked Universities in Germany for MBA

Here is the list of top 5 universities that offer the MBA in Germany according to the QS Global MBA Rankings 2024.

Top Universities for MBA QS Global MBA Rankings 2024
Frankfurt School of Finance & Management #17
Mannheim Business School #18
WHU (Otto Beisheim) #23
HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management #43
EU Business School #47

Also Read:

Quick Information About MBA

Few key takeaways of the best universities in Germany for MBA are as follows.

  • Annual tuition fees for the MBA in Germany for the above-mentioned top universities range from EUR 33,500 to EUR 43,000 (30.59 lakhs to 39.27 lakhs INR).
  • An internationally recognised bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum B+ average in their undergraduate degree.
  • TOEFL iBT: Minimum 90-95
  • IELTS: Minimum of 7 or equivalent
  • GMAT: 600
  • GRE score: 600
  • 3 years of professional experience
  • The course duration is:
    • One year- Full Time
    • Two Years- Part Time
    • One to Two Years- Executive MBA

Top Universities in Germany for Undergraduate Courses

Below is the table that lists the top universities in Germany for various undergraduate programs with their annual tuition fees. The duration of the program is 3 to 4 years (full-time).

University Name Program Tuition Fees INR Equivalent
Freie Universität Berlin Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature 625.78 EUR per semester 57,157
Universität Heidelberg Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry 302 EUR per semester 27,584
RWTH Aachen University BS Mechanical Engineering 318.66 EUR per semester 29,105
KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology BS Architecture 3000 EUR per semester 2.74 lakhs
Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin) B.Sc. Electrical Engineering 226 EUR per semester 20,642

Note: 1 EUR= 90.97 INR as of May 17, 2024

General Admission Requirements for Undergraduate Courses at Universities in Germany

  • A Higher School Certificate is mandatory.
  • Annual fees: EUR 226 to EUR 3000 (20,642 to 2.74 lakhs INR)
  • English language proficiency score:
    • IELTS score: A minimum result of 6.5 overall and a minimum result of 6.0 in each band
    • TOEFL iBT score:70- 85 overall

Find Out More:

Top Universities in Germany for Postgraduate Courses

The table listed the top MS universities in Germany and popular MS courses along with their annual tuition fees. The duration of the program is 2 years full-time.

University Program Name Tuition Fees Global Rank
Technical University of Munich M.Sc. Aerospace Engineering | M.Sc. Automotive Engineering 12,000 EUR per semester 10.51 lakhs
RWTH Aachen University M.Sc. Robotic Systems Engineering, M.Sc. Textile Engineering 12,000 EUR per semester 10.51 lakhs
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology M.Sc. Electrical Engineering | M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering 3000 EUR per semester 2.62 lakhs
Technical University of Berlin Electrical and Civil Engineering 113.09 EUR per semester 9,975
University of Stuttgart M.Sc. Aerospace Engineering | M.Sc. Automotive Engineering 13,000 EUR per semester 11.56 lakhs
University of Hamburg Industrial Engineering and Management 340 EUR per semester
Technical University of Darmstadt MSc.Aerospace Engineering | MSc.Biomolecular Engineering 440 EUR per semester 38,812
University of Hannover Civil Engineering and Computer Engineering 791.78 EUR per semester 69,391
University of Freiburg MSc. Sustainable Systems Engineering 3,000 EUR per semester 2.62 lakhs

Note: 1 EUR= 90.97 INR as of May 17, 2024

Admission Requirements for Best Universities in Germany for MS

The general admission requirements for the best universities in Germany for MS are stated below

  • A bachelor's degree equivalent.
  • Annual Tuition Fees: 67 EUR to 13,000 EUR (approximately 5,958 INR to 11.56 lakhs INR)
  • English language proficiency is mandatory.
  • IELTS: 6.5-7.0 | TOEFL-iBT: 90-100
  • Letter of Motivation
  • Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume

Check Out:

German Student Visa

If your studies last up to 90 days, a Schengen visa or German Student Visa is needed. If it is more, you need a national (long-term) visa and potentially a residence permit. To apply for a student visa, follow this

  • Filled visa application
  • Valid passport.
  • Two photocopies of your passport.
  • Birth certificate.
  • Marriage certificate
  • 11,208 EUR deposit confirmation at a German-blocked bank account
  • Sufficient proof of your parent’s income records and financial assets.
  • Scholarship awarding certificate specifying coverage amount.
  • Letter of commitment by a German resident (Verpflichtungserklärung) who can cover your expenses during your studies.
  • Bank guarantee issued to you by a recognized bank.

Top Paying Streams in Germany

Here are the highest-paying degrees in Germany and the average amount these jobs pay:

Top Paying Streams in Germany

Streams Average Annual Salary Salary in INR
Medicine and Healthcare 65,000 EUR 58,75,099 INR
Engineering 65,371 EUR 59,08,633 INR
Law 75,000 EUR 67,78,961 INR
Information Technology 55,914 EUR 50,53,851 INR
Mathematics 56,000 EUR 50,61,624 INR
Natural Sciences 61,000 EUR 551,3,555 INR
Business Management 78,572 EUR 71,01,821 INR
Architecture 50,000 EUR 45,19,308 INR

Note: 1 EUR= 90.97 INR as of May 17, 2024

How to Choose Universities?

The total number of international students in Germany has grown by 3.7% according to the Federal Statistical Office. Indians form the largest group of international students in German universities. Here are the following steps for selecting universities in Germany:

  • Check out global rankings such as QS and THE World University Rankings for selecting top public universities in Germany
  • Top universities always offer good career prospects. According to THE's latest Global University Employability Ranking, 7 of the top rated universities in Germany are among the top 100.
  • While choosing the best public universities in Germany, always look for the availability of scholarships and bursaries.
  • Look for universities with affordable tuition fees. Top Germany universities offer tuition-free education to international students. They charge low to no tuition fees making it the best choice for Indian students.
  • Always check the cost of living in the country when choosing the right university.

The most prestigious universities in Germany for international students offer DAAD scholarships, ranging from 934 EUR for graduates and 1,200 EUR for doctoral/PhD students. You can consider the above-mentioned details while choosing the best universities in Deutschland.

FAQs

Ques. Which are the top universities in Germany for MS?

Ans. Technical University of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Universität Heidelberg, Freie Universität Berlin, and RWTH Aachen University are the top 5 universities in Germany according to the QS World University Rankings 2024.

Other best universities for Indian students in Germany are:

  • KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
  • Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
  • Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin)
  • Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg
  • Universität Hamburg
  • Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen

Ques. Is it worth studying in Germany for Indian students?

Ans. Yes, Germany is ideal for Indian students as it offers many scholarships and employment opportunities. Indian students can yield high ROI after graduating from German universities. German universities charge low to no tuition fees. Students from non-European countries can stay up to 18 months to find work. During their studies, they can also work for 120 full days or 240 half days per year.

Ques. Are German universities free for Indian students?

Ans. Many universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees, instead they levy semester fees and social contribution fees. Following are the universities which do not charge tuition fees:

  • Freie Universität Berlin
  • Universität Heidelberg
  • RWTH Aachen University
  • Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin)

Ques. Does Germany accept Indian degrees?

Ans. India’s degree is accepted in Germany. Some postgraduate programs require a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. The sites of the German universities say they acknowledge Indian degrees. A few German Universities have included a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent as admission prerequisites for certain countries.

Ques. Is IELTS required in Germany?

Ans. Non-native English speakers must have an English language proficiency score. For students from India, IELTS or TOEFL is needed. IELTS score of not less than 6.5.

Ques. How many Indians go to study in Germany every year?

Ans. The largest group of international students in German universities are Indians. The latest figures released by the Federal Statistical Office of Germany revealed that the number of Indian students in Germany has grown by 26% over the last year. In the last winter semester, 42,997 students attended the top universities in Germany for masters.

Ques. What is the cost of living for Indian students in Germany?

Ans. The cost of living in Germany includes the Rent, Mobile Phone and Internet, Electricity, Meals, Transportation and Personal expenses. Living in Germany costs more than in India. For one person, monthly expenses, excluding rent, are about 939.9 EUR (83,157 INR). Indian students spend around 1,486 EUR (1.30 lakhs INR) per month.

Ques. Do Indians get jobs after studying in Germany?

Ans. Yes, Indian students choose to stay in Germany after they finish their education. In the field of STEM, many companies in Germany look for international students. According to recent data from the Federal Employment Agency, the employment rate of international students in Germany is at 87%.

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Found 16 universities
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CD RankCollege InfoTuition Fees & living Cost(Avg.)Top CoursesRanking & Reviews
#1Technical University Munich logo

Technical University Munich, Munich

Bavaria, Germany8%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $9.8K/Yr (€9,000/Yr)Living$17.4K/Yr (€15,984/Yr)Admission M.S Environmental EngineeringTOEFL88PTE65$13.1K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
1 More Program
5.2/10(12 Users)Ranked 22 by THE in 2024Ranked 16 by ARWU in 2022
#2RWTH Aachen University logo

RWTH Aachen University, Aachen

North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $566.8/Yr (€520/Yr)Living$948.3/Yr (€870/Yr)Admission M.S Environmental EngineeringTOEFL90$566.8/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
1 More Program
5.8/10(14 Users)Ranked 34 by THE in 2024Ranked 101 by ARWU in 2022
#3Technical University Darmstadt logo

Technical University Darmstadt, Darmstadt

Hesse, Germany29%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $471.97/Yr (€433/Yr)Admission M.S Environmental EngineeringIELTS5$471.97/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
1 More Program
Ranked 251 by THE in 2024Ranked 241 by QS in 2025
#4University of Stuttgart logo

University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart

Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany71%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $3.3K/Yr (€3,000/Yr)Living$26.4K/Yr (€24,242/Yr)Admission M.S Environmental EngineeringTOEFL79$3.3K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
Programs
9.3/10(12 Users)Ranked 101 by THE in 2024Ranked 201 by ARWU in 2022
#5Leibniz University of Hannover logo

Leibniz University of Hannover, Hannover

Lower Saxony, Germany51%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $862.19/Yr (€791/Yr)Admission M.S Environmental EngineeringTOEFL79$862.19/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
1 More Program
Ranked 201 by THE in 2024Ranked 401 by ARWU in 2022
#6Technical University of Braunschweig logo

Technical University of Braunschweig, Braunschweig

Lower Saxony, Germany51%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $763/Yr (€700/Yr)Living$5.8K/Yr (€5,328/Yr)Admission M.S Environmental EngineeringTOEFL80$763/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
1 More Program
Ranked 501 by THE in 2024Ranked 751 by QS in 2025
#7University of Kassel logo

University of Kassel, Kassel

Hesse, Germany20%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $10.9K/Yr (€10,000/Yr)Admission B.S Environmental EngineeringIELTS5.5$10.9K/Yr
Course duration: 3 years
Programs
7.3/10(1 User)
#8Hamburg University of Technology logo

Hamburg University of Technology, Hamburg

Hamburg, Germany18%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $745.56/Yr (€684/Yr)Living$1.7K/Yr (€1,554/Yr)Admission M.S Environmental EngineeringTOEFL90$745.56/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
Programs
Ranked 401 by THE in 2024
#9Technical University Freiberg logo

Technical University Freiberg, Freiburg

Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany52%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $20.5K/Yr (€18,800/Yr)Living$3.6K/Yr (€3,330/Yr)Admission M.S Environmental EngineeringTOEFL90$20.5K/Yr
Course duration: 1 year
1 More Program
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#10Bauhaus University logo

Bauhaus University, Weimar

Thuringia, Germany32%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $348.8/Yr (€320/Yr)Admission M.S Environmental EngineeringIELTS6$348.8/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
1 More Program
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#11Beuth University of Applied Sciences logo

Beuth University of Applied Sciences, Berlin

Berlin, Germany61%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $1.2K/Yr (€1,100/Yr)Living$10.2K/Yr (€9,324/Yr)Admission B.Eng Environmental Engineering ...TOEFL80$1.2K/Yr
Course duration: 3 years
Programs
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#12Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences logo

Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, Darmstadt

Hesse, Germany29%Acceptance Rate
Admission M.S Environmental EngineeringIELTS5.0--
Course duration: 2 years
Programs
8.8/10(1 User)
#13Esslingen University of Applied Sciences logo

Esslingen University of Applied Sciences, Esslingen am Neckar

Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany95%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $3.3K/Yr (€3,000/Yr)Living$422.92/Yr (€388/Yr)Admission B.Eng Building Services, Energy ...IELTS6.5$3.3K/Yr
Course duration: 3 years
Programs
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#14Hof University of Applied Sciences logo

Hof University of Applied Sciences, Hof

Bavaria, Germany25%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $272.5/Yr (€250/Yr)Living$2.9K/Yr (€2,700/Yr)Admission B.Eng Environmental EngineeringTOEFL80$272.5/Yr
Course duration: 3 years
Programs
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#15Ostwestfalen - Lippe University of Applied Sciences logo

Ostwestfalen - Lippe University of Applied Sciences, Lemgo

North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany26%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $728.12/Yr (€668/Yr)Admission B.Eng Environmental EngineeringTOEFL79$728.12/Yr
Course duration: 3 years
Programs
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#16Luebeck University of Applied Sciences logo

Luebeck University of Applied Sciences, Lubeck

Schleswig-Holstein, Germany10%Acceptance Rate
Admission B.S Environmental Engineering an...IELTS6--
Course duration: 3 years
Programs
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