Public Universities in Germany: Rankings, Courses & Cost
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The education system in Germany is broadly divided into public and private universities. The public universities in Germany clearly dominate the education market in the country with over 240 functional public universities offering programmes for everyone. The private universities are much smaller in number and offer specialized programmes.
Germany is famous for offering high-quality education at low or no cost. This thing makes Germany one of the best countries to study abroad for Indian students. The education system in Germany is broadly divided into public and private universities. The German's public universities are highly preferred by international students. The total number of public universities in Germany is 313 out of a total 428 institutions in German higher education
Apart from zero tuition fees, Public universities in Germany offer a better research opportunities, government support, and a strong academic reputation. The number of Indian students studying in Germany has increased three-fold over the years. Indians make up the second largest group of international students enrolled at German universities, with around 42,997 students from India currently enrolled in Germany (2024).
Public universities in Germany are funded by the government and form the major backbone of the education industry in the country. Technical University of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Heidelberg University, Free University of Berlin are among top public universities in Germany which are also among top global universities. The article is all about the list of public universitiesties in Germany, their courses and how to apply there.
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Public Universities vs Private Universities in Germany - Overview
In this section, we are going to look at the differences between public universities and private universities across Germany.
| Parameters | Public Universities | Private Universities |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of Studying in Germany | Public Universities in Germany do not charge students with a tuition fee. These are government-funded study institutions and students are only required to pay a semester fee of €350 euros. | Private Universities in Germany offer specialized courses to students and charge a tuition fee. Students studying at private universities would be required to shell out anywhere between €6000 - €7000 euros per year. |
| Admissions Requirements | Tuition-free public universities have put Germany on the global education map. Hence, every year thousands of international and domestic students apply to Public Universities. This is why the admission process is complex and has higher admission requirements. | The admission process to private universities in contrast is less complex. Candidates looking to study across private universities in Germany are required to simply qualify for the minimum admission requirements to go ahead with their admission process. |
| Language Requirements | Candidates looking to take admission to public universities in Germany are required to know German. All public universities in Germany use German as their medium of communication and teaching hence knowing the German Language - (certificate level) is mandatory. | One of the biggest advantages of studying in private universities in Germany is that students are provided with quality education which is at par with private universities and students are not required to learn the German language. The main mode of communication is English. However, knowing German will only help you manoeuvre through the foreign land. |
| Intake Season | Winter Semester: (popular)
Summer Semester:
|
Rolling Admission Deadlines across most courses |
| Top Courses Offered | Public Universities in Germany offer a large variety of courses as compared to private universities. For example - the Free University of Berlin is a public university in Germany that offers more than 150 academic courses. |
Private universities offer a much smaller number of courses to students looking to study in Germany. However, the courses offered by private universities in Germany are specialized programmes which are targeted towards providing employment. |
| University Rankings | Most German universities ranked among the top universities in the world are public universities. |
Private universities enjoy a much lesser mention across top universities ranking around the world. |
Many public universities in Germany require or accept TestAS scores as part of their admission process. Learn more about the structure, preparation, and importance of this exam in our TestAS Exam Guide. Germany boasts various top public universities. To understand how these institutions compare to those in the Netherlands, especially regarding tuition fees and academically, check our Study in Netherlands vs Germany analysis.
Public universities in Germany offer quality education at low costs and also provide good job opportunities. Many international students find part-time jobs while studying and full-time jobs after graduation because of Germany’s strong job market.
Best Public Universities in Germany 2025
In this section, we are going to list the best public universities in Germany as per leading ranking aggregators.
| Public Universities in Germany | QS World University Rankings 2025: Top Global Universities | World University Rankings 2025 - Times Higher Education (THE) |
|---|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich (TUM) Shiksha Grade: A++ |
28 | 26 |
| Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich Shiksha Grade: A++ |
59 | 38 |
| Heidelberg University Shiksha Grade: A++ |
84 | 47 |
| Free University of Berlin Shiksha Grade: A |
97 | 104 |
| RWTH Aachen University Shiksha Grade: A+ |
99 | 92 |
| Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Shiksha Grade: B++ |
102 | 166 |
| Humboldt University of Berlin Shiksha Grade: A |
126 | 84 |
| Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin) Shiksha Grade: B++ |
126 | 140 |
| Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg Shiksha Grade: A+ |
147 | 128 |
| University of Hamburg Shiksha Grade: A |
191 | 132 |
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Technical University of Munich
Technical University of Munich (TUM) is one of the top universities in the world and the highest-ranked university in Germany. Currently, the Technical University of Munich (TUM Germany) ranks #28in the QS World University Rankings 2025. One of the most illustrious technical universities in Germany, TU Munich was founded in 1868 and is a member of the TU9 in Germany – a group of nine distinguished technical universities in Germany. TU Munich is home to 15 academic departments/schools that offer over 200 degree programs including an extensive selection of English-taught courses and programs for the large number of international students that enrol every year.
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
At the forefront of European research, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich) has been dedicated to academic excellence for over 550 years. Founded in 1472, LMU Munich is a hub of academic excellence in a vibrant network of research institutions, universities, and businesses. Its 18 faculties offer a diverse range of disciplines, from theology to the earth sciences.
University Heidelberg
Germany's oldest university and a leading European research institution, University Heidelberg is renowned for its excellence in academics, science, and research. Its success in the international rankings confirms its status as a world-class university. Heidelberg University's courses of study are informed by its strong research focus, and students are encouraged to develop independent research skills early on. With over 160 fields of study, Heidelberg offers a broad spectrum of subjects, from the humanities and social sciences to the natural and applied sciences.
RWTH Aachen University
RWTH Aachen is ranked #99 globally in QS World University Rankings 2025. It is one of the Germany's largest technical university. The top courses to study in RWTH Aachen University are engineering, computer science, and innovation. Candidates willing to study technical fiedls can apply for RWTH Aachen University. It is one of the best public university in Germany with no tution fees.
Free University of Berlin
A leading German research university, the Free University of Berlin is part of the elite University Consortium of Excellence, the Berlin University Alliance. It is one of 13 German universities funded through the German government’s Excellence Strategy and has over 100 international partnerships. With 16 academic departments and central institutes offering over 150 degree programs, Freie Universität Berlin is a global destination for students and scholars.
List of Public Universities in Germany
In this section, we are going to be talking about the popular public universities in Germany.
Why Study at Public Universities in Germany?
There are close to 350 public universities in Germany. Apart from offering free education to international and domestic students alike. what makes public universities in Germany popular among international students can be attributed to the quality of education German universities provide.
Germany is known for their state-of-the-art infrastructure, availability of the latest amenities, an education system that combines theoretical knowledge along with building practical skills, renowned faculty, a stable jobs market and finally a degree that is renowned the world over. These are some of the popular reasons that make public universities in Germany stand out when it comes to making study-abroad decisions.
Studying at a public university in Germany means lower tuition fees, but students still need to plan for their monthly expenses. Understanding the monthly cost of living in Germany for students can help in budgeting for accommodation, food, and other essentials.
Popular Courses to Study in Public Universities of Germany
While courses are part of the student's decision. However, popular courses across public universities include
- Business Administration/Management
- Computer Science
- Industrial Engineering/Business and Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics
- Medicine/health science
- Robotics/Artificial Intelligence
- Social work
Cost of Studying at Public Universities in Germany
If you manage to get admission in any public university then the cost of studying in Germany will be zero or low. We all are aware by now that the public universities in Germany are free and do not charge tuition fees but only an administration fee of about 350 euros at the start of each semester. However, there are living expenses that candidates need to take care of. Candidates going to study in Germany are required to open a Blocked Account in Germany. A German Blocked Account is a mandatory requirement and simply put, is a closed bank account in a German Bank.
Keeping the rate of inflation in mind, the mandatory amount required in the German Blocked Account for studying in Germany is €11,904 for an entire year or €992 for a month. Along with this, candidates should also look at the miscellaneous expenditures involved in the study abroad process.
How to apply to a Public University in Germany?
The admission requirement to study in Germany is very high. Universities in Germany ask for a 90% academic score for UG programs for admission. It also has a high acceptance rate that makes it difficult for foreign students to get admission to public universities in the country. International students need to appear for IELTS or TOEFL exam as an English Language Proficiency Exam. For PG courses international students are required at least a 70-75% academic score from a reputed university. They also need to appear in exams like GRE, GMAT, ACT, SAT, etc. as per the programme requirement. Candidates can reach out to our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors for assistance with university admissions.
Also Read
| MBA in Germany | Bachelors of Business colleges in Germany |
| Engineering in Germany |
Candidates looking for assistance with university admissions can get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad counsellors for assistance with university admissions to Germany. You can also mention your queries in the comment section below:
While no university can guarantee a 100% acceptance rate due to varying admission criteria, some universities, like the University of Applied Sciences Schmalkalden, are known for being more accessible to international students.
Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, among the best universities in the world. Indian students with better academic backgrounds can apply for admission at these top universities in Germany.
To check eligibility for public universities in Germany, students should review the specific admission requirements on the university's official website, which typically include academic qualifications, language proficiency (German or English), and any necessary documentation.
While many public universities offer free tuition, the University of Applied Sciences Schmalkalden is often considered one of the most affordable options due to its low administrative fees and living costs.
Yes, an Indian student must demonstrate their proof of proficiency in the English language while applying at universities in Germany as it is one of the major admission requirements. You can do this with the help of major English exam scores such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc. Note that IELTS is accepted by almost all the German universities and the minimum score requirements varies. On an average, the minimum IELTS score required to study in Germany is in the range 7.0 - 7.5.
The acceptance rate for the IU International University of Applied Science ranges between 40% to 80%, which means the selection process of the university is moderate to highly competitive. Students who hold good academic scores, exam test scores along with all the required documents that help them to secure enrollment in the university.
The acceptance rate shows that out of 100 students, only 40 to 80 students are accepted; therefore, it is also suggested to the students that they should apply at the university before the application deadline or the semester begins as per the details shared by the university.
A few of the reasons to study at BSBI Germany campus are:
- Central Location: The main campus of BSBI Germany is located in the heart of Berlin. It is located in the historical building of Alte Post. The neighborhood surrounding the campus has shops, restaurants, and cafes
- Diverse community: When students join BSBI, they are going to witness a diverse student cohort of over 100 nationalities
- Affordable education: Berlin is one of the best value European cities that lead to high-quality education, making it one of the most affordable cities in Europe to live and study in
- Dedicated career and employment support: BSBI Berlin a range of career support services to its students
- Academic excellence: The teachers at the school are experienced industry professionals who pass on their expertise through hands-on teaching methods
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4 years ago
R
4 years ago
Hello John. To know about public universities that teach in English visit: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/universities-in-germany-that-teach-in-english-articlepage-2073 Do keep in mind that this is a select list and does not include all universities. Do note that public universities do not have a
Yes, public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for both domestic and international students, making it possible for students to study for free. However, students may need to pay a small administrative fee, ranging from €100 to €350 each semester.