Public vs Private Universities in Germany: Which University Should You Choose?

Germany is one of the top countries to study for international students. The main reason is its high-quality education system and the chance to study at a low cost or sometimes even for free. But when choosing a university in Germany, there are two main types: public universities and private universities.

Public universities in Germany are funded by the government, so they offer almost free education to both local and international students. On the other hand, private universities in Germany are tuition-based and often charge higher fees, but they offer more flexible admission and sometimes specialised programs.

So, now, which type of German university is better for you? To help answer this, we also ran a student poll. Out of 455 votes, around 81% said they prefer public universities in Germany. Only 12% voted for private universities, while the rest were unsure. In this article, we will explain the main differences between public and private universities in Germany, like fees, admission rules, application deadlines, ranking, and more. This will help you decide which one is the right fit for you.

How much does it cost to study in public or private universities in Germany?

The first big difference between public and private universities in Germany is the tuition fee. Most public universities in Germany are free of cost because they are funded by the government. Students only need to pay a semester fee, which is usually around €250 to €350. For example, if you study Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Computer Science at the Technical University of Munich (a public university), you don’t have to pay any tuition fees. You only need to pay around €350 per semester as semester fee.

But when it comes to private universities in Germany, you have to pay the tuition fee. The private universities in Germany are much more expensive.  A simple MBA at Frankfurt School of Finance & Management (a private university) will cost you around INR 42 Lakh.

What are the admission requirements for public or private universities in Germany?

The second big difference between public and private universities in Germany is the admission requirements.

Public universities in Germany usually have higher admission standards. These universities are open to both local and international students, so the competition is tough. Especially for popular programs like Engineering, Computer Science, or Business, the number of applications is always more than the available seats.

Some public universities also have something called Numerus Clausus (NC), which means only a limited number of students will be accepted. These programs need better grades (GPA) to get in.

Now, for private universities in Germany, the situation is different. They are more flexible with GPA and marks. If you have average scores but are ready to pay the tuition fee, there is a better chance you’ll get in. That’s why some students choose private universities; they feel the German admission process is easier.

So if you're worried about your grades or missed the deadlines for public universities, private universities in Germany can still be a good backup option.

When are the application deadlines for public or private universities in Germany?

The third difference between public and private universities in Germany is the application deadline.

There are two main intakes in Germany:

• Winter semester: Starts in October – Application deadline is July 15th
• Summer semester: Starts in April – Application deadline is January 15th

These dates mostly apply to public universities in Germany. If you're planning to apply to a public university, ensure that you submit your documents at least eight weeks before the deadline. This gives you enough time to fix any errors or submit missing papers.

Now, for private universities in Germany, the rules are a bit more relaxed. Most private universities in Germany have flexible deadlines, and some even accept rolling admissions. That means you can apply anytime during the year, but it's still better to apply early.

Also, if you're not sure which semester to apply for, the winter semester is more popular. That’s because it offers more courses, larger student intake, and better chances of getting accepted.

Which semester should you start your studies in?

This is one of the most common questions for students planning to study in Germany: Winter semester or Summer semester?

Winter Semester in Germany

• Starts in October and ends in March
• This is the main intake
• Most courses are available
• Public universities accept more students
• Better chances of admission

That’s why most international students apply for the winter semester. If you want more course options and better admission chances, go for the winter intake in Germany.

Summer Semester in Germany

• Starts in April and ends in September
• Fewer courses are offered
• Not all programs are available
• Limited intake of students

But don’t worry, if your dream course is offered in the summer intake in Germany, just apply! Some students prefer this intake because there’s less competition.

How many programs are offered at public or private universities in Germany?

The fourth difference between public and private universities in Germany is the number of study programs. Germany has a total of 428 higher education institutions, among which 313 are public and 115 are private. Out of these, public universities offer 90% of all study programs in the country. That means if you're looking for variety, public universities give you more options.

If you look at the courses offered at the different universities in Germany, you will have a clear idea of which is offering what. 

• Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (public): Offers over 200 academic programs across many fields, including natural sciences, humanities, law, medicine, and social sciences.
• ESCP Business School (private): Offers less than 15 degree programs in specialized business areas (official source: ESCP).

This clearly shows that public universities in Germany have a much wider selection of courses, from Engineering and Medicine to Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.

But this doesn't mean private universities in Germany are bad. Some private German universities specialize in fields like Business, Management, or Design, and their programs are more industry-focused.

Ranking of Public and Private Universities in Germany

Everyone wants to study at a university that has a good global ranking. It not only helps your resume stand out, but also increases your chances of getting a good job after graduation.

According to the QS World University Rankings 2026, Germany has 30 universities in the list of top 500 universities in the world. Out of these, all of the top-ranked German universities are public universities, and there is no place for private universities.

This clearly shows that public universities in Germany are more recognized internationally. Some of the top public universities include:

All of these have strong records in research, teaching, and international reputation.

On the other hand, private universities in Germany are not as high in the rankings, but that doesn’t mean they are bad. Some, like ESMT Berlin or Jacobs University Bremen, are known for modern facilities, industry links, and small class sizes.

Are private universities in Germany good?

Yes, private universities in Germany are also good, but in a different way from public ones. Even though most top-ranked universities are public, private universities still offer high-quality education. In fact, many private universities are known for:

• Modern classrooms and labs
• Strong industry connections
• Smaller class sizes
• English-taught programs
• Personalised support for international students

If you want a more practical, career-focused education, then a private university in Germany could be a better option. Some private universities even offer paid internships or company projects as part of the course.

And one more thing, one needs to consider, the cost of private education in Germany is still lower than in countries like the USA or UK. So even if you are paying tuition, you are still getting great value at a cheaper cost.

List of Top Private Universities in Germany

Should I study in a public or private university in Germany?

There are three main types of higher education institutions in Germany: Universities, Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen), and Academies of Arts, Music, and Film (Kunst- und Musikhochschulen). 

In the academic session 2022/23, universities had 251,872 international students, while universities of applied sciences had 115,706 international students. Each of these German university types is for both public and private universities. 

Now, this is the main question for every international student: Public or Private, which one should you choose? The answer to the same is dependent upon the individual's goal. If you want:

• Low or no tuition fees
• A globally ranked university
• A wide range of program options
  A strong academic reputation

Then, a public university in Germany is the best choice. And our poll result confirms that too, 81% of students said they prefer public universities.

But if you:

• Have a lower GPA
• Want a more flexible admission process
• Are looking for industry-focused programs
• Don’t mind paying higher tuition fees

Then, consider applying to a private university in Germany. You’ll still get a high-quality education, often with modern facilities, small class sizes, and strong career support.