Top 10 Public Universities in Germany in 2026

If you are looking for study abroad, Germany is maybe the best option right now. Everyone talk about the Top 10 German Public Universities because they are very strong in education. The biggest benefit is the money.

In most countries, college is very expensive, but in Germany, the public universities are mostly free. You usually don't pay big tuition fees, just a small semester contribution every six months. This covers your transport ticket also.

German Universities like Technical University of Munich and LMU Munich has very high ranking in the world. They are famous for Engineering, Computer Science, and Medicine. But you have to check rules carefully. For example, universities in Baden-Württemberg state (like Heidelberg) charge fees for international students. Also, TUM change rules recently and take money for some courses.

Getting admission in Germany is not easy because competition is high. You need good marks. Also, living in German cities like Berlin or Munich is nice but can be little costly for rent. But overall, degree from Germany give you great job chance. So, look at this list of best public universities in Germany to plan your future.

List of Best Public Universities in Germany 2026

Top 10 Public Universities in Germany 2026

The list of top universities in Germany have all the public universities. The best public universities in Germany are Technical University of Munich, LMU, Universität Heidelberg, Free University. Details for each of the universities can be checked below. 

Technical University of Munich (TUM)

This is maybe the most famous place for technology in Germany. If you want to study Engineering or Computer Science, this is dream college. But be careful, now they started asking for tuition fees from international students. Before it was free. It is in Munich, which is very beautiful but expensive city. Finding a room here is big headache. The exams are very tough and pressure is high. But if you pass, the degree has great value for jobs.

Technical University of Munich Information

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU)

Also in Munich, this university is top for Medicine and Arts. Unlike TUM, here usually there is no tuition fee, just small semester tax. The campus is old and looks like classic history. It is very huge, so sometimes you feel lost in crowd. Getting admission in LMU is very hard because everyone wants to come here. If you like culture, you will enjoy. But again, keep money ready for high rent costs.

LMU Munich Information

Heidelberg University

This is the oldest one in Germany, looks like movie scene. It is famous in world for Medicine and Law. The town is small, safe and full of students. But remember strict rule: it is in Baden-Württemberg state. So, students from outside EU must pay 1,500 Euro fees every semester. It is not free like Berlin. The research here is best quality, especially for Life Sciences.

Heidelberg University Information

Free University of Berlin (FU Berlin)

Located in capital Berlin, this is very strong for Political Science and history subjects. Best news is no tuition fees, it is totally free. The campus is in green area called Dahlem, little far from party center. Berlin is cool and international. You get a semester ticket for free public transport. The atmosphere is very relaxed and open, not strict like technical schools.

Free University of Berlin Information

KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology

People call this "MIT of Germany". It is beast for Mechanical Engineering. If you love cars and machines, come here. It is also in Baden-Württemberg, so you have to pay the 1,500 Euro fees. The city Karlsruhe is boring for tourists but practical for study. The campus is huge, they even have nuclear reactor! Exams are known to be very difficult, so you must study very hard to survive.

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Information

RWTH Aachen University

This is pure paradise for Engineering. If you study here, companies respect you a lot. It is close to border of Netherlands. There are no tuition fees, so it is very cheap. The city Aachen is small and full of students, mostly boys studying machines. Finding accommodation in Aachen is little easier than Munich but still stress. The connection with industry is the best point here.

RWTH Aachen University Information

Humboldt University of Berlin

This universities has all the latest infra required for modern studies. Candiadtes willing to study Philosophy, Law can study in German public university, Humboldt University.

Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin)

TU is excellent for Engineering and Architecture. The campus looks like factory, very industrial style. It has cool, alternative vibe. But be ready: classes are very big. The Mathematics courses are famous for failing weak students, they call it "filter subjects".

University of Hamburg

This is big university for Law and Business. The campus is mixed inside the city. Rent is high, almost like Munich. People are little quiet at first but friendly later. Good place if you want big city life but not chaos of Berlin.

University of Hamburg Information

Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg

This is one of the best public universities in Germany. Candidates willing study Computer Science, Medicine & Health Sciences, and Education can apply for Albert Ludwigs University. The acceptance rate of this universities are around 33%.

Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg Information

Public Universities in Germany: Cost of Studying for Indian Students

The fees of studying in Germamy is a major concern for every Indian students. Studying in Public Universities in Germany is the best option for Indian students because it is very budget friendly. Unlike USA or UK, most universities here charge zero tuition fees, so you save lakhs of rupees. However, it is not completely free of cost. 

You still have to pay a small semester contribution (approx 300 Euro) every six months, which covers your public transport ticket. The biggest money you need to arrange is for the Blocked Account, where you must deposit around 12,000 Euro to show for visa proof. Also, while college is cheap, the living cost like rent and food is high in cities, but you can easily manage this by doing part-time work along with your studies.

Cost of studying in Public German Universities for 1 Year (Approx)

Apply to a Public University in Germany

Applying to a Public University in Germany is the dream for many Indian students because they have zero tuition fees. But the process is little bit different from UK or USA. You have to be careful with documents. Here is the step-by-step simple guide for you.

Check your Eligibility

First, you must check if your Indian degree is valid in Germany. You can check this on Anabin database or DAAD website. Your college should be marked as "H+". If it is H+/-, you might face problem.

Get APS Certificate (Very Important)

This is a new rule for Indian students. Before you apply to any university, you must have APS Certificate.

• You apply online on APS India website.

• Send your documents (marksheets, degree) to them.

• They verify if your degree is real.

• Warning: This takes time (1-3 months), so apply for APS before everything else!

Prepare Language Tests

• For English Course: You need IELTS (usually 6.5 bands) or TOEFL.

• For German Course: You need certificates like TestDaF or DSH (Level B2 or C1).

• Even for English courses, learning A1 or A2 German is good for your survival there.

Where to Apply? (Uni-assist)

Most public universities in Germany do not accept direct emails. You have to apply through a portal called Uni-assist.

• Create an account on Uni-assist.

• Upload all your documents (Passport, APS, IELTS, Transcripts).

• Pay the application fee. It is usually €75 for first college and €30 for every extra college.

After you submit, you have to wait for 1-2 months. If you get the Admission Letter, congrats! Now you can open your Blocked Account and apply for Visa.

Why are all top-ranked universities in Germany public?

In Germany, almost all top-ranked universities are public because the government supports them fully. They believe education is a right, not a business to make money. The state gives huge funding for research and facilities, so these colleges don't need to depend on tuition fees from students to pay bills.

The main focus here is quality, not profit. In other countries, private universities in Germany are famous brands, but in Germany, they are usually small and charge high money. The public universities like TUM or Heidelberg have the best professors and history. Because they use tax money, they select students only on merit. Whether you are rich or poor, if you have good marks, you get the best education. This is why their degree has so much value in the world.

Advantages of Studying at a Public University in Germany

There are many benefits of studying in public universities in Germany. Some of the general benefits are mentioned below: 

• Free Education: This is the main reason. In most states, there is no tuition fee. You study almost free of cost. You don't need to take heavy loans from bank like in USA.

• Top Quality: These universities are run by government. So, the standard of education is very high.

• Post Study Work Visa: After completing course, you are not forced to leave. You get 18 months extra time to find a job. This is very helpful for settling down in Europe.

• English Courses: You don't need to be expert in German language always. Many Master degrees are taught in English, so it is easy for international students.

• Low Living Cost: Compared to UK or America, the cost of living in Germany is manageable. You also get student discounts for food, cinema, and travel.

Do you need to speak German to study at a German university?

This is the most common question students ask. The answer depends on what you want to study.

• For Bachelor Degree: Most of the undergraduate courses in public universities are taught in the German language. You must have a high level proficiency, like C1 level or clear the TestDaF exam. Finding an English bachelor course is very rare and hard.

• For Master Degree: You will study masters courses in Germany in English. Many universities offer MS programs fully in English. This includes popular courses in Germany like Engineering, Computer Science, and Business. You don't need German for class; you just need IELTS or TOEFL score to prove your English is good.

• Daily Life: Even if your course is in English, learning basic German language (like A1 or A2 level) is very important. It helps you in supermarket, talking to landlord, and making friends. Also, if you know German, getting part-time jobs in Germany becomes much easier.