Top universities, types of higher education institutions and costs at a glance

Germany is the most popular non-English-speaking destination for international students. Around 14 per cent of the country’s approximately three million students come from abroad. Often simply referred to in German as Unis, German universities are popular for their strong research, excellent teaching and close links with industry. These links provide valuable practical experience and help graduates find good jobs quickly. 

Which German universities are the best rated?

Germany’s highest-ranked universities in the annual Times Higher Education (THE) international ranking are the Technical University of Munich (25th), Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (41st), Heidelberg University (45th), the University of Bonn (89th), RWTH Aachen University (90th) and Humboldt University of Berlin (91st). All receive funding for cutting-edge research under the Excellence Strategy. From 2027, a total of 15 Universities of Excellence and university alliances will receive funding of up to €28 million each per year. The universities of Freiburg, Jena and Cologne will join the 

What types of universities are there in Germany?

Germany has 421 higher education institutions, divided into several categories: These include universities, universities of applied sciences (HAW/FH), art and music colleges, and vocational academies. Both traditional universities and universities of applied sciences are classed as higher education institutions. 

Regular universities attach great importance to research, while universities of applied sciences are geared more towards practical training in areas such as engineering, economics or the social sciences. Art and music colleges offer subjects such as music, architecture, art and design. Vocational academies offer dual study programmes where students spend a certain period of time in a company, although this type of programme is available at numerous universities and HAW, too.

How much does it cost to study in Germany?

Around 60 per cent of higher education institutions in Germany are publicly funded: also referred to as “public” institutions, they do not charge tuition fees. Only in Baden-Württemberg are international students from non-EU countries required to pay €1,500 per semester. Around 30 per cent of higher education institutions are state-recognised but privately run, most of them universities of applied sciences. They may charge substantial tuition fees. Students should budget between €800 and €1,200 per month for living expenses.