Did you know that around 2.87 million students were enrolled in German universities during the winter semester? Of these, approximately 85.9% – or 2.5 million students – were enrolled in public institutions in the winter 2023/24 semester. This clearly shows that a vast majority of both local and international students in Germany choose public universities. If you are planning to pursue higher education at a public university in Germany and are wondering which ones top the list, this guide will help you explore the best options.
Key Highlights of Public Universities in Germany:
- No tuition fees: Most German public universities do not charge tuition fees, regardless of nationality. However, students are required to pay semester fees, which cover administrative costs, student services, and often public transportation. That said, a handful of public universities, such as the Technical University of Munich, now are charging tuition fees specifically for non-EU/EEA students.
- Degrees are recognized across Europe: Most degrees at German public universities are aligned with the Bologna process. This framework ensures that the degree earned in countries like – German public universities – are recognized across all member states of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).
- For example, if you earn a Bachelor’s degree from a German public university, your degree is accepted and recognized in other European countries, making it easier to pursue further studies or to find employment.
Top 10 Public Universities in Germany for International Students
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PictureUniversity NameCoursesUniversity Details
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Technical University of Munich (TUM)Master’s: Robotics, Aerospace Engineering, and Data Science
Bachelor’s: Computer Science and Mechanical EngineeringFull-time/ Part-time
Online/ On-campus
QS Rankings: 28
Tuition Fees: EUR 2,000- 3,000 (B) and EUR 4,000- 6,000 (M)
Acceptance Rate: 8% -
Ludwig-Maximilians- Universität München (LMU)Master’s: Data Science and Biochemistry
Bachelor’s: Business AdministrationFull-time/ Part-time
Online/ On-campus
QS Rankings: 59
Semester Fees: Around EUR 350
Acceptance Rate: 10% -
University of HeidelbergMaster’s: Computer Engineering and Computer Science
Bachelor’s: Public Law and Political ScienceFull-time/ Part-time
Online/ On-campus
QS Rankings: 84
Semester Fees: EUR 1,500 per sem
Acceptance Rate: 17% -
Freie Universität BerlinMaster’s: Mathematics and Bioinformatics
Bachelor’s: Natural Sciences and EconomicsFull-time/ Part-time
Online/ On-campus
QS Rankings: 97
Semester Fees: Around EUR 300 – 400
Acceptance Rate: 15% -
RWTH Aachen UniversityMaster’s: Data Science and Biomedical Engineering
Bachelor’s: Computer Engineering & Electrical Engineering, and Information TechnologyFull-time and part-time
Online and on-campus
QS Rankings: 99
Semester Fees: EUR 300 per semester
Acceptance Rate: 10% -
KIT (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology)Master’s: Remote Sensing and Geoinformatics, and Water Science and Engineering
Bachelor’s: Mechanical Engineering and Electrical EngineeringFull-time/ Part-time
Online/ On-campus
QS Rankings: 102
Tuition Fees (Non-EU/EEA Students): EUR 1,500 per semester
Acceptance Rate: Between 20%- 30% -
Humboldt-Universitat zu BerlinMaster’s: Economics and European History
Bachelor’s: Biology and PsychologyFull-time/ Part-time
Online/ On-campus
QS Rankings: 126
Semester Fees: Around EUR 315
Tuition Fees: EUR 10,000 to 15,000 for full program
Acceptance Rate: 18% -
Technical University of BerlinMaster’s: Architecture and Computer Science
Bachelor’s: Mechanical Engineering and Electrical EngineeringFull-time/ Part-time
Online/ On-campus
QS Rankings: 147
Semester Fees: Around EUR 329
Acceptance Rate: 52% -
University of HamburgMaster’s: Economics and Business Administration
Bachelor’s: BusinessFull-time/ Part-time
Online On-campus
QS Rankings: 191
Semester Fees: EUR 343
Acceptance Rate: 18%- 24% -
Albert-Ludwigs-Universität FreiburgMaster’s: Computer Science and Biomedical Sciences
Bachelor’s: LawFull-time/ Part-time
Online and on-campus
QS Rankings: 212
Semester Fees: EUR 190 and
Tuition Fees: EUR 1,500 per semester
Acceptance Rate: 33%
Public vs Private German Universities
Below is a comparison table of public universities and private universities in Germany.
| Aspect | Public Universities | Private Universities |
| Tuition Fees | Mostly tuition-free education for local and international students. | Private universities charge tuition fees ranging between EUR 5,000 and EUR 20,000 per year. |
| Number of Universities | More than 80. | Around 21. |
| Funding Source | Funded by the government. | Funded by private entities. |
| Rankings | Many public universities make it to the global rankings like the QS and THE (Times Higher Education). | Few private universities make it to the global university rankings. |
| Semester Fees | Semester fees are charged separately in public universities. | Semester fees may be bundled within the total tuition costs. |
| Class Sizes | Larger | Smaller |
| Intake | Few intakes. Mainly Winter (Oct) and Summer (Apr). | Multiple intakes. Fall, Summer, and some offer rolling admissions. |
| Application Deadlines | July and January | Flexible deadlines. Some accept applications year-round. |
| Admission | Competitive, especially in top-ranked universities. | Flexible admission requirements. |
How to Apply to a Public University in Germany?
Here is a step-by-step process to apply to a public university in Germany:
- Use the DAAD.de portal to explore various public universities in Germany and the courses they offer.
- Apply to the courses using the uni-assist.de portal. The portal is a centralized application platform for international students, allowing them to apply to approximately 180 institutions, including public universities.
- Fill out the application form, including your educational history, name, and contact details.
- Pay the processing fee. The uni-assist portal charges an application fee of EUR 75 for the first application and EUR 30 for every application thereafter.
- Submit the application form.
What is the Cost of Studying at Public Universities in Germany?
Here is a detailed breakdown of the cost of studying at public universities in Germany for international students:
| Expense Category | Cost |
| Semester Fees | EUR 100 to EUR 350 |
| Accommodation | EUR 410 per month |
| Food and Groceries | EUR 198 per month |
| Health Insurance | EUR 110 to EUR 130 per month |
| Transportation Costs | EUR 65 |
| Miscellaneous Costs | EUR 144 per month |
| Total Cost | EUR 1,162 – EUR 1,500 per month |
Conclusion
Public universities in Germany offer high-quality education with little to no tuition fees. In addition to this, these universities rank among the top global universities, making them a top choice for higher education. If you are planning to pursue higher education in Germany, make sure public universities are your top choice.
FAQs
Yes, international students can work while studying at public universities. Germany allows international students to work up to 120 full days or 240 half days in a year.
Yes, German public universities offer Bachelor’s and Master’s courses in English, especially in fields like engineering and business.
Absolutely, studying at a German public university is worth it, as the fees are either reasonable or entirely waived. Moreover, German public universities provide top-notch education and world-class research facilities, making them highly valuable institutions.