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Top 10 Public Universities in Germany for International Students

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Dynamic Education Consultants

16-06-2025
Top 10 Public Universities in Germany for International Students

Germany is a hot-spot destination among international students who want to study abroad. But why? Because Germany offers great education at public universities without tuition fees. That is, students can earn a great degree without incurring large student loans. In addition, there are many job opportunities, vibrant student cities, and an easy way to obtain a student visa in Germany. That is why thousands of students apply annually. If you want to study in Germany, it is an important decision to select the right university. Here, we discuss the top 10 public universities in Germany for international students. These universities are highly acclaimed for their quality of education, high international ranking, and support for students from all over the world.

A Quick Overlook at The Top 10 Public Universities In Germany

 

University City Strong Areas Living Cost (€/month)
TUM Munich Engineering & Tech 800–1,200
LMU Munich Sciences, Business, Natural Sciences 1,170
RWTH Aachen Aachen Engineering, Materials 570
University of Berlin Berlin Political Science, Social Science, Engineering 850
Humboldt University Berlin Berlin Social Science, Humanities 850
Technical University Berlin Berlin Engineering 850
Heidelberg University Heidelberg Medicine, Health 625
University of Tübingen Tübingen History, Classics 464
University of Freiburg Freiburg Humanities, Natural Sciences 800
University of Bonn Bonn Sciences, Humanities 628

 

1. Technical University of Munich (TUM)

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is situated in the midst of Bavaria. It ranks among the best universities in Germany. It also ranks among the best universities in the world, being particularly well known for its engineering, computer sciences, and natural sciences.

TUM has numerous English programs, which is convenient for international students to enroll. In addition to classes, TUM collaborates with large companies such as BMW, Siemens, and Google. This provides excellent opportunities for students to have internships and jobs after graduation.

If you are looking for a study visa for Germany, TUM is an excellent choice to include on your application. Being a state university, it is free of charge, but you will have to demonstrate that you can support living expenses—about €11,209 per annum, which accounts for a major portion of study visa requirements for Germany.

2. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)

Another Munich gem is Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU), one of Germany’s oldest and top-ranked universities. LMU is renowned in humanities, social sciences, law, and natural sciences. It boasts a high level of research publication and ranks in the world’s top 100 universities consistently.

LMU has a very international student population and provides numerous English-taught courses. Munich provides the students with the best of two worlds: excellent education and a rich culture.

For your student Germany visa, LMU is an appropriate option. Students seeking a student visa German program at LMU need to demonstrate financial resources and obtain adequate health insurance, both of the significant Germany requirements for a student visa.

3. RWTH Aachen University

RWTH Aachen University is Germany’s largest technical university. It is based in the western city of Aachen. The university is extremely famous for engineering and technology and has students from more than 130 nations.

The university is traditionally active in practice-oriented teaching and research. It furthermore boasts a high number of master’s degrees taught in English, particularly for mechanical engineering, computer science, and physics.

Applicants who want to acquire a student visa to Germany should be informed that RWTH, among other state universities, does not charge tuition fees. However, you will be required to provide a blocked account of around €11,209 upon applying for your visa in the Germany student process. 

4. University of Berlin

University of Berlin, established post-World War II, is Germany’s top university in social sciences, humanities, and international relations. Based in Germany’s capital city, it provides a vibrant setting with plenty of cultural events, networking, and student groups.

The university is highly networked in the world and offers a range of English-language master’s. There are a number of international students who study politics, history, or culture at the University.

Berlin is also a relatively inexpensive city for students in relation to other European capitals. If you are a candidate for a study visa to Germany, it is comparatively easier to have an admission letter from here than from other universities, provided that you qualify financially and by insurance for a student visa from Germany.

5. Humboldt University of Berlin

Also in the capital city is the Humboldt University, one of Germany’s oldest and most elite schools of learning. It has graduated numerous Nobel laureates and is renowned for its challenging courses in philosophy, literature, history, and the sciences. Humboldt provides a helpful setting for international students, with language classes and academic advice. The campus is located close to many historical and political sites in Berlin, which enhances the student experience. For the German student visa procedure, Humboldt is included in the regular visa processes. Similar to other state universities, no fees need to be paid, but living costs in Berlin can be anywhere from €800 to €1,200 per month.  

6. Technical University of Berlin

And yet another great school in the capital is the Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin). The university is highly esteemed for engineering, architecture, computer science, and business.

TU Berlin is a member of the TU9 network of top technical universities and features a variety of international study programs delivered in English. The university’s location offers students access to Berlin’s dynamic startup scene, tech clusters, and multinational companies.

For your German student visa application, TU Berlin perfectly fits into the public university category, no fee, but you need to show strong financial means for the stability of your stay in Germany. This involves opening a blocked account or demonstrating a scholarship, both of which are required to fulfill Germany’s study visa requirements.

7. Heidelberg University

Founded in 1386, Heidelberg University is the oldest in Germany and among the most prestigious research universities in Europe. It’s particularly famous for its medical, life sciences, and humanities schools.

The university is located in a quaint town with a great academic setting and serene environment—perfect for serious learning. Heidelberg receives many foreign exchange students and provides full assistance to them.

Similar to other universities, Heidelberg does not have tuition fees. For a German student visa, you must obtain the following documents: passport, proof of funds, insurance, and an admission letter. Heidelberg also offers special assistance with visas for incoming students.

8. University of Tübingen

If you like a classic university town, then Tübingen University is where you’ll want to be. It is renowned for philosophy, theology, German philology, and archaeology. The town itself is charming, with plenty of old buildings and student cafes.

The university has a large international student population and a number of courses are taught in English. Tübingen is peaceful, secure, and much less expensive to live in than big cities—ideal for overseas students who need to be frugal.

Those looking for a visa Germany student have a lower cost of living (approximately €700–€800/month). The conditions for obtaining a visa are also the same: blocked account, insurance, and letter of acceptance.

9. University of Freiburg

The University of Freiburg is located close to the Black Forest. It is famous for its lovely campus, excellent research, and high academic standards. It performs well in humanities, social sciences, and environmental sciences.

Freiburg is a small but international and environmentally aware city. The university has many contacts in the whole world, and that makes the university very popular among foreign students.

If you wish to get a study visa for Germany, you will do exactly the same things that you do for other schools: provide proof of funds, be covered under health insurance, and obtain admission. Freiburg assists the new students a lot, simplifying the visa process.

10. University of Bonn

Finally, the University of Bonn is a great place, particularly for economics, physics, and mathematics. It’s located in a beautiful city on the Rhine River and has numerous United Nations offices and international organizations.

The university mixes old traditions with new ideas and has more and more international students. It also has many research centers, providing excellent chances for further studies after graduation.

For your German student visa, Bonn employs a standard checklist. Students do not pay any fees but rather take into account living costs and documentation required to be eligible for a student visa to Germany. Conclusion Germany has rapidly emerged as one of the favorite destinations for foreign students seeking quality education at affordable prices. The procedure of obtaining a study visa to Germany is simple, and the universities offer excellent English courses. That is why students from across the globe flock here to study. The ten universities we have listed above all have programs for all—technology, arts, medicine, business, and more. And the catch? No tuition fee. Just prepare your documents in advance, get qualified for a Germany study visa, and get ready for a wonderful learning experience in one of the best places to learn.

Germany Study Visa: What You Need to Know

If you want to study at one of these top public universities, you will need a Germany student visa. Below are the basic Germany requirements for student visa:

  • A letter of admission from a German university
  • Proof of financial resources (you need to show you can cover your living expenses)
  • Valid passport
  •  Health insurance
  •  Visa application form

Students looking forward to studying in Germany can start applying for a Germany study visa once they get their admission letter. Make sure to check the latest Germany study visa requirements before you apply.

Also, make sure to start your visa application early. The process can take some time, and you want to make sure your visa is ready before your classes start!

Why Choose a Public University in Germany?

  • Low or no tuition fees
  • High quality education
  • Many English-taught programs
  • Strong job prospects after graduation

Public universities in Germany are well-known for giving international students a great experience at a low cost. That’s why they are so popular with students from all over the world.

Final Thoughts

Germany is a fantastic place for higher education. Whether you want to study engineering, business, medicine, or the arts, Germany’s public universities have something for you. Once you get your admission letter, don’t forget to prepare your student visa documents and apply for your Germany study visa. Studying in Germany could be the best decision you ever make!

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