Germany has the best public universities that accespts international students. Most of these schools charge little to no tuition fees. Awesome right?
Additionally these universities offer a wide range of programs. Whether you’re looking to study advanced degrees, the public universities in Germany provide you with the best options for MBA programs as well as other postgraduate studies.
Also have it in mind that you’re not just gaining academic excellence but you are also equipped with practical experience.
Moreover, with the structure of their education system, you can easily find part-time jobs as an international student.
Without further ado, this post will let you in on the list of top public universities in Germany as well as the best public universities for MBA.
10 Best public universities in Germany
1. Technical University of Munich(TUM)
This is one of the best public universities in Germany and it’s one of the top prestigious universities as well.
Located in Munich, the Technical University of Munich offers programs in engineering, technology, life sciences and natural sciences. TUM also accepts international students.
What’s more? You get to enjoy a good standard of living, explore cultural events and an excellent public transport system giving you an amazing experience .
Additionally, while their mode of instruction is English, basic German proficiency is needed if you’re an international student.
2. Ludwig Maximilian University Munich
This university situated in Munich is one of the oldest and top prestigious public universities in Europe. Ludwig Maximilian university offers programs in humanities , social sciences and business all in English.
The mode of instruction is also English, however, basic German proficiency is required for international students. Additionally, the semester enrollment fee is €100-€300 per semester.
3. Heidelberg University
As one of the oldest universities in Germany, Heidelberg provides a blend of tradition and modern research excellence. They offer degrees in over 160 programs and masters as well as PhD programs in sciences and humanities.
Heidelberg university accepts students from all part of the globe and is located in picturesque town of Heidelberg, known for its architecture and rich cultural scene.
The semester enrollment fee is €1500 per semester.
4. Humboldt University of Berlin
This university is situated in Berlin and is noted for its contribution to the humanities and sciences. Humboldt University offers master programs in economics and global studies.
Although the mode of instruction is English, basic German proficiency is needed for international students.
Most of their known courses include:business science, economics, and European history.
Additionally, the semester enrollment fee is €209-€325 per semester.
5.Freie Universitat Berlin
This university is renowned for its distinction in disciplines such as political science and economics.
Looking for a German public university that charges only a modest semester fee? Yet giving a supportive academic environment? Then Freie Universitat should be on your top list.
6. RWTH Aachen University
This university is the largest technical university and it offers a unique academic experience, combining top-notch facilities , a vibrant student life as well as securing career prospects for graduates.
This university is located in Aachen which is a welcoming community and student-friendly, making your stay here worthwhile.
What’s more? RWTH Aachen University offers lots of master’s programs for international students that’s in English —so language barrier isn’t a problem . However, while the primary mode of instruction is English, if you’re an international student, you need to have the basic German proficiency.
Some of the programs they offer include; Applied Geophysics, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, Micro and Nanoelectronics, Electrical Power Engineering, and Civil Engineering.
The semester enrollment fee is €300.19.
7. Technische Universität Dresden (TUD)
Technische Universität Dresden (TUD) is one of the best universities in Dresden,Germany. If you’re looking for a university with good academic excellence as well as strong research strength, then TUD should be on top of your list.
Some of the courses that are popular in this university include Geology, Environmental, Earth and Marine Sciences, Civil Engineering, General Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Communication and Media Studies.
The enrollment fee per semester is €270. Although the basic language of instruction is English, if you are an international student, you need to have a basic proficiency in German.
8.Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin)
This university is highly regarded in Germany as it’s known for its academic excellence. TU Berlin offers a high quality education, international networking and research opportunities.
TU Berlin also offers 26 programs in English without tuition fees, making this a good option for international students.What’s more? The university provides good support services such as assistance with admissions as well as accommodation.
The semester enrollment fee is €307.54 + €19.94 per semester, and while the mode of instruction is English, for international students basic German proficiency is required .
TU Berlin is an excellent choice If you’re seeking a challenging and rewarding academic experience,
9. University of Cologne
The University of Cologne is one of Germany’s largest universities. It is an institution at the forefront of management and business studies programs. It gives students a solid foundation in these fields, preparing them for leadership roles in various industries.
Some MBA and business-related programs are available in English, but most courses are taught in English and German.
The free tuition for postgraduate programs makes the university of Cologne a great choice for further academic pursuit.
10. University of Freiburg
The University of Freiburg is a public university in Germany, it has a great reputation and a welcoming environment with over 24,000 students, including 3,500 from other countries. The university is a great choice for both undergraduate and graduate programs and also offers an exciting international experience
Several programs at the University of Freiburg are offered in English, but basic German skills are needed for international students. The popular courses include Microsystems Engineering,Engineering and Management, Renewable Energy, Solar Energy Engineering, Global Urban Health, and Neuroscience.
International students have a great option as tuition is affordable and the cost of living is low. The location of the university in central Europe makes it easy to travel and explore the continent.
Additionally, a supportive service has been offered by the university of Freiburg to help with admissions, housing, and integration into campus life, ensuring a smooth transition for international students.
How to get accepted into Germany Public universities
It’s quite competitive to get admission to the public universities in Germany. However, you can learn how to apply correctly to study abroad so as to increase your chances of getting in.
The main application process consists of the following steps:
Step 1: Apply to the University of Your Choice
In order to gain admission into the university you desire in Germany, you need to submit your application through one of these ways:
- the school official portal
- the centralized admission portal for international students that’s made available by the German academic exchange service(note: it’s not all university that makes use of this system, so do your research properly)
- Directly to the university’s international office.
During this process, you would have to fill the application form , upload the documents required by the school and then pay the application fee.
The required documents for a German university application include; valid passport, academic transcript , language proficiency test scores, completed and signed application form, application fee payment receipt and passport photo.
German universities usually have two intakes— The summer intakes, for this your application has to be submitted by 15 January and the winter intakes— your application has to be submitted by 15 July.
However, every university has their deadline so you need to follow up closely with this via their website.
Step 2: Get your Finances Ready
The next step to secure your admission into a German university is to make sure your finances are ready. This is because proper financial planning will make your study abroad journey run smoothly.
You need to plan ahead and make sure that you have enough funds to cover your living and educational expenses.
Here are some ways to finance your studies in Germany:
- Apply for student loans
- Apply for scholarships
- Take up part-time jobs
- Use personal savings
- Seek support from parental income
As an International student, you can explore DAAD( The German Academic Exchange Service )scholarships, but if you are a student from the EU , you can apply for Erasmus scholarship programs.
Since scholarships are highly competitive, it’s preferable to apply to multiple options to increase your chances.
Step 3: Apply for a Student Visa
When you have completed the initial steps of the German university admission process, the next step is obtaining a student visa.
Visa requirements may vary depending on your home country, the purpose of your stay, and the duration of your studies in Germany.
While EU students do not need a visa or any special documentation to study in Germany, some Non-EU students from certain countries are also exempt from visa requirements.
You can visit the Federal Foreign Office website for detailed information to confirm whether you need a visa.
Some of the basic documents required when applying for a student visa include :
– Valid passport
– Proof of financial resources
– Student health insurance
– Academic transcripts
– Language proficiency test results (German or English, depending on your program)
– Acceptance letter from your university
You need to ensure that you have all the required documents as this will make the visa application process smoother.