164 Best Universities & Colleges in Germany for International Students (2026)

Germany attracts students seeking tuition-free or low-cost public universities, strong research programs, and practical training through internships or co-op semesters. 

Below are a few reasons why so many international students choose Germany: 

• 5 Universities in the Top 100 QS World Ranking 2026: Germany has five universities in the global top 100, including TUM at 22, LMU Munich at 58, Heidelberg at 80, Freie Universität Berlin at 88, and KIT at 98.
• Free of Cost Education: As mentioned above, most public universities in Germany charge no tuition fees for international students, which reduces overall study expenses.
• Low Cost of Studying: Students usually manage with €10,000 to €12,000 per year (₹9 lakh to ₹10.8 lakh) for living costs, which is lower compared to countries like the USA or UK.
• Post-Study Work Permit: Graduates can stay in Germany for up to 18 months to find a job after completing their degree.

Germany, no doubt, is one of the best study abroad destinations in the world, as well as in Europe, with 9 universities ranking in the top 100 QS world ranking 2026. 

Below is a table of the top 10 German universities according to QS 2026:

Let’s get into the details of all 10 universities in Germany listed above in the table. We will discuss their tuition fee, acceptance rates, and more:

#22 Technical University of Munich

TUM was founded in 1868, and it is a famous university in Germany because of its great teaching in fields like engineering, natural sciences, and technology. It is also popular for its strong research-driven approach and collaborations with big companies like BMW.

• Acceptance Rate: 8 to 10%
• Popular Programs: Engineering, Computer Science, Natural Sciences
• Tuition Fee (UG/PG): €0 (public), semester fee €150 to €300 (₹15-30 K)
• Application Deadline: July 15 (Winter), Jan 15 (Summer)
• Useful Link:https://www.tum.de/

#58 Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

LMU is one of Europe’s oldest universities, having been there since 1472, located in central Munich. It is mainly known for its research part and also recognised for humanities, medicine, and social sciences. 

• Acceptance Rate: 10%
• Popular Programs: Medicine, Psychology, Humanities
• Tuition Fee (UG/PG): €0, semester fee €150-€300 (₹15-30 K)
• Application Deadline: July 15 (Winter), Jan 15 (Summer)
• Useful Link:https://www.lmu.de/

#80 Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg

Heidelberg Uni has been leading in medicine and biosciences, and also holds the 3rd position in the top 10 universities in Germany. It is Germany’s oldest university, popular for its academic history and research institutes. 

• Acceptance Rate: 15 to 20%
• Popular Programs: Medicine, biosciences, and Laq
• Tuition Fee (UG/PG): €1,500 per semester for non-EU students (₹1.5 L)
• Application Deadline: July 15 (Winter)
• Useful Link:https://www.uni-heidelberg.de/

#88 Freie Universität Berlin

Freie Universität Berlin is located in Germany’s capital city. It is popular for its subjects like political science, humanities, and international relations. Not just that, it is also a part of the German Excellence Strategy (a federal and state-funded program to boost top-tier research).

• Acceptance Rate: 15%
• Popular Programs: Political Science, Humanities, International Relations
• Tuition Fee (UG/PG): €0, semester fee €300 to €350 (₹30 to ₹35 K)
• Application Deadline: July 15 (Winter)
• Useful Link:https://www.fu-berlin.de/

#98 Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

If you are looking to get into applied sciences, then KIT can be a top choice in Germany for you. It was established in 1825 and has been popular from ages for robotics, mechanical engineering, and energy research. 

• Acceptance Rate: 20 to 25%
• Popular Programs: Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Computer Science
• Tuition Fee (UG/PG): €1,500 per semester (non-EU) (₹1.5 L)
• Application Deadline: July 15 (Winter)
• Useful Link:https://www.kit.edu/

#105 Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen

RWTH is Germany’s largest technical university. It is extremely popular among students who want to get into engineering and industrial research. It also has good ties with the automotive and manufacturing industries.

• Acceptance Rate: 10 to 15%
• Popular Programs: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science
• Tuition Fee (UG/PG): €0, semester fee €300 (₹30 K)
• Application Deadline: July 15 (Winter)
• Useful Link:https://www.rwth-aachen.de/

#130 Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Humboldt University is one of the top universities in Germany, as it offers amazing faculty and expertise in subjects like philosophy, social sciences, and humanities. 

• Acceptance Rate: 12 to 15%
• Popular Programs: Humanities, Social Sciences, Cultural Studies
• Tuition Fee (UG/PG): €0, semester fee €300 (₹ 30 K)
• Application Deadline: July 15 (Winter)
• Useful Link:https://www.hu-berlin.de/

#145 Technische Universität Berlin

TU Berlin was established in 1770 and since then has been known for engineering, computer science and urban planning. Students get the benefit of strong international collabs here and also a very strong student community. 

• Acceptance Rate: 20%
• Popular Programs: Engineering, Computer Science, Architecture
• Tuition Fee (UG/PG): €0, semester fee €300–€350 (₹30 to 35K)
• Application Deadline: July 15 (Winter)
• Useful Link:https://www.tu.berlin/

#193 Universität Hamburg

The University of Hamburg is mainly popular for climate research, business studies, and social sciences. It was founded in 1919, and since then it has been one of northern Germany’s most influential universities. 

• Acceptance Rate: 18 to 22%
• Popular Programs: Business, Social Sciences, and Environmental Studies
• Tuition Fee (UG/PG): €0, semester fee €300-€350 (₹30-35 K)
• Application Deadline: July 15 (Winter)
• Useful Link:https://www.uni-hamburg.de/

#201 Universität Freiburg

Freiburg University was founded in 1457. It is known for its programs in medicine, humanities, and natural sciences. It is one of the best universities in Germany that has received awards, such as Marco Prinz, Christian Streich, and the German Thesis Award.

• Acceptance Rate: 20%
• Popular Programs: Medicine, Humanities, Natural Sciences
• Tuition Fee (UG/PG): €1,500 per semester (non-EU) (₹1.5 L)
• Application Deadline: July 15 (Winter)
• Useful Link:https://www.uni-freiburg.de/

Germany is known for its engineering strength, with one university in the global top 20 and five in the top 100 of the QS Engineering Rankings 2025.

The table below lists Germany’s top engineering universities based on QS Engineering 2025 rankings:

Doing an MBA in Germany can prove to be one of the most profitable choices because of its affordability, industry-linked learning, and strong career outcomes in sectors like consulting, finance, and technology. 

The table below highlights Germany’s leading MBA schools based on QS MBA Rankings 2026:

Germany is known for reputable management schools that focus on strategy, operations, and leadership skills. 

The table below shows the top management schools in Germany according to QS 2026:

The majority of the German universities follow similar requirements; they ask for marksheets, SOP, and sometimes previous work experience too.

Below are the key points to understand before you apply to any German university:

Eligibility

Universities set basic academic and program-specific requirements for applicants:

• Academic Scores: You must have a strong GPA of around 3.5/4 in your previous degree or 85% above in your 12th. 
• Subject Preparation: For a few programs, like engineering or applied science, you need to have some basic prior knowledge of it. 
• Education Level: Degrees and certificates are required from a recognised university/school. 

• Work Experience: This is mainly for the MBA, where you will be required to have at least 1 to 3 years of professional experience. 

Entrance Exams

German universities usually ask for a few standard entrance exams to know you have basic subject-related knowledge: 

• GRE: It is required for a few graduate programs, which are technical; expected scores are 301 to 330. 
• GMAT: MBA programs in Germany ask for a good GMAT score of 600 to 740. 
• TestAS: This is an aptitude test which a few universities require; scores higher than 150 are appreciated.

English Language Requirements

Language proficiency in either English or German is extremely important in Germany, since there can be a barrier for international students. You need to prove your English through these tests:

• IELTS: Programs in Germany require around 6.5 to 7.5 of score most of the time. 
• TOEFL iBT: A good score of 90 to 105 is usually enough to get accepted into German universities. 
• Duolingo English Test: Universities in Germany accept a DET score of 110 to 130.

Documents Required

German universities ask for necessary documents like SOP and transcripts to know your academic qualifications and more, such as: 

• Academic transcripts: Official records showing grades from school, high school, or previous degrees.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP): A short essay explaining your goals, interest in the program, and why the university fits your career plans.
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Written by teachers, professors, or employers describing your achievements and potential as a student.
• Resume/CV: Lists education, projects, internships, and work experience in a clear, structured format.
• Passport: A necessary document for the identity verification process. 
• Financial proof: Indian students must show around €11,000 (₹ 11.7 L) in a blocked account to cover living costs for visa approval.

Tuition fees in Germany are usually free or low if you compare them with those in the UK or the USA. Public universities in Germany charge no tuition but just administrative/minimal semester fees for both UG and PG programs. 

Germany has around 400 state-recognised higher education institutions, and the table below gives an overview of tuition costs at these universities: 

(Note: All INR conversions are approximate, calculated at ₹100 = 1 EUR.)

The most famous scholarship in Germany is DAAD, which the majority of students fight for, but you can explore all the best options and even university-based scholarships too. 

Below is the table with all the major scholarships in Germany, along with what they have to offer:

When choosing any university in Germany, it becomes very important to look into factors like QS rankings, cost of studying, quality of the program, and more. 

Let’s look at all the important aspects of choosing the right university in Germany: 

• Program Specialisation: Check if the university offers courses and research opportunities in your exact field of interest, like mechanical engineering, computer science, or management.
• Tuition and Living Costs: Compare the low tuition at public universities with higher fees at private institutions, and factor in living costs of €10,000 to €12,000 per year (INR 10-12 lakh).
• Industry Connections and Internships: Look at universities that have partnerships with German companies, which can help you get internships and work experience.
• Post-Study Work Opportunities: Some universities in cities like Munich, Berlin, or Frankfurt are close to industries that make it easier to find jobs under the German Job Seeker Visa.

Many students are attracted to Germany for its low-cost or free education, strong STEM programs, and access to European industries. However, navigating hundreds of universities and programs can be overwhelming, especially when deciding which city or specialisation fits your career goals.

Yocket Premium can make this process easier by giving you detailed filters for programs, direct comparisons of tuition and living costs, and insights on application deadlines.