Top Universities & Colleges in Germany in 2025 - Rankings, Fees & Acceptance Rate
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Manik

Study Abroad Content Specialist | Updated on - Jul 30, 2025

Top universities in Germany such as Technical University of Munich (QS Rank 26), LMU Munich (QS Rank 50), and Heidelberg University (QS Rank 87) are globally recognized for excellence in engineering, business, and research. In the QS World University Rankings 2026, Germany has 5 universities in the top 100, and in THE Rankings 2025, 4 universities make the global top 100 list. Most public universities charge zero or minimal tuition fees, offering high-quality education with low financial burden.

To apply for Master’s programs, students need a relevant bachelor's degree with a minimum GPA of 2.5 on the German scale, English proficiency scores (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL iBT 90+), a CV, SOP, three LORs, and sometimes additional certifications. MBA applicants often need work experience and GMAT scores. Undergraduate admissions require 13 years of education or recognized equivalents such as IB, A-Levels, or top Indian boards.

Germany also provides excellent post-study career outcomes. Average salaries for graduates range from €50,000 to €61,000 per year across roles like Marketing Manager, Mechanical Engineer, and Financial Analyst. With 18-month post-study work visas, strong demand for skilled professionals, and over 1,800 English-taught programs, Germany offers a unique mix of affordability, academic quality, and employability.

Read: Study in Germany



Top Rated Universities in Germany

The list below features the top universities in Germany based on the latest QS World University Rankings 2026 and THE Rankings 2025. These top rated universities in Germany are globally recognized for academic excellence, innovation, and research.

University Name Location QS Rank 2026 THE Rank 2025
Technical University of Munich Munich =22 26
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich) Munich =58 38
Universität Heidelberg Heidelberg 80 =47
Freie Universitaet Berlin Berlin =88 =104
KIT, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Karlsruhe =98 =166
RWTH Aachen University Aachen =105 92
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin Berlin 130 =84
Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin) Berlin 145 140
Universität Hamburg Hamburg 193 =132
University of Freiburg, Freiburg Freiburg im Breisgau 201 =128
University of Bonn Bonn =207 89

Top Universities in Germany for MS

Top Universities in Germany offer various MS programs, including STEM-focused master’s programs. Here are the top universities in Germany for MS based on program popularity, cost, and academic reputation.

University Name Program Name Duration Tuition (EUR/year) Tuition (INR/year)
Technical University of Munich M.S Mechanical Engineering 2 years €12,000 ?12.1L
LMU Munich M.S Software Engineering 2 years €600 ?60.5K
Heidelberg University M.S Applied Computer Science 2 years €3,000 ?3.03L
Humboldt University of Berlin M.S Psychology 2 years Free Free
University of Bonn M.S Computer Science 2 years Free Free
RWTH Aachen University M.S Computer Science 2 years Free Free

Read More: MS in Germany

Admission Requirements for MS in Germany

To secure admission into the top universities in Germany for masters, international applicants must meet certain academic and documentation criteria.

Basic Eligibility:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (3–4 years)
  • English Proficiency:
    • IELTS: 6.5
    • TOEFL iBT: 72–90
    • PTE: 60–65
    • Duolingo: 105 (e.g., accepted by LMU Munich)
  • GRE: Required for select technical programs (e.g., RWTH Aachen – 320)
  • Minimum 2.5 GPA

Documents Required:

To apply to the best universities in Germany for MS, you need:

  • Academic Transcripts and Degree Certificates
  • Proof of English Language Proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
  • Proof of Work Experience (if any)
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Copy of Passport

Top Universities in Germany for MBA

Germany offers globally competitive MBA programs with strong industry ties, affordable fees, and international recognition. From tech-focused MBAs to marketing and entrepreneurship specializations, the top universities in Germany for MBA cater to diverse career goals. Many programs are taught in English, making them ideal for international students.

University Name Program Name Duration Tuition (EUR/year) Tuition (INR/year)
Technical University of Munich MBA Business and IT 2 years €39,000 ?39.33L
RWTH Aachen University MBA Digitalization and Industrial Change 1 year €30 ?3K
TU Berlin (Technical University Berlin) MBA Energy Management 18 months €13,900 ?14.02L
University of Bayreuth MBA Marketing and Sales Management 2 years €28,593 ?28.84L
Leipzig University MBA Small Enterprise Promotion and Training 2 years €540 ?54.5K

Also Check: MBA in Germany

Admission Requirements for MBA in Germany

Admission into the top universities in Germany for MBA programs is competitive and tailored toward professionals with academic and practical experience.

Basic Eligibility:

  • A recognized bachelor’s degree in any field (3 or 4 years)
  • Work experience: 1–3 years minimum (preferred by most programs)
  • English proficiency:
    • IELTS: 6.5
    • TOEFL iBT: 79–90
  • GMAT/GRE: Required or recommended by many top schools
    • GMAT: 550–600
    • GRE: 320+

Required Documents

  • Academic transcripts and degree certificates
  • English proficiency scores
  • GMAT/GRE score (if applicable)
  • Updated CV/Resume
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • Letters of Recommendation (LORs) (usually 2–3)
  • Proof of work experience
  • Copy of passport

Top Universities in Germany for Bachelors

Germany is a top destination for international students seeking world-class undergraduate education. The top universities in Germany for bachelors offer a wide range of English-taught programs in fields like engineering, business, and computer science. Public universities are mostly tuition-free or very low-cost, making bachelor programs in Germany affordable for the students.

University Name Program Name Duration Tuition (EUR/year) Tuition (INR/year)
Technical University of Munich B.S. Management and Technology 3 years €4,000 ?4.03L
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich B.S. Business Administration 3 years €287 ?28.9K
Heidelberg University B.S. Applied Computer Science 3 years €3,000 ?3.03L
Humboldt University of Berlin B.S. Psychology 3 years €5,000 ?5.04L
University of Bonn B.S. Cybersecurity 4 years €611 ?61.6K
RWTH Aachen University B.S. Mechanical Engineering 3 years Free Free

Check: Best Bachelor in Finance Colleges & Universities in Germany in 2025

Admission Requirements for Bachelors in Germany

Admission into the top universities in Germany for bachelors is based on academic merit and language proficiency. Most courses require basic eligibility and a strong academic background from secondary education.

Basic Eligibility:

  • A recognized senior secondary school certificate (equivalent to the German Abitur)

English Proficiency:

  • IELTS: 6.0–6.5
  • TOEFL iBT: 88–100
  • PTE: 48+

Additional Requirements (especially for technical or German-taught programs like at RWTH Aachen):

  • Proof of German proficiency (e.g., DSH-2, TestDaF 4x4) – if course is in German
  • Pre-study internship (Vorpraktikum – minimum 6 weeks)
  • APS Certificate (for applicants from India, China, Vietnam, etc.)
  • Self-assessment test for engineering programs
  • Proof of health insurance

Required Documents:

  • Certified high school transcripts
  • English/German language scores
  • Translations (if applicable)
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Passport copy
  • Passport-size photo
  • Proof of internship (if required)

Top Scholarships in Germany for International Students

Many of the top universities in Germany offer their own scholarships to undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Below are some of the most recognized scholarships for international students in Germany:

Scholarship Name Award Amount Eligibility & Notes
DAAD Scholarship Programs (EPOS) Graduates: €992/monthDoctoral: €1,300/month (€1,600/month from February, 2026) For graduates with at least two years of professional experience and strong academic performance; supports study, research, and teaching activities.
TUM Scholarship for International Students €500 – €1,800 per semester For non-EU students enrolled at TUM (as of 3rd semester in bachelor’s or 2nd in master’s); based on merit and financial need; reapplication allowed each semester
Kurt Hansen Science Scholarship (Bayer Foundation) €10,000/year For international students studying science education
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarship Master’s: €934/monthPh.D.: €1,400/month For international master's or Ph.D. students under age 30; selection based on academic merit and leadership potential
SIST LMU Study Scholarship Up to €650/month for 10 months Offered by Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München; subject to approval by the Bavarian government
Deutschlandstipendium (University of Bonn) €300/month (for 12 months) Merit-based scholarship for gifted and socially committed students; applications accepted in spring; starts October 1
University of Bonn Foundation Scholarships Varies For exceptional students and early-career researchers with outstanding achievements; supports a range of academic projects

Check Out: Scholarships in Germany


Job Opportunities in Germany for International Students

International graduates in Germany benefit from an 18-month post-study work visa and strong job prospects in high-demand fields. According to 2025 estimates, roles like Project Manager (€61,706/year), Financial Analyst (€56,282/year), and Business Development Manager (€59,616/year) offer competitive starting salaries. Sectors like engineering, business, and IT are actively hiring, especially in cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt.

Know More: Jobs in Germany


Germany offers internationally recognized degrees at minimal or no tuition cost, a wide range of scholarships, and access to a strong job market across fields like engineering, finance, and management. With living costs manageable and work opportunities post-graduation, it remains a practical and competitive choice for higher education.


FAQs

Ques: Are public universities in Germany really tuition-free for international students?

Ans: Yes, most public universities in Germany charge no tuition fees, even for international students. You only need to pay a nominal semester contribution, usually between €250–€350 per semester.

Ques: What is the cost of living for international students in Germany?

Ans: The average cost of living in Germany is around €850–€1,000 per month, including rent, food, health insurance, and transport.

Ques: Can international students work part-time in Germany?

Ans: Yes, international students can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year. Many students work part-time to support living costs.

Ques: Are scholarships available for international students in Germany?

Ans: Yes, several scholarships are available such as the DAAD Scholarship, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship, and university-specific awards like the TUM International Student Scholarship and LMU SIST Study Scholarship.

Ques: What are the job prospects after studying in Germany?

Ans: Germany offers excellent job opportunities, especially in fields like engineering, IT, finance, and business. International graduates can stay for up to 18 months after graduation to find a job related to their degree.

Ques: Do I need to know German to study in Germany?

Ans: Many master’s and some bachelor's programs are offered in English. However, knowing basic German can help with daily life and job opportunities after graduation.

Ques: What is the average salary after completing a master's in Germany?

Ans: Average salaries vary by field. For example, project managers earn around €61,700/year, while financial analysts earn about €56,000/year.

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Found 135 universities

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RankCollege InfoTuition Fees & living Cost(Avg.)Top CoursesRanking & Reviews
#1Technical University Munich logo

Technical University Munich, Munich

Bavaria, Germany8%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $10.4K/Yr (€9,084/Yr)Living$18.4K/Yr (€15,984/Yr)Admission M.Sc. Computational Science and ...GRE314TOEFL88PTE65$13.8K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
101+ More Programs
7.0/10(15 Users)Ranked 26 by THE in 2025Ranked 22 by QS in 2026
#2Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich logo

Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich

Bavaria, Germany10%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $562.43961038961/Yr (€489/Yr)Living$833.75/Yr (€725/Yr)Admission M.S Software EngineeringDuolingo105IELTS6.5$690/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
76+ More Programs
6.2/10(4 Users)Ranked 38 by THE in 2025Ranked 58 by QS in 2026
#3Heidelberg University logo

Heidelberg University, Heidelberg

Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany45%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $3.6K/Yr (€3,114/Yr)Living$9.2K/Yr (€7,978/Yr)Admission M.S Applied Computer ScienceIELTS6.5$3.4K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
96+ More Programs
7.0/10(3 Users)Ranked 47 by THE in 2025Ranked 80 by QS in 2026
#4Humboldt University of Berlin logo

Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin

Berlin, Germany18%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $2.5K/Yr (€2,187/Yr)Living$8.4K/Yr (€7,326/Yr)Admission M.S PsychologyTOEFL72--
Course duration: 2 years
28+ More Programs
8.7/10(1 User)Ranked 84 by THE in 2025Ranked 130 by QS in 2026
#5University of Bonn logo

University of Bonn, Bonn

North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany36%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $501.89285714286/Yr (€436/Yr)Admission M.S Computer ScienceIELTS7--
Course duration: 2 years
27+ More Programs
6.5/10(6 Users)Ranked 89 by THE in 2025Ranked 207 by QS in 2026
#6RWTH Aachen University logo

RWTH Aachen University, Aachen

North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany10%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $621.89525316456/Yr (€541/Yr)Living$920/Yr (€800/Yr)Admission M.S Computer ScienceGRE320TOEFL90PTE60--
Course duration: 2 years
157+ More Programs
9.3/10(23 Users)Ranked 92 by THE in 2025Ranked 105 by QS in 2026
#7University of Tuebingen logo

University of Tuebingen, Tubingen

Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany33%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $3.4K/Yr (€3,000/Yr)Living$7.1K/Yr (€6,167/Yr)Admission M.Sc Data Science in Business an...IELTS6.5$3.4K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
25+ More Programs
7.0/10(1 User)Ranked 100 by THE in 2025Ranked 215 by QS in 2026
#8Free University of Berlin logo

Free University of Berlin, Berlin

Berlin, Germany15%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $8.5K/Yr (€7,372/Yr)Living$3.4K/Yr (€2,920/Yr)Admission M.S Data ScienceIELTS7.5PTE76--
Course duration: 2 years
98+ More Programs
5.3/10(1 User)Ranked 104 by THE in 2025Ranked 88 by QS in 2026
#9University of Goettingen logo

University of Goettingen, Gottingen

Lower Saxony, Germany32%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $853.34693877551/Yr (€742/Yr)Admission M.S Applied Computer ScienceTOEFL80PTE59--
Course duration: 2 years
48+ More Programs
8.0/10(3 Users)Ranked 121 by THE in 2025Ranked 243 by QS in 2026
#10University of Freiburg logo

University of Freiburg, Freiburg

Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany33%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $3.4K/Yr (€2,992/Yr)Admission M.S Computer ScienceTOEFL95PTE76$1.9K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
120+ More Programs
6.8/10(11 Users)Ranked 128 by THE in 2025Ranked 201 by QS in 2026
#11University of Hamburg logo

University of Hamburg, Hamburg

Hamburg, Germany18%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $726.14285714286/Yr (€631/Yr)Admission M.S PsychologyIELTS6.5$782/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
83+ More Programs
7.0/10(7 Users)Ranked 132 by THE in 2025Ranked 193 by QS in 2026
#12Technical University Berlin logo

Technical University Berlin, Berlin

Berlin, Germany25%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $533.5908/Yr (€464/Yr)Living$19K/Yr (€16,565/Yr)Admission M.S Computer ScienceIELTS6PTE58--
Course duration: 2 years
124+ More Programs
4.8/10(2 Users)Ranked 140 by THE in 2025Ranked 145 by QS in 2026
#13University of Cologne logo

University of Cologne, Cologne

North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany20%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $533.07291666667/Yr (€464/Yr)Living$16.3K/Yr (€14,172/Yr)Admission M.S International ManagementTOEFL100PTE68--
Course duration: 2 years
47+ More Programs
8.2/10(1 User)Ranked 157 by THE in 2025Ranked 151 by ARWU in 2022
#14Technical University Dresden logo

Technical University Dresden, Dresden

Saxony, Germany22%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $798.68131868132/Yr (€695/Yr)Living$6.9K/Yr (€5,997/Yr)Admission M.S Computer ScienceIELTS6.0$690/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
90+ More Programs
7.2/10(23 Users)Ranked 160 by THE in 2025Ranked 218 by QS in 2026
#15University of Wuerzburg logo

University of Wuerzburg, Wurzburg

Bavaria, Germany28%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $37.5K/Yr (€32,580/Yr)Admission M.A Computer ScienceIELTS6.5$37.5K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
76+ More Programs
Ranked 163 by THE in 2025Ranked 416 by QS in 2026
#16Karlsruhe Institute of Technology logo

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe

Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany25%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $3.1K/Yr (€2,734/Yr)Admission M.S Computer scienceIELTS6.5$3.4K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
95+ More Programs
8.3/10(1 User)Ranked 166 by THE in 2025Ranked 98 by QS in 2026
#17University of Muenster logo

University of Muenster, Munster

North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany15%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $356.95520833333/Yr (€310/Yr)Admission M.S Business AdministrationGMAT650IELTS7PTE76--
Course duration: 2 years
143+ More Programs
Ranked 188 by THE in 2025Ranked 350 by QS in 2026
#18University of Mannheim logo

University of Mannheim, Mannheim

Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany30%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $3.4K/Yr (€2,953/Yr)Admission M.S Data ScienceGMAT500TOEFL72$388.7/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
39+ More Programs
Ranked 199 by THE in 2025Ranked 416 by QS in 2026
#19Ulm University logo

Ulm University, Ulm

Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany13%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $3.4K/Yr (€3,000/Yr)Living$6K/Yr (€5,234/Yr)Admission M.S Computational Science and En...IELTS5.5PTE59$3.4K/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
47+ More Programs
8.0/10(1 User)Ranked 199 by THE in 2025Ranked 546 by QS in 2026
#20University of Erlangen-Nuremberg logo

University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen

Bavaria, Germany50%Acceptance Rate
Tuition:  $301.62857142857/Yr (€262/Yr)Admission M.Sc Artificial IntelligenceTOEFL80$82.8/Yr
Course duration: 2 years
27+ More Programs
8.3/10(3 Users)Ranked 201 by THE in 2025Ranked 232 by QS in 2026