Last Updated on August 28, 2024
Germany is home to more than 170 colleges and universities, and the top colleges in Germany are located in Munich, Heidelberg, Dortmund, and Berlin. The students can submit TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE test scores for admission to universities and colleges in Germany. According to the QS Global Rankings, some of Germany’s top-ranking colleges and universities are the Technical University of Munich, Ludwig Maximilians University of Munich, and Heidelberg University of Germany. Some of the popular courses in Germany are MIM, MS, MBA, BBA/PGDM, and BTech.Â
University in Germany: Highlights
Generally, courses in top universities and colleges in Germany last 12 months to 3 years. These top universities and colleges offer annual admissions during the April and October intakes. Click on Intakes in Germany 2025 to learn more.
Why Study in Germany?
Germany offers high-class education with modern facilities, and a significant portion of the nation’s GDP is used to maintain its countrywide education system. In Germany, all state-owned universities (public universities) offer education at a low cost; they don’t ask students to pay tuition fees, even for international students. As per the inflation rate on January 1st 2024, living costs in Germany demand INR 9.79 L as the mandatory amount needed for a blocked account throughout one year, or INR 82 K each month, considering a study duration of at least one year.
Post Work Permit in Germany
Students who have finished their Master’s in Germany (MS in Germany) can work post-graduation. As per the rule, international students may work for a maximum of 18 months, which is known as a post-study work permit in Germany. For the 18 months that follow, the candidates can take up any job to fend for themselves, and they do not require further approval or authorisation. If a student wishes to settle in Germany, they can apply for an ‘EU Blue Card’ – Residence Permit two years after getting their work visa.
Part-Time Options
International Students travelling to the country to study at top colleges in Germany are allowed entry only with a German Student Visa. The German student visa allows international students a slew of benefits, the most important being part-time employment options and studies in Germany. Some of the job sectors in Germany for international students are:
- Teaching/Graduate/Research Assistants at the University
- Support Staff/Waiters at cafes or bars.
- English Tutors
- Industrial Production Assistants
Student Visa Fee in Germany: Visa Application Option and Cost
Students who want to stay in Germany for more than 90 days should apply for a residence permit or a German Study Visa. The cost of this visa is INR 6,535. The steps to apply for the German Student Visa are stated as follows:
- After receiving an admission letter from your college in Germany, prepare the required documents for your visa application.
- Gather photos that meet biometric photo requirements as specified on the official website.
- Complete the Application form for a National Visa. Print it, sign it and submit it with other papers.
- Also, obtain a print of the Declaration on genuine and comprehensive information, as found on the official site, and affix your signature.
- Schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the German Mission.
- Just before your appointment, double-check the exchange rate of the visa fee on the official German Mission website and make sure to get a Demand Draft.
Top Job Sectors & Economy
A study from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows that the German economy is expected to grow by 2.4% in 2023. Although the pandemic has had severe impacts, there may still be a promising future for the jobs market sector (OECD Employment Outlook, 2022). The main job areas in Germany for Indian students are:
- Building & Construction Sector
- Electrical and Electronics Industry
- Health Sector and Medicine
- Information Technology and Telecommunications
- Mechanical and Automotive Sector
Top 10 Universities in Germany
Some of the top-ranking colleges in Germany for international students are given below:
| University Name | QS World Ranking 2024 | Times Higher Education Ranking 2024 |
| Technical University of Munich | #37 | #30 |
| Ludwig Maximilians University Munich | #54 | #33 |
| Heidelberg University Germany | #87 | #43 |
| Free University of Berlin | #98 | #91 |
| RWTH Aachen University | #106 | #99 |
| Humboldt University of Berlin | #120 | #86 |
| Technical University of Berlin | #154 | #156 |
| Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg | #192 | #113 |
| University of Tuebingen | #213 | #86 |
| University of Bonn | #239 | #89 |
Top 10 Engineering Universities in GermanyÂ
Based on QS Subject Rankings 2024, some of the top universities for Engineering courses in Germany are given as follows:
| University Name | QS Rankings 2024- Engineering and Technology |
| Technical University of Munich | #19 |
| Technical University of Berlin | #45 |
| RWTH Aachen University | #54 |
| Humboldt University of Berlin | #222 |
| Ludwig Maximilians University Munich | #216 |
| Free University of Berlin | #310 |
| Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg | #386 |
Top Ranking Management Universities in GermanyÂ
Based on the Times Higher Education Subject Rankings 2024, some of the top management courses in German universities are given as follows:
| University Name | THE 2024- PG Business and Economics |
| Technical University of Munich | #30 |
| Ludwig Maximilians University Munich | #49 |
| University of Bonn | #70 |
| Technical University of Berlin | #126-150 |
| Free University of Berlin | #151-175 |
List of Top Medicine and Health Sciences Universities in Germany
Based on the QS Subject Rankings 2024, some of the top medicine course universities in Germany are given as follows:
| University Name | QS Medicine Rankings 2024 |
| Heidelberg University Germany | #31 |
| Ludwig Maximilians University Munich | #42 |
| Technical University of Munich | #51-100 |
| Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg | #101-150 |
| University of Tuebingen | #101-150 |
| University of Bonn | #151-200 |
| RWTH Aachen University | #201-250 |
Top Ranking Courses in Germany
Some of the top courses available at Colleges in Germany for international students are given as follows:
| Top 10 courses | Count of Universities |
| MS | 123 |
| MIM | 117 |
| BBA | 63 |
| MBA/PGDM | 47 |
| BE/BTech | 46 |
| MA | 44 |
| BA | 40 |
| BSc | 40 |
MS Admissions Requirements in Germany
Candidates should note that eligibility for an MS in Germany and a Master’s in Germany are different. Eligibility for studying for an MS in Germany concerns the general requirements the student must fulfil to pursue a master’s in Germany as regulated by German law.
Entrance Exams Accepted by MS Colleges in Germany
Some of the entrance exams accepted for MS courses in Germany are given as follows:
| Entrance Exam | Count of Universities |
| GRE | 16 |
| GMAT | 3 |
English Language Requirements by MS Colleges in Germany
Some of the English Language Proficiency exams accepted for MS courses in Germany are mentioned below:
| English Language Exams | Count of Universities |
| IELTS | 121 |
| TOEFL | 113 |
| PTE | 26 |
| Duolingo | 7 |
Cost of Studying in Germany
The tuition fees for MS courses in private universities in Germany range from INR 10 L to INR 40 L.
The first-year tuition fees for MS courses in Germany are given as follows:
| 1st Year Tuition Fee Range | Count of Universities |
| INR 10 L | 157 |
| INR 20 L | 173 |
| INR 30 L | 177 |
| INR 40 L | 177 |
Cost of Living in Germany
Living costs generally cover accommodation, food, clothing, and recreational activities. Every year, according to the rapidly changing economic conditions and the relevant fee structure, colleges in Germany request that a monthly amount be provided for the student to facilitate living expenses in the country and for completing. This money is deposited in a Blocked Account.
As of September 2024, keeping the inflation rate in mind, the mandatory amount required in the Blocked Account for studying in Germany is INR 9.75L for an entire year or €934 for a month. This includes rent, food, travel expenses, internet, health insurance, telephone bill, etc.
MS Scholarships in Germany
Scholarships for studying abroad are broadly categorised into merit-based and need-based financial aid. The universities provide multiple scholarships for international students applying to German universities to attract the global crowd and government/private organisations. Candidates looking for MS scholarships to study in Germany can view the most comprehensive study-abroad scholarships mentioned on our website. Our website currently registers over 2000 scholarships distributed in 11 countries, amounting to over INR 1,316 crores. Some of the types of scholarships offered are given as follows:
| Type of Scholarship | Number of Scholarships |
| English Proficiency Waiver | 1 |
| University Name | Name of Scholarship | Amount Offered |
| Technical University of Munich | TUM Scholarships for International Students | INR 1.5 L |
| Humboldt University of Berlin | Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst | NA |
| Technical University of Berlin | Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung e.V. | INR 1.4 L |
Jobs after MS in GermanyÂ
Some of the top job sectors after studying MS in Germany are given as follows:
- Building & Construction Sector
- Electrical and Electronics Industry
- Health Sector
- Information Technology and Telecommunications
- Mechanical and Automotive Sector
The average salaries for the top universities in Germany are given as follows:
| University Name | Average Salary* |
| Technical University of Munich | INR 1.44 CR |
| Ludwig Maximilians University Munich | INR 71.52 L |
| Heidelberg University Germany | INR 1.15 CR |
| Free University of Berlin | INR 91.59 L |
| RWTH Aachen University | INR 1.42 CR |
Conclusion
Germany is home to many top Universities and Colleges worldwide. It is one of the top destinations for international students. In Germany, students can opt for part-time work while continuing their studies. The cost of living in Germany is around INR ₹84,865. The availability of Scholarships and grants makes it easier for international students to study at top universities such as the Free University of Berlin, Heidelberg University Germany, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, etc.
The robust economy of Germany helps a lot in bagging jobs for international students. So, if you plan to study at top universities in Germany, contact us at Admissify ASAP, as we can help you make this brilliant decision smoothly.
FAQs
What are the top universities in Germany for international students?
Germany has several top universities known for their academic excellence and research opportunities. The top universities in Germany are the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ludwig Maximilians University Munich (LMU), Heidelberg University, Humboldt University of Berlin, and the University of Freiburg.
What are the best universities in Germany for business and economics?
Germany’s Top Business and Economics universities are the Technical University of Munich (TUM), the University of Mannheim, and Ludwig Maximilians University Munich (LMU). These universities are known for their strong business and economics programs, offering both undergraduate and postgraduate courses that attract students from around the world.​
How can I study in Germany for free or cheaply?
Public universities in Germany offer tuition-free education for domestic and international students, making it an affordable option for those studying in Germany. Students typically only need to pay a small semester fee, which covers administrative costs and may include a public transportation pass. Additionally, Germany offers a variety of scholarships, such as the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), to support international students financially.​
What are the admission requirements for top universities in Germany?
Admission requirements for top universities in Germany vary depending on the program and university. Generally, international students need a recognised secondary school diploma and proof of language proficiency (German or English, depending on the program). They may need to pass an entrance exam or provide standardised test scores (e.g., SAT, GRE). Some programs, particularly at the master’s level, may require relevant work experience or an academic portfolio​.
Aakriti Kumari is a passionate content writer who finds solace in the world of books. An avid reader from a young age, she has cultivated a deep love for the written word. When she’s not crafting compelling content, you can find her lost in the pages of a captivating novel. Aakriti shares her literary adventures and book recommendations on her Instagram account, @aakthereader, dedicated to her love of reading. With a keen eye for detail and a gift for storytelling, she brings words to life, inviting readers on a journey through her writing.
