They thereby point towards Germany as being one of the best countries for students who want to attain quality education at an inexpensive cost. Being renowned for a high level of education, effective research, and improvising a vast number of classes in English and German, German universities create the most suitable conditions for students from all over the world. In this guide, we will identify the best universities in Germany for international students, their characteristics, and why students should consider studying in Germany.
Why Study in Germany?
But first, some background information on why students should consider studying in Germany – the list of top universities is coming shortly!
Low or No Tuition Fees: Most public universities in Germany even for international students do not charge tuition fees or very affordable fees.
World-Class Education: German universities are also among the best in the world and issue internationally recognized degree programs.
Diverse Course Offerings: There are hundreds of programs on offer and many of them are conducted in English, especially at the master’s degree level.
Strong Research Opportunities: Germany is famous for better research, especially in science, technology, engineering, and medical fields.
International Community: Germany has more than 350,000 international students every year which proves that the student crowd is quite diverse.
High Quality of Life: The cost of living for a representative German student is almost significantly lower than in most other European countries who can avail of world-class transport and utility services.
Top German Universities for International Students
RWTH Aachen University
Great for Technology and Engineering
Location: Aachen
Average Fees: USD 340 per semester
Accommodation Cost: USD 570 per month
The university is one of the best in engineering and technology, which students who are prospective in engineering fields should attend. This university is quite famous for implementing cutting-edge research in the fields of IT, engineering, and natural sciences Students hailing from over sixty countries prove its internationalism. The university also has industrial and academic affiliations globally to create avenues for the students to learn.
Free University of Berlin
Best for Political Science and International Relations
Location: Berlin
Average Fees: USD 333 per semester
Accommodation Cost: USD 850 per month
Having a rating of 20th in political science, the Free University of Berlin has become a dream university for students who are interested in making political science or international relations their career. One of the first-rate discipline facilities in Europe is its Otto Suhr Institute of Political Science. There are many interesting features, which make the university attractive and one of them is the location of the University in Berlin, – one of the most historically and culturally significant cities in the world.
Humboldt University of Berlin
Best for Social Sciences and Humanities
Location: Berlin
Average Fees: USD 337 per semester
Accommodation Cost: USD 850 per month
Social sciences are developed at Humboldt University and known worldwide. It is ranked 1st in Germany in sociology, psychology, and economics, it is thus an ideal destination for learners who love these subjects. It also provides a wealth of history because it is the first institution that introduced the Humboldtian model of higher education based on research.
Technical University of Munich (TUM)
Best for Engineering, Design, and Architecture
Location: Munich
Average Fees: $2,140 – USD 6,421 per semester
Accommodation Cost: USD 1,170 per month
TUM is reputed to be among the premier technical universities in Germany, and most especially for engineering and design-related programs. It is ranked in Europe and globally and it is part of many fields such as architecture, arts, and humanities. The Technical University of Munich is a TU9 university which is a group of Nine Institutes of technology in Germany.
Heidelberg University
Best for Health and Medicine
Location: Heidelberg
Average Fees: USD 1,605 per semester
Accommodation Cost: USD 625 per month
Heidelberg University is one of the leading universities in Germany and the oldest university in Europe which makes it more focused and specialized in health and Medical sciences. The university is presently ranked 1st in Germany for clinical medicine and public health where students can access chances of doing progressive exploration work and association with Heidelberg University Hospital. It is the right place for students interested in such fields as medicine, pharmacy, or healthcare research.
Honorable Mentions
University of Konstanz
Best for a Small-Town Experience
At Konstanz, students experience a comfortable campus environment and a high degree of interdisciplinary interaction. Its location near lakes also creates an additional atmosphere for studying at a university.
University of Bonn
Best for Research Opportunities
Today, the University of Bonn boasts of rich scientific view and can be recommended to students who plan to study science, and humanities, and receive an interdisciplinary degree. Educationally, it has nurtured many Nobel award winners putting Kenya among the academic mantle-bearers.
Cost of Living in Germany for International Students
Contrary to some international universities where the fees charged are minimal as is the case in many German universities, the students must factor in living costs. Here’s a breakdown of typical costs:
Housing: $300- $800 per month depending on the city in the U.S.
Groceries: $150 – USD 200 per month
Transportation: Sometimes it forms part of the costs charged to students by universities
Miscellaneous: Social services, entertainment, and meals in restaurants add to the expenses of about $100- USD 200 per month.
Applicants are expected to incur $1,000 -$ $1,500 monthly on average to cater for accommodation, food, utilities, and other personal expenses.
How to Apply to German Universities as an International Student
Choose Your Program: Choose if you would like to take an English or German course. Most of the postgraduate programs are conducted in English mode only.
Check Admission Requirements: Check that you fulfill the requirements of eligibility, such as language proficiency, if you are planning to study in an English-speaking university – take IELTS or TOEFL; if in a German-speaking country – take TestDaF.
Submit Your Application: Applicants use an online form on their university’s website or Uni-Assist, an admission service for foreign students.
Apply for a Visa: Students will however need to secure a German student visa which they can apply for the following documents; proof of adequate funds for their stay, an accepted letter of admission from a German university, and medical insurance.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
The following is the list of scholarships that are available for international students studying in Germany. From the lists of available scholarships for international students, the scholarships are offered by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). These are merit-based and may hence be used to cover the living cost, semester fees, or other particular research grants.
Conclusion: Why Germany is the Best Choice for International Students
Education in Germany is cheaper than in many developed nations and avails the best University education alongside a cultural immersion. German institutions in technology, social sciences, medicine, and arts offer an opportunity to attain a global standard education and career. For its quality research, multinational population, and overall quality of life Germany remains a checklist for students from all over the world.