Summary
- There are 5 universities in the top 100, a total of 13 German universities are in the world’s top 250, and 30 are in the top 500.
- Public universities in Germany have together produced 115 Nobel laureates, the third highest in the world after the US and the UK.
- In 2023-24, there were over 49,000 Indian students enrolled in German universities, making them the largest group of international students in Germany.
German universities are well known for their academic excellence. In the QS World University Rankings 2025, five German universities are within the top 100 worldwide.
While most Indian students prefer to travel to the USA and Canada, Germany is gradually becoming a popular study destination.
In 2023-24, there were over 49,000 Indian students enrolled in German universities, making them the largest group of international students in Germany.
Consider these points for a better perspective:
- Germany’s Indian student population is set to boom and is expected to reach over 114,000 by 2030.
- Public universities in Germany offer Indian students top-class technical education at very little cost.
- Engineering and tech are the top fields for Indian students in Germany, with 60% opting for a STEM degree.
- After graduating, Indian students can apply for a residence permit for job seekers. This allows them to stay in Germany for up to 18 months.
This article provides you with a full overview and details about the top public universities in Germany. We explore free-education policies, admission processes, and English-language offerings.
Note: If you’re seriously considering a public university in Germany, you’re already thinking smart. But to make the most of it, you need more than just a tuition-free degree. You need to match the right course with your long-term career goals—and plan how you’ll manage other costs like living expenses, travel, and initial setup.
That’s where GradRight’s tools can help you make sharper, better-informed decisions.
Use GradRight’s university search platform to find public universities in Germany that not only offer tuition-free education but also deliver strong outcomes—English-taught programs, good industry links, post-study work rights, and strong ROI. The tool helps you compare programs based on your profile, not just global rank.
Then there’s GradRight’s loan-search platform. Even in Germany, living costs can run ₹8–10 lakhs a year. Through GradRight, you can access loan offers from 15+ trusted Indian banks and NBFCs—with zero paperwork until you see your options, and expert help to pick the most affordable deal.
Overview of public universities in Germany
Germany’s higher education system is dominated by approximately 100 public universities. These are state-funded and offer diverse courses in engineering, medicine, humanities, and social sciences.
Public universities in Germany have together produced 115 Nobel laureates, the third highest in the world after the US and the UK. It therefore comes as no surprise that Germany is now home to over 400,000 international students.
Key features of public universities in Germany:
- Public universities in Germany have the highest academic standards. Five public universities in Germany rank among the QS World Ranking 2025 Top 100.
- There are thousands of programs offered in STEM fields – software development, computer science, economics, and management.
- Degrees from public German universities are internationally respected. Among EU nations, Germany has the largest number of universities in the QS World University Rankings.
- Top public universities in Germany regularly collaborate with industry leaders, including Siemens, Volkswagen, Thyssen-Krupp, Carl Zeiss, and more.
For Indian students looking for an affordable yet respectable foreign degree, Germany, with its mostly free education, has emerged as an attractive option.
Why choose public universities in Germany?
If you are looking for higher education options, public universities in Germany offer a unique mix of academic excellence and affordability. Here’s why students around the world are making a beeline to study in German public universities.
Tuition-Free Education
This is likely the most attractive feature of public universities in Germany. Most universities charge no tuition fees and significantly reduce the cost of higher education for international students.
High Academic Standards
German universities consistently rank among the world’s best. There are 5 universities in the top 100, a total of 13 German universities are in the world’s top 250, and 30 are in the top 500.
Diverse Programs
In Germany, popular academic streams include engineering, business management, computer science, and medicine. These fields are well-regarded globally and offer various career opportunities.
Research Opportunities
Public universities in Germany are leaders in research. The Technical University of Munich consistently ranks among the top globally, followed by the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität Munich (LMU Munich) and Heidelberg University.
Career Prospects
Degrees from German universities are highly valued by employers worldwide. Many German universities rank highly in global employability rankings and have strong connections with industry.
These factors make public universities in Germany a top choice for Indian students seeking higher education abroad.
List of top public universities in Germany
Several German universities are consistently ranked among the world’s best. LMU München and Technische Universität München are the best that Germany has to offer. Other highly regarded universities include Heidelberg University, Humboldt University of Berlin, and RWTH Aachen University.
Here’s a table summarizing the top 30 public universities in Germany based on QS World University Rankings 2025:
| Rank | University | Overall Score | Academic Reputation | Citations per Faculty |
| 28 | Technical University of Munich | 83.2 | 83 | 75.9 |
| 59 | Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München | 71.6 | 92.2 | 50 |
| 84 | Universität Heidelberg | 63.7 | 76.9 | 32.7 |
| 97 | Freie Universität Berlin | 60.6 | 80.3 | 71.7 |
| 99 | RWTH Aachen University | 59.9 | 46.6 | 71.9 |
| 102 | Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) | 59.4 | 44.9 | 68.4 |
| 126 | Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin | 55 | 89.2 | 27 |
| 147 | Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin) | 52.5 | 55.3 | 22.1 |
| 191 | Universität Hamburg | 47.1 | 50.7 | 54.7 |
| 212 | Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg | 44.8 | 43.1 | 52.2 |
| 222 | Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen | 43.7 | 46 | 20.5 |
| 224 | Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg | 43.6 | 25.8 | 94.9 |
| 227 | Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn | 43.5 | 52.8 | 17.2 |
| 234 | Technische Universität Dresden | 42.6 | 36.3 | 28.5 |
| 241 | Technical University of Darmstadt | 41.7 | 20 | 70 |
| 252 | University of Göttingen | 40.3 | 46.4 | 16.2 |
| 285 | University of Cologne | 37.2 | 35.2 | 29.3 |
| 309 | Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main | 35.2 | 43.2 | 15.9 |
| 314 | Universität Stuttgart | 34.9 | 23.1 | 55.2 |
| 367 | University of Münster | 31.5 | 31.6 | 10 |
| 380 | Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg | 30.8 | 4.9 | 99.1 |
| 396 | Ruhr-Universität Bochum | 29.7 | 20.3 | 53.4 |
| 426 | Leibniz University Hannover | 27.9 | 21.2 | 17.4 |
| 428 | Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg | 27.8 | 15.8 | 74.4 |
| 445 | Justus-Liebig-University Giessen | 26.7 | 12.7 | 79.3 |
| 466 | Universität Konstanz | 25.7 | 18.3 | 18.3 |
| 474 | Universität Potsdam | 25.2 | 15.8 | 36.5 |
| 487 | Universität Mannheim | 24.7 | 15.3 | 31 |
| 501 | Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz | 24.1 | 22.3 | 11.5 |
| 526 | Universität Jena | 23.3 | 17.2 | 8.8 |
For a broader perspective, here is the table from Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025:
| University | World Rank 2025 |
| Technical University of Munich | 26 |
| LMU Munich | 38 |
| Universität Heidelberg | 47 |
| Humboldt University of Berlin | 84 |
| University of Bonn | 89 |
| RWTH Aachen University | 92 |
| Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin | 93 |
| University of Tübingen | 100 |
| Free University of Berlin | 104 |
| University of Göttingen | 121 |
| University of Freiburg | 128 |
| University of Hamburg | 132 |
| Technical University of Berlin | 140 |
| University of Cologne | 157 |
| TU Dresden | 160 |
| University of Würzburg | 163 |
| Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) | 166 |
| University of Münster | 188 |
| Ulm University | 199 |
| University of Mannheim | 199 |
Many of these institutions not only offer high-quality education but also provide various programs in English.
Also Read: Top universities in Germany for International Students
Free education and tuition-free universities in Germany
For most international students, the compelling reason for studying at public universities in Germany is free education.
In Germany, most public universities offer tuition-free education to both national and international students. That sounds quite strange considering that universities in the USA, Canada, and the UK cost at least several lakhs annually. But the German government believes in education as a public good and a tool for economic and social development.
Is It Completely Free?
Yes, without any strings attached. Public universities in Germany cost less than studying at government colleges in Delhi and other metros.
Students have to pay a minor semester contribution. This ranges between often €150–€350 or ₹14,400 – ₹33,600, which covers administrative costs. And you will recover that small amount through highly discounted public transit passes.
Here are some top public universities in Germany where international students can study without paying tuition fees:
- Technical University of Munich (TUM)
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)
- RWTH Aachen University
- Heidelberg University
- University of Stuttgart
- University of Freiburg
- University of Hamburg
- University of Bonn
- TU Berlin
- University of Cologne
Also Read: Education Loan for Germany: Interest Rates, Courses, Requirements & Banks
Study in Germany: Admission process for public universities
The admission process for top public universities in Germany is straightforward. But it requires careful planning with a keen eye on deadlines.
Choose Your Program and University
Use platforms such as DAAD and MyGermanUniversity to filter programs based on specializations and language.
Check Eligibility Criteria
- For undergraduate courses, you need to have completed Class 12 Board exams.
- For Master’s Programs, you need a recognized bachelor’s degree equivalent to a German undergraduate qualification.
- You should have a strong academic performance with scores of at least 3.5/4 GPA.
- You have to offer proof of language proficiency. For proof of English proficiency, IELTS/TOEFL is accepted. For German language certification, the most recognized options include TestDaF and DSH. You need at least a B2 level certification.
Apply via the University Portal or Uni-Assist
To apply to a German university from India, you’ll need to submit your application through either the university’s portal or Uni-Assist. The latter is a service that offers free and centralized access to 180 universities in Germany.
Wait for the Admission Letter
It may take 4–8 weeks to receive a response. Once admitted, you will receive a Zulassungsbescheid or letter of admission.
Arrange Finances
Though education is free, living expenses are not. You have to open a blocked account and deposit at least €11,200 (~₹10.8 lakhs).
Apply for a Student Visa
With your letter of admission and proof of finance, proceed to get a student visa. It takes about two months to receive a visa.
In all, the process takes about six months from research to departure.
Public universities in Germany for master’s programs
German public universities are particularly appealing for master’s programs. Below is a comparison of top public universities across various disciplines:
| University | Focus Area(s) | Popular Master’s Program Streams | QS Rank 2025 | Special Highlights |
| Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Engineering, Tech, Management | Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Management & Technology | 28 | Germany’s top-ranked university; known for cutting-edge research |
| RWTH Aachen University | Engineering, Tech | Automotive Engineering, Computer Science, Production Systems Management | 99 | Strong industry links; practical orientation |
| Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) | Energy, Tech, Management | Energy Engineering, Mobility Systems, Information Systems Management | 102 | Known for engineering–management integration |
| University of Freiburg | Science, Sustainability, Engineering | Microsystems Engineering, Renewable Energy Management, Sustainable Systems | 212 | Emphasis on green tech and interdisciplinary research |
| University of Göttingen | Computer Science, Biology, Business IT | Applied Computer Science, Molecular Biology, Business Information Systems | 252 | Research-focused with strong science foundations |
| University of Stuttgart | Aerospace, Environmental, Infrastructure | Aerospace Engineering, Infrastructure Planning, Environmental Engineering | 314 | Strong focus on applied engineering |
Studying in Germany without IELTS: Is it possible?
Yes, it is possible to study in Germany without IELTS, especially at the postgraduate level. Many universities accept alternative proof of English proficiency. Universities may accept TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo English Test scores instead of IELTS.
In addition, several (but not all) public universities in Germany accept the Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate. If your previous academic program was taught in English, you don’t need an IELTS score.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the top public universities in Germany for international students?
The top public universities in Germany for international students include:
- Technische Universität München (TUM)
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München
- Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
- Freie Universität Berlin
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
- Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen (RWTH Aachen)
2. Is education really free at public universities in Germany?
Most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees. This means that you won’t have to pay a large sum for attending a public university. You do have to pay a minor sum as a semester fee. This varies between ₹15,000 and ₹35,000.
3. How can Indian students apply to public universities in Germany?
You can apply through the university’s official admission website or the centralized admissions portal Uni-Assist.
4. Are there public universities in Germany that accept students without IELTS?
Yes, public universities in Germany accept students who have scored well on the TOEFL and PTE exams. In some cases, if in school and college the language of instruction for your studies was English, it is considered enough proof of proficiency.
5. What are the best public universities in Germany for master’s programs?
Here is a list of the top-ranked public universities in Germany that offer excellent master’s programs:
- Technical University of Munich
- Ludwig Maximilians University Munich
- Heidelberg University
- Free University of Berlin
- RWTH Aachen University
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin)
- University of Hamburg
- Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg
