Know It All About Applying To Public Universities In Germany

Q: Which public universities in Germany offer the best programs for international students?

The top public universities in Germany that offer the best programs for international students include Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), RWTH Aachen University, University of Bonn, Humboldt University of Berlin, University of Freiburg, Technical University of Munich (TUM), University of Hamburg, Free University of Berlin, Heidelberg University, and University of Tübingen.

Germany is renowned for its elite institutions and diversified foreign student population. Germany's universities are among the best in the world for their research infrastructure, globally recognised degrees, and educational standards. Known as the 'Land of Ideas', Germany promotes education in the most unique way in the world. With affordable prices and world-class facilities, Germany motivates students to study and gain expertise in their fields. Therefore, if you are thinking of studying abroad at a nominal cost, Germany should most definitely be a top choice. Germany has a large number of well-known public and private institutions that provide the best educational options for foreign students. As a result of their affordability and reputation abroad, public universities in Germany are the most sought-after. You may work 20 hours a week and spend the remaining time seeing the city if you attend one of Germany's public or almost free institutions.

Germany, unlike many other countries, supports universal, free education (nationals and international residents). More than 180 public universities in Germany provide free English-taught courses, with a few exclusions. The provision of free colleges in Germany especially meets the demands of students on a modest budget.

The most frequently cited advantage of funding free colleges in Germany is that you will simply incur living expenses. A foreign student's maximum monthly living costs in Germany may range from USD 720 and USD 1235. It follows that your monthly spending would range between Rs. 60,000 to Rs. 1,000,000. Given that students do not pay tuition, this is comparatively less than in other nations.

Why study at a public university in Germany?

Sometimes, students have trouble deciding whether to attend public or private institutions. Therefore, the benefits of attending public institutions are highlighted in the following bullet points:

In 2014, a total of 16 German states made undergraduate tuition free. This rule must be followed by both domestic and international students so that they may utilize the money that is left over to cover other costs.
The opportunity to attend classes from outstanding professors with expertise is the ultimate perk of studying in Germany. The diversified professional staff and technology-focused teaching strategies used in the German educational system are pretty widely known.
By learning about diverse cultures and views, undergraduate students gain from the diversity of the student body. Students are able to communicate socially, enjoy one another, and have a thorough grasp of their classmates thanks to this.
The majority of public institutions in Germany provide a wide range of academic programmes. Students can just choose the course of their choosing.

Language Requirement in study in Germany

A language requirement exists at several universities in Germany. This indicates that in order to study there, you must be at least a beginner to a skilled level German speaker. For example, you must have German language proficiency at the C2 level to enroll in the majority of German art, film, and music colleges. Most German public universities have this as a prerequisite.

Program Language: Verify the language(s) offered for the course you are applying for. Select a course taught in English if you are confident in your language skills. English is the primary language of teaching at the majority of public institutions in Germany, making it simple for overseas students to grasp.

Academic Requirements: Check the minimum educational requirements before applying to any programme overseas. This may take into account elements like the total amount of credits, years of study, educational levels, etc.

How to Apply To German Public Universities?

Select the university of your choice.
Take the examinations that are required for admission (IELTS, GRE etc.)
Draft a Statement of Purpose and collect Letters of Recommendation
Send in your application together with your exam results, scripts for your answers, LORs, and SOP within the university's deadline
A follow-up interview may be undertaken by some colleges prior to your acceptance. Await the university response.

After submitting your application, you will also need to complete further requirements for studying in Germany, such as getting your German blocked, applying for a student visa, and obtaining a student loan if necessary. Apply for admission hence far enough in advance to allow for the other processes.

Key Features of Public Universities in Germany

Listed below are the key features of public universities in Germany:

Top-Tier Education: Well-know for their rigorous academic programs, research facilities, as well as industry partnerships.
Vast Array of Programs: Offers a wide range of courses in different subjects, including STEM, social sciences, and humanities.
Tuition-Free Education: Budget-friendly to tuition-free education for both domestic and overseas students are charged by the majority of public universities in Germany.
Cosmopolitan Setting: Hosts a varied student body with a number of English-taught programs, promoting worldwide networking.
Robust Connections with Industry: Partners with companies and research organizations, equipping students with real-world experience.

How Public Universities in Germany Compare to Private Ones

Public universities in Germany are well-regarded, typically tuition-free (except for nominal administrative charges), and internationally acknowledged for their research and academic brilliance. They are publicly funded and typically provide a diverse array of programs, particularly in STEM and humanities. Gaining admission can be challenging, and class sizes are frequently big, resulting in less personalized attention. Nevertheless, degrees earned from public universities are universally acclaimed.

On the contrary, private universities charge tuition fees but frequently offer smaller class sizes, state-of-the-art facilities, and more individualized attention. They may place a greater emphasis on management, business, and applied sciences, at times, providing more industry-driven programs and collaborations. Although they are gaining prominence, they often lack the prestige of major public universities such as LMU Munich or Heidelberg University. The decision between the two is influenced by variables like cost, course offerings, and preferred educational setting.

List of Top Public Universities in Germany

The top public universities in Germany are as listed below:

Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
Technical University of Munich
Heidelberg University
University of Bonn
University of Freiburg
Goethe University Frankfurt
University of Cologne
University of Göttingen
Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
University of Münster, among others.

Master's Programs in Public Universities in Germany

Mentioned below are the various Master’s programs offered by public universities in Germany:

Heidelberg University: Master’s programs in Life Sciences, Computational Science, Medicine, and Physics.
University of Mannheim: Master's programs in Economics, Business Administration, and Social Sciences.
Technical University of Munich (TUM): Master's programs in Natural Sciences, Management, Engineering, and Technology.
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT): Master's programs in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Mechanical Engineering.
University of Stuttgart: Master's programs in Environmental Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Automotive Systems.
University of Freiburg: Master's programs in Humanities, Environmental Sciences, and Engineering.
Humboldt University of Berlin: Master's programs in Law, Arts, and Natural Sciences.
RWTH Aachen University: Master's programs in Information Technology, Engineering, and Applied Sciences.
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU): Master's programs in Medicine, Humanities, Law, and Social Sciences.
Free University of Berlin: Master's programs in Psychology, Political Science, and Public Policy.

Bachelor’s Programs in Public Universities in Germany

The different Bachelor’s programs offered at public universities in Germany are:

Business Administration
Architecture
Medicine
Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil)
Social Sciences
Psychology
Economics
Natural Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
Law
Computer Science

Scholarships and Financial Aid for International Students in Germany

The various scholarships and financial aid offered to international students in Germany are mentioned below:

Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships
The Bayer Foundation Scholarships
DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) Scholarships
Humboldt Research Fellowships for Postdoctoral Researchers
Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Scholarships
Individual University Scholarships (e.g., RWTH Aachen, TU Munich, Heidelberg University)
Erasmus+ Program
KAAD Scholarships (Catholic Academic Exchange Service)
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships
Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowships (IIF) for Developing Countries
Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarships
Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship Program)
EIT Scholarships (European Institute of Innovation & Technology)
Helmut-Schmidt-Programme (Master’s Scholarships for Public Policy and Good Governance – PPGG)
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Scholarships
Part-time Jobs and Student Loans (BAföG for eligible non-EU students)

FAQs

Are public universities free in Germany?

Yes, public universities in Germany typically do not charge tuition for domestic as well as overseas students, with the exception of some administrative fees. Non-EU students in certain states are charged tuition.

How to get admission in public university in Germany?

Securing admission to a public university in Germany requires the student to fulfill academic prerequisites (such as comparable high school credentials or a pertinent bachelor's degree), provide evidence of language competency (English for English-taught programs and German for German-taught programs), and apply via uni-assist or the university’s website. Moreover, the student needs to make sure he/she has financial proof for a student visa if applicable.

Which public universities in Germany offer the best programs for international students?

The top public universities in Germany that offer the best programs for international students include Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), RWTH Aachen University, University of Bonn, Humboldt University of Berlin, University of Freiburg, Technical University of Munich (TUM), University of Hamburg, Free University of Berlin, Heidelberg University, and University of Tübingen.

Do I need to know German to study at public universities in Germany?

No, students pursuing an English-taught program do not require to know German, nevertheless, speaking German is advantageous for everyday life and certain courses.

What scholarships are available for international students at public universities in Germany?

The various scholarships that international students at public universities in Germany can avail include: DAAD Scholarships, RWTH Aachen University Scholarships, Technical University of Munich Scholarships, Erasmus+ Program, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships, Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung Scholarships, Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management Scholarships, Bayer Foundation Scholarships, Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes, University of Hamburg Merit Scholarships, Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative (DAFI), Leipzig Graduate School of Management Scholarships, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships, Heidelberg University Scholarships, Friedrich Naumann Foundation Scholarships, Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, Katholischer Akademischer Ausländer-Dienst (KAAD), Hans Böckler Foundation Scholarships, and Deutschlandstipendium.

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

The average cost of living for international students in Germany ranges between €850 and €1,200 per month, entailing food, housing, transit, and health insurance.

Can international students work while studying at public universities in Germany?

Yes, while studying at public universities in Germany, international students can work part-time for a maximum of 120 full days or 240 half days per year.