Germany is home to many excellent public universities, known for their high-quality education and research opportunities. When it comes to determining the top public universities in Germany, it can be difficult to make a definitive ranking due to the many factors that come into play, such as the size and reputation of the institution, the quality of its faculty and facilities, and the range of programs offered. However, certain universities consistently stand out as leaders in their respective fields and are considered some of the best in the country.
German universities are known for their high-quality education, with many ranking among the best in the world. Tuition fees at public universities in Germany are generally low or even free for students, regardless of their nationality. German universities offer a wide range of programs in various fields of study, including science, engineering, business, humanities, and social sciences. German universities place a strong emphasis on research and innovation.
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To make it easier for you, we have created a quick guide to everything you need to know about the best public universities in Germany.

List of Top Public Universities in Germany
Studying in Germany can offer you a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. It is home to some of the world’s best universities. Let’s have a look at the list of imminent public institutions in Germany.
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)
- Technical University of Munich (TUM)
- University of Heidelberg
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- Free University of Berlin
- Goethe University Frankfurt
- University of Mannheim
- Technical University of Berlin
- University of Tübingen
- University of Bonn
About the Imminent Public Universities in Germany
Let’s now have a look at some of the top public universities in Germany in detail.
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)
The Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Germany. Founded in 1472, it is located in the city of Munich, the capital of Bavaria. The university has a strong reputation in the fields of natural sciences, medicine, law, and economics, and it is also known for its excellent humanistic tradition.
Popular Courses and Fees
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines such as natural sciences, medicine, law, economics, humanities, and social sciences. Some of the popular courses at LMU include:
- Medicine
- Law
- Economics
- Natural Sciences
- Humanities
For international students outside of the EU, the fee can range from €1,500 to €7,500 per semester, depending on the program. It is important to check with the university for the exact fees for specific programs.
Average Package: 50,000 Euro to 100,000 Euro per annum
Technical University of Munich
The Technical University of Munich (TUM) is a research-oriented university located in Munich, Germany. Founded in 1868, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious technical universities in Germany. TUM is known for its strong emphasis on research and innovation, and it has a reputation for producing high-quality graduates with excellent employability.
Popular Courses and Fees
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Business
- Physics
- Mathematics
For international students outside of the EU, the fee can range from €1,500 to €7,500 per semester, depending on the program.
Average Salary: Around 50,000 to 100,000 Euro per annum
University Of Heidelberg
The University of Heidelberg is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Germany, founded in 1386. The university is located in the city of Heidelberg, in the state of Baden-Württemberg. The University of Heidelberg has a strong reputation in the fields of humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and medicine.
Popular Courses and Fees
- Medicine
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Law
For international students outside of the EU, the fee can range from €1,500 to €7,500 per semester, depending on the program.
Average Salary: Around 50,000 to 100,000 Euro per annum
Humboldt University of Berlin
Humboldt University of Berlin (HU Berlin) is a public research university located in Berlin, Germany. Founded in 1810, it is one of the oldest universities in Germany and has a long tradition of excellence in research and education. HU Berlin is known for its strong emphasis on research and its high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs. The university offers a wide range of programs across various disciplines such as humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and law.
Popular Courses and Fees
- Computer Science
- Physical Sciences
- Life Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Arts
- Humanities
- Laws
At Humboldt University Berlin, the standard tuition and fees run about EUR 315. (INR 25,772).
Average Package: NA
University Of Bonn
The University of Bonn is a public research university located in Bonn, Germany. Founded in 1818, it is one of the oldest universities in Germany and is considered one of the most prestigious institutions in the country. The university has a strong emphasis on research and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields, including natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences. Notable alumni of the university include four Nobel laureates and many other distinguished scholars and public figures.
Popular Courses and Fees
The University of Bonn offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of study. Some popular fields of study at the university include:
- Natural Sciences: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science
- Humanities: German Studies, History, Philosophy, Law
- Social Sciences: Economics, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology
- Medicine
- Agriculture and Forestry Sciences
For undergraduate programs, the tuition fee is currently €1,500 per semester for German students and €5,000 per semester for international students.
Average Salary: Around €45,000 to €65,000 per year
Conclusion
Public universities in Germany offer a diverse range of programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and a strong emphasis on innovation and research. Studying in Germany can provide students with a unique, international experience that combines academic excellence with affordability and cultural immersion. From Berlin to Munich, the top public universities in Germany offer a wealth of opportunities for students looking to further their education and build a successful future. The universities in Germany are at the forefront of many fields of study, leading research and innovation and attracting top talent from around the world. We hope we have solved all your queries regarding the best public universities in Germany.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There is no definitive answer to this question as it can depend on a variety of factors, such as the size and reputation of the institution, the quality of its faculty and facilities, and the range of programs offered.
Tuition fees at public universities in Germany are generally low or even free for students, regardless of their nationality. However, students have to pay a semester fee which ranges from 250-350 euros, which covers access to university facilities, libraries and public transport.
Yes, many German universities offer programs taught in English, making it easier for international students to study in Germany. These programs include Undergraduate, Masters and PhD degrees.
German graduates are highly sought after and tend to have good job prospects. According to the Career Service of German universities, graduates from technical and natural science programs typically have a starting salary of around €45,000 to €65,000 per year.
Yes, international students are welcome to apply to public universities in Germany, and many universities have a dedicated international office to help guide and support them through the application process.

Sushant, an accomplished content writer at iDreamCareer, has dedicated his life to the pursuit of writing since childhood. Having earned his education at the prestigious University of Delhi, he possesses a profound understanding of both arts and science in the field of education. Leveraging his professional experience, Sushant brings a fresh perspective to analyzing emerging trends in the realms of writing and education. His youthful mindset, coupled with a positive outlook, is geared towards enlightening students through the impactful delivery of wisdom and knowledge.