Germany has become one of the most popular study abroad locations for international students in 2025. The country is renowned for having a top-notch educational system and has excellent programs that are either tuition-free or quite reasonably priced. Germany is home to internationally renowned universities and state-of-the-art research facilities and offers an attractive academic environment together with fantastic job chances. German universities provide a wide range of degrees designed to satisfy the demands of the global industry, from business and the arts to engineering and medicine. The top programs in Germany, QS rankings, and a detailed application procedure for prestigious colleges will all be covered here, so keep reading to know where and why to study in Germany in 2025.
These are the top universities to study in Germany in 2025, along with their QS rankings:
| University | QS Ranking (2025) | Popular Courses | Location |
| WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management | 24 (Management and Finance) | Master’s in Management, Master’s in Finance | Vallendar |
| EBS University of Business and Law | 551–600 (Business and Management Studies) | Master’s in Finance, Master’s in Business Analytics, MBA | Oestrich-Winkel |
| Munich Business School | 90th (Masters in Management) | Bachelor’s in International Business, MBA programs, Master’s in Management | Munich |
| EU Business School | Top 50 in Europe (MBA program) | Business Administration, International Business, Marketing | Munich |
| International School of Management (ISM) | 27 (Marketing and Finance) | B.Sc. International Management, B.Sc. Finance and Management, B.A. Marketing & Communications Management | Dortmund |
| Frankfurt School of Finance & Management | 45th worldwide (Master’s in Management) | MBA, Master in Management (MiM), Master of Finance | Adickesallee |
| IU International University of Applied Sciences | 123 (Business, IT, Engineering) | Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence | Erfurt |
| ESCP Business School | 4 worldwide (QS Master’s in Marketing) | Master’s in Management (MiM), Master’s in Finance, MBA in International Management | Berlin |
Let’s have a detailed insight into these universities in the upcoming sessions.
Why Study in Germany in 2025?
Germany is among the top study destinations for international students in 2025. This country has an outstanding education system, and it is affordable in many aspects. Here’s why Germany is the first choice of destination for international students:
- Affordable education option
Many public universities in Germany offer tuition-free education, so it has been rated as one of the more affordable options for quality higher education.
- Great employability rates
Graduates who come out of the top German universities are highly regarded, and this gives them the best job opportunities globally.
- Excellent research facilities
Many universities in Germany provide research labs, industry partnerships, and research funding.
- Offers several English-taught programs
For those students who do not speak fluent German, many universities offer their courses taught in English in their relevant discipline, such as engineering, medicine, business, and the humanities.
- Global reputation and QS rankings
Many German universities receive high-level QS rankings, giving the universities some credibility and eventually good prospects upon graduating.
- Good industry links
German universities get and maintain strong prospective partnerships with industry leaders such as BMW, Siemens, and SAP; therefore, they offer students internships and placements through these partners.
Top Universities in Germany 2025
These are the top universities in Germany that students prefer to attend. These universities are known for offering high-quality education, high global rankings, and diverse programs for international students. This guide covers QS rankings, popular courses, locations, and admission requirements.
- WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management
- Ranking: WHU holds 24th rank globally as per the QS World University Ranking 2025.
- Popular Courses: Master’s in Management and Master’s in Finance.
- Location: Vallendar
- Admission Requirements: This university requires students to qualify TOEFL or IELTS.
- EBS University of Business and Law
- Ranking: This university ranks 551–600 range for Business and Management Studies.
- Popular Courses: Master’s in Finance, Master’s in Business Analytics, and the MBA.
- Location: Oestrich-Winkel
- Admission Requirements: Students should pass tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, Pearson or Duolingo.
- Munich Business School
- Ranking: Munich Business School ranks 90 according to the QS World University Ranking 2025.
- Popular courses: Bachelor’s in International Business and MBA programs.
- Location: Munich
- Admission Requirements: Students must qualify IELTS or Duolingo English test.
- EU Business School
- Ranking: As per the World University Ranking 2025, this university is ranked within the Top 50 in Europe for the MBA program.
- Popular courses: Business Administration, International Business, Marketing
- Location: Munich
- Admission Requirements: Students must qualify for any of the tests, such as TOEFL iBT, IELTS or PTE test to prove their English proficiency.
5. International School of Management (ISM)
- Ranking: The International School of Management ranked 27 for Marketing and Finance programs.
- Popular programs: B.Sc. International Management, B.Sc. Finance and Management, B.A. Marketing & Communications Management.
- Location: Dortmund
- Admission Requirements: A high school diploma and passing scores on tests such as the IELTS.
6. Frankfurt School of Finance & Management
- Ranking: This university ranks 45 worldwide for Master’s in Management.
- Popular programs: MBA, Master in Management (MiM) and Master of Finance
- Location: Adickesallee
- Admission Requirements: Students must pass the admissions Interview and TOEFL or IELTS exam.
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- Ranking: IU International University of Applied Sciences ranked 123 for Business, IT, Engineering programs.
- Popular courses: Computer Science, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
- Location: Erfurt
- Admission Requirements: Students must submit a secondary school certificate.
- ESCP Business School
- Ranking: Ranked 4th worldwide in the QS Master’s in Marketing Ranking 2025.
- Popular courses: Master’s in Management (MiM), Master’s in Finance and MBA in International Management.
- Location: Berlin
- Admission Requirements: Bachelor’s degree, English fluency, and strong academic record.
English-Taught Programs vs German-Taught Programs
Germany offers several courses for international students, and you can choose between English-taught universities in Germany or traditional German-taught programs.
Top Universities Offering English-Taught Programs
Many of the top universities in Germany offer degree programs fully taught in English, which will be helpful for students who want to study in Germany but are not fluent in German. These include:
- Munich Business School: Bachelor’s in International Business and MBA programs.
- EU Business School: Business Administration, International Business, Marketing
- Frankfurt School of Finance & Management: MBA, Master in Management (MiM), and Master of Finance
- ESCP Business School: Master’s in Management (MiM), Master’s in Finance and MBA in International Management.
- EBS University of Business and Law: Master’s in Finance, Master’s in Business Analytics, and the MBA.
The Benefits of Learning German When Competing for Jobs
Although the availability of English-taught programs makes it possible to successfully study in Germany, knowing German can be the difference maker, giving you more career options.
- Higher employability: Some German companies will prefer German language skills over other languages.
- Integration into the local job market: Being able to speak German will assist you in networking, and it also opens up other types of jobs that you normally would not notice working for an international company.
- Post-study visa: Strong skills in German will help you when you go from being an international student to the German student visa process, and later will help you as you try to secure formal residency status.
- A broader range of courses: Many free universities have significantly more programs in German than in English, and if you can speak the language, you have several choices.
- A better experience of living: Knowing German will make your day-to-day living easier and assist you in getting to know locals.
Admission Requirements for International Students
Public institutions in Germany are the best option for students who plan to study in Germany with no tuition fees. These public institutions offer great quality and value for money. The requirements will vary from institution to institution and program to program. The general admission process in German universities includes:
- Academic Qualification: Students must submit a recognised school-leaving qualification or a qualification equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in German.
- Language Proficiency: For programs in English, students must secure an IELTS score between 6.0 and 7.0 and for German programs, students must pass the TestDaF or DSH exam.
- Application Documents: Academic transcripts, Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs), CV, and a valid passport.
- Proof of Financial Resources: Even though many institutions are tuition-free, students will still need to prove that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves through their time in Germany.
Tuition Fees & Cost of Living
Germany ranks among the top choices for international students because of its low-cost nature of studying in Germany, especially in the case of students planning to study in Germany for free. But costs will also vary depending on whether you go to a public university or a private institution.
Public vs Private Universities
Public Universities: Most public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees for undergraduate programs, with some exceptions in some states. Students will only pay a very small semester contribution (€150–€350 range) that includes administration and public transport access. That is why Germany is one of the best options for affordable higher education when you consider the German higher education system.
Private Universities: These are full-cost units, and the tuition fees can range from €5,000 to €20,000 per year depending on the program and department offered. Such programs include business, management and design programs.
Average semester fee
Students will pay around €100 and €350 per semester as an average semester fee at free universities in Germany. The semester fees will include access to students’ services and often include public transport access passes. In contrast, private institutions will often charge semester fees from €10,000 to €20,000 per year, including student services!
Living costs by city
The living costs in Germany for students will vary greatly depending on where you live. Here’s a list of average living costs by cities in Germany.
- Munich – € 1,300 to € 2000/month.
- Berlin – €1,000–€1,300/month.
- Frankfurt & Hamburg – €1,100–€1,400/month.
- Leipzig & Dresden – €900 to €1,300/month
Career Opportunities After Graduation
Talented graduates from German universities are likely to find employment in jobs across various industries due to a healthy economy and industry presence. There are also a number of specializations, such as engineering, IT, healthcare, and research, that are offering high compensation for talented graduates.
- Engineering: Germany has huge companies such as BMW, Siemens, and Bosch that require engineers of all types (mechanical engineers, civil engineers, automotive engineers, and renewable energy engineers, among others).
- IT & Technology: Software development, data science, AI, and cybersecurity are in demand in the IT sector, which are highly remunerated and thus offer great job opportunities for graduates.
- Healthcare: Graduate doctors with medical or health degrees from public universities in Germany will be in high demand in hospitals and private practices.
Confused about student visa, admission, and career opportunities in Germany?
Clifton is here to guide you. As one of the leading study abroad consultants in Kochi, we guide students in pursuing overseas education by providing free counseling, identifying suitable courses and universities, and offering support with applications, visas, and financing. Contact us now.
FAQs
- Can you study in Germany without paying fees?
Yes, most German universities do not charge tuition fees for undergraduate programs. But you will need to pay a small fee as a student semester fee for administrative and public transport purposes.
2.Do I need to be fluent in German to study in Germany?
No, some universities will have an English program for the master’s degree level. So, you can get admission in Germany and not be fluent in German.
- What are the admission requirements for studying in Germany?
Students will need to have a valid school-leaving qualification or bachelor’s degree and proof of language proficiency.
- How long does it take to complete the application process for German universities?
It could take a number of months. Most students will tend to prepare their application 8-12 months before the date of admission.
- Is it better to choose an English-taught program or a German-taught program?
English-taught programs will usually be easier for non-German students. German-taught programs tend to have more courses in total and better opportunities for local work.
