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Top Public Universities in Germany

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By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Mar 26,2025 04:33 PM IST

Germany has over 428 higher education institutions, out of which 313 are public universities.
German public universities offer tuition-free education, a wide range of programs, and career support services.
The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Lancaster University, and the Technical University of Munich are among the top public universities in Germany.

Top Public Universities in Germany 2025.webp

It’s a notion that studying abroad is expensive, but there is one country that is breaking this notion. Germany, also known as the land of ideas, offers the most affordable education to international students. This is all possible because of public universities in Germany. These universities provide world-class, pocket-friendly education along with research facilities and opportunities to participate in extra-curricular activities.

In this blog, students will learn about the top public universities in Germany, which have secured places in multiple renowned worldwide rankings. Read till the end to know about the best German public universities, popular courses and admission process.

Benefits of Studying at Public Universities in Germany

Here are the benefits of studying in public universities in Germany:

1. Affordable Education: One of the biggest benefits of studying in Germany is that public universities there charge no tuition fee. This allows every student to fulfil their dream of studying abroad.

2. Wide Range of Programs: When studying at public universities in Germany, one can choose from a broad range of higher education programs. The diversity aims to meet the needs of every study abroad aspirant.

3. Open Society: Germany offers what every youngster looks for: a life free from restrictions. Known for its open society, Germany provides international students with the same rights as citizens.

4. Safe Environment: According to the 2025 Safety Index, Germany is ranked the 19th safest country in the world. More than 10 million people from various countries live in Germany in peace.

5. Access to Europe: Studying in public universities in Germany allows students to explore 43 other European countries in their free time.

Top German Public Universities in 2025

Here is the list of free public universities in Germany for international students:

1. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

Founded in 1825, the KIT is one of Germany's top public universities, ranking 119th in the QS World University Rankings 2025. It’s also a great public university in Germany for engineering programs. The university offers more than 100 degree programs in various study areas, including economics, engineering, humanities and social sciences, and natural sciences. Besides attending lectures, the campus life of international students consists of public presentations and sports events.

Popular Courses:

Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Science

2. Lancaster University

Next on the list of public universities in Germany is Lancaster University. Ranked 141st in the QS World University Rankings 2025, the university has consistently secured a place in the top 15 in major UK league tables. Situated in Leipzig, Lancaster has been awarded a 5-star rating from QS World University Rankings 2025. It is one of the most targeted universities by top employers worldwide.

Popular Courses

Accounting & Finance
Business Management
Marketing
Economics

3. Technical University of Munich (TUM)

The next free public university in Germany for international students is the Technical University of Munich (TUM). Founded in 1868, TUM is one of the best universities in Germany, educating 52,000 students annually. The university has won the University of Excellence award three times in a row and has received 19 Nobel Prizes. It was ranked in the top 20 worldwide in natural sciences and engineering. Along with high-quality education, students can enjoy a vibrant on-campus life that includes various sports, events, and workshops, all of which contribute to their holistic development.

Popular Courses

Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering & Information Technology
Computer Science
Mechatronics & Robotics

4. Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) of Munich

Ranking 59th in QS World University Rankings 2025, LMU Munich is another leading public university in Germany. LMU has won several Nobel Prizes, Leibniz Prizes, and other teaching awards. When studying at LMU, students can choose from 300 degree programs, conduct research and avail of career support services. In addition to receiving high-quality education, students can participate in a range of sports and cultural activities.

Popular Courses

Business Administration
Law
Economics
Biology

5. Humboldt University of Berlin

Established in 1810, the Humboldt University of Berlin is one of the largest public universities in Germany. It is home to 29 Nobel Prize winners and is ranked 84th in Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025 and 126th in QS World University Rankings 2025. Every year, 5,000 students find success in 185 degree programs at the university. Along with high-quality education, students will receive customised support services.

Popular Courses

Arts and Humanities
Social Sciences
Geography
Agricultural Sciences

6. RWTH Aachen University

With an outstanding reputation and a multi-national knowledge community, RWTH is another excellent public university in Germany for international students. The university is ranked 99th in QS World University Rankings 2025 and has enrolled over 44,000 students for the winter semester of 2024/25. The university provides over 190 courses to choose from, out of which the most popular ones are as follows:

Popular Courses

Aerospace Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Automotive Engineering

7. University of Stuttgart

The University of Stuttgart is a leading public university in Germany, situated in Europe’s most vibrant economic area, Stuttgart. The region is filled with many big companies like Porsche, Daimler, IBM, HP, and Bosch, which means a lot of career opportunities for international students. The university provides a wide range of degree programs, including STEM courses, double master’s programs, and a DAAD program.

Popular Courses

Physics
Chemistry
Architecture
Urban Planning

8. University of Bonn

With over 200 years of history and two Nobel Prize winners, the University of Bonn is a preferred public university in Germany for international students. It’s one of the most well-networked research universities worldwide, known for its transdisciplinary research areas. The university has six clusters of excellence in multiple research areas, more than any other university in Germany. Students receive comprehensive support throughout their studies, including psychological counselling and financial assistance.

Popular Courses

Mathematics
Physics
Neuroscience
Agricultural Sciences

How to Get Admission to a Public University in Germany?

After learning about the best public universities in Germany for international students, let’s look at the step-by-step admission process to get in there:

1. Select the ideal university and program with the guidance of a study abroad expert.

2. Meet eligibility criteria such as academic qualifications, English proficiency (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL), LOR, SOP, etc.

3. Collect all required documents, like mark sheets, standard tests (if applicable), English test scores, LORs, SOP, and other relevant documents.

4. Apply to the program with expert assistance.

5. Pay a small processing fee, ranging from INR 9,000 to 20,000.

6. Once university officials review the application, students will receive an offer letter, which they must sign after carefully reading it.

7. The next step is to apply for a German student visa with the guidance of a study abroad expert.

8. Open a blocked account with a minimum amount of €11,904 (approximately INR 11 Lakhs). However, students should verify this information while applying, as it may vary.

9. Lastly, prepare for travel by arranging accommodations, sorting out finances, and purchasing health insurance.

Conclusion

German public universities are the most affordable academic institutions worldwide. They allow students from any background to study abroad without breaking the bank. The best public universities in Germany for international students are the Technical University of Munich, Humboldt University of Berlin, and Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) of Munich. These universities not only provide a budget-friendly education but also the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular activities. German public universities charge a nominal tuition fee or processing fee and allow students to study their dream program. Connect with study abroad experts to start your academic journey in Germany.

FAQ

How many public universities are there in Germany?

Germany has 313 public universities, out of which the best are the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Lancaster University, the Technical University of Munich (TUM), and Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) of Munich.

How to apply to a public university in Germany?

Connect with Canam’s study-abroad experts to apply to a German public university.

Is the public university in Germany free?

Which is better, a public or private university in Germany?

Public universities in Germany are best since one doesn’t have to pay any tuition fee or very low tuition fees to study there.

Why is studying in Germany so cheap?

Studying in Germany is very affordable because of its public universities that charge no tuition fees to international students.

How much CGPA is required for a public university in Germany?

International students need to have a CGPA between 2.5 on a scale of 4.0 for master’s degrees.

Which German public university has the highest acceptance rate?

Ludwig-Maximillian University and the University of Bonn are among the two universities with the highest acceptance rate in Germany.

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Top Public Universities in Germany

Table of Contents

Benefits of Studying at Public Universities in Germany

Top German Public Universities in 2025

1. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

Popular Courses:

2. Lancaster University

Popular Courses

3. Technical University of Munich (TUM)

Popular Courses

4. Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) of Munich

Popular Courses

5. Humboldt University of Berlin

6. RWTH Aachen University

Popular Courses

7. University of Stuttgart

8. University of Bonn

Popular Courses

How to Get Admission to a Public University in Germany?

Conclusion

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