German universities and institutes
Germany has a deep bench of world-class universities, many of them public and tuition-free. A key thing to understand before you apply is the distinction between traditional research universities and the more practically focused universities of applied sciences.
Leading universities
Heidelberg University
Germany's oldest university, founded in 1386 and internationally renowned for research across the sciences and humanities.
Humboldt University of Berlin
Berlin's historic research university, founded in 1810 and long associated with the modern research university model.
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
A leading German research university in central Munich, known for the humanities, law, medicine and natural sciences.
Technical University of Munich
One of Germany's leading technical universities, renowned worldwide for engineering, computer science and the natural sciences.
Free University of Berlin
A major Berlin research university founded in 1948, recognised for the social sciences, humanities and political studies.
Goethe University Frankfurt
A leading German research university in Frankfurt, particularly well known for economics, finance and law.
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
A leading technical university formed from the merger of the University of Karlsruhe and a major national research centre.
RWTH Aachen University
One of Germany's foremost technical universities, based in Aachen and internationally renowned for engineering and applied sciences.
Technical University of Berlin
Berlin's leading technical university, well known for engineering, computer science, architecture and the applied sciences.
University of Cologne
One of Germany's oldest and largest universities, with particular strength in economics and social sciences.
University of Hamburg
One of Germany's largest universities, offering a broad range of disciplines in the heart of Hamburg.
University vs Fachhochschule
Traditional universities (Universität) are research-led and offer the full range of degrees up to PhD. Universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen, or FH) are more practically and vocationally oriented, with strong industry links, hands-on teaching and built-in placements — an excellent choice if you want a career-focused degree.
Whichever type you choose, see our courses guide for how degrees are structured and how to apply, and our cities guide for where these universities are based.
Official source: Study in Germany (DAAD).