Top Public Universities in Germany

Study for Free at these Top Institutions in 2026

Introduction

Germany has emerged as one of the top study-abroad destinations, attracting international students with its world-class education system and excellent career opportunities. Public universities in Germany are particularly appealing because they offer tuition-free education, making them an affordable option compared to universities in other countries. This guide explores how public universities in Germany work, their benefits, and the top institutions to consider for your studies.

How Public Universities in Germany Work

Does a public university in Germany matter in any way? Or is it the same thing? Well, it's a bit tricky, but don't worry! Let's decode the public universities in Germany today!

Tuition-Free Model: Germany is one of the few European countries that offers tuition-free education. However, unlike many other countries like Sweden, etc, it’s not limited to nationals. Currently, many German public universities have started charging tuition(way less than their USA counterparts). While there is tuition-free education at most public universities in Germany, students must pay a nominal semester fee, typically between €150-€350. This fee covers administrative costs, student union fees, and a public transport ticket. Check out popular scholarships available for international students to study in Germany!

Private Vs Public Universities in Germany: Germany has a strong higher education system consisting of both private and public universities. 

Metric

Public Universities

Private Universities

Funding

State or government funded

Mostly sponsored by companies and tuition from students

Tuition

Mostly free or a nominal charge

High tuition fees

Additional Costs and Scholarships: Although tuition fees are waived, students need to consider living expenses, which average around €850-€1,200 per month, covering accommodation, food, and transportation. Scholarships such as DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) and university-specific funding can help manage these costs.

And the best part? Germany offers tons of part-time opportunities to international students in Germany. The pay is good enough to sustain your living there. Check out how you can grab an internship in Germany in 2026!

Top Public Universities in Germany

Germany is home to some of the best universities in the world, offering top-tier education and research opportunities. Here are some of the top public universities in Germany.

Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)

Business Schools in Germany, Public universities in Germany

Ranking highest across charts for sciences and management. The LMU Munich School of Management offers a Master Business Administration(MBA). It is known for its strong research programs and academic excellence.

Technical University of Munich (TUM)

Business Schools in Germany,  Public universities in Germany

TUM is one of the best public universities in Germany for engineering, technology, and business studies. It offers a unique Master's degree in Consumer Science that builds your profile in consumer research with an international and interdisciplinary profile.

Goethe University Frankfurt

Business Schools in Germany,  Public universities in Germany

Goethe University is popular for business, finance, and law.

University of Cologne

One of the oldest and largest public universities in Germany. Known for its sciences and management courses. The University of Cologne is the only representative of the CEMS Alliance from Germany, offering CEMS MiM. Interested to know more about CEMS MiM? Check out Our Guidebook to CEMS MiM in 2026!

University of Mannheim

Business Schools in Germany,  Public universities in Germany

University of Mannheim is a public research university in Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It offers the Mannheim Master of Management- one of the best MiM programs in Germany.

Did you know the University of Mannheim offers one of the most affordable MiM programs globally?

Business Schools in Germany, Public Universities in Germany

Public Universities are the main reason for pursuing affordable education in Germany? Want to pursue an MiM here? Check it out!

Universities

Location

Popular Courses

Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)

Munich, Germany

Sciences(Data Science, Biology, Physics), Management

Technical University of Munich (TUM)

Munich, Germany

Management, Innovation, Aerospace

Goethe University Frankfurt

Frankfurt, Germany

MBA in Pharma and Digital Transformation Management, Finance, Economics

University of Cologne

Cologne, Germany

Business Administration (MBA), Economics, Social Sciences

University of Mannheim

Mannheim, Germany

Business Administration, Management, Management Analytics, Sciences

These are some of the top public universities in Germany. Searching for the best business schools in Germany? Check out our Masterlist! 

Planning to study in France in 2026? Looking for top public universities in France? Check it here! Confused between France and Germany? Hope this clears your doubts!

Eligibility for Public Universities in Germany in 2026!

If you wish to enroll in top of the top public universities in Germany, you will need:

Qualifying Degree: A recognized high school diploma (equivalent to the German Abitur) for a bachelor’s program. If you are going for a Master’s degree, you will need a bachelor's from a recognized university or institute. You will need proof of a minimum of 16 years of completed education(check with the university before drafting your application)

English proficiency: If you are coming from a non-English speaking country, you will need to prove your English proficiency through a standardized test like IELTS or TOEFL. The majority of the public universities in Germany have programs in English at present, so you might need a B2-C1 proficiency(university-specific)

Want to enrol in a German-speaking program?

You will need proof of German language proficiency, like TestDaF, DSH, or Goethe Certificate. Scores are university-specific, but you will need a minimum of C1 to get into a Full-time program.

Subject-specific entrance qualifications: Certain programs have entrance tests, additional qualifications, and selection interviews.

Other important documents include academic transcripts, APS, VPD, and relevant documents like essays, Statement of Purpose(SOP), LOR(Letter of Recommendation), and letter of intent. 

Admission Process for International Students

Planning to study in a public university in Germany in 2026? Here’s how your roadmap can be estimated:

  • Choose a university and program: Research public universities in Germany that offer your desired course.
  • Check admission requirements: Each university has specific eligibility criteria.
  • Prepare documents: High school or bachelor’s degree transcripts, SOP, LORs, CV, and language proficiency test scores.
  • Apply through uni-assist: Many universities use the uni-assist platform for international student applications. You can apply through it. Some universities have their own separate application portal, like Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU), Technical University of Munich (TUM), and more! You can directly apply on their portals.
  • Wait for admission results: If accepted, you’ll receive an admission letter, which is needed for your visa application.
  • Apply for a student visa: Submit your admission letter, proof of funds, and health insurance to the German embassy. You will need to make a blocked account. Don't be tense as we will be there with you!!
  • Move to Germany and enroll: Register with the university and obtain a residence permit once you arrive.
Business Schools in Germany, Public Universities in Germany

Wanna know why TUM and University of Mannheim fall among the Top 5 Business Schools in Germany? Tap to find Out!

Conclusion

Public universities in Germany provide international students with high-quality education at little to no cost, making them a preferred choice for higher studies. With a range of top institutions, scholarship opportunities, and globally recognized degrees, studying in Germany is an excellent investment in your future. Whether you’re looking for a degree in engineering, business, or medicine, Germany’s tuition-free universities open doors to a world of academic and career possibilities.

If you're considering studying in Germany, start your research early, explore available scholarships, and apply to the best public universities to maximize your opportunities!

Need help with your applications? Schedule a call with our founder, Bijal, and connect with her to identify your strengths! Let’s get you into your Dream Schools today!!

Success Stories​

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Admits from EDHEC Business School

Bijal was instrumental in structuring my application to demonstrate my work. She provided me with timely feedback and guidance. Being an MiM student herself, she shared her personal experience at every stage which helped me to have a better understanding of the process and get into the school of my choice.

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Admits from EDHEC Business School

I highly recommend Bijal Gandhi, the founder of EdYou Abroad, a Higher Education Consultancy Company, for her exceptional services in guiding students through the master’s application process. Bijal’s expertise in personalized assistance, value for money, and honest, unbiased advice sets her apart. Her commitment extends beyond admission, as she continues to provide valuable guidance even after acceptance. With Bijal’s assistance, I successfully gained admission to EDHEC Business School, a top-tier institution. I am grateful for her professionalism and dedication, and I confidently endorse EdYou Abroad’s consultancy services for anyone pursuing higher education opportunities.

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Admits from University of Toronto

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Simran Jariwala
Admits from Stevens Institute of Technology

Even though I had no tech background, Bijal’s help got me into good business and data analytics programs that too with scholarships. Thank you so much for believing in me!

Sreekanth Reddy Annareddy
Admits from EDHEC, SKEMA

I highly recommend Bijal as a study abroad consultant. What really set her apart was how personalized the entire service was. She didn’t just give generic advice but took the time to understand my goals, preferences, and concerns. From suggesting the right universities to helping me refine my application, every step felt tailored to my needs.

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Admits from SKEMA Business School

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Sivaraam K
Admits from ESADE, EDHEC, FSFM

I am incredibly grateful to Bijal for the invaluable support and guidance she provided throughout my academic journey. At a time when I felt uncertain and doubted the strength of my profile, Bijal’s insightful understanding and personalized approach completely transformed my perspective. She helped me streamline my entire application process and gave me clarity on choosing the right university—one that I genuinely had a chance at—and even helped improve my acceptance chances significantly.

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Anshul Pokharna
Admits from EDHEC, BITSOM

I worked with Bijal Gandhi during my MBA application process, and I’m genuinely glad I did. When I first started, I was focused on going abroad. But after a few discussions with my parents, I began exploring Indian options too — that’s where Bijal really stepped in.

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Admits from UCL

am super happy to recommend Bijal! She was an amazing mentor who guided me through a big career change from medicine to management. I got into UCL, which top 9 in the world…I was clueless about what course to choose, which university to choose , but Bijal’s guidance and support were spot on. She’s super friendly, and always available to help.Bijal not only provided me with valuable insights and advice but also ensured that I was well-prepared for every step of the process. She was consistently available to answer my questions and offer support, and her enthusiasm and passion for her work are contagious.
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Mrunal Hulke
Admits from ESSEC Business School

I’m incredibly grateful to Bijal for her unwavering support throughout my study abroad application journey. From our first conversation, she took the time to truly understand my background, strengths, and aspirations, and helped me express my story in a way that felt both authentic and compelling. Her feedback on my applications to HEC Paris and ESSEC Business School was always clear, actionable, and encouraging, which made the whole process feel much less daunting. Bijal also guided me through my interview prep, helping me find my voice and present myself with confidence. Thanks to her mentorship, I was thrilled to receive initial shortlists from both schools. I wholeheartedly recommend Bijal to anyone pursuing their dream of studying abroad, her guidance and genuine care truly make all the difference.

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Admits from London Business School

I’m deeply grateful to everyone who supported me throughout this journey, and especially to Bijal Gandhi from EdYou Abroad, who played a key role in making this achievement possible. Their support went far beyond strategic guidance. They helped me structure my story, highlight my experiences, and build a coherent and authentic application. I couldn’t have done it without them.

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