List of Public Universities in Germany

The education system in Germany is broadly divided into public and private universities. The public universities in Germany clearly dominate the education market in the country with over 240 functional public universities offering programmes for everyone. The private universities are much smaller in number and offer specialized programmes.

Germany is famous for offering high-quality education at low or no cost. This thing makes Germany one of the best countries to study abroad for Indian students. The education system in Germany is broadly divided into public and private universities. The public universities clearly dominate the education market in Germany with over 240 functional public universities offering all sorts of courses. The private universities are much smaller in number and offer specialized programmes. 

Apart from zero tuition fees, Public universities in Germany offer ample research opportunities, government support, and a strong academic reputation. The Number of Indian students studying in Germany has increased three-fold over the years. Indians make up the second largest group of international students enrolled at German universities, with around 42,997 students from India currently enrolled in Germany (2024). Public universities in Germany are funded by the government and form the major backbone of the education industry in the country. Technical University of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Heidelberg University, Free University of Berlin are among top public universities in Germany which are also among top global universities. In this blog, we are going to tell you about public universitiesties in Germany, their courses and how to apply there.

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Public Universities vs Private Universities - Overview 

In this section, we are going to look at the differences between public universities and private universities across Germany.

Best Public Universities in Germany 2025

In this section, we are going to list the best public universities in Germany as per leading ranking aggregators. 

Let us know the universities in detail

Technical University of Munich

Technical University of Munich (TUM) is one of the top universities in the world and the highest-ranked university in Germany. Currently, the Technical University of Munich (TUM Germany) ranks #28in the QS World University Rankings 2025. One of the most illustrious technical universities in Germany, TU Munich was founded in 1868 and is a member of the prestigious TU9 – a group of nine distinguished technical universities in Germany. TU Munich is home to 15 academic departments/schools that offer over 200 degree programs including an extensive selection of English-taught courses and programs for the large number of international students that enrol every year.

Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich

At the forefront of European research, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich) has been dedicated to academic excellence for over 550 years. Founded in 1472, LMU Munich is a hub of academic excellence in a vibrant network of research institutions, universities, and businesses. Its 18 faculties offer a diverse range of disciplines, from theology to the earth sciences.

University Heidelberg

Germany's oldest university and a leading European research institution, University Heidelberg is renowned for its excellence in academics, science, and research. Its success in the international rankings confirms its status as a world-class university. Heidelberg University's courses of study are informed by its strong research focus, and students are encouraged to develop independent research skills early on. With over 160 fields of study, Heidelberg offers a broad spectrum of subjects, from the humanities and social sciences to the natural and applied sciences.

Free University of Berlin

A leading German research university, the Free University of Berlin is part of the elite University Consortium of Excellence, the Berlin University Alliance. It is one of 13 German universities funded through the German government’s Excellence Strategy and has over 100 international partnerships. With 16 academic departments and central institutes offering over 150 degree programs, Freie Universität Berlin is a global destination for students and scholars.

List of Public Universities in Germany

In this section, we are going to be talking about the popular public universities in Germany. 

Why Study at Public Universities in Germany?

There are close to 350 public universities in Germany. Apart from offering free education to international and domestic students alike. what makes public universities in Germany popular among international students can be attributed to the quality of education German universities provide.

Germany is known for their state-of-the-art infrastructure, availability of the latest amenities, an education system that combines theoretical knowledge along with building practical skills, renowned faculty, a stable jobs market and finally a degree that is renowned the world over. These are some of the popular reasons that make public universities in Germany stand out when it comes to making study-abroad decisions. 

Popular Courses across Public Universities in Germany

While courses are part of the student's decision. However, popular courses across public universities include

• Business Administration/Management

• Computer Science

• Industrial Engineering/Business and Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mechatronics
• Medicine/health science

• Robotics/Artificial Intelligence
• Social work

Cost of Studying at Public Universities in Germany?

If you manage to get admission in any public university then the cost of studying in Germany will be zero or low.  We all are aware by now that the public universities in Germany are free and do not charge tuition fees but only an administration fee of about 350 euros at the start of each semester. However, there are living expenses that candidates need to take care of. Candidates going to study in Germany are required to open a Blocked Account in Germany. A German Blocked Account is a mandatory requirement and simply put, is a closed bank account in a German Bank.

Keeping the rate of inflation in mind, the mandatory amount required in the German Blocked Account for studying in Germany is €11,904 for an entire year or €992 for a month. Along with this, candidates should also look at the miscellaneous expenditures involved in the study abroad process. 

How to apply to a Public University in Germany?

The admission requirement to study in Germany is very high. Universities in Germany ask for a 90% academic score for UG programs for admission. It also has a high acceptance rate that makes it difficult for foreign students to get admission to public universities in the country. International students need to appear for IELTS or TOEFL exam as an English Language Proficiency Exam. For PG courses international students are required at least a 70-75% academic score from a reputed university. They also need to appear in exams like GRE, GMAT, ACT, SAT, etc. as per the programme requirement. Candidates can reach out to our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors for assistance with university admissions.

Also Read

Candidates looking for assistance with university admissions can get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad counsellors for assistance with university admissions to Germany. You can also mention your queries in the comment section below: