Do you want to study in Germany? This guide contains 20 of the best universities in Germany you can study in 2026. Read on to get all the information you need.

Germany has a longstanding reputation for being among the top 10 countries students can get top quality education and an affordable rate. When you compare the cost of studying in top countries like the US, UK to Germany, you would see that Germany offers you the same educational quality, state of the art university facilities and a reputable academic board at a lower tuition fee.

German universities continue to rise up the list of international rankings. But, before you make the decision to travel to Germany to study, there are few things you should know. To help you out, we have dug deeper to find out the top 20 universities that offer the best quality of education in Germany. We considered important criteria such as tuition rates, global ranking, post study career opportunities, locations, campus facilities and student support. 

Below, we’ll explore the best universities in Germany in 2026. You’ll learn about their top programs, fees, admission requirements and also get an application link. Let’s look at top universities in Germany 2026.

Table of Content

• Why Choose to Study in Germany in 2026?
•  Admission Process and Requirements for 2026
• 20 Universities to study in Germany
• Conclusion

Why Choose to Study in Germany in 2026?

• Globally Ranked Universities

Germany is home to many universities that are globally ranked, such as the Technical University of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Humboldt University of Berlin, and Free University of Berlin. At the moment, 55 German universities are on Times Higher Education's Best Universities of 2026.

• Affordable Education

One of the top reasons why Germany is highly reputable and sought after by students all over the world is just how affordable the schools are. Many public universities in Germany offer courses with free tuition, and others range from €150 to €350 and these are courses that are recognized globally.

When compared with destinations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, or Australia, German universities are highly affordable and also offer funding options like scholarships such as DAAD Scholarships (German Academic Exchange Service), Erasmus+ Grants, Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship Program), and University-specific scholarships.

• Post Study Opportunities 

Another great reason why you should study in Germany in 2026 is that it offers post-study work options for international students. International students can stay in Germany for up to 18 months to find a job related to their field after completing their studies. Once employed, they may apply for a EU Blue Card, which can lead to permanent residency.

• Industry Integration

Universities in Germany usually have strong ties with top industries like Siemens, BMW, Bosch, and SAP, which recruit students as soon as they graduate. They offer internships, research collaborations, and even full-time positions.

 Admission Process and Requirements for 2026

Applying to study in Germany is a structured process, but with proper preparation, it’s straightforward. In 2026, you need the following to gain admission into the university:

• Completed secondary education or equivalent qualification.

• Recognized university entrance qualification for undergraduate studies.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent for master’s programs.

• Strong academic performance and relevant subject background.

Language Proficiency:

• For English-taught programs: IELTS (6.0–6.5) or TOEFL (80+).

• For German-taught programs: TestDaF or DSH proficiency.

German Universities open the application portals twice every year. Below is the application timeline for 2026.

• Winter intake: Apply by mid-July 2026 for courses starting in October 2026.

• Summer intake: Apply by mid-January 2027 for courses starting jn April 2027.

Student Visa Process:

After securing your admission in a University in Germany, you will need a valid admission letter, proof of financial resources (around €11,000 in a blocked account), health insurance, and a valid passport. The German Embassy or consulate provides detailed guidelines for each country.

20 Universities to study in Germany

1. Technical University of Munich (TUM)

The Technical University of Munich is a global marketplace of knowledge. A place where we actively promote creativity. The faculty of excellent scientists includes over 600 professors, with the share of women among them constantly increasing.

TUM extends far beyond Munich with its sites in Garching, Weihenstephan, Straubing and Heilbronn. We also have campuses, offices and representative bodies on other continents around the globe.

Tuition Fee: 2000 - 3000 Euros

Admission Requirements

For application and enrollment at TUM, you must upload authentic documents to TUMonline that provide proof of your school education or academic career.

For a Bachelor’s degree program, these are usually the higher education entrance qualification, for a Master’s degree program the graduation documents or the transcript of your completed Bachelor’s degree program. You can find a detailed list of the documents you need to upload in your TUMonline account in your application status.

Apply to Technical University of Munich (TUM)

2. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München is a leading research university in Europe. Since its founding in 1472 it has been committed to the highest international standards of excellence in research and teaching. The campuses are strategically located throughout Munich. As a focal point of scholarship and culture, LMU occupies a pivotal position in an unusually dense network of research institutions, universities and business firms in Munich.

Tuition Fee: Free

Admission Requirements

• A university entrance qualification:

The university entrance qualification is a high school leaving certificate which qualifies you to embark on a degree program at a German university. In Germany, this is known as Abitur (German higher education entrance qualification). In general, high school leaving certificates in EU states are deemed equivalent to the German Abitur, and qualify you to begin studying in Germany. If you have an high school leaving certificate from another country, an official assessment will be required to ensure it is equivalent to the German Abitur. In some countries, school leaving certificates do not qualify the holder for university entrance. 

• Furnishing evidence of proficiency in German:

The linguistic demands when studying at LMU are high. In order to complete a bachelor's degree or a State Examination degree program, you will first need to pass a recognized German language test.

For Masters

• A first academic degree (bachelor’s or equivalent):

Please note that acquiring an academic degree in one subject does not necessarily qualify you for any master's degree program. The subjects which are recognized for pre-qualification are listed in the Examination & Study Regulations associated with each master's degree program. 

Apply to Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU)

3. Heidelberg University

Founded in 1386, it is the oldest university in today's Germany and one of Europe’s leading research institutions. Its success across all funding rounds of the Excellence Competition and international rankings underscore its leadership role and excellent reputation in the academic, scientific and research landscape.

Courses of study at Heidelberg University are informed by its strong research focus and are designed to accustom students to independent research practices early on. With over 160 fields of study, it offers the broad spectrum of subjects representative of a comprehensive university as well as abundant opportunities to acquire a singular and internationally competitive qualification profile.

Tuition Fee: €1,500 per semester

Admission Requirements

• Before applying to university, you must familiarise yourself with the admission and course requirements.

• All degree programmes at Heidelberg University are access-restricted. The general requirements to enrol in an academic programme are a university entrance qualification and proof of sufficient language proficiency. Depending on the chosen degree programme, you may also need to fulfil additional admission and course requirements. 

• Applicants for a Master's degree programme must have successfully completed a first university degree programme at a German or international university that qualifies them to enrol in the desired Master's programme. 

• When conducting the formal recognition examination of foreign university degrees, Heidelberg University follows the evaluation suggestions of the Central Office for Foreign Education. 

• Applicants for all degree programmes (Bachelor’s degree or state examination) at Heidelberg University as well as for all German-language Master’s degree programmes must have very good German language skills. Proof of the required German language skills must be submitted prior to enrolling in an academic programme. 

Apply to Heidelberg University

4. RWTH Aachen University

Recognition as a University of Excellence, innovative industry collaborations on RWTH Aachen Campus, and strong research funding all underscore our University’s outstanding reputation. Discover why top employers value our graduates – and explore how our forward-looking strategy is shaping the future of teaching and research at RWTH. 

Tuition Fee: €100 and €400

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission to programs leading to a bachelor’s or Staatsexamen degree, you must meet the following admission requirements:

• Submit documentation proving your eligibility for university-level education, such as a general or subject-specific university entrance qualification certificate or equivalent vocational training credentials.

• If applicable, provide proof of language proficiency.

• For programs with restricted admission, submit an acceptance letter or admissions notification.

• Complete the program’s self-assessment test (not required for dentistry or medicine).

The next step is to review the application information to determine if you need to submit an application for your chosen course of study.

Apply to RWTH Aachen University

5. Humboldt University of Berlin

Universität was one of the first universities to introduce Bachelor's and Master's degrees in 2001. The name Humboldt-Universität is well known throughout the world, and the internationally recognised degrees open all doors for our graduates.

Courses are held at the traditional institutes of Campus Mitte, the picturesque Campus Nord or on the modern Natural Science Campus Adlershof. The newly constructed university library, the Jacob-und-Wilhelm-Grimm-Zentrum, gives access to more than four million books and periodicals in open stacks or by ordering them via the Internet.

Beyond the academic framework, Humboldt-Universität offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Nearly 100 different sports bring movement onto the campus; and the Language Centre offers a broad variety of courses not only ranging from Arabic to sign language, but also including German language courses for international students at many different levels.

Tuition Fee: €315 per semester

Admission Requirements

Admission to courses of study is principally based on two factors:

1. Citizenship and/or higher education qualifications;

2. Numerical restrictions on admission to a particular course, i.e. "NC = numerus clausus", at Humboldt-Universität or at all German universities.

1. Citizenship and higher education qualifications

Foreign citizens wishing to study for a full academic degree or intending to pursue part of their studies at Humboldt- Universität without being involved in any formal Exchange Programme are required to submit a formal application to the Student Administration Office. Those participating in an Exchange Programme must apply directly to the International Office of Humboldt-Universität

International applicants holding a German secondary school leaving certificate (Abitur) (referred to as "Bildungsinländer") and EU citizens are dealt with on an equal footing with German citizens with regard to admission to courses.

Persons having long-standing work experience but without formal higher education qualifications (Abitur or comparable level) can be admitted under § 11 of Berliner Hochschulgesetz (Berlin Higher Education Act).

Apply to Humboldt University of Berlin

6. University of Freiburg

The University of Freiburg currently has around 24,500 students. The University offers a broad interdisciplinary spectrum of high-quality research and teaching with its eleven faculties and around 240 degree programmes, as well as 453  full and 28 junior professorships.

Tuition Fee:

Admission Requirements

First you should inform yourself about the different types of degrees you can earn (bachelor, state examination, polyvalent bachelor, master), the financial and organizational aspects of studies, and how to find out whether you need to have any special language skills or other specialized knowledge to enrol in a particular degree programme. It’s also very important to know your own goals and interests. Our University Studies OSA provides you with an online tool designed to help you answer all of these questions.

• German Abitur:
  This is ‘general higher education entrance qualification’, with which the holder may apply for admission to any degree programme in Germany.

• Subject-restricted higher education entrance qualification:
  In this case, the certificate names particular degree programmes to which the holder may be admitted.

• Qualification to study at a university of applied sciences:
  Holders of qualification to study at a university of applied sciences (so-called Fachhochschulreife) are not eligible to study at a university in Baden-Württemberg but only at a university of applied sciences. However, if they pass an additional examination, the Delta Examination, they are eligible to also apply for admission to bachelor’s degree programmes at universities.

Apply to University of Freiburg

7. Freie Universitaet Berlin

Freie Universität Berlin performed successfully three times in the German government’s Excellence competition for universities. As a result of the latest competition, the German Excellence Strategy, the university has been receiving long-term funding beginning in 2019 as part of the Berlin University Alliance, which is made up of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Freie Universität was the only university in Berlin and one of six universities nationwide to be recognized as an excellent university in both rounds of the previous competition.

Tuition Fee: Free

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the FU-BEST program

• need to be at least 18 years old

• should be in their third semester or beyond at a 4-year university or college

• should have a very good command of English in order to complete a rigorous academic program in that language (non-native speakers should plan to submit English test scores along with their application. For TOEFL, the score should be minimally on a B2 level (scores of 72 to 94). For IELTS, the overall score must be at least 6.5 and the scores on individual parts must be no lower than 6.0.)

• should be committed to participation in our intensive German language component (all levels offered, no prior knowledge of German required)

• should have a GPA of at least 3.0 (students whose GPA is below 3.0 are welcome to apply, but cannot be guaranteed admission to the program until their overall qualifications are more closely reviewed)

only for the GermanPLUS+ package:

• should have German language abilities on the C1 or C2 level (Advanced 1 or 2)

Apply to Freie Universitaet Berlin

8. Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Universität was one of the first universities to introduce Bachelor's and Master's degrees in 2001. The name Humboldt-Universität is well known throughout the world, and the internationally recognised degrees open all doors for our graduates.

Courses are held at the traditional institutes of Campus Mitte, the picturesque Campus Nord or on the modern Natural Science Campus Adlershof. The newly constructed university library, the Jacob-und-Wilhelm-Grimm-Zentrum, gives access to more than four million books and periodicals in open stacks or by ordering them via the Internet.

Beyond the academic framework, Humboldt-Universität offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities. Nearly 100 different sports bring movement onto the campus; and the Language Centre offers a broad variety of courses not only ranging from Arabic to sign language, but also including German language courses for international students at many different levels.

Tuition Fee:

Admission Requirements

German school leaving certificate/university entrance qualificationy

If you have a German school leaving certificate (Abitur), you can apply directly at Humboldt. You can make three applications and mong these one application for a higher semester.

• At first you have to register at studienplatz.hu-berlin.de

• Please check your data at the end of your application.

• Please upload the documents that are listed at the end of your application in the "Online-Status". These documents must be at Humboldt at the end of the application periods. Please note that we have to receive them by upload.

University entrance qualification within the EU and EEA

If you have a school leaving certificate you made within the EU or EEA, you can apply at uni-assist. You can make three applications and among these one application for a higher semester.

Please follow the instructions at uni-assist.

University entrance qualification outside of the EU and EEA

If you have a school leaving certificate you made outside of the EU or EEA, you can apply at uni-assist. You can make one application, either for the first or a higher semester.

Please follow the instructions at uni-assist.

Apply to Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

9. Universität Hamburg

The University of Hamburg enjoyed fivefold success in the Excellence Competition of the Federal and State Governments, securing 4 research alliances (clusters of excellence) for its outstanding projects and the title of University of Excellence for its flagship university concept.

As a flagship university, we actively shape the future together with our partner institutions. Under the guiding principle “Innovating and Cooperating for a Sustainable Future in a Digital Age”, we create momentum for research, teaching, and society through targeted funding programmes, new professorships, innovative projects, and strong networks.

Tuition Fee: 300 - 1000

Admission Requirements

Higher education entrance eligibility

• The main requirement for admission to Universität Hamburg is the Abitur (German secondary school leaving certificate) or other proof of higher education entrance eligibility. Please see the information on higher education entrance eligibility for details.

• Foreign language proficiency

• Some degree programs require foreign language proficiency in addition to the higher education entrance eligibility.

Apply to Universität Hamburg

10. University of Bonn

As one of only eleven Universities of Excellence in Germany, we are the only university with as many as six Clusters of Excellence — eight as of January 2026. Recent decades have seen us produce more winners of the Nobel Prize and Fields Medal than any other German university. The University of Bonn has a 200-year history of combining excellent research in a range of disciplines with research-led teaching.

Tuition Fee: 312,67 Euros

Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s, State Examination, Degrees in Theologies

• Check whether your university entrance qualification is sufficient for your chosen degree program at the University of Bonn by visiting the following website:  www.anabin.kmk.org or the database on admission requirements of the DAAD 

• German language proficiency DSH level 2, CEFR level C1, as per DSH examination regulations.    

• A few degree programs also require an aptitude test.

Master’s

There are specific enrollment conditions for each master’s degree program that applicants need to meet in addition to holding a relevant first degree. These conditions are listed in the description of the corresponding academic discipline on the page for the degree program: Degree programs

Apply to University of Bonn

11. University of Tübingen

Innovative. Interdisciplinary. International. – These three words sum up what makes the University of Tübingen one of Germany's top universities. We provide excellent research and teaching aimed at finding solutions to future challenges in a globalized society. With some 200 study programs, we offer our students a broad spectrum of subjects.

Tuition Fee: €1,500 per semester

Admission Requirements

While applying online for Bachelor and Staatsexamen study courses you have to upload:

• Your school leaving certificate or "Hochschulzugangsberechtigung" (HZB), i.e. your secondary school certificate. Also helpful might be (if available) a transcript of records or a degree certificate of any former studies and the results of a university entrance exam of your home country.

• Proof of the required German and/or English language skills. A list of the accepted certificates of German is given here. / The study courses taught in English require a whole variety of language certificates. You have to check the homepage of the study course for detailed information.

Exception: EU-citizens with secondary school certificates not acquired in Germany and applying for the first semester of Medicine, Dentistry or Pharmacy have to check at the application portal Hochschulstar

Apply to University of Tübingen

12. Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin

Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin is one of the largest university hospitals in Europe. Its motto is: ‘Forschen, Lehren, Heilen, Helfen’, which translates as ‘Research, Teaching, Healing, Helping.’

Dating back to 1710, the hospital was originally built in response to a plague epidemic in Eastern Prussia. Charité has four campuses across Berlin: Campus Benjamin Franklin, Campus Charité Mitte, Campus Virchow-Klinikum and Campus Berlin Buch, which between them take up 540,000 square meters of land.

It has a student body of 7,000 – 1,200 of whom are from overseas – and is made up of approximately 100 departments and institutes, which are organised into 17 CharitéCentres.

Tuition Fee: €2,500 per semester

Admission Requirements

• A high school diploma (or equivalent) and strong academic performance

• A minimum GPA of 3.0-3.4 being recommended for some programs. 

Apply to Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin

13. Universitat Stuttgart

The University of Stuttgart is a leading, technologically oriented university with a global presence. The Stuttgart Way stands for the interdisciplinary integration of engineering, natural sciences, humanities, management, economics and social sciences on a foundation of top-flight disciplinary research.

Tuition Fee: €1,500 

Admission Requirements

• All applicant groups  (German nationals, EU-citizens and non-EU citizens) must apply through our Campus-Management-System C@MPUS. Please do not submit any paper applications!

• You will not be charged an application fee. However, please be aware that in Baden-Württemberg international students who are not citizens of an EU/EEA country must pay tuition fees of EUR 1,500.00 per semester.

• Also pay attention to the general guidelines for applicants that you will find on the Online application web page.

• All your documents must be translated either into German or English by a licensed sworn translator. When applying, please upload your documents twice: the original version and the translated document as well.

• The enrollment (after successful admission) takes place online via C@MPUS, just like the application.

• Please read the application information on the study program websites.

English language Master's study programs

• A prerequisite for admission to an English-language master's program is sufficient English language skills. In addition, special admission requirements and application deadlines may also apply.

Apply to Universitat Stuttgart

14. University of Cologne

The University of Cologne is one of the oldest and largest universities in Europe. Due to its outstanding scientific achievements and the high quality and diversity of its degree programmes, it enjoys an excellent international reputation.

The UoC’s mission is to create, preserve and impart knowledge, to offer its students and early-career academics outstanding academic education, to qualify them for both academic and professional  careers, to promote cutting-edge research and to drive innovation while focusing on the constantly changing needs and challenges of today’s society.

Tuition Fee: 

Admission Requirements

• To apply for an undergraduate degree programme, you must possess a formal university entrance qualification to German universities (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung) and sufficient proficiency in German language.

• A gapless curriculum vitae in tabular form written in German

• A proof about the knowledge of the German language, at least at the level of DSH-2 (see point 1b)

• Your secondary education certificate including a subject and grading schedule and a translation (if not issued in German or English) or, in applicable, the letter of acceptance or the certificate of enrollment

• TestAS certificate

  • For applications for teaching degree courses: core test and subject-specific module HUM

  • For applications at the Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences: core test and subject-specific module ECO

  • For applications at the Faculty of Law, Faculty of Arts and Humanities and the Faculty of Human Sciences: core test and module HUM

  • For applications at the Faculty of Medicine: core test and subject-specific module MEDICINE (MED)

  • For applications at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences: core test and subject-specific module MATH

• If applicable, a proof of the successfully completed university entrance exam in the home country

• If applicable, a certificate of entrance examination (»Feststellungsprüfung« incl. »Vorbildungsnachweis«)

• Only for holders of certificates from China, India and Vietnam: individuale APS certificate (see point 7)

• Only for holders of an International Baccalaureate (IB): IB certificate with proof of continuous attendance (2 years) of the examination subjects.

• If applicable, transcript of records with list of subjects and grades (with translation) (if not issued in German or English)

• A copy of your passport
   

Apply to University of Cologne

15. Technical University of Darmstadt

TU Darmstadt offers over 130 courses and six different degree qualifications. There is a broad range of choice, although the focus is on engineering.

Studying for a Bachelor's degree typically takes six semesters. To be accepted onto a Master's programme, it is an admission requirement to hold a Bachelor's degree on the same study path at TU Darmstadt or an equivalent qualification. Master's degrees are scheduled to last for four semesters. Studying to teach at grammar schools (first state examination) typically takes four and a half years.

Tuition Fee:  €300–400 per semester to cover student services

Admission Requirements

International Curricula

The U of A accepts and evaluates a variety of international curricula.

Advanced Placement

International Baccalaureate

GCE Advanced Level

Indian Curricula

West African Examination Council (WAEC)

American System

Chinese System

Vietnamese System

All Accepted Curricula

Completion of Five Academic Subjects

Students applying for admission from high school must show that they have or will have successfully completed five academic subjects. The academic subjects you need to present will vary by program and faculty. Find out which subjects you will need to present for your program of choice with the program finder.

English Language Proficiency

There are a few ways to show you meet the U of A’s English language requirement. You can:

• complete a test of English Language Proficiency and earn the minimum score required by the U of A

• complete certain courses that have been approved by the U of A and achieving a certain minimum grade in that course

• complete previous education in English as recognized by the U of A

• complete the U of A’s Bridging Program.

If you select a program related to Health Sciences or Education, you will be required to meet the Spoken English Proficiency requirement.

Grades

The minimum admission average to be accepted to the U of A varies depending on the faculty and program of your choice. The averages change each year.

Subjects are categorized into a few groups: English, Group A (Humanities/Social Sciences), Group B (Fine Arts), and Group C (Mathematics and Sciences). Each program will have a different selection of required courses.

Application Fee

In order to submit your application, you must submit an application fee of either CAN $150 (for new applicants to the U of A) or CAN $100 (for current or previous U of A students). This application fee is non-refundable. Please note: The application fee varies for professional program applications; please check their website for more information.

Consider the Year One Foundation Program

If you are an international student who would like to study at the U of A but don’t meet all the requirements (e.g. have all the required courses), you can apply to join our Year One Foundation Program. This is a full-time, on-campus program that sets you up to enter a degree program in your second year. Learn more »

Apply to Technical University of Darmstadt

16. Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen–Nuremberg

With over 275 degree programs, excellent research and international partnerships, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg has a decisive impact on research and society. FAU centers on knowledge. Knowledge is the foundation we build on, our driving force and the goal we strive to meet. The FAU motto “Moving knowledge” defines FAU’s understanding of knowledge

Tuition Fee:  0 - 2,490 euros

Admission Requirements

• CV (without photo)

• School leaving certificate: all pages of the certificate

• Proof of German language skills (in this instance, a simple copy is sufficient if the proof of proficiency was obtained in Germany).

• If applicable: proof of pre-university year (Iran)

• If applicable: university entrance examination certificate from your home country

• If applicable: assessment examination (Feststellungsprüfung) for the degree program in question (certified copy)

• If you have completed previous periods of study: complete academic report/transcript of records

• If you have completed a previous degree: degree certificate (e.g. Bachelor’s degree, Diplom)

• Applicants who have completed previous periods of study in China, India and Vietnam: APS certificate (original)

• Applicants from DSDI/DSDII schools in China: confirmation of identity from the German embassy (original)

• Applicants for Food Chemistry, Medicine, Pharmacy, or Dentistry must submit proof of passing the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang ausländischer Studienbewerber (DSH 2) or an equivalent examination.

How to Apply

Apply to Friedrich-Alexander University of Erlangen–Nuremberg

17. University of Münster

With some 42,500 students, the University of Münster is one of the largest universities in Germany. Thanks to its extensive range of degree programmes, multifaceted research profile, and the atmosphere and quality of life in Münster, the University attracts students and researchers from Germany and around the world.

Tuition Fee: Tuition Free

Admission Requirements

If you received a secondary school-leaving certificate in a foreign country, it has to be recognised as equivalent to a German university entrance qualification. You can find out whether your certificate meets the equivalence criteria by using the databases operated by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) or the Standing Conference of Education Ministers:

DAAD Database on Admission Requirements
Database of the Standing Conference of Education Ministers [de]

If your school-leaving certificate is not recognised as equivalent, but you have already studied at a university in your home country, German officials may grant you a (subject-specific) university entrance qualification in Germany under certain conditions. You can also find more information on this possibility in the databases mentioned above.
If your school-leaving certificate is not recognised, you will have to pass what is called a "Feststellungsprüfung", or assessment test. You can prepare for this test in a foundation course (Studienkolleg). There are no foundation courses offered at the University of Münster.

If you wish to enrol in a German-language degree programme at the University of Münster, you will be required to take a language test at the beginning of your studies to demonstrate that your German language skills are sufficient. 

Apply to University of Münster

18. Goethe University Frankfurt

Goethe University is a large university in the heart of Europe offering undergraduate and advanced degrees in all traditional subject Areas. Students at Goethe University can choose from over 200 degree programmes in 16 faculties at three main campus locations in the city Frankfurt am Main. 

Tuition Fee: Free for most programs, €588 per year for international students

Admission Requirements

Before applying, we recommend that you gather information about your desired degree program: Our Degree Program finder provides everything you need to know – from program content and admission requirements to the application procedure, including:

• whether the degree program has non-restricted or restricted admission,

• how the application process works, and

• whether special requirements such as language skills or aptitude tests are necessary.

For undergraduate degree programs at Goethe University, there are various application procedures – you can find the details on this page.

Apply to Goethe University Frankfurt

19. University of Göttingen

The University of Göttingen is an internationally renowned research university. Founded in 1737 in the Age of Enlightenment, the University is committed to the values of social responsibility of science, democracy, tolerance and justice. It offers a comprehensive range of subjects across 13 faculties: in the natural sciences, humanities, social sciences and medicine. With about 28,000 students and more than 210 degree programmes, the University is one of the largest in Germany.

Tuition Fee: €300 - €7,000 per semester

Admission Requirements

As a prerequisite for admission to doctoral studies the candidate must have completed either a Master’s degree, which has been acquired in a two-year Master’s degree programme of 120 ECTS credits, or a total course of studies of at least 300 ECTS credits with a Diploma or equivalent qualification from a German university or from a university located in one of the Bologna signatory countries, in a relevant subject area according to Paragraph 3, and the candidate must be particularly suitable for this degree programme according to Paragraph 6.

Academic titles from universities in countries other than the Bologna signatory countries require a declaration of equivalence to the degree programmes as specified in Paragraph 1 in accordance with the proposals of the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) submitted to the Secretariat of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany (abbr.: Standing Conference / KMK) for the recognition and assessment of foreign certificates of education, which are listed on the website www.anabin.de. The grades in foreign certificates of education must be converted into the German grading system.

(2) Deviating from Paragraph 1, a candidate enrolled in a Master’s degree programme in a relevant subject area who has successfully completed examinations to the extent of 60 ECTS credits in this programme is also eligible for admission, if his/her examination results in the Master’s degree programme so far show an average grade of 2.0 or better, and a Bachelor’s degree with a grade of 2.0 or better is also presented.

The average grade calculated from the examination results to date in the Master’s degree programme is considered in lieu of the Master’s degree grade or grade of an equivalent certificate of education in the procedure of establishing particular suitability according to Paragraph 6, regardless of whether the final result of the master examination deviates from it.

(3) The decision as to whether the subject(s) of previous degree programmes as specified in Paragraph 1 is(are) closely related to the proposed doctoral studies (relevance of the subject area) is made by the selection committee.

(4) Candidates who are neither able to furnish evidence of a German university entrance qualification nor have acquired their Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or equivalent from a German university must have sufficient knowledge of the German language. 

(5) Deviating from Paragraph 4, candidates who furnish evidence of sufficient knowledge in English are exempt from furnishing evidence of German language proficiency. Candidates with a native language other than English can furnish evidence of sufficient knowledge of English by presenting minimum results in an internationally recognised test.

(6) All candidates are also required to comply with the conditions for admission to doctoral studies laid down by their respective faculties.

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20. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

Experience the wide range of science and engineering at KIT! Choose among more than 100 degree programs in natural sciences and engineering, economics, the humanities and social sciences as well as in teaching. Join thrilling and pioneer research projects during your studies earlier than anywhere else. Apart from the degrees of Bachelor and Master of Science, Education, or Arts, you are also free to acquire a double degree at KIT. To obtain this degree, you will not only study at a German university of excellence, but also at a foreign university in Europe or overseas. 

Tuition Fee:

Admission Requirements

In order to be able to study at a German university, you have to provide proof of a university entrance qualification. Information on the classification of your certificate can be found in the Information System for the Recognition of Foreign Educational Qualifications (in German only). Depending on the country where the school-leaving certificate was achieved, additional documents might have to be submitted in addition to the school-leaving certificate. For this reason, please refer to the database mentioned above to find out which documents you have to submit in addition to your school-leaving certificate.

Application documents for a bachelor’s degree program at KIT

• School-leaving certificate (certificate and grades) in the original language

• Official translation of the school-leaving certificate (certificate and grades)

• Country-specific additional documents
  For some countries additional certificates have to be submitted: e.g. university entrance examination and/or proof of previous university performance (proof of enrollment, list of courses completed so far with grades and semester, the so-called Transcript of Records). Find out which documents are necessary when applying from your home country via the Information System for the Recognition of Foreign Educational Qualifications (in German only).

• Proof of German skills: Proof of level B1 (GER) through: confirmation of participation in the B1 course (does not have to be finished yet), other language certificates B1 (GER).
  Note: proof of B1 is recommended for an application, enrollment however can only take place if you show a DSH-2-certificate until the start of lectures (or one of its recognized equivalents).

Apply to Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)