Best Cities in Germany for International Students: Top University, Courses, Salary

Germany is an ideal study destination for international students to pursue higher education and careers. The average salary of a person working in Germany is about 45,700 Euro (38.70 lakhs INR) per year. Considering the salary offered, it is quite affordable to study in Germany where most universities do not ask for tuition fees. Students only have to afford their cost of living in Germany, which is approximately 11,208 Euro (9.50 lakhs INR) per year.

Munich stands at 2nd in Europe according to QS Best Student Cities 2023 rankings, followed by Berlin at 4th position. Some of the top universities in Germany, present at these locations are The Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich University of Applied Science, and Berlin Institute of Technology.
Know More: Study in Germany for Free

Best Student Cities in Germany

Some of the popular student cities in Germany, their rankings according to QS Best Student Cities 2023 and cost of living are provided below:

Berlin

Berlin, the capital city, is one of the best cities for international students in Germany. Berlin comprises the scenic mix of diverse cultures. Language barriers make the life of students in Berlin challenging to adapt to the town. Since most of the courses are offered in German, students should be careful while choosing the mode of instruction in English.

The top universities in the city of Berlin are as follows:

• Technical University Berlin
• Berlin University of the Arts
• HTW Berlin University of Applied Science
• Charite University Berlin
• Humboldt University of Berlin
• Free University of Berlin

Is it worth studying in Berlin?

The experience of living and studying in Berlin is unparalleled, being one of the best student cities in Germany. The scenic town, the cultural richness, facilities, exposure and the well-connected city counts Berlin as one of the best in Germany for students. Some of the top courses to study in Berlin are:

• Business Intelligence and Analytics
• Business Management
• Courses in illustration, communication, and design
• Data Analytics and Information System Management
• Photography
• Social Design and Sustainable Innovation
• Specialization in Renewable Energy

Munich

Munich has some of the top Engineering colleges in Germany, making it one of the most chosen student destinations in the country. Munich has a solid Indian community with affordable prices and scholarship opportunities. Some of the top universities in Munich for international students are:

• The Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
• Munich University of Applied Science
• The Technical University of Munich

Also Check: Business Schools in Munich

Is it worth studying in Munich?

Yes, Munich has some of the best job and research opportunities for international students. Students in Munich can easily access many European courses to explore the rest of the continent. Some of the top programs to study in Munich are:

• Automotive Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Science Engineering
• Distributed Software
• Environmental Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Management and technology
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mechatronics
• Power Engineering
• Renewable Energy Systems

Frankfurt

Being the finance capital of Germany, Frankfurt has a perfect busy high-town vibe. The hurried stockbrokers, the skyscrapers, and the nightlife buzz makes life in Frankfurt desirable yet busy.

For aspirants planning to pursue a course in Business, Economics, or Finance in Germany, we recommend you choose Frankfurt. Some of the top universities in Frankfurt are:

• Goethe University Frankfurt
• Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences
• Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
• The Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts

Explore:

Is it worth studying in Frankfurt?

Studying in the ‘Main-hattan’ of Germany is worth it to advance your career. Perks like a great cultural mix, well-connected commute, and great student community account for a fun and comforting experience. A lot of offices are located in Frankfurt with students having a high chance of getting post study jobs. A few top programs to study in Frankfurt are:

• Business Studies
• Communication
• Economics
• Finance
• Liberal Arts

Hamburg

Hamburg boasts some of the architecturally gorgeous buildings in Germany. Being a perfect destination for Instagrammers, music enthusiasts, and fashionistas, it is one of the best student towns. The education system plus scenery is a bonus to the energetic vibe of the town. Some of the top universities in Hamburg are:

• HafenCity University Hamburg
• Hamburg School of Business Administration
• Hamburg University of Technology
• HFH Hamburger Fern-Hochschule
• Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg
• University of Fine Arts Hamburg

Hamburg is a fashion destination for fashion and music lovers. It will be a fun time exploring and hanging out in the city of Hamburg. Some of the top programs to study in Hamburg are:

• Music and Liberal Arts
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Automotive Engineering
• Business Administration
• Computer Science
• Economics
• Food Chemistry
• Industrial Engineering
• Journalism
• Nanoscience
• Psychology

Aachen

Aachen is a tech-freak place and the best city if you want to study technology or pursue an automotive career. Founded by the minds of the IDEA league, RWTH Aachen University is one of the top universities of Germany. The remarkable universities in Aachen are:

• FH Aachen University
• RWTH Aachen University

A few of the top courses to study in Aachen:

• Applied Geophysics
• Automotive Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Communications Engineering
• Data Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Information Technology
• Micro and Nanoelectronics
• Media Informatics
• Metallurgical Engineering
• Software Systems Engineering
• Sustainable Management

Read More: Masters in Automotive Engineering in Germany

Is it worth studying in Aachen?

Yes, if you are looking out for elective courses in Computers or Automobile Engineering. Easy access to places like Belgium and an affordable study makes it a good deal for students to travel wholeheartedly and live economically.

Bonn

Famous for being the birthplace of the genius music composer Beethoven, Bonn functions politically alongside Berlin in the German Government. Bonn is known for University of Bonn and University of Applied Sciences for Finance, Bonn.

A few top programs to study in Bonn are:

• Computer Science
• European and Asian Art History
• Geology
• Mathematics
• Palaeontology
• Physics

Is it worth studying in Bonn?

Bonn may not seem the first choice for international students but if you are planning to take up the courses in Mathematics, History, Physics etc, Bonn is a suitable place in Germany. If you get easily intimidated by the fast pace, but still keen on studying in Germany then you can consider Bonn as your study destination.

Explore:

Dresden

Known as the ‘Jewel box of Germany,’ Dresden is one of the most beautiful cities of Germany. The city is known for its cultural, political, and highly sophisticated education system. Good quality of education combined with scenic lifestyle makes Dresden one of the best cities to study in Germany. The top universities to study in Dresden are:

• Academy of Fine Arts Dresden
• Technical University Dresden
• Palucca University of Dance Dresden (Palucca Hochschule für Tanz Dresden)
• University of Applied Sciences Dresden (HTW Dresden)

Explore the comparison between TU Dresden vs TU Munich

A few of the top courses to study in Dresden are:

• Computational Logic
• Computational Modeling and Simulation
• Dance
• Distributed Systems of Engineering
• Nanoelectronics Systems

Is it worth studying in Dresden?

Students who dream of living an aesthetic lifestyle must consider Dresden. It is one of the top destinations to consider for students specializing in architecture, dance studies, history, and liberal arts.

Stuttgart

For those who love nature to its core, Stuttgart is your place to be. The combination of excellent education facilities with great deals of hiking, skiing and snowboarding in Stuttgart is unmatched. As an International student, Stuttgart will surely prove to give you one of the best experiences in Germany. Some of the top universities in Stuttgart for international students are:

• Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University
• Stuttgart Media University
• Stuttgart Technology University of Applied Sciences
• University of Stuttgart

A few of the popular courses to study in Stuttgart:

• Aerospace Engineering and Geodesy
• Architecture and Urban Planning
• Automotive Engineering
• Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Computer Science
• Electrical Engineering and IT
• Energy Process and Bio-Engineering
• Engineering Design
• Production Engineering

Is it worth studying in Stuttgart?

Stuttgart can look like an offbeat choice of study for international students, but it’s a very exciting one. Especially students who want to pursue courses in Engineering can consider Stuttgart as their study destination.

Leipzig

Leipzig is home to universities that perform research activities for 600 years. Life at Leipzig sums up the cafes, tourist sites, museums, and many Leipzig Churches. The town offers affordable education in Germany, which attracts international students from all over the world. The top universities at Leipzig are:

• Leipzig University of Applied Sciences
• Leipzig University
• the University of Music and Theatre Leipzig

A few best courses to study in Leipzig:

• Advanced spectroscopy in Chemistry
• International energy economics and business administration
• Global Studies
• Small enterprise promotion and training
• Physics

Is it worth studying in Leipzig?

To keep away from the competitive rush, Leipzig is one of the aspiring places to study in Germany. It can calm your nerves without giving the chills of the competitive sphere.

Cologne

Cologne city is a cultural hub, famously known for its Cathedral. Moreover, the University of Cologne is one of the top and oldest universities to study in. As for the city, the Rhine River and the ancient town flaunting its historic quirks add to its stunning elements.

Best Universities in Cologne:

• Cologne Business School
• Cologne University of Applied Sciences
• German Sport University Cologne
• University of Cologne

A few best courses to study in Cologne:

• Applied Natural Sciences
• Architecture and Construction
• Business Studies
• Computer Science
• Culture; Information and Communication
• Engineering

Is it worth studying in Cologne?

Cologne might not be an ideal place to live but if you want a specific course to pursue from University of Cologne, then it can offer an affordable and authentic location as a student.