10 Best Cities in Germany for International Students

Germany is one of the top student destinations for non-English speaking students. There are approximately 400,000 international students. The city attracts students from all over the world because:

Education is cheaper than in most countries
Low tuition fees
Global study destination
Some universities do not take tuition fees
Top universities with global rankings
Multicultural environment
Students from diverse backgrounds
English medium courses
Hub of technical education
Low cost of living
Good job prospects

What is the cost of living in Germany?

Germany is one of the cheapest Western countries in Europe to live and study. The cost of living in Germany is 35% lower than that of the U.S. Please bear in mind the cost of living in this country will depend upon the lifestyle.

For more personalized information, use our cost of living calculator to estimate your desired area’s average cost of living.

What are the Top 10 Cities in Germany for International Students?

1. Munich

Munich is one of Germany’s third most significant cities and the most student-friendly destination. It is the center of art, tech, innovation, and business. Munich is ranked second as the best city in the world, welcoming over 52,000 students from over 140 countries.

Students choose Munich because it is safe, clean and offers opportunities to study many graduate programs at top universities.

The top 3 universities in Munich are Technical University of Munich, University of Munich and Munich University of Applied Sciences.

2. Berlin

Berlin is another popular student destination among home and international students. It is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city ideal for people of all ages and backgrounds. Berlin’s rich culture and history are seen through cinema houses and war museums.

According to QS World University Ranking 2019, Berlin is ranked #5 best student cities in the world. The University of Berlin alone is home to 27,000 students who choose Berlin as their study destination.

The top 3 universities in Berlin are Humboldt University of Berlin, Technical University of Berlin and Free University of Berlin.

3. Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a uniquely appealing tourist spot and a popular destination among international students. The universities in Stuttgart are affordable and ideal for students interested in taking English courses.

According to QS World University Ranking 2024, Stuttgart is ranked #312 best student cities in the world. Students choose to study in Stuttgart because of its universities and the city of an economic powerhouse; students have access to internships and job opportunities.

The top 3 universities in Stuttgart are University of Stuttgart, University of Hohenheim and Stuttgart Media University.

4. Frankfurt

Frankfurt is the financial center ideal for students for those interested in studying finance and business. Students can get access to top universities and a robust education system. It is home to some of the top-ranked universities in Europe.

According to QS World University Ranking 2024, Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main ranks #=302. There are approximately over 45,000 students in this university alone.

The top 3 universities in Frankfurt are the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, Goethe University Frankfurt, and Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences.

5. Dresden

Dresden is an ideal student destination offering quality education with a scenic lifestyle. It is one of the best cities to study in Germany, with vibrant nightlife, a multicultural community, and excellent public transportation.

According to QS World University Ranking 2023, Technical University of Drenden ranks #173. There are approximately over 5,000 students from more than 125 countries.

The top 3 universities in Dresden are Dresden University of Technology, Dresden University of Applied Sciences and Dresden Academy of Fine Arts.

6. Aachen

Aachen is a cultural city that shares its borders with the Netherlands and Belgium. It is a student hub for those interested in science and technology, as it thrives in innovation and technology. Its world-renowned science and technology courses have attracted students from all over the world.

One of the top universities in Aachen is the RWTH Aachen University which is ranked #106 by QS World University Ranking 2024. There are approximately 14 150 international students from over 138 countries.

The top 2 universities in Aachen are RWTH Aachen University and RWTH Business School.

7. Bonn

Bonn used to be the capital city of Germany. It’s a small city but a thriving student hub where everything comes alive regarding culture, attractions, and cheerful carnivals.

It is home to the University of Boon- a public university where there’s no charge for tuition fees but can make a small social contribution. Over 33,000 students are studying at this university.

The other top 2 universities in Bonn are Rheinische Friedrich- Wilhelms-Universität and Hagen University Regional Center Bonn.

8. Hamburg

Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany and home to more than 20 universities. It is a multicultural, safe city that offers students an affordable cost of living. According to QS World University Rankings by Top Universities

The University of Hamburg is ranked #205. There are approximately 10 700 international students who come to study from abroad.

The top 3 universities in Hamburg are Universität Hamburg, Technische Universität Hamburg, and Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften Hamburg.

9. Cologne

Cologne is the 4th largest city in Germany. It is a historic city with excellent universities, affordable living, and outstanding quality of life. Everyone here loves the city because the community is accessible by bike or foot.

The University of Cologne is the oldest in Central Europe. It was established in 1388 and recognized for its research and academic programs in science and engineering.

The other top 2 universities in Cologne are the Cologne University of Technology and the Academy of Media Arts Cologne.

10. Leipzig

Leipzig is a student city with renowned universities offering students a range of cultural activities, vibrant nightlife, cheapest rent and low cost of living. According to QS World University Rankings by Top Universities

Leipzig University is ranked #479. There are approximately 3,174 international students in Leipzig University.

The other top 2 universities are Leipzig University of Applied Sciences and HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management, HHL gemeinnützige GmbH.