Best Cities in Germany for International Students

Are you considering moving to Germany for your higher studies? Here are some of the best cities in Germany for International students. So, hop on!

Germany is known for its excellent education system, which makes it a great place for students from other countries. The country’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant cities, and welcoming atmosphere create the perfect environment for academic and personal development.

The best Germany for international students are known for their inclusiveness and diversity, creating a welcoming atmosphere for students worldwide.

What’s more, Germany provides a high-quality education that won’t break the bank, offering excellent value for money. On top of that, the country’s job opportunities open doors for international students to launch their careers and gain practical experience in their chosen fields. Germany truly offers the best cities to study abroad in Europe.

So, let’s get into the best German cities for international students.

Top 7 Best Cities in Germany for International Students

1.) Berlin

2.) Munich

3.) Hamburg

4.) Stuttgart

5.) Frankfurt

6.) Leipzig

7.) Dresden

1.) Berlin

Berlin attracts a high percentage of international students, with over 15% studying there. It ranks 16th worldwide for affordability, including living and studying costs.

Berlin is bustling with new businesses and big international companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Bombardier, and Coca-Cola. This means plenty of job options, especially in technology and business. 

According to the StartupBlink 2023 Ecosystem Report, Berlin is ranked as the top startup city in Germany, while Munich is ranked second.

Berlin is 35% more affordable than London, and it even offers free transportation and discounts for students on many things, making it a great choice for students. Most universities in Berlin offer both German and English curricula, with many programs available in English, and tuition fees are often minimal or free.

Why study in Berlin:

• As per Times Higher Education 2023 rankings, Berlin hosts three public universities in the global top 100
• Living cost is affordable as compared to other major European cities
• With over 150+ museums, 50 theatres, and 3 opera houses, Berlin has a vibrant cultural scene
• Berlin is celebrated for its diversity and openness
• It is known as the Silicon Valley of Europe

Top Universities in Berlin:

• Freie Universität Berlin is a top university in Europe for humanities and social sciences.
• Humboldt University, on the other hand, is one of Germany’s oldest and most prestigious universities. It’s famous for its outstanding humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences programs.
• Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin is known for its excellence in medicine and health science and is also one of the largest medical universities in Europe.

2.) Munich

Munich has earned second place in the QS Best Student Cities 2024 rankings. It is a great place for students to find excellent job prospects without spending too much money. It’s also known for its rich Bavarian culture and proximity to the beautiful Bavarian Alps. That’s why many people consider Munich one of Germany’s best places to live.

It attracts many international students because it has more than ten universities that offer a wide variety of programs taught in English. Although living in Munich can be a bit expensive, it’s still more affordable than many other big cities in Europe. Plus, it’s important to note that Munich is considered one of the safest cities globally, ranking 12th on the Numbeo index for safety.

Why study in Munich:

• It’s an economic hub
• Home to some of the world’s leading universities
• A cosmopolitan city with a rich cultural heritage
• One of the world’s safest cities

Top Universities in Munich

• Technical University (TUM) in Munich is famous for its engineering, science, and technology expertise. It’s also one of Germany’s top research-focused universities.
• Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU) is one of the largest universities in Germany. It excels in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
• Munich University of Applied Sciences provides a broad selection of courses in business, engineering, and the social sciences.

3.) Hamburg

Hamburg, which is Germany’s second-largest city, is located between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. It’s a diverse and bustling place with people from many different cultures and an important economic hub for the country. One notable advantage of studying in Hamburg is zero tuition fees at state universities; instead, students pay a semester fee, including public transportation access. 

While many courses are taught in German, there is a growing number of English-language programs. Hamburg is well-known for its research organizations like the German Electron Synchrotron (DESY) and the Max Planck Institute. These institutions provide valuable resources for both academic and career development, offering a variety of degree programs and access to numerous libraries. Hamburg is the best German city to visit too!

Why study in Hamburg:

• It secured the 19th position in Mercer’s 2017 Quality of Living Rankings for cities worldwide
• It is a prominent global port city, housing numerous shipping and logistics companies.
• Hamburg offers significantly lower living expenses than other European nations, covering rent, groceries, and public transportation.

Top Universities in Hamburg:

• The University of Hamburg is the largest in Hamburg and one of the largest universities in Germany. It offers a broad selection of courses in different fields of study.
• the Hamburg University of Technology specializes in offering courses in engineering, computer science, and natural sciences.
• Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg is a public music and performing arts university offering courses and programs in music, theatre, and dance.

4.) Stuttgart

Nestled in the south of Germany, Stuttgart is a haven for nature lovers and international engineering students. It is a hub for several industries, including construction, automotive, IT, and mechanical engineering. Some big names in these industries, such as Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Bosch, and Lenovo, have their presence and operations in the city.

Stuttgart has a vibrant cultural scene that includes places like the Staatsgalerie and various technical museums, which are great for international students to explore. Moreover, the surrounding area has stunning castles, churches, and impressive architecture. Plus, living costs in Stuttgart are pretty reasonable, making it an excellent choice for students pursuing higher education.

Why study in Stuttgart:

• Global corporations such as Daimler and Bosch have their headquarters here
• It is regarded as Germany’s strongest industrial metropolis
• The universities are known for teaching excellence, exposing you to world-class facilities and equipment

Top Universities in Stuttgart:

• The University of Stuttgart is one of the largest in Germany, providing a wide range of engineering, science, business, and humanities courses.
• Stuttgart Media University is a private university that specializes in applied sciences, offering media, communication, and design programs.
• The University of Hohenheim, one of Germany’s oldest universities, is known for its agricultural and natural sciences expertise. Additionally, it offers courses in business, economics, and law.

5.) Frankfurt

Frankfurt, often called Europe’s financial hub, is a great place for international students, especially if you’re into finance or business. The city has a lot to offer culturally and for fun, and there are programs taught in English at its universities, giving students a well-rounded experience.

Frankfurt’s modern skyline, filled with skyscrapers, makes it look unique and dynamic. And if you’re looking to work in international business, Frankfurt is a top spot. It’s home to the European Central Bank and one of Europe’s biggest stock exchanges, so it’s a prime location for career opportunities in that field.

It’s a compelling destination for those with financial industry ambitions.

Why study in Frankfurt:

• It is Europe’s financial capital, making it an ideal location for students interested in finance, banking, or business
• offers a wealth of cultural attractions, including museums, theatres, and architectural wonders
• offers an excellent quality of life, with efficient public transportation, a wide range of recreational activities, and a safe environment

Top Universities in Frankfurt:

• Frankfurt School of Finance and Management is a private university specializing in finance, banking, and management.
• Goethe University Frankfurt is one of the largest universities in Germany, offering quality courses in business, economics, law, and humanities.
• Technische Universität Darmstadt is one of the leading universities in Germany for engineering and natural sciences.

6.) Leipzig (Include artists, singers, and authors)

Leipzig is an excellent choice for international students, offering many advantages. Leipzig’s universities provide top-notch education, and the city is quite affordable for students, making it a budget-friendly option. The cultural scene here is fantastic, with theatres and music venues that improve the student experience.

Leipzig’s historical buildings and landmarks give the city a unique charm. Plus, it’s known for welcoming students and has a diverse international community. These factors make Leipzig a great place for students who want academic and cultural enrichment.

Why study in Leipzig:

• Leipzig hosts some of the major industries in construction and engineering in Germany
•  Multinational companies like Amazon, DHL, BMW, Porsche, Siemens, Coca-Cola, Bosch, IKEA, etc, operate here
• Living in Leipzig is very easy; you can reach any part of the town using public transport

Top Universities in Leipzig:

• The University of Leipzig is one of Germany’s oldest and second oldest globally. It offers a wide variety of courses in different subjects.
• HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management is a top business school in Germany, offering business administration, finance, and management programs.
• HTWK Leipzig University of Applied Sciences is a public university specializing in applied sciences. It offers engineering, computer science, and business courses, among others.

7.) Dresden

Dresden, the capital of Saxony in eastern Germany, has a rich culture famous for its Baroque architecture and museums. It’s a place where students can enjoy various attractions, from art and culture to impressive architecture and plenty of leisure activities.

Economically, Dresden is robust, meaning there are good job opportunities for graduates. Its strategic location makes it easy to travel to cities like Berlin and Prague.

Another thing to keep in mind is that Dresden is a reasonably priced city for international students, and the bustling Neustadt neighbourhood has a reputation for its vibrant student club scene, earning it the unofficial moniker of “student club capital.” It is one of the “cool places in Germany”.

Why study in Dresden:

• Excellent career opportunities for you after graduation: You can continue your professional career in around 145,000 companies, institutions, associations and research institutes from various sectors.
• According to the EU Regional Innovation Scoreboard, Saxony is a European “strong innovator.”
• Low cost of living with comparatively low rents

Top Universities in Dresden:

• Technische Universität Dresden is one of the largest universities in Germany and has over 35,000 students. The university offers a wide range of courses in engineering, science, and medicine courses.
• Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Dresden
• Dresden University of Fine Arts

Star learning German today!

Not all courses require German, although having some knowledge of the language before you arrive is beneficial.

Kochiva provides a comprehensive German language course that can be customized to your level, whether you’re a beginner or want to enhance your skills. These courses are built to help you understand the basics of German, covering vocabulary, grammar, and speaking skills.

Learning German allows you to communicate well with locals and expands your possibilities for education and career advancement.

So why wait? Start learning the German language with Kochiva today!

Website: kochiva.com/language-course/learn-german-language-online/

Email: info@kochiva.com

Contact: +91 9872334466

Conclusion 

To summarise, Germany is an exceptional choice for international students seeking a high-quality education. The country offers the best German cities for international students that cater to different preferences and academic pursuits. The best student cities in Germany, such as Berlin, Hamburg, and Dresden, provide different experiences and cater to various academic interests.

Although speaking German is advantageous, it is not always necessary for all courses. However, learning German can greatly enhance your experience and open doors to more jobs in Germany for Indians. Germany usually asks for the proficiency of at least B1 level German or B2 level German to work in Germany.

Regardless of your city choice, Germany’s dedication to education, its cultural vibrancy, and its diverse student population make it a perfect destination for international students seeking a fulfilling and valuable experience. There are so many of the best cities in Germany for international students.