Public vs. Private Universities in Germany: A Comparison

How much does it cost to study in public or private universities in Germany?

The first difference between public and private universities in Germany is the tuition fees. Public universities are much cheaper than private universities, as the government subsidizes them. For example, the tuition costs of getting a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration at the Goethe University Frankfurt (public university) are zero. You'd only have to pay around €350 on semester fees. On the flip side, getting the same degree at Frankfurt School of Finance & Management (private) will set you back €7,050 per semester. You could save over €6,500 per semester just by studying at a public university!

How much does it cost to study in public or private universities in Germany?

The first difference between public and private universities in Germany is the tuition fees. Public universities are much cheaper than private universities, as the government subsidizes them. For example, the tuition costs of getting a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration at the Goethe University Frankfurt (public university) are zero. You'd only have to pay around €350 on semester fees. On the flip side, getting the same degree at Frankfurt School of Finance & Management (private) will set you back €7,050 per semester. You could save over €6,500 per semester just by studying at a public university!

What are the admission requirements for public or private universities in Germany?

The second difference between public and private universities in Germany is the admission requirements. Public universities usually have higher admission requirements than private universities. These prerequisites are due to public universities being accessible to anyone, including international students. Competition is tough because public universities in Germany are still more popular, which leaves them with a number of applications over what they can admit.

TIP: Look out for courses marked NC (Numerus Clausus) to see if the study program you're interested in is limited to a certain number of admissions.

Is it easier to get into a private university in Germany?

To a certain extent, yes, it is. If you have a below-average GPA and can find the means to pay tuition fees at a private German university, then studying at a private university is the way to go. Even though the cost of the tuition fee is higher than public universities in Germany, it's still more affordable than studying in countries such as the US or UK.

When are the application deadlines for public or private universities in Germany?

The third difference between public and private universities in Germany is the application deadlines. The two most important dates in the German higher education calendar are:

Winter semester: July 15th
Summer semester: January 15th

These dates generally apply to public and private universities in Germany, but private universities are usually more flexible. It's best to check directly with the university to avoid missing the deadline. 

If you've already set your eyes on attending a public university, then be prepared to submit your applications at least eight weeks in advance.

Which semester should you start your studies in?

The winter semester in Germany usually starts in October and ends in March. It is usually the most popular choice because more courses are offered during the winter semester, and the student take-in is larger. You would probably have a higher chance of getting admitted when applying to the winter semester. And most courses at public universities are only open to admission for the winter semester. So, you should check if that is the case before applying.

The summer semester in Germany starts in April and ends in September. It is the least popular option only because of the limited number of courses offered. However, if you find that your dream course is available in the summer semester, do not hesitate to send an application!

How many programs are offered at public or private universities in Germany?

The fourth difference between public and private universities in Germany is the number of programs. There are approximately 422 higher education institutions in Germany, according to the DAAD. And 90% of all study programs in the country take place in public universities.

To put things into perspective, let's look at the number of programs offered at the Free University of Berlin (a public university) versus WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management (a private university). There are about 150 academic programs at the Free University of Berlin and less than 20 programs at WHU.

This number shows a wider variety of public university programs compared to the private education sector. However, this is not to say that private universities do not offer a good range of programs. It's just that public universities in Germany are usually much larger.

What is the global ranking of public and private universities in Germany?

The fifth and final difference is Germany's global ranking of public and private universities. Everyone dreams of getting their degrees at prestigious universities. You get to network with some of the best minds and even potentially meet co-founders of your future unicorn.

According to the Times Higher Education (THE) university rankings, there are 43 universities in Germany ranked in the top 500 of the best universities in the world. Out of the 43, only two are private universities.

Are private universities in Germany good?

Even though private universities in Germany do not rank as high as public universities, it doesn't mean that they're not good. The pros of pursuing your higher education in Germany are usually higher than in universities in most countries. 

Students at private and public universities in Germany are able to enjoy modern facilities, world-class programs, and, not to mention, a high employability rate for graduates.

What are the top public universities in Germany?

The Times Higher Education (THE) ranking measures top universities globally based on four factors: teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and international outlook. With these in mind, let's look at Germany's top five public institutions.

LMU Munich

The Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich is known to produce some of Germany's best startups. They even have a program specifically created to help budding founders in their journey to $1 billion companies.

Technical University of Munich

As the name suggests, the university specializes in engineering, technology, and applied sciences. Notable graduates include inventors such as Carl von Linde, who created the refrigerator, and Rudolf Diesel, who conceived the diesel engine.

Heidelberg University

Heidelberg University was established over 600 years ago, making it Germany's oldest university (and one of the oldest in the world). As of 2021, approximately 33 Nobel prize winners have been associated with the university. This impressive number is a testament to the university's excellence in providing the best higher education in the country.

Humboldt University of Berlin

Similarly, Humboldt University of Berlin is also famous for its notable alumni and faculty members. The university is linked to significant breakthroughs in physics by Albert Einstein and Erwin Schrödinger but is also popular among students wanting to pursue arts and humanities studies.

University of Tübingen

This university is located in a small town famous for its boat trips and marvelous architecture. It offers more than 280 programs on all levels and maintains close connections with over 150 foreign institutions worldwide.

What are the top private universities in Germany?

Based on the data on UniRank, the top five best private universities in Germany goes to Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Jacobs University Bremen, Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt (KU), Witten/Herdecke University, and ESMT Berlin.

According to the Times Higher Education (THE), only two out of five universities on the list are ranked among the top 500 universities in the world.

Should I study in a public or private university in Germany?

The answer to this question depends on what you are looking for in a university. It would help if you considered other factors when narrowing down your choices, such as your grades, language skills, future career, among others. 

The general advice is to apply to a university that offers your dream course, is located in a city you want to live in, and has the highest return on your investment (time and money). No matter what type of university you choose, know that Germany's education system is one of the best in Europe and around the world. Studying in Germany opens up great opportunities for your future career.