So, which German university is the best for international students?
The following top universities in Germany are ranked in the world's top 100 most international universities. This ranking is based on the international student score, international staff score, international co-authorship score, and international reputation metrics for THE World University rankings.
1. Free University of Berlin
The Free University of Berlin (FU Berlin) was founded in 1948 and is ranked 62nd as the world's most international university. This university has a strong international focus, with around 23% of its students coming from abroad. It offers a handful of English-taught programs in various disciplines, so you have plenty of options to choose from.
2. Technical University of Munich
Ranked 69th as the world's most international university, the Technical University of Munich (TUM) is one of Germany's prestigious universities. Seventeen TUM scientists and alumni have received Nobel Prizes in chemistry, medicine, physics, literature, economics, and peace. You'd be glad to know that around 33% of students enrolled every year are international.
3. Humboldt University of Berlin
Humboldt University of Berlin (HU Berlin) is ranked 74th as the world's most international university. It is the oldest university in Berlin, established in 1810 by Prussian reformer Wilhelm von Humboldt. This university has a long tradition of academic excellence and its wide range of extracurricular activities available to students, such as university sports, choirs, and orchestras.
4. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is ranked 76th among most international universities globally. It is also the youngest institution on this list, founded in 2009 after the merger between the University of Karlsruhe and Karlsruhe Research Center. KIT is known for its excellent research and offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various disciplines, including engineering, natural sciences, and economics.
5. Heidelberg University
Ranked 79th as the world's most international university, Heidelberg University is one of Germany's oldest and most prestigious institutions. The university has a rich history and a strong focus on research – it's no wonder that half of the Nobel Prize winners in Germany are associated with it!
6. LMU Munich
Ranked 86th as the world's most international university, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU Munich) is a public research university located in Munich. This university has a wide range of faculties, with notable mathematics, economics, and neuroscience strengths. The university is also a breeding ground for successful startups, with seven $1 billion startups in Germany were founded by graduates of LMU Munich.
7. University of Tübingen
The University of Tübingen is ranked 87th among the world's most international universities. It is located in a traditional German university town with a vibrant nightlife. It offers more than 200 study programs and has nearly 20,000 students enrolled each year.
8. University of Bonn
Ranked 92nd among the world's most international universities, the University of Bonn is also one of the eleven German Universities of Excellence. Diversity is at its heart, with over 5,000 international students from 130 countries enrolled each year.
9. Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin is ranked 95th in the world's most international university. The university is home to 3,700 scientists, 220 professors, and 4,135 nurses. As one of the largest university teaching hospitals in Europe, it can provide appropriate treatment for almost any diagnosed condition. However, to get the most out of your experience at Charité, you need to be fluent in German, as this is the primary language of communication.
10. University of Mannheim
The University of Mannheim is ranked 98th as the world's most international university. It was founded in 1967 and is one of the leading business schools in Germany. Even though it's located in the second-largest city in the state of Baden-Württemberg, the cost of living in Mannheim is still relatively low compared to other cities.
11. RWTH Aachen University
Ranked 98th as the world's most international university, RWTH Aachen University is located in the historic city of Aachen, close to the borders of Belgium and the Netherlands. The university is home to one of the largest technical faculties in Europe. More than 26% of its students come from abroad, and every sixth Aachen inhabitant is a student.