Private Universities in Germany

Want to study in Germany?

The top 5 private universities in Germany (2025) 

For the 2025 uniRank university rankings, only private universities in Germany that met specific criteria were included. These universities had to be officially accredited by a recognized higher education authority in Germany, offer at least three-year Bachelor's or postgraduate degrees (Master’s or PhD), and deliver most of their courses through traditional, in-person teaching.

Unlike academic rankings, uniRank focuses on non-academic factors, ranking universities based on trusted web metrics like online popularity and visibility. This gives students an unbiased view of which private universities are gaining attention and making an impact.

Check out the top 5 private universities in Germany according to uniRank:

1. Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin 

📍 Location: Berlin
👥 Students: 10,000+
📚 Overview: Charité is one of the oldest and most prestigious medical universities in Europe, with a history dating back to 1710. Located in the heart of Berlin, it’s internationally recognized for its high-quality research and clinical training in medicine, dentistry, nursing, and health sciences. The university is affiliated with over 3,000 researchers and professors and is a leader in fields like immunology, neuroscience, and regenerative medicine. Students benefit from hands-on learning at its hospitals and close links with leading medical research institutes.

2. IU International University of Applied Sciences

📍Location: Head office in Erfurt, large campus in Berlin 
👥 Students: 140,000+
📚 Overview: IU is Germany’s largest private university and a top choice for international students looking for flexibility. It is especially known for its fully English-taught programs in Business, IT, Data Science, and Management. With a strong focus on career-readiness, IU offers both on-campus and fully online degrees, internships, and practical projects. The university has partnerships with over 15,000 companies and offers a highly international environment, with students from 150+ countries. It's ideal for students seeking modern, flexible, and globally focused education.

3. Katholische Universität Eichstätt-Ingolstadt (KU)

📍 Location: Eichstätt and Ingolstadt, Bavaria
👥 Students: 4,900+
📚 Overview: KU is the only Catholic university in the German-speaking world, combining academic excellence with a strong ethical and social mission. It’s well-known for programs in Education, Social Sciences, Philosophy, and Business Administration. The university has a strong reputation for its small class sizes, personalized support, and a focus on sustainability and community service. KU’s Ingolstadt School of Management is especially respected in business circles. While rooted in Catholic tradition, it welcomes students from all backgrounds and offers a peaceful, supportive environment.

4. SRH University Heidelberg 

📍 Location: Heidelberg
👥 Students: 3,400+
📚 Overview: SRH University Heidelberg is one of Germany’s oldest private universities and part of the SRH group, which includes multiple private universities across the country. It’s best known for its “Core Principle” teaching method, where students learn in small, intensive learning units rather than traditional semesters. The university excels in areas like Psychology, Therapy Sciences, Business, and Computer Science. Students benefit from its modern campus, strong career services, and a practical, hands-on approach to learning that prepares them for both the German and international job market.

5. Constructor University Bremen (formerly Jacobs University)

📍 Location: Bremen
👥 Students: 2,000+
📚 Overview: Constructor University is a private English-speaking research university that attracts a highly international student body, with over 110 nationalities represented. It offers interdisciplinary programs in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences. Known for its close-knit campus life and strong focus on research, it provides students with access to small class sizes, one-on-one mentorship, and opportunities to work on real-world challenges. The university is part of a growing global network under the Constructor Group, with a strong emphasis on digital transformation and entrepreneurship.

The largest private universities in Germany

If you want to study at a larger institution, you are spoiled for choice! The largest private university has over 70.000 students and offers more than 100 degree programs. One of the other “big ones” has campuses all over Germany and you can simply choose your preferred city!

Take a look at the top 3 largest private universities in Germany:

• FOM Hochschule für Oekonomie & Management (more than 57.000 students)

FOM is Germany's university for working professionals. The university is state-recognized and offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in business administration and economics. FOM is one of the largest universities in the country. The different time models of the lectures ensure that part-time study is optimally compatible with working life.

• IU International University of Applied Sciences (around 70.000 students)

IU offers numerous study models. For example, students can take up a distance learning program, complete a dual degree program or take a combined degree program. The studies can be pursued completely online and in English.

• Hochschule Fresenius (approx. 14.000 students)

Fresenius University of Applied Sciences is located throughout Germany - giving students full flexibility in choosing where to study. Even during their studies, students can move to another location, expand their circle of friends and acquaintances, and get to know new cities.

Advantages of studying at a private university in Germany

1. Small learning groups and individual support: These universities usually have smaller class sizes. Often, only a few students are admitted per class. Overcrowded lecture halls are common at public universities, while private universities have much smaller learning groups. Accordingly, individual support from professors and lecturers is possible. This means that you will get more individual attention from your professors and they will be able to give you better feedback on your work. In addition, private universities often have a more personal approach to education. They are also more flexible when it comes to adding or removing courses from your schedule.
2. Good learning environment and modern technology: Thanks to funding from tuition fees and often additional support from businesses, private universities have the financial means to offer their students a good learning environment including modern equipment and technology. Public universities can only offer this privilege in exceptional cases.
3. Close contacts with the business community: They often have closer relationships with businesses and organizations. Many universities, especially in the field of economics, maintain excellent contacts with important companies and representatives from the business world. This could lead to better job prospects after graduation. It is therefore not surprising that students from these universities find jobs more quickly in some areas.