With over 400 universities, many of which rank well in international rankings and are among the best in the world, Germany has an impressive reputation for its higher education system.
The two academic hotspots are Berlin (with the HU, FU, and TU) and Munich (with Ludwig Maximilians University, LMU, and the Technical University of Munich, TUM). There are numerous other top-notch schools spread across the nation, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg.
Numerous statistics are compiled by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, also known as the “THE Rankings.” Teaching quality, research impact through citations (i.e., the frequency with which a university’s research is cited elsewhere), and research excellence are all given equal weight.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s Academic Ranking of World Universities (commonly simply referred to as the Shanghai Ranking or ARWU) emphasizes research output and quality, as evidenced by metrics like the quantity of published and cited scientific papers and the number of faculty members or alumni who have received the Fields Medal or Nobel Prize.
With its top-ranked institutions, plenty of English-language study opportunities, particularly at the postgraduate level, and free tuition at public universities, Germany is the top choice for many foreign students looking to study abroad. Approximately 100,000 international students opt to study in German universities each year for these and other reasons.
Germany is a relatively cheap country to live in, especially compared to other Western European nations. Accommodation, food, and transportation are all relatively affordable. That being said, some of Germany’s most expensive cities (such as Munich and Hamburg) may be a bit pricier than other areas.
The cost of living for international students in Germany is estimated between €800 and €1,000 per month. This amount is usually enough to cover rent, food, health insurance, and other necessary expenses. As a student, you can also opt to work while studying to help offset the living costs.