Germany or the Federal Republic of Germany is renowned for its vibrant, global, and multiethnic atmosphere. Of 83 million people residing in Germany, 13% are from other countries. That makes up a population of 10.6 million people from overseas that live in Germany. These are either international students or working professionals.
A large chunk of international students flocks to Germany for higher education because of the negligible tuition charged at public universities. However, Germany also possesses some of the best student cities in the world- brimming with social life and opportunities for young students.
Whether you want to study science, medicine, engineering, architecture, law, or business, Germany has some of the best universities and cities for students. The primary reasons why foreign students view Germany as a paradise for higher education are
- Worldwide-ranked universities
- Affordable cost of living
- High-quality education by world-renowned faculty
- Low cost of tuition fees or free education in the majority of public universities
- A wide range of programs to choose from
- Globally recognized degrees
- High employment rate
- Cultural diversity
Germany has 16 federal states plus thousands of towns and cities. With so many options, it is understandable that students could find it difficult to decide. Even though the university you choose to study in itself is crucial, the city or town where the university is located has a significant impact on your decision. For instance, the German city you want to live and study in will determine the cost of living, safety, and employment rate. Let us discuss the 5 best cities in Germany for international students.
Best cities in Germany
Berlin
Being the capital city of Germany, Berlin definitely tops the list of the best cities in Germany to study abroad. It is one of the largest cities in Germany with a population of 3.6 million inhabitants. It is home to 38 universities and a number of multinational companies and start-ups. Berlin also offers a range of academic and research opportunities to students with over 60 research facilities. Currently, 200,000 people from around the world work and study in this metropolis.
Berlin city
There are parks, gardens, and lakes all over the city, making it quite a delight for nature lovers. The city of Berlin is renowned for having a thriving nightlife. There are several options for students to go to beach bars, clubs, outdoor concerts, operas, and festivals. The best way to navigate the city is by using the public transportation system, particularly trains.
| Top universities in Berlin | Freie Universitaet Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Technical University of Berlin |
| Popular universities in Berlin | Berlin International College, Berlin International University of Applied Sciences, SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences |
Munich
Munich is famed for having a cosmopolitan flair. This city is the capital of Bavaria state of Germany and is the third largest city. A population of 1.4 million people resides in Munich out of which 126,643 are international students.
Munich City
Being a powerful economic hub, it is home to numerous well-known businesses in the high-tech, electronics, and automobile industries, including BMW, Siemens, Allianz, etc. This generates lots of job opportunities for international students choosing to study in Munich. It hosts some of the top business schools and boasts a total of 12 universities. The Deutsche Museum, the world’s largest museum of science and technology, Pinakothek der Moderne, the museum of modern art in Europe, and FC Bayern München, Europe’s famous football club are all located in Munich. The city is culturally diverse and has many opportunities for students to socialize, including the annual Oktoberfest beer festival that takes place in the fall. The majority of nightclubs are within a 15-minute walk apart.
| Prestigious universities in Munich | The University of Munich, the Technical University of Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München |
| Popular universities in Munich | Munich Business School (MBS), EU Business School Munich, |
Hamburg
Hamburg lies in the north of Germany, on the coast of the North Sea and Baltic Sea. It has a population of 1.8 million people 103,773 of which are foreign students. With over 18 universities, the city of Hamburg offers a range of opportunities for international students.
Hamburg city
This harbor city is an important economic and media center in Germany. The huge ports, Airbus headquarters, publishing companies, editorial offices, and television stations offer job prospects to students studying at different universities in Hamburg. After finishing their studies, students can unwind by watching the waves, seagulls, and ships leaving port. This vibrant city has an abundance of clubs, pubs, and entertainment.
| Top universities in Hamburg | Universität Hamburg, Hamburg University of Technology, Helmut-Schmidt-Universität, HAW Hamburg, HafenCity University Hamburg (HCU) |
| Popular universities in Hamburg | University Targu Mures Medical Campus Hamburg |
Heidelberg
With its historic structures and charming parks and gardens, Heidelberg is situated on the banks of the river Neckar transports us back in time. It has around 1.6 million inhabitants. Since the Second World War did not impact the city, all the old buildings and monuments are preserved to date. One of the oldest German universities: Heidelberg University (1386) is situated in Heidelberg. The university is well-known for its medical faculty. The Heidelberg University is so vast that its campuses are scattered throughout the town. Another great historical attraction is the hotel Ritter which was built in the year 1592.
Heidelberg town
In addition to historical landmarks, Heidelberg town has a solid reputation for having a plethora of companies that specialize in medicine and health. The German cancer research center Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ) is also headquartered in this town. Being a small town, students can travel the entire town on foot or by bicycle while soaking in the scenery of the old castles. English is widely spoken here since the American Allied Forces were based in this town for many years.
| Top universities in Heidelberg | Heidelberg University, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg |
Leipzig
This German city has gained popularity in recent years as an affordable study destination for many international students. It has 5 prestigious universities where students can pursue higher studies. It is situated in the state of Saxony which is famous for its trade affairs.
Leipzig city
Leipzig offers a variety of arts and studios for art lovers. In the southern section of the city is where you will find the enormous “Monument to the Battle of the Nations”. The monument, which offers a perspective of the entire city all the way to downtown, honors the significant battle against Napoleon in 1813. Students are very drawn to this vibrant city’s fashionable clubs, pubs, and cafes.
| Popular universities in Leipzig | Leipzig University, Lancaster University of Leipzig |
Besides these top 5 best cities in Germany, other popular cities for higher education include
If studying abroad in Germany is on your list, then Gyanberry can definitely assist you. From deciding which German city to go to which university is best for your chosen field we can help you in numerous ways. Our admissions counseling services have assisted thousands of students to get into their dream universities. For more information, kindly book a video appointment with our experts.