English-Taught Universities in Germany for International Students
There are several English-Taught Universities (offering programs with English as the medium of instruction) in Germany. They are mostly academic universities and universities of applied sciences. These universities offer many options for students looking for English-taught degrees in Germany. As per My Guide, international students can choose from the 1,890 internationally oriented study programs in English. German universities offer these courses at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. Some universities also offer preparatory courses and pre-master courses in English.
Although German is the official language in the country, quite a decent population speaks English. It ranks 11 out of 112 countries worldwide and 10 out of 35 in Europe on the EF English Proficiency Index of 2021. As an international student, you do not have to worry about learning advanced-level German to study at these universities. But you must prove English language proficiency since the courses are in English. Yet, some universities might ask students to provide German proficiency at the B2 level.
The article below goes into great detail about popular English-taught universities in Germany. It also lists their popular undergraduate, graduate, and a few other courses taught in English.
Highlights of English-Taught Universities in Germany
Types of English-Taught universities in Germany | Academic universities and universities of applied sciences |
Number of English-taught programs in Germany | 1,890 |
Level of degrees offered | Bachelor’s and master’s |
Commonly accepted English proficiency exams | IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge CAE/CPE |
Popular English-taught universities in Germany
The English-taught universities in Germany mostly fall under the category of academic universities and universities of applied sciences. They are well-known for offering degrees at undergraduate, post-graduate, and doctoral levels degrees. The following table contains a list of popular English-taught German universities and the level of degrees they offer.
Popular public universities offering English-taught courses in Germany
The following table features some of the most popular public universities/universities of applied sciences offering English-taught programs to international students.
University / University of Applied Sciences | No. of English-taught Programs Offered |
University of Erlangen-Nuremberg | 21 |
Free University of Berlin | 9 |
Friedrich Schiller University Jena | 10 |
University of Göttingen | 27 |
Humboldt University of Berlin | 18 |
Berlin Institute of Technology | 22 |
FH Aachen | 7 |
Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg, University of Applied Sciences | 8 |
Bremen University of Applied Sciences | 9 |
Berlin School of Economics and Law | 18 |
Free University of Berlin
Founded in 1948, the Free University of Berlin is a public-run university in the Republic of Germany. It ranks #95 among the “Best Global Universities” ranking by the US News. Some popular English-taught courses at the university are:
- North American Studies (Bachelor of Arts)
- Biochemistry (Master of Science)
- Data Science (Master of Science)
- Pharmaceutical Research (Master of Science)
- Polymer Science (Master of Science)
- English Studies: Literature, Language, Culture (Master of Arts)
Since these courses are delivered entirely in English, students do not have to prove German language proficiency. However, they must provide C1 level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages for their English language proficiency. This can include either:
- IELTS 5.0, or
- TOEFL: 500 on paper, 170 on the computer, or 80 on the internet
FH Aachen
It is a public university of applied sciences in Germany established in the year 1971. FH Aachen is quite famous for its engineering degrees. According to the WirtschaftsWoche university rating, it ranked in first place among all German universities of applied sciences in the mechanical engineering and electrical engineering categories (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021). It offers the following courses in English:
- Biomedical Engineering M.Sc.
- International Automotive Engineering M.Sc.
- Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering/Master of Science in International Automotive Engineering
- Master of Science in Nuclear Applications
- Global Business and Economics B.Sc.
It accepts the following English language scores to offer admission to its English-taught courses:
- IELTS 5.5
- TOEFL internet 72
- Cambridge Certificate B2 First (FCE) 162 points
- PTE Academic >59
Popular private universities offering English-taught courses in Germany
University Name | English-Taught Courses | ||
Bachelor’s | Master’s | Others | |
Lancaster University of Leipzig | Yes | Yes | Foundation and pre-master |
BIC Berlin International College | Yes | No | Studienkollegs |
IU: International University of Applied Sciences | Yes | Yes | IU prep programs and English language course |
Cologne Business School | Yes | Yes | Double degrees (bachelor’s and master’s level), pre-master and Studienkolleg |
Munich Business School | Yes | Yes | Pre-bachelor, pre-master and PhD |
German International College | Yes | – | Preparatory programs |
ISM International School of Management | Yes | Yes | PhD and pre-master |
Berlin International University of Applied Sciences | Yes | Yes | English Preparatory Year |
SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences | Yes | Yes | Doctor of Business Administration, preparatory courses for bachelor’s and master’s and short courses |
Steinbeis University School of Management and Innovation | Yes | Yes | – |
EU Business School Munich | Yes | Yes | Foundation programs |
Kuehne Logistics University | Yes | Yes | Preparatory course and PhD |
GISMA Business School | Yes | Yes | Short online courses |
Arden University Berlin | Yes | Yes | – |
University of Europe for Applied Sciences | Yes | Yes | Foundation courses and dual degree programs |
University Targu Mures Medical Campus Hamburg (UMCH) | Yes | No | – |
To speed up the admissions process, candidates can apply through Gyanberry. We formally represent all the universities mentioned above.
Lancaster University of Leipzig
It is a globally recognized British university, with one of its branches located in Leipzig, Germany. Its entire curriculum is delivered in English. At Lancaster University of Leipzig, admission to the bachelor’s and master’s programs does not require German proficiency. Students can pursue the following bachelor’s courses in English at the university:
- BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance
- BSc (Hons) Business Management
- BSc (Hons) Computer Science
- BSc (Hons) Software Engineering
It delivers only one master’s course, i.e., MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management. The university asks students to provide scores on either one of the following English tests:
Test Name | Overall Score for Bachelor’s | Overall Score for Master’s |
IELTS | 6.0 to 6.5 | 7.0 |
TOEFL iBT / Home Edition | 78-87 | 94 |
Pearson PTE Academic | 50-58 | 65 |
Cambridge CAE/CPE | – | 185 |
The university also provides foundation courses in business and computer science and a pre-masters in business in English.
BIC Berlin International College
BIC university in partnership with other German universities offers English-taught courses for international students. Currently, it offers only bachelor’s degrees in English.
Partner University Name | Bachelor’s Degree |
Kühne Logistics University | B.Sc. Business Administration |
University of Applied Sciences Würzburg Schweinfurt | B.Eng. Business and Engineering |
B.Eng. Logistics | |
B.Eng. Robotics | |
B.Eng. Business and Engineering | |
B.Eng. Logistics | |
B.Eng. Mechatronics | |
B.Eng. Robotics |
To get into any one of the above-mentioned bachelor’s programs, students have to apply to BIC’s Studienkolleg program English – Technology (T-Kurs).
Upon completion of the program, students are given a conditional offer letter from the respective partner universities. The affiliated partner universities want students to have English language proficiency at level B2.
IU: International University of Applied Sciences
IU offers a variety of English-taught courses, both online and on-campus, for international students. Students can start at any time. The university offers a free trial of four weeks. They can spend 36 to 72 months completing an undergraduate course and 12 to 48 months completing a postgraduate course. The table below lists study areas in which IU offers its bachelor’s and master’s courses.
Bachelor’s | Master’s |
Business & Management | Business & Management |
Health & Social Care | Health & Social Care |
Psychology | Psychology |
– | Marketing & Communication |
There are also general MBAs and specialized MBAs that students can choose from. The following is a list of specialized MBA courses at IU:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Big Data Management
- E-Sports Management
- Engineering Management
- Finance & Accounting
- Healthcare Management
- Human Resource Management
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- International Marketing
- IT Management
- Salesforce
- Supply Chain Management
Students can also pursue a short one-year MBA course in English. Native English speakers or graduates from an English-speaking university can directly apply. Students who do not belong to this category must fulfill the English language requirements. The university provides an online English course, Speexx. You can sign up for this free course and complete it within 3 months and take a test. The scores of this test can be used to prove English skills while applying for a course at IU. Other tests accepted are:
TOEFL | 80 |
IELTS | 6.0 |
Duolingo English test | 95 |
Cambridge Certificate | Grade B |
Munich Business School (MBS)
The university provides a Bachelor of International Business degree in English. Students who do not qualify directly for an undergrad degree can take its pre-bachelor program. It covers mathematics and English skills and basic business knowledge. Munich Business School also offers a wide range of master’s programs in business and management
- Master Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Master Sports Business and Communication
- Master International Business
- Master International Marketing and Brand Management
If you do not have a degree in business or economics for the above master’s degrees, then you can pursue their pre-master course taught in English. Students interested in expanding their business administration knowledge can pursue a doctoral degree at MBS. Depending on the course, you need to prove your English language skills by passing one of the following language tests:
- TOEFL iBT 85 to 100
- IELTS level of 6.5 to 7.0
- ELS Advanced Level 112
Steinbeis University School of Management and Innovation
Steinbeis SMI provides both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English. The following is a list of its English tutored courses
- Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
- Master of Science in Business Management
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Science in Business Management Online
Each program comes with a wide range of elective courses to choose from. The university accepts the following English scores for its programs
- IELTS 6.0
- PTE 56
- Duolingo 100
- TOEFL 80
- Cambridge Advanced or Proficiency
Kuehne Logistics University (KLU)
Students who lack the prerequisites for admission to German universities can enroll in KLU’s preparation course. The language of instruction for the course is English. After completion, students can directly apply for the university’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Additionally, students can opt for the following courses at the master’s level in English:
- MSc in International Management
- MSc in Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- MBA in Leadership and Supply Chain Management
KLU also proposes an English-taught PhD program for future leaders in management, logistics, and supply chain management. The university accepts the following English language test scores as a part of its admission process:
- TOEFL BT: 90
- IELTS Academic (6.5)
- CAE (grade C) / CPE (180)
- FCE Cambridge English (Grade A)
- Pearson PTE Academic (61)
GISMA Business School
It offers a variety of English-taught master’s, bachelor’s, and short online courses. For a master’s, an English language level equivalent to IELTS 6.5 or above is required. English proficiency of B2 (IELTS 5.5) or equivalent is needed for entry to bachelor’s courses. Short online courses do not have any English language requirements.
Arden University Berlin
The university offers 86 business-related degrees at both bachelor’s and master’s levels. All courses at Arden University are instructed in English. Few courses are available online, while it offers a few both online and on campus. To be admitted, students need to provide evidence of English language proficiency of IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 80, or equivalent. Students who do not have evidence of English proficiency can take the university English Language Test. It uses the IELTS scoring scale.
University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE)
Students can apply for both, a bachelor’s or master’s degree at UE. The degrees are available in the fields of business, sports, tech, psychology, media and event, and art and design. Plus, there are also foundation and dual degree programs. All the degrees are available in English. The university accepts a wide range of English test scores like:
- IELTS 5.5
- TOEFL iBT 72
- TOEFL ITP 543
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 59
- Pearson Test of English (General) Level 1
- Cambridge English Advanced and Proficiency 160
- Cambridge Exam First (FCE)
- TOEIC listening or reading 785, speaking 160, and writing 150
- PASSWORD 5.5
- EF SET 51
- Duolingo 90
University Targu Mures Medical Campus Hamburg (UMCH)
UMCH provides a six-year undergraduate medical degree for international students. The degree is taught in English. However, clinical training in the third to sixth year occurs in clinics all over Germany. Students thus need to provide proof of German proficiency at the B2 level. Plus, the university does not ask students to provide English proficiency scores.
Note: Citizens of the USA, the UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, with English as their native language, are exempt from English proficiency tests.