According to a ranking by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization), Germany is placed among the top 5 study abroad destinations around the world, notwithstanding the country’s non-English speaking profile. Every year, more and more students are persuaded to study among its 400 respectable institutions and earn a higher education degree implicitly labeled with the words “world-class”. Germany has many appealing characteristics, which can lure anyone into packing their bags and flying to the country before anyone can even greet them with “Guten Morgen”.
More than 200,000 international students found their second home in Germany. In a foreign land where superior education comes at an affordable cost, everyone must really be enjoying an exciting adventure. Because of its popularity as a study abroad destination, Germany has one of the most diverse student populations, which allows for a higher chance of crafting friendships and building professional networks. Moreover, Germany has over 19,000 English-taught programs to cater to international students. Even though the criteria for most of its programs are met by an exclusive set of applicants, students still try their luck just to gain admission to one of Germany’s universities. Once they are able to start their studies in Germany, they don’t want to let go of the chance to experience the popular Christmas markets, the efficient train transport system, and the cultural exhibits which teach a lot about Germany’s history.
With its large area of around 360,000 km2, Germany has a lot of equally fascinating cities which international students can choose from when deciding where to stay. Each city has a distinct way of living that matches a certain personality. Find out which German city best suits your learning and living preferences.
1. Study in Berlin
2. Study in Frankfurt
3. Study in Munich
4. Study in Dresden
5. Study in Aachen
6. Study in Bonn
7. Study in Hamburg
8. Study in Stuttgart
9. Study in Freiburg
10. Study in Marburg
11. Study in Darmstadt
12. Study in Münster
13. Study in Oldenburg
The capital and the largest city in Germany, Berlin is undeniably a top student city for international students in the country. It is even included as one of the best cities in the world where foreign students can go to live and study. Why not, really? Berlin is Germany’s cultural and economic center, which provides numerous opportunities for fun-filled yet productive learning. Berlin also has its share of significant historical representations that can add up to your knowledge of events you only read about in books.
Berlin is Germany’s academic and research leader. The city is home to several globally recognized institutions for higher learning. On top of the list are the Freie Universität Berlin (Free University of Berlin), Humboldt- Universität Zu Berlin (Humboldt University of Berlin), and the Technische Universität Berlin (Technical University of Berlin) which are famous for their wide variety of English-taught programs. Most universities in Berlin do not charge tuition fees – a most welcome news for every international student hoping to study in one of the city’s universities. Berlin’s universities also boast of a large percentage of international students, which is an added factor for you not to feel out of place in a foreign city.
International students have a chance to immerse in culture and history within Berlin’s rich collection of war museums and cinema houses. As an essential participant in world history (i.e. World War II), the city has museums such as the Allied Museum, Topography of Terror, Jewish Museum, Neues Museum, Bauhaus Archives, DDR Museum, East Side Gallery, and the Berlin Wall Memorial. This is a city where history buffs can find surprises with a short stroll around the city.
Living in Berlin is quite expensive due to its thriving commercial hubs and high quality of life. You can expect to live in a city where safety and healthcare are given emphasis by the community. Berlin is also one of the world’s most diverse cities, largely because of the presence of international students who come from various countries. With this multicultural presence, the city has also a diverse set of places to respond to the different needs of all its residents. In short, you can never run out of things to try and places to visit when in Berlin. Hopefully, this justifies the city’s high cost of living. Furthermore, Berlin’s Hauptbahnhof Central Station allows its residents access to Germany’s major cities. Transportation is efficient enough to make you go from one place to another.
Germany’s cosmopolitan city, Frankfurt is considered one of the world’s cities with the best quality of life. The largest city in the state of Hesse, Frankfurt is the location of Messe Frankfurt, one of the world’s largest trade fairs. The city is known to be Germany’s version of economically powerful cities like Singapore or Tokyo due to its concentration of business and tourism hubs which contribute to the national economy. International students can, therefore, easily look for employment or internship opportunities in this city. Furthermore, Frankfurt is considered as Europe’s financial capital. It houses the European Central Bank as well as one of the world’s largest stock exchanges. International students who are keen to immerse in a learning environment for finance and business should definitely choose Frankfurt as their student city.
Universities in Frankfurt will not disappoint when it comes to the quality of education they provide their students. A few of Frankfurt’s most prestigious universities are the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, University of Applied Sciences Frankfurt, Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, and the University of Music and Performing Arts.
Living in Frankfurt is fairly affordable considering its metropolitan comforts and conveniences. For one, Frankfurt’s location is ideal for traveling around the country. It has an efficient port to get you from place to place in an easy way. You can also experience the unique taste of German cuisine in Frankfurt’s gastronomy places. Of course, you would not want to miss the chance to try an authentic serving of the world-famous frankfurter, a local snack in the city. In Frankfurt, you also have the chance to enjoy life outside of the university. You can attend jazz music festivals which are daily happenings in the city. You can also participate in The Frankfurt Book Fair, an annual event in the city considered the world’s largest book trade. Bookworms are sure to enjoy this Frankfurt tradition which started 500 years ago.
International students who want to be in the center of happenings should choose Frankfurt. In this city, they are bound to live an active lifestyle mixed with enjoyable activities for a balanced study-and-play lifestyle.
The third largest city in Germany, Munich (or München) is another top-ranked student city not just in Germany or Europe, but also around the world. Located at the heart of Bavaria, Munich is highly distinguishable because of its sophisticated Bavarian architecture in the middle of sprawling parks, charming gardens, and mountain ridges. It is also situated near Austria and the Czech Republic, which you can explore in case you have time off from the university.
Universities in Munich enjoy respectable reviews from international institutions. The city’s most prestigious universities which you may want to attend are the Technical University of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, and the Munich University of Applied Sciences. These universities have a wide choice of English-taught programs for the non-German speaking enrollees. Students in Munich can expect low fees plus a generous amount of university scholarships. The city is a popular choice for international students which make up 16% of the city’s total population.
If you don’t like city life too much but enjoy the conveniences brought by the tag, Munich is your best fit. Despite its cityhood, Munich enjoys a rather ‘small town’ ambiance. This is probably because of the citywide rule that no building should be built higher than the cathedral. You will also be delighted to hear that Munich is a bike-friendly and student-friendly city. Its parks and gardens are ideal for a quiet study session, both in solitude or with a group of newfound peers.
Dubbed as the “Jewel Box of Germany”, Dresden is most probably the country’s most beautiful city. The capital of Saxony, Dresden attracts tourists and international students alike because of its exquisite architecture which lines up the city. It also boasts of well-maintained open spaces which even make the city more picturesque than it actually is. However, Dresden is more than just a pretty face. The city is also a political, financial, cultural, and educational center which persuaded more than 40,000 students to come and study in its academic institutions.
International students can opt to enroll in the Technische Universität Dresden, a highly ranked German institution. The student population in Dresden enjoys exclusive areas such as the Altstadt, an area for museums, libraries, and study spaces, and Neustadt, a socializing space for students. In case you want to breathe air outside of the university and explore more of Dresden, you can always visit tourist spots like the Zwinger Palace.
A small city in North Rhine-Westphalia with roots as an ancient Roman bath, Aachen is a charming city which is often overlooked by students looking for a home in Germany. Located in the westernmost part of the country, bordering with Belgium and the Netherlands, Aachen has many thrilling features in store if you know which perspective to embrace. For one, Aachen should be your go-to city when you prefer a lifestyle in the middle of technological advancement and innovation, but with a penchant for its significant cultural traditions.
Universities found in Aachen boast of high academic quality. In fact, the Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen (RWTH Aachen University) is one of the top universities in Germany. It is a founding member of the IDEA League, an association of the most prestigious technological universities in the whole of Europe. The FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences is another institution for higher learning which boasts of outstanding education in engineering science. In fact, it is Germany’s top university for the applied sciences, particularly in electrical and mechanical engineering programs. Hence, if you are an international student who seeks a professional degree in engineering, automotive, and manufacturing technology, Aachen should be your student city choice. Similarly, in terms of medical technology, Aachen is also a perfect study location. In its city is one of Europe’s largest medical facilities, the Klinikum Aachen, which is the research and academic arm of the RWTH Aachen University.
Living in Aachen can be considered student-friendly. Despite its technological inclination, living costs in the city are more affordable than in any other cities in Germany. This is a city where cultural enthusiasts and wanderers can find their paradise. In your free time, you can jump on a train and travel to Belgium of the Netherlands as these countries are within easy reach from Aachen. Cultural buffs can find solace in the Aachen Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in Europe, which is the resting place of the Emperor Charlemagne’s remains.
A city of remarkable contrasts is the best adjective for Bonn. Despite it being an ancient city, Bonn is currently one of Berlin’s top locations for multinational companies and modern fairs. It has also functioned as the seat of the German government, side by side with Berlin. You will also find it amusing that the city is the birthplace of the popular musical genius, Beethoven.
The city of Bonn is home to another of Germany’s globally recognized institutions, the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn. The university accepts thousands of international applicants every academic year. Its student diversity will open up opportunities for you to gain personal acquaintances as well as professional contacts. Moreover, the presence of multinational corporations in Bonn spells a possibility for part-time or full-time employment as you attend the university.
If you are an international student seeking a rather laidback lifestyle in a competitive learning environment, Bonn might just be the place for you. In here, you will find a city which is the right mix of urbanized and peaceful living.
Germany’s second largest city, Hamburg is a city which can provide you with a complete student life experience. This city, which has Germany’s busiest port, the River Elbe, is one of the best student cities in the country. Hamburg boasts of high-caliber academic institutions for international students, a bustling economy focused on the media and entertainment industry, and unparalleled cultural events. Hence, international students should expect a high quality of life when they decide to live and study in Hamburg.
The Universität Hamburg is the city’s most prestigious university which enjoys an affirmative global reputation. The other universities in Hamburg worth considering are the Hamburg University of Technology and the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences. There is also a recently established institution in the city, the HafenCity University. Established in 2006, it is a university which you may want to explore if you are interested in pursuing architecture and metropolitan development study programs.
Often dubbed as a city with a graceful fusion of the ancient and modern, Hamburg is for those students who love a quaint yet fashionable lifestyle. Hamburg is home to Germany’s collection of shopping and entertainment centers. International students will never find life in this city as dull because there are many things to do. Hamburg holds annual festivities, such as the Filmfest Hamburg, Hamburger DOM, and the Reeperbahn. This city has 100 music hubs, 60 museums, and 30 theaters – an assurance that your student life in Hamburg will be filled with fun and social engagements. Moreover, culture and history enthusiasts will find Hamburg an interesting site to explore, with the city’s Roman and impressionist architecture and artworks. Another of Hamburg’s distinct feature is its punctual transport system, making your daily travel stress-free. It also has a flourishing economy contributed by its vast commercial establishments and large firms. In Hamburg, you can have everything you need for your study abroad experience.
The capital of the state of Baden- Württemberg located in the southwest part of Germany is the city of Stuttgart. The most distinctive feature of this city is its green landscape, characterized in the Wilhelma, Europe’s largest zoo and botanic garden. International students who want a city life surrounded by nature are most welcome to study and live in Stuttgart. This is also a city with lots of interesting events to make your daily life exciting. In Stuttgart, you have the chance to witness and participate in events, such as opera and philharmonic events, ballet festivals, and travel fairs. Cultural and automobile enthusiasts will find themselves in for a treat in the city, as it houses world-famous museums such as the Mercedes Benz Museum. Meanwhile, outdoor and active personalities will also grow fond of Stuttgart since it is a location for snowboarding, skiing, or hiking.
Universities in Stuttgart are of top-notch quality. Its top university is the Universität Stuttgart, an institution recognized in Germany and in the whole world. The university is a popular choice for students who want to pursue a degree in engineering, as it provides competent theoretical and practical training for the craft. Engineering students can also find Stuttgart a dream city for their internship or employment prospects because the city is the headquarters of a number of automobile companies.
The sunniest place in Germany, Freiburg is another student city worth considering. It is located in the southwest of Germany’s Black Forest area, which makes Freiburg a popular wine-growing city. The city’s perfect location near natural landscapes adds to the total Freiburg experience: warm weather for hiking activities in the city’s surrounding highlands in the Black Forest. The city also boasts Germany’s longest cable car line which stretches 2.2 miles from Günterstal to the Schauinsland Island. Despite its appearance as a small German town, Freiburg is popular for its eco-city slogan. In fact, Freiburg has been awarded the “European City of the Year” by the Academy of Urbanism (2010) because of its sustainable urbanism efforts. The city’s population is keen on doing recycling programs within its districts. Moreover, cycling is highly encouraged in the city. You can go from place to place riding a bicycle and taking in the beauty of Freiburg’s crisscrossing canals, thick forests, and vineyards.
Freiburg is known for its courses inclined with urban planning, sustainability, tourism, and environmental studies. Its most popular university is the Albert Ludwig University of Freiburg which offers a variety of courses, from information technology, social sciences, tourism, and sustainable engineering. Furthermore, living in Freiburg is fairly reasonable compared to living costs in Berlin and other major cities in Germany.
An ancient German city built around the Landgrafenschloss castle and the St. Elizabeth’s Church, Marburg is for international students who want a quiet countryside kind of lifestyle. The city is popularly known as the birthplace of Nobel Peace Prize awardees, Emil von Behring (first winner) and Robert Bunsen (inventor of the Bunsen burner), and the Grimm brothers. Marburg is characterized by timber-framed houses and cobblestone streets which give out an ambiance of something out of Grimm’s fairy tales.
Marburg’s famous university is the Philipps University of Marburg, also the world’s oldest Protestant institution. Marburg’s residents are proud of their city being characterized as one large university. In fact, they are known to state that “Other cities have a university. Marburg is a university.” The city has a huge student population (25,700) considering its size. About 12% of this number is comprised of international students. This is a city where you can get the most of your university experience as the town primarily operates as a university town.
A small city in Germany, Darmstadt is one of the country’s understated student cities. Darmstadt boasts of a hospitable and welcoming population (who fondly call themselves “Heiners”), which is good news for foreign students. Trying to adapt, if not fit in, a new environment is difficult as it is. But in Darmstadt, you will encounter some of the nicest people in Germany. The city is known for its libraries, museums, and study spots. It is as if it was built to be a home for university students trying to juggle life and studies. Additionally, Darmstadt is a highly cultural city. It is home to several restaurants which offer international cuisines at inexpensive prices. It also hosts 2 annual festivals, the Heinerfest and the Schloßgrabenfest. In Darmstadt, international students will find a student-friendly community which allows for maximum learning.
Located in a discreet corner in Germany, Münster is a perfect city for international students who are fond of a serene and peaceful environment. The Aasee reservoir is a great place for you to enjoy a boat ride and have the pleasure of taking in the city’s culture. The quiet lifestyle in Münster does not necessarily mean a life devoid of social events and leisure time. In fact, the city has a collection of commercial hubs where you can meet new friends from all over the world. You will not also run out of food places to try since the city can offer you various cuisines, at surprisingly affordable prices.
Located in the northwest of Germany is a small city called Oldenburg. The city is very near the Netherlands, which is only about an hour drive. Oldenburg is known for being a bicycle city. Most people travel around the city using bicycles, even though the transportation system in Oldenburg is as efficient as any other German city. Its most popular university is the Oldenburg University which is ideally situated in the city center. Being a student in this city will guarantee a convenient lifestyle in the middle of the city’s commercial and financial hubs. Moreover, studying in Oldenburg is inexpensive. This city should be your choice if you want a toned-down and affordable life.
If you have not yet made a choice from the above list, you can also refer to the following interesting student cities:
1. Study in Cologne
Check out the city’s top university, the Universität Köln (University of Cologne).
2. Study in Leipzig
Leipzig is another large city in Saxony, famous for the St. Thomas Church where the world-famous musical composer Johann Sebastian Bach worked as a cantor. Check out the Universität Leipzig, one of Europe’s oldest universities.
3. Study in Nuremberg
Check out Nuremberg’s Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg situated among the city’s stunning medieval architecture.
4. Study in Heidelberg
Check out the city’s top university, the Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg (Heidelberg University).
We know that you are probably slightly confused on which city to choose because of Germany’s equally appealing student cities. To help you make a choice, remember to list your own descriptions of an ideal international student life, and compare them with the cities we have mentioned above. This way, you can choose a city that you are most comfortable to spend 1 to 4 academic years. Lastly, remember to choose a city which feels like home to you. Guten tag!
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