Top 10 Private Universities in Germany- A Guide

Germany is one of the world’s top study destinations for international students and definitely a higher education paradise. In Germany, you will find countless prestigious and top-ranked universities, hundreds of specialized study programs to choose from, degrees that are valued globally, and affordable studies. Not to mention, Germany is a country with a unique culture, dynamic lifestyle, and many exciting places to explore during your studies here.  The number of international students in Germany continues to rise. In the winter semester of 2023/24, some 379,900 international students were enrolled at German universities, an increase of 3% compared to the previous year, according to newly published data from DAAD.

Why are Private Universities in Germany a compelling option for international students?

What makes Germany the best place to study for international students? Here are the top 5 reasons.

1. First-class Education– Germany, known for its high-quality education, provides you with the first-class education opportunities with a dual-education system emphasizing hands-on learning and apprenticeship. 
2. Practical Learning-oriented Education System– Being able to study and gain work experience at the same time is one of the advantages of the German educational system. Their practically oriented study programs allow you to get to know the world of work sooner, therefore providing you with an ample supply of job opportunities to choose from, as per your abilities and practical knowledge.   
3. Safe Environment– 13% of the people living in Germany come from across the world. Whether you are in the city or the country, you can travel freely and feel secure. Internationally, Germany is a synonym for stability. The same goes for life here. 
4. Open-minded & Enterprising society– In Germany, you can be, or become, whoever you want to be regardless of your sex, your origin, your sexual orientation, your religion or your personal preferences in your free time or at university. Germany will welcome you with open arms – at university, in bars and clubs, museums, cinemas and theaters. Here, you can focus on your goals free from worry.
5. Diverse Career-Propelling Opportunities– Germany provides the opportunity to try things out in your own way and discover where your strengths lie. Your degree will open up great opportunities for you in the job market – internationally and in Germany. The economy offers diverse career opportunities that match you and your goals.

Best Private Universities in Germany- A Holistic Overview

Germany is highly popular amongst international students. This is mainly because of the country’s many excellent universities, its dynamic student life and good funding options. Find out about the top 10 best private universities in Germany offering a wide range of study courses UG/PG and choose as per your comfort. 

Best Private Universities	Language of Instruction/Mode of Communication while Teaching	Avg. Tuition Fees
Bard College Berlin	English	21L – 29L
Constructor University	English	Upto 25L
GISMA Business School	English	13L – 26L
Hertie School	English	16L – 32L per academic year
Munich Business School	English and German	22L – 35L
Frankfurt School of Finance and Management	English and German	Upto 35L
International University of Applied Sciences	English	From 6L+
Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin	English and German	9L – 16L
Katholische Universität Eichstätt – Ingolstadt	Mainly German, some English courses offered	6,500 per semester
University of Witten/Herdecke	English and German	Upto 26L

Discover: Bachelor’s in Germany

Top 10 Best Private Universities in Germany

Selecting the best university can be challenging and time consuming. So, we have created a comprehensive guide of the top 10 best private universities in Germany to make your search easier. 

Bard College Berlin

Bard College Berlin is an accredited German-American university offering intensive, transdisciplinary humanities and social sciences education. The student body is highly international and diverse in terms of geography, culture, class, and economic background and meets with faculty in small seminars taught in English.

• Founding Year: 1999
• Key Attractions: Echo-friendly campus, library, arts building, AV room
• Popular Programs: BA in Economics, Politics, and Social Thought
• Notable Alumni: Alexandru Nazare (Romanian Politician), Wafa Mustafa (Syrian Journalist and Activist), Karolina Lewestam (author of ‘Silla’), Florian Hoffmann (Founder, CEO- The DO)

Constructor University

Germany’s #1 THE ranked private research university, Constructor University, delivers top-class educational and personal development opportunities to its students in a stimulating, secure and highly diverse campus environment through cutting-edge technology, learner-centered pedagogy, and excellent research and innovation delivered by a distinguished research faculty.

• Founding Year: 2001
• Key Attractions: Green and tree-shaded 80-acre campus, Sports and Convention Centre 
• Popular Programs: Biochemistry and Cell Biology (BSc), Applied Computer Science (BSc), Global Economics and Management (BA)
• Notable Alumni: Hashem Al-Ghalli (Yemeni Science communicator), Cornel Amariei (Founder, CEO – .lumen), Darin Madzharov (one of forbes’ top 30 under 30)

GISMA Business School

Gisma Business School is 100% dedicated to offering the best business education to its students. The school benefits from AMBA accreditation, which was awarded for the Global MBA and is an honor shared by only five other universities in Germany. Gisma’s graduates build careers in fintech, e-commerce, AI software, mechanical engineering, information technology, consulting, and more.

• Founding Year: 1999
• Key Attractions: It is accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA)
• Popular Programs: Global MBA, MSc in Data Science, AI, and Digital Business, BSc in Computer Science
• Imminent Alumni:  Gerald J. Lynch (American economist), Abigail Spanberger (elected to the US House of Representatives)

Hertie School

Hertie School prepares exceptional students for leadership positions in government, business, and civil society. It offers interdisciplinary and practice-oriented teaching, first-class research and an extensive international network.

• Founding Year: 2003
• Key Attractions: It has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot, and it is gender-neutral and LGBTQ+ friendly. 
• Popular Programs: Master of Public Policy, Master of International Affairs, Master of Data Science for Public Policy
• Prominent Alumni:  Ruslan Codreanu (Former acting mayor of Chisinau), Carla Hustedt (director – ‘Centre for Digital Society’), Emilia Roig (Founder – Centre for Intersectional Justice)

Munich Business School

At Munich Business School, you benefit from small classes, passionate professors, and award-winning programs. As a student-centric private university, they always listen to your questions and offer you a study experience tailored to your needs. In addition to comprehensive business know-how, we provide you with values and skills to anchor sustainability and social responsibility as a leader in companies.

• Founding Year: 1991
• Key Attractions: Centrally located near BMW museum, Deutsches museum, Nymphenburg Palace, Allianz Arena etc. 
• Popular Programs: BSc in International Business, Doctorate of Business Administration, Master in Marketing Management
• Notable Alumni: Jack Nasher (German author), Christian Nerlinger (former footballer), Christoph Hartmann (vice president of Amazon games), Alessandra Jovy-Heuser (volleyball player)

Frankfurt School of Finance and Management

Frankfurt School is a business school in Germany that focuses on finance and management. The school’s mission is to change perspectives so that everyone applying gets ready to be challenged!

• Founding Year: 1957
• Key Attractions: 2nd place in Germany, International advisory first-class service training and technical assistance world-wide. 
• Popular Programs: Doctoral Program in Accounting, Economics, Finance & Management, Bachelor in Business Administration, Master in Auditing (MSc)
• Notable Alumni:  Christian Sewing (CEO of Deutsche Bank), Durjoy Dutta (Indian author and screenwriter), Mike Mohring (member of the Landtag of Thuringia), Daniela Schmitt (member of the German Federal Council)

International University of Applied Sciences

Its mission is to create global and accessible education, that’s why it’s been at the first line of online learning for a decade. You can study 100% online, or at one of the campuses in Germany, full-time or part-time.

• Founding Year: 1998
• Key Attractions: Largest university with over 100,000 students from more than 153 countries
• Popular Programs: Bachelor in Business and IT, Master in Applied Artificial Intelligence for Supply Chain Management, Master of Business Administration
• Respectable Alumni: Jan Niklas Wimberg (basketball player), Ellen Demuth (politician), Cody Candelario (chef), Miranda Wilson (badminton player)

Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin

Healing and helping are the most important duties of Charite Hospital – University. Charite teaches 9,879 students to be the future of medicine through clinical practice and research and wants to help developments in biomedicine and the health system for the people of Germany.

• Founding Year: 1710
• Key Attractions: Europe’s largest university hospital, affiliated with Humboldt university.
• Popular Programs: Medicine, Dentistry, Biomedical Sciences
• Notable Alumni:  Nobel prize winners – Emil von Behring, Robert Koch, Paul Ehrlich

Katholische Universität Eichstätt 

Ingolstadt: The Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt is a modern university under church sponsorship, the only one of its kind in Germany. Students of all religions can still attend.

• Founding Year: 1980
• Key Attractions: located in Eichstätt, known for its Baroque architecture, International office offering variety of activities to international students including excursions to Bavarian, Austrian and German sites.
• Popular Programs: Teaching at Elementary School, BA Social Work, MSc Business Administration
• Imminent Alumni: Jean Pol Martin (Academic), Marco Benini (author), Losel Christian (politician), Margit Auer (author)

University of Witten/Herdecke

In addition to their degree programs (Bachelor, Master or state examination) and additional qualifications, their unique study concept also includes the Studium Fundamentale with individual offers allowing them to try things out. At the UW/H, it is not your school grades that count, but you as a person and your development matters to them.

• Founding Year: 1983
• Key Attractions: small-town atmosphere, Hygge Cafes 
• Popular Programs: B. Sc. in Social Data Science, B. A. in Global Sustainability: Climate, Justice, Transformation., M. Sc. Strategy & Organization
• Notable Alumni: Dietrich Gronemeyer (inventor), Constantin Buschmann (CEO of the Brabus), Janosch Dahmen (member of the German Bundestag)

Discover: Top German Universities for Indian Students

List of Fully Accredited and State Accredited Private Universities in Germany

If you’re stuck between choosing a public or a private university, it’s good to know that both offer you an excellent education. Public universities have a strong reputation and receive more government funding, whereas Private universities have easier admission processes, modern facilities, less competition, and more scholarships and exchange programs. Along with the top 10 best private universities in Germany, we have listed some fully accredited and state-accredited universities for better choice since your choice needs to match your preferences, career goals, and budget.

Fully Accredited Private Universities	State-Accredited Private Universities
Berlin School of Business and Innovation	IUBH University of Applied Sciences
GISMA Business School	FOM College
University of Europe for Applied Sciences	Hamburger Fern – Hochschule
Arden University Berlin	College Fresenius
Bard College Berlin	German University for Prevention and Health Management
CODE University of Applied Sciences	European Fernhochschule Hamburg
Deutsche Journalistenschule	Rheinische Fachschule Köln
EBC Hochschule	Wilhelm Buchner University
FOM University of Applied Sciences, Economics and Management	Diploma College
Friedensau Adventist University	AKAD University

Explore: All German Universities for Indian Students

Top courses in Germany 

Get to know more about the top UG/PG Courses in the top 10 best private universities in Germany.

Undergraduate Programs

• Top UG Course

B.Sc Computer Science – 

• Key focus– on the study of computer systems and software management
• Job Roles– Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Information System Manager, Mobile App Developer and more.

B.Sc Project Management– 

• Key Focus– covers the areas such as project planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and stakeholder communication.
• Job Roles– Project manager, Construction manager, Project Analyst, IT and more.

Executive MBA (EMBA)– 

• Key Focus– to develop the strategic leadership, decision-making, innovation, and change management skills of experienced professionals. 
• Job Roles– Management Consultant, HR Executive, Marketing manager and more.

BA Sports Science (Training and Performance) –

• Key Focus– learning about the human body’s strengths and limitations, role of mind in performance, about sports injuries and improving fitness.
• Job Roles – Exercise physiologist, Physiotherapist, Sports coach, Nutritionist and more.  

BA Film and Motion Design – 

• Key Focus– on learning the skills and techniques of film production, camera and editing, motion design and hands-on project. 
• Job Roles– Film director, Screenwriter, Video editor, Animation artist and more. 

B.Sc. Business and IT –

• Key Focus– on developing a combination of business management knowledge and IT expertise. Subject focus is on databases, software and networking.
• Job Roles– Risk manager, supply manager, Web developer, Staff accountant and more.

 

• Best Universities to Pursue from

1. International University of Applied Sciences
2. Arden University
3. University of Europe of Applied Sciences
4. Berlin School of Business and Innovation
5. CODE University of Applied Sciences 

Post Graduate Programs 

• Top PG Courses

MSc Finance and Investment–

• Key Focus– establishing a firm foundation in the theory and practice of financial decision-making. 
• Job Roles– Investment banking, Financial manager, Insurance specialist and more. 

MBA in Engineering Management–

• Key Focus– covers organizational behavior, strategic planning, innovation management, and technology leadership.
• Job Roles– Project manager, Marketing manager, business intelligence and analyst and more. 

MA in Strategic Marketing–

• Key Focus– developing the skills and knowledge about consumer behavior, creating marketing plans and implementing marketing strategies.
• Job Roles– Sales manager, SEO specialist, Business Development analyst and more. 

M.Sc Artificial Intelligence–

• Key Focus– on the use of fuzzy logic, evolutionary computing and providing sound solutions to real-world prediction problems.
• Job Roles– AI Interaction manager, big data engineer, Information research scientist and more. 

MBA Shipping and Logistics –

• Key Focus– learning about supply-chain management, the synchronized process of logistics, maritime law, and expertise in managing the global business environment.
• Job Roles– Port manager, Freight broker, Shipping consultant, port planning officer and more.

MA Tourism, Hospitality and Event Management–

• Key Focus– developing skills to apply to tourism hospitality, including the latest trends and emerging markets and learning to communicate solutions to complex challenges. 
• Job Roles–  Event coordinator, hotel manager, Air cabin crew, fire risk assessor and more. 

 

• Best Universities to Pursue from: 

1. Technical University of Munich
2. Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
3. Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
4. Arden University
5. International University of Applied Sciences

Application Process for Private Universities in Germany

Applying to private universities in Germany involves a structured process to assess your qualifications and fit for the program. Follow the application process below and meet the requirements of the Top 10 Private Universities in Germany.

1. Find the right program for you- First and foremost, you must determine what kind of field and program you want to study in  Germany. Create a shortlist of universities and courses that best suit your needs.
2. Make sure your educational background meets the requirements for your desired degree program in Germany.
3. Prepare university application requirements – For Indian Students, here are the following certifications required- 

• Higher Education Entrance Qualification
• Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) Certificate
• Proof of Language Proficiency – IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge English Language Certificates (FCE, CAE, CPE)

1. Submit your application either through uni-assist or the university’s designated application portal, as specified.
2. Receive the university admission letter– If your application is successful and you meet all the criteria, you will receive an official admission letter from the university. This letter confirms your acceptance into the program you applied for and provides important details such as the start date of your studies, any conditions of admission you must fulfill, and instructions for enrollment. You will also need this as proof of admission when applying for a German visa.
3. Apply for the German student visa for International students. Make sure you have sufficient funds (€11,904 for the first year of studies) and adequate health insurance.
4. Find accommodation in Germany (for international students). 

Scholarships

Germany is comparatively affordable – both in terms of living costs as well as education costs. Studying abroad can be expensive and can become a hindrance on the way to your dream destination, but luckily, there are plenty of scholarships to choose from to study at the top 10 best private universities in Germany. Click here to find the scholarship that fits your chosen program. 

Student Life in Germany

Let’s briefly explore what life is like for international students after getting selected in one of the top 10 best private universities in Germany.

• Germany has a wonderful heritage of castles, thousands across Germany. What might have been the homes of kings and emperors before, are now valuable parts of German history serving as cultural objects, museums, and magnificent architectural buildings attracting thousands of visitors from all over the globe. 
• In Germany, an association for international students in Germany named DEGIS was brought to life in 2019. DEGIS offers various informative and practical services to international students across universities and cities in Germany before and during their stay in Germany.
• Germans place a lot of importance on structure and punctuality, so if you are not punctual, you might have a hard time making friendships with Germans.The majority of German cities relish an active nightlife and a wide range of recreational activity options. Larger cities like Munich and Berlin are full of interesting places to visit, but the charm of the smaller towns is unmatched. 
• Germany is also known for its traditional festivals that take place on a yearly basis. One of the most popular festivals, which you have probably heard about is Oktoberfest. Millions of people attend Oktoberfest every year, where they get to socialize with friends and family, enjoy their beer, food, and games, and simply get to know people. The festival usually begins late September and ends in October, lasting for a duration of about two weeks in Munich.

Know more: About Highest Paying Part-Time Jobs

Summary

Germany is a country with so many alternatives for all the students that it’s hard to choose a program among the best universities. It has developed its educational infrastructure to support international students, with English-language curricula and vegetarian dining options. Yes, so start planning your first move to study in the top 10 best private universities in Germany and learn all about the application process, IELTS score, popular programs offered and vibrant student life.

FAQs

Ques 1. Is German language mandatory to Study in Germany?

Answer 1. No, you don’t have to know German to study in Germany, especially at the postgraduate level (master’s and PhD) or in international programs.

Ques 2. Can I get scholarships for private universities in Germany?

Answer 2. Yes, in fact there are a lot more scholarships available for private universities as compared to public universities.

Ques 3. Can I work while studying in Germany as an Indian student?

Answer 3. Yes, you are allowed to work part-time while studying in Germany. Students from non-EU countries can work for up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year without needing additional authorization.