• Germany

Best Cities in Germany for Indian Students

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  • read time3 min Read
  • By:CANAM Group
  • Updated On:Sep 07,2024 05:51 PM IST

  • Germany unlocks top-notch education for international students, often at no cost at public universities. Imagine earning a degree without breaking the bank!
  • Germany boasts a stellar line-up of universities, with many ranking high on the world stage.
  • Contrary to popular belief, Germany can be affordable! Cities like Leipzing offer a vibrant student life without a hefty price tag.

Best Cities in Germany for Indian Students.webp


Germany is beautiful and full of historical marvels, yet one of its most enticing features is free education at public institutions. If that's not motivational enough to pursue higher education in Germany, then what is? The perfect blend of high education quality and affordable cost of living makes Germany one of the most desired study-abroad destinations among international students. But even in Germany, some cities stand out from the rest. These cities are famed for their edifices, culture and high job potential; hence the reason why so many international students wish to study in Germany. Let's take a look at the 5 best German cities for international students. 

Why Choose Germany for Study?

Did you know that according to QS rankings, 2 out of the 10 best student cities in 2024 are from Germany? This just goes to show that studying in Germany doesn't give you any wings; it installs jet propellers to increase your academic growth exponentially. However, cities aren't the only appealing factor; German universities are also something to praise, as many rank high in the QS ratings. Although the list of benefits of studying in Germany is long, here are some of the most prominent ones:  

Free/ Affordable Education

Public institutions in Germany usually offer free education to all. Even in private institutions, the tuition fees are comparatively lower than in other countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom. 

High-Quality Education 

The quality of Education at German universities is exceptional. This is because most German universities focus on research and innovative teaching methods. The high quality of education can also be attributed to Germany's education system and expert professors who give their all to teaching their students.   

Multicultural Environment

Germany attracts students from all around the world, which makes it a hot spot of cultural diversity. Last year alone (2022-23 academic year), Germany witnessed a total of 458,210 students from abroad, of which 90,632 became resident international students. Here, you can find people from all across the globe, so Germany is for you if you want to make friends from almost every country in the world. 

Abundant Job Opportunities

Germany is ageing, which is why they hire young talent instantly; thus, more than 7 lakh job openings are available for international students. Germany also provides an 18-month job-seeking visa to make things easier for international students. You can use this time to search for a job in your field and work to your heart's content. 

Premium Healthcare

Health insurance is mandatory for everyone in Germany, including international students. Germany's healthcare system is robust, ensuring everyone gets premium healthcare facilities, regardless of their status. Germany is so about having a health insurance plan that you won't be able to get a German student visa if you do not have one. 
 
All these benefits add to the opportunities waiting for you in Germany. But Germany is vast, and searching for cities that are best known for providing top-notch education and facilities may get confusing. So, let's do a countdown to unravel Germany's top 5 best student cities!

Best Cities to Live & Study in Germany

"What makes a city great for students?" "What should I look for when deciding on a city?" "Am I even making a good choice?" These few questions always pester student's minds especially when looking for a city to study in a foreign country. There is no need to get so confused though, as all you have to do is look for these qualities in a city:

 Top-notch UniversitiesThe top indicator of a great student city is the availability of top-notch universities in a city. If a city is full of high-ranking universities and you are getting admission to one, grab the opportunity. 
Student CommunityNext, you can look for student community. Is there a student community in the chosen city, and if yes, how big is it? Usually, a large-scale student community means you will find great cultural diversity, which makes it easier for students to live and adapt to a new city. 
Quality of LivingIf you want to determine the quality of living in a particular city, you can check out the GaWC ranking. GaWC examines and ranks cities worldwide according to a set of criteria. You can use the GaWC ranking to decide which city to choose. 
Employment prospectsAlthough Germany is like a gold mine when it comes to job opportunities, it is important to check which city offers the most prospects for employement.
AffordabilityAffordability is another major criterion that affects many students' final decisions. Many students would rather avoid a city if it falls on the expensive side of the balance. 

Now that we know what to look for in a city, let's begin with the countdown-

Erfurt

Looking for an affordable and relaxed student experience? Then Erfurt is for you. Erfurt is a charming historical city and is home to one of the oldest universities in Germany. This city is known for its picturesque medieval town, full of half-timbered houses and a historical cathedral. If you are a fan of castles, forests, mountains, and the fantasy settings you see in historical movies, then you must give Erfurt a chance.  

Living cost: Erfurt is affordable for international students who wish to study in Germany. Here's a breakdown of the estimated costs you can expect while living in Germany-

Category Estimated Monthly Cost (€)
Accommodation 300 - 400
Food (groceries & eating out)150 - 200
Transportation (monthly pass)49
Other expenses (clothes, internet, phone, entertainment)100 - 200
Estimated Total Cost 800 - 1000

Leipzig

Leipzig has a lively student atmosphere, historical charm, and a lower cost of living than some major German cities such as Munich and Potsdam. It also has various top-notch universities and a vibrant cultural scene. You can visit and experience renowned opera houses, orchestras, and several theatres in Leipzig. Lastly, it is also a centre for businesses and industries, opening many internship and job opportunities for international students. 

Living cost: Although the living expenses of Leipzig are low, they can be affected by individual spending habits and accommodation choices. Here's a breakdown of the living costs of Leipzig:

CategoryEstimated Monthly Cost (€)
Accommodation 350 – 500
Food (groceries & eating out)180 – 250
Transportation (monthly pass)50 – 70
Other expenses (clothes, internet, phone, entertainment)150 – 200
Estimated Total Cost 730 – 1,020

Hamburg

Hamburg is a dynamic port city famous for its multicultural atmosphere and excellent universities. Hamburg boasts some of Germany's top universities and is a media and publishing centre. There are plenty of internship and job opportunities in Hamburg that may help you to grow in your career. 

Living cost:  A student's life in Germany is often influenced by the cost of living, which can vary depending on the apartment size, amenities, and other factors. Here's a general breakdown of the living expenses you can expect in Hamburg-

CategoryEstimated Monthly Cost (€)
Accommodation750 - 1,000
Food (groceries & eating out)200 - 300
Transportation (monthly pass)80
Other expenses (clothes, internet, phone, entertainment)200 - 300
Estimated Total Cost1,230 - 1,680

Munich

Munich ranks  2nd on the list, which doesn't come as a surprise. This city is an academic powerhouse that boasts excellent universities. This city perfectly blends all five qualities of a great student city. Not only just that, it also offers a high quality of life with a teensy-weensy hike in the cost of living. Don't worry; Munich's never-ending job opportunities compensate for the loss. 

Living cost: Here's a breakdown of the living expenses you can expect while studying in Munich:

CategoryEstimated Monthly Cost (€)
Accommodation450 - 800+
Food (groceries & eating out)200 - 400+
Transportation (monthly pass)50 - 120+
Other expenses (clothes, internet, phone, entertainment)100 - 300+
Estimated Total Cost800 - 1620+

Berlin

Now for the city second to none on the list, you may already know about this city as it is widely famous and for all the right reasons. From vibrant scenes to top universities to being more affordable than most major cities worldwide. Berlin is the hub for international business and collaboration. This city is full of youthful energy, top-notch universities and rich history. If you choose to study in Berlin, you are in for an unforgettable student life experience. 

Living costs: You may expect such a cosmopolitan city to be costly, but that's not the case. In fact, you will be surprised to find how affordable Berlin is compared to other major cities like London and New York. Here is a breakdown of the living expenses that you can expect while studying in Berlin: 

CategoryEstimated Monthly Cost (€)
Accommodation 350 – 700
Food (groceries & eating out)150 – 350
Transportation (monthly pass)60 – 100
Other expenses (clothes, internet, phone, entertainment)100 – 300
Estimated Total Cost 660 – 1450
That was an exciting countdown of the best German cities for international students, wasn't it Freund (Friend)? Okay, now that the cost of living in Germany is also sorted, which university should you choose? Let's take a look!

Best Universities in Germany

Germany is full of renowned universities and has a fantastic education system. It's also important to mention that most of their universities usually rank high on the world rankings. Almost every city in Germany offers high-ranking universities which offer a wide range of subjects and programs. Some of the most popular courses pursued by international students in Germany include- Business, economics, health science, STEM and research-based programs. Given below is the list of the universities that offer top courses in Germany

UniversityLocationDescription
Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI)Berlin BSBI focuses on practical business education with an innovative approach. Most programs are taught in English to make things easier for international students. 
GISMA Business SchoolBerlin GISMA Business School offers excellent and globally-focused business programs to help you excel in the business world. 
University of Applied Sciences EuropeBerlin, Potsdam, Hamburg, IserlohnWith a strong emphasis on career-oriented programs and practical skill development, this university is perfect for those who want hands-on experience in the real business world. This university is also famous for its network of universities across Germany and other international locations.             
SRH Hochschule BerlinBerlinIf you learn well in small classes, then SRH is the perfect choice. You also get personalised attention throughout your program. 
Lancaster University LeipzigLancaster University ranks high among some of the top universities in the world. One of the reasons for this is the high-quality work experiences that this university provides to the students. 
DID Deutsch BavarianDID Deutsch is a language institute specialising in teaching international students German languages. 
IU International University of Applied SciencesErfurtThis university offers a wide range of programs in English, perfect for international students who are not fluent in German.
Arden UniversityBerlinArden University is a private university with campuses in the UK and Berlin. This university is known for its focus on creative industries and design fields.
Macromedia University of Applied SciencesMunichMacromedia University of Applied Sciences is a private university specialising in media, communication, and creative technologies. 

These are some of the best German universities for international students. To learn more about the tuition fees and programs available at these universities, you can contact Canam Consultants.

Conclusion


Best cities, best universities and best people, it shows why Germany is so popular among international students. Abundant job opportunities and exposure serve as the icing on the cake. So what are you waiting for? Now that you have all the information, apply for your dream university in Germany today! Confused about where to start? Don't worry. Study abroad Consultants at Canam has you covered. Connect with the team of excellent counsellors to get information on how and when to apply to study in Germany. Also, get answers to all your queries about the eligibility criteria and application process and prepare for an unforgettable adventure in one of the best cities in Germany!

FAQ

No, Germany is quite affordable compared to other countries. Such affordability can be attributed to free or low-cost education provided by German universities. 
Studying in Germany has many benefits, such as: 

  • Getting education from top-ranked universities
  • Free/ affordable education
  • Multicultural environment
  • Abundant job opportunities 
Germany has many excellent cities for international students, but here are the top 5 best cities: 

  • Berlin
  • Munich
  • Hamburg
  • Leipzig
  • Erfurt 
Many universities offer English-taught programs, especially at the Master's level, which is why Master's programs are popular among international students.
Business, economics, health sciences, STEM fields, and research-based programs are popular among international students.
Yes! Germany wants international students to settle in Germany, so it offers an 18-month job-seeking visa to students after graduation. 
Some of the private universities that you can find in Germany are: 

  • SRH Hochschule Berlin
  • Arden University
  • Macromedia University of Applied Sciences

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