Best Private Universities in Germany: A Comprehensive Guide

Written by

Aditya Raj

Fact check by

Divyansh Chaudhari

Updated on

Jul 08,2024

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Why Pursue Higher Studies From Private Universities in Germany?

  • Smaller Class Sizes and Personalized Attention: Private universities typically offer more interactive learning environments with fewer students per class. 

  • Specialized Programs and Applied Learning: They provide unique, industry-specific programs emphasizing practical skills and real-world application. 

  • Strong Industry Connections and Career Support: Private universities have close ties with businesses, offering valuable internship and job placement opportunities. 

  • International Environment and English-Taught Programs: These universities attract a diverse, multicultural student body and offer many programs in English.

  • Faster Application Process and Flexible Admissions: Private universities often have more streamlined application processes and flexible admissions criteria.

What are the best private universities in Germany, and why should you study there? Germany is one of the favourite countries in which international students study. With courses and curriculum meeting international standards and producing some of the most well-rounded individuals in the world, studying in Germany is a good decision.

Let us look beyond the public universities we have heard of and explore the best private universities in Germany that offer you a world of educational excellence and opportunity. From the benefits of these private colleges and the top private institutions in Germany to how to apply for them, we have got you covered!

Overview of Private Universities in Germany 

Germany is a landmark country in terms of education. Apart from their public universities, the best private universities in Germany have made a name for themselves on the global platform. They offer a variety of courses for international students, and the most important perk of studying in a private university is that the medium of instruction is most likely English. So communication and learning become easier for you.

There are some notable differences between public and private universities in Germany:

Public University

Private University

The mode of instruction is mostly German, but English courses also exist

Courses are mostly taught in expensive

Easy to afford

Expensive

Regional accreditation

National accreditation

Large student population

The comparatively smaller student population

More options for courses

Lesser number of courses

Affordable and comfortable infrastructure

High-quality modern infrastructure

 

Top Private Universities in Germany with Fees 2024

Fees for private universities in Germany - TerraTern

To make your search a bit easier, we have compiled a list of the best private universities in Germany that would enrich your education and higher studies. These institutions are known as the best private universities in Germany based on various parameters that highlight their commitment to education, academic excellence, and contributions to society.

Name of University

Location

Average Tuition

Top Courses

Berlin School of Business and Innovation

Berlin

9000 euros per year 

Business, Digital Marketing, Finance, Investment, Management

GISMA Business School 

Hannover 

30,000 euros per year 

International business, marketing, data science

Hertie School of Governance 

Berlin

19000 euros per year 

Public policy, international affairs 

Munich Business School

Munich

40000 euros per year 

International business, innovation and entrepreneurship, MBA 

Bard College of Berlin

Berlin

30000 euros per year 

Humanities, economics, politics 

Otto Beisheim School of Management 

Vallender

41000 euros per year 

Business psychology, MBA, management, finance 

Jacobs University 

Bremen

20000 euros per year 

Supply chain management, computer science, data engineering, international relations 

CODE University of Applied Sciences

Berlin 

11000 euros per year 

Product management, interaction design  

Witten/Herdecke University

Witten

17000 euros per year 

Psychology, management, nursing 

SRH Hochschule Berlin

Berlin

15000 euros per year 

Marketing, international business, international management 

 
 

Benefits of Studying in a Private University 

We have highlighted the differences between public and private universities in Germany. Now, let's discuss why you should choose a private university over a public one. The benefits of privatized German universities are special and cannot be accessed through other public institutions. Here are the top benefits of studying in the best private universities in Germany.

  • Private universities in Germany use English as their main medium of instruction. Most private universities teach their classes and courses in English. Some of them even offer free German classes to international students wishing to learn German.

  • The class sizes in the best private universities in Germany are quite small when compared to the large class sizes of public German universities. This allows you to build better connections and relationships with your peers and professors and paves the way for a more personalized teaching method. 

  • The curriculum of private universities is often more interdisciplinary and flexible than public institutions. Their curriculum is also always updated and never out-of-date so that you can keep up with the industry trends and latest requirements through your education.

  • Private universities in Germany attract a lot of international students, creating a multicultural and global environment in which you can easily adjust.

  • The best private universities in Germany also have the latest technology, state-of-the-art infrastructure, research facilities, and many connections with industries, making it easier to source jobs and internships.

Admission Process and Requirements

Most German universities have two application rounds for two different semesters. If you wish to study in the best private universities in Germany during the winter semester, you must ensure your application is completed and submitted by July 15. If you wish to apply for the summer semester, you need to ensure that your application is completed and submitted by January 15. 

The application requirements for studying in Germany are listed below: 

For bachelor's degrees, you need:

  • All academic transcripts of your year 12

  • Co-curricular and extracurricular activities and certificates 

  • Resume 

  • IELTS / TOEFL scores 

  • Birth certificate

  • Recent passport-size photos 

  • A Studienkolleg exam may be required 

  • Other relevant entrance exams 

For master's degrees, you need:

  • All academic records of your year 12 and bachelor’s degree

  • Co-curricular and extracurricular activities and certificates 

  • Resume 

  • IELTS / TOEFL scores 

  • Birth certificate

  • Letters of Recommendation 

  • Work experience, if any (recommended)

  • Other relevant entrance exams

Scholarships and Financial Aid Options for Studying in Germany

 Scholarships for private universities in Germany - Terratern

To study at one of the best private universities in Germany, there are many scholarships that you can avail yourself of to support your dreams. Finances can be stressful to manage for many international students. Thankfully, there are many different foundations, organizations, and higher-education institutions willing to fund your education in Germany. 

What costs do you need to bear while studying in Germany? You will have to cover the following costs:

  • Tuition fees

  • Accommodation 

  • Living expenses

  • Travel expenses 

  • Books, stationery, and other resources 

  • Registration fees

  • Visa fees

The following scholarships can fund your education at the best private universities in Germany:

Scholarship Name

Education Level

Criteria

Amount Awarded

Deutschlandstipendium

Bachelors and Masters degrees

High-achieving students who have overcome personal challenges

300 euros per month

DAAD

Master's and Doctoral Degrees

Have work experience of at least two years and have completed your bachelor's degree in the last six years

850 euros for masters students and 1200 euros for doctoral students per month

Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) scholarship

Master's and Doctoral Degrees

High-achieving students looking to complete postgraduate studies

861 euros for masters students and 1200 euros for doctoral students per month

Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Scholarship

Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral Degrees

High-achieving students with socio-political goals and a commitment to society

744 euros per month

Heinrich Boll Scholarship

Master's and Doctoral Degrees

High-achieving students with socio-political goals and a commitment to society

850 to 1200 euros per month

Bayer Foundation Scholarships

Master's and Doctoral Degrees

High-achieving students continuing their higher education in certain specific science-based fields

6000 to 20000 euros

Goethe Goes Global Scholarship

Masters degrees

Specified list of 75 streams in German universities

1000 euros per month

EMS Undergraduate Scholarship

Bachelors degrees

All courses in the European Management School

50 per cent off on tuition fees

KAAD Scholarships for Developing Countries

Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral Degrees

Students from developing nations in Asia or Africa with a commitment to research and social responsibility

Travel and accommodation costs

Hani Zeini scholarship

Bachelors and Masters degrees

No specific criteria

1000 euros 

 

How to Apply to a Private University in Germany?

The application process at the best private universities in Germany is similar to that of other education institutes in the country. You will have to go t

You need to take the following steps to complete your application at the best private universities in Germany and study there:

  • Step 1: Do your research on the best private universities in Germany
  • Step 2: Pick the universities you want to apply to 
  • Step 3: Start your application 
  • Step 4: Collect all necessary documents and test scores that you must submit and turn them in 
  • Step 5: Pay the application fee 
  • Step 6: Look for accommodation as you await your results 
  • Step 7: Once you get accepted, apply for health insurance 
  • Step 8: Apply for a German student visa
  • Step 9: Book your flight tickets and accommodation 
  • Step 10: Move to Germany to study! 
 

Conclusion

The best private universities in Germany offer an educational experience unlike any other. Studying in Germany has many benefits, such as its strategic location in the EU, friendly and multicultural environment, technological and industrial advancements, and so on. Private universities in Germany have a competitive edge and will enhance your career aspirations, too. 

If you are trying to get admission to any private university in Germany, then TerraTern is one of the best options for you. TerraTern can help you get admission and move to Germany easily!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there language requirements for studying at private universities in Germany?

That depends and varies from institution to institution. Most private universities in Germany teach their courses in English. However, some do require their students to have an A2 or B1 level of proficiency in German. Some institutes also offer free German classes for international students.

What are the typical tuition fees for private universities in Germany?

The fees per semester is usually between 7000 to 10000 euros. Annual fees can range between 15000 to 20000 euros.

Do private universities in Germany offer English-taught programs?

Yes, they do. In fact, most private universities in Germany teach their courses in English.

Can international students apply for scholarships at private universities in Germany?

Yes, there are a variety of scholarships available for international students studying in private universities in Germany. A comprehensive list is mentioned above in the article.