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Germany is a popular destination for international students because of its world-class universities, lively culture, and affordable cost of living. There are over 4,00,000 international students residing and studying in Germany. However, with so many cities across the country, it can take time for students to decide where to study.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best cities in Germany for international students. We’ll discuss the unique features of these German cities, the leading universities and things to do for students here.
Why Study In Germany?
One of the main reasons why students are drawn to this country is the presence of the best cities for international students in Germany. As per the QS Best Student Cities 2024 rankings, it is estimated that 2 out of the top 10 student cities are located in Germany. Here are some significant advantages of studying in Germany:
- Students can enjoy a high quality of life in German cities. These famous cities in Germany are safe for international students.
- Universities in Germany offer excellent quality education and thriving career opportunities.
- Higher education and the cost of living in German cities are comparatively lower than in the US and UK cities.
List Of The Top 10 Best Cities In Germany For International Students
German cities feature the perfect combination of historic charm and the youthful energy of major metropolitan hubs. Each city is unique and famous for its characteristics and leading universities. If you are in search of the best city in Germany for international students, this list of the top 10 German cities will surely be helpful:
Munich
Photo by ian kelsall on Unsplash
- QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2024: #5
- Average Cost Of Living: €1,801 to €2,096 per month
Munich is Germany’s third-largest city and one of the most student-friendly destinations. It attracts over 52,000 students from 140 countries and is widely preferred among international students for Engineering courses. The Technical University of Munich, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, and the Munich University Of Applied Science are popular universities here.
Munich offers abundant opportunities for students to indulge in the nightlife and explore historical galleries and museums. Students can also participate in outdoor activities like visiting castles, lakes, and iconic landmarks such as churches and historic sites.
Some of the popular localities in Munich where students can find affordable and convenient accommodations include:
- Schwabing
- Haidhausen
- Sendling
- Giesing
- Neuhausen-Nymphenburg
Berlin
Photo by Florian Wehde on Unsplash
- QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2024: #8
- Average Cost Of Living: €950 – €1,700 per month
Berlin is the capital city of Germany. It features some of the best universities, with the University of Berlin hosting around 27,000 students. Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin Institute of Technology, Berlin University Of Arts, and the Berlin International University of Applied Sciences are leading universities in the city.
Photography, Business Management, Social Design, and Sustainable Innovation, along with illustration, design, communication, and other courses, are popular in Berlin. Beyond academics, students can find a wide range of experiences, from exploring museums, art galleries, and historic sites like the East Side Gallery.
Some of the safest localities in Berlin for international students to reside in are mentioned below:
- Zehlendorf
- Dahlem
- Wannsee
- Nikolassee
- Heiligensee
- Lichterfelde
Frankfurt
- Average Cost Of Living: €1,400 to €2,000 per month
Frankfurt is one of the top cities in Germany for international students. It is a financial hub and is perfect for students interested in finance and business studies. Some of the best courses to study in Frankfurt include Finance, Economics, Liberal arts, Communication, and Business Studies.
Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, Goethe University Frankfurt, Goethe Business School and The Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts are some of the best universities in Frankfurt.
Frankfurt has multiple pubs and restaurants and a lively culture. Goethe House is a cultural site that students must visit to glimpse German culture and history.
Some of the safest localities in Frankfurt for international students to reside in are as follows:
- Niederrad
- Sachsenhausen
- Oberrad
- Eschersheim
- Flughafenstadt
- Nordend
Hamburg
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- Average Cost Of Living: €950 – €1,100 per month
Hamburg is one of the best cities in Germany for international students. It is Germany’s second-largest city. The Hamburg University of Technology, Hamburg School of Business Administration, University of Fine Arts Hamburg and HafenCity University Hamburg are famous universities in Hamburg. Journalism, Nanoscience, Psychology, Music and Liberal Arts, Business administration, Food Chemistry, Economics and Engineering are the best courses to study here.
Hamburg is highly known for its architecture and favoured destination for social media enthusiasts and fashionistas. Beyond studies, there is a wide variety of museums, parks, and clubs to visit. Unique attractions like “Dialogue in the Dark” are popular.
Some of the safest localities in Hamburg for international students to reside in are as follows:
- Farmsen-Berne
- Poppenbüttel
- Volksdorf
- Alsterdorf
- Nienstedten
- Blankenese
Aachen
Photo by Alexander Schimmeck on Unsplash
- Average Cost Of Living: €1,100 – €1,400 per month
Aachen is a cultural city bordering the Netherlands and Belgium. It is a popular destination for students seeking education in science and technology. Aachen University is one of the best universities in Aachen. It has around 12,000 international students coming from over 120 countries.
Students can go for the Eifelsteig trail or enjoy the Aachen park with flamingos. There is something to suit the different preferences of students. Some of the safest localities where you can find suitable accommodation closer to major universities include:
- Laurensberg
- Brand
- Haaren
- Richterich
- Eilendorf
- Verlautenheide
Stuttgart
Photo by Prerna Bhardwaj on Unsplash
- Average Cost Of Living: €1,100 – €1,400 per month
Stuttgart is one of the best cities in Germany for international students because it offers abundant career prospects. The University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart Media University, and Stuttgart Technology University of Applied Sciences are the most popular universities here. Architecture, urban Planning, and Engineering programmes are the best courses international students can take.
It is an ideal destination for nature lovers. Vintage-style houses are surrounded by trees and green spaces. Students can participate in exciting activities like visiting the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche Museums and the festive Stuttgart Christmas markets.
Here is a list of the safest localities for international students to reside in Stuttgart:
- Degerloch
- Möhringen
- Vaihingen
- Büsnau
- Sillenbuch
- Sonnenberg
Bonn
Photo by Jonathan Kemper on Unsplash
- Average Cost Of Living: €800 – €900 per month
Bonn is another popular city in Germany that international students prefer for courses in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, European and Asian Art History, Paleontology and Geology. The University of Bonn and the University of Applied Sciences for Finance are widely known in the city.
Bonn features a perfect blend of history and culture at the same time. It attracts over 33,000 students yearly as there are abundant job opportunities for international students. Some of the safest localities where you can find suitable accommodation closer to major universities include:
- Lengsdorf
- Kessenich
- Plittersdorf
- Röttgen
- Hochkreuz
Cologne
Photo by Tobias Rademacher on Unsplash
- Average Cost Of Living: €800 – €900 per month
Cologne is the fourth-largest city in Germany. The University of Cologne, Cologne University of Applied Sciences, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne Business School, and Academy of Media Arts Cologne are famous institutions in Germany.
Cologne is famous for its cultural hub and a bundle of activities for students. Students can visit the Nazi regime memorials and historic churches. The city also has a diverse food scene for students to indulge in. Some of the safest localities where you can find suitable accommodation closer to major universities include:
- Rodenkirchen
- Marienburg
- Sürth
- Bayenthal
- Junkersdorf
- Riehl
Leipzig
Photo by Paul Kapischka on Unsplash
- Average Cost Of Living: €400 – €500 per month
Leipzig is one of the most sought-after destinations amongst students for courses in International Energy Economics and Business Administration, Small Enterprise Promotion and Training, Physics, Global Studies, and Advanced Spectroscopy in Chemistry. Leipzig University is top-rated here, with around 3,174 international students.
Beyond academics, students can visit popular tourist sites, cafes, and museums. Nature enthusiasts can engage in cultural and outdoor activities, such as visiting Belantis and the famous Leipzig Zoo, or having a picnic in the park. Leipzig is comparatively more affordable than other popular German cities. Some of the safest localities where you can find suitable accommodation closer to major universities include:
- Schönefeld
- Seehausen
- Probstheida
- Eutritzsch
Dresden
Photo by Oliver Guhr on Unsplash
Dresden is popularly called the ‘Jewel Box of Germany’. The Dresden University of Technology, Dresden University of Applied Sciences and Academy of Fine Arts, Dresden are famous here.
Beyond academics, students can enjoy historic city tours or picnics at Dresden Castle or the Zwinger Palace. There are many famous art galleries and cafes in the city. Dresden is an attractive choice for students specialising in liberal arts, history, architecture, and dance studies. Some of the safest localities where you can find suitable accommodation closer to major universities include:
- Hosterwitz
- Bühlau
- Loschwitz
- Blasewitz
- Oberloschwitz
- Wachwitz
Cost Of Living In Germany
International students visiting Germany for their studies must bear multiple expenses beyond the tuition fees. Food, transportation, accommodation, personal care expenses and much more are also included in the overall expense. Here is a tabular representation of the cost of living in Germany per month for international students:
| Particulars | Cost Of Living In Germany(Monthly) |
| Off-campus Accommodation | € 380 |
| On-campus Accommodation | € 867 |
| Transportation | € 70 |
| Food Cost | € 540 |
| Utility Cost | € 260 |
| Entertainment | € 48 |
| Groceries | €20 |
| Clothes | €107 |
| Total Cost of Living with Off-campus Accommodation | € 1,425 |
| Total Cost of Living with On-campus Accommodation | €1,912 |
| Annual Cost of Living | € 17, 100 |
Thus, this article was about the best cities in Germany for international students. You can choose the one that aligns with your goals and career objectives. Each city is unique and will provide students with an enriching living and study experience.
FAQs
Which is the best city for international students in Germany?
Munich is considered the best city for international students in Germany.
Which city is best in Germany for Indian students?
Munich, Berlin, Dresden and many more are the best cities for Indian students in Germany.
Which is the most expensive student city in Germany?
Due to the many expats, Munich is a costly city in Germany.
Which German city has the most Indians?
Berlin, Germany, has the highest number of Indians.
Which city in Germany is safest for international students?
Munich is the safest city in Germany for international students.
