Public University in Germany

The Public University System in Germany – A Guide to Higher Education in All 16 States

Baden-Württemberg
Bavaria (Bayern)
Berlin
Brandenburg
Bremen
Hamburg
Hesse (Hessen)
Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen)
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern)
North Rhine-Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen)
Rhineland-Palatinate (Rheinland-Pfalz)
Saarland
Saxony (Sachsen)
Saxony-Anhalt
Schleswig-Holstein
Thuringia (Thüringen)

Germany’s higher education system is known for its strong emphasis on research, practical knowledge, and innovation.

Public universities are at the heart of this system – institutions funded by the German government to provide high-quality, affordable education to students locally and internationally.

Germany has 16 federal states, each with its own public universities. These universities uphold high academic standards and contribute significantly to the country’s research and professional workforce.

Germany’s public university system offers tuition-free education for bachelor’s and many master’s degree programs. Thus, students can focus on their studies without worrying about high tuition fees. Here, we’ll explore the higher education landscape across Germany’s 16 states, highlighting the major public universities in each state.

Baden-Württemberg

Baden-Württemberg, located in southwestern Germany, is a hub for research and technology, home to several prestigious public universities.

University of Heidelberg – Germany’s oldest university, renowned for research in medicine, natural sciences, and the humanities.
University of Freiburg – A leading environmental studies, natural sciences, and social sciences institution.
University of Stuttgart – Known for engineering, technology, and industrial research.
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) – An elite technical university focusing on IT, engineering, and applied sciences.
University of Mannheim – Famous for business and social sciences.
Aalen University of Applied Sciences – Specializes in future technologies like e-mobility, photonics, and renewable energy. Known for its industry partnerships and strong focus on applied research.
Nürtingen-Geislingen University – Focuses on economics, agriculture, and environmental studies, with strong links to sustainable development.
Esslingen University of Applied Sciences – Renowned for automotive engineering, mechanical engineering, and management programs.
Pforzheim University – Known for business, design, and engineering programs, with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
Reutlingen University – Specializes in business, textile engineering, and international partnerships, offering programs with global exposure.
Rottenburg University of Applied Forest Sciences – Specializes in forestry, environmental sciences, and sustainable resource management.
Ulm University – Focuses on medicine, natural sciences, and engineering, with a strong emphasis on research and development.

Academy of Performing Arts Baden-Württemberg – A leading institution in the performing arts, focusing on drama and theater education.
Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW) – Pioneers in the dual-education model, combining academic studies with on-the-job training.
Biberach University of Applied Sciences – Focuses on architecture, civil engineering, and biotechnology, with an emphasis on sustainability.
Albstadt-Sigmaringen University – The university is Known for its focus on IT, engineering, and healthcare management.
Hochschule Konstanz für Technik, Wirtschaft und Gestaltung (HTWG) – Specialized in engineering, business and design.
Karlsruhe University of Education – Offers specialized teacher training and education programs.
Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences – Known for applied sciences and engineering programs, with strong industry ties.
State Academy of Fine Arts Karlsruhe – Focuses on fine arts, painting, and sculpture, promoting contemporary artistic practices.
Trossingen University of Music – Renowned for music performance and education, with a focus on classical and jazz music.
University of Konstanz – Known for interdisciplinary studies, particularly in the social sciences, natural sciences, and humanities.
Eberhard Karl University of Tübingen – Renowned for research in medicine, theology, and the humanities.

Furtwangen University – Known for IT, engineering and health sciences, with a strong emphasis on digital transformation.
Pädagogische Hochschule Heidelberg – The university specializes in teacher education and pedagogy.
Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences – Known for automotive systems, engineering, and business management.
Hochschule für Technik Stuttgart – Specialized in architecture, construction management, and engineering.
Stuttgart Media University – Focuses on media, communication, and digital technologies.
Hochschule für Gestaltung Schwäbisch Gmünd – Known for design, focusing on communication and product design.
Zeppelin University – A unique university emphasizing interdisciplinary programs in business, culture, and politics.
Schwetzingen Technical Institute & Graduate Court Registrars’ College – A specialized public institution focusing on training court registrars, combining theoretical and practical studies to prepare graduates for legal administrative roles in various states of Germany.
Protestant University of Applied Sciences Freiburg – Known for its focus on social work, education, and health sciences, emphasizing practical training with a strong ethical foundation.
Popakademie Baden-Württemberg – Specializes in music and creative industries, offering innovative programs in music business and popular music with a focus on industry connections and practical experience.

Bavaria (Bayern)

Bavaria boasts a dynamic education sector with public universities that excel in engineering, business, and the arts.

LMU (Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich) – One of Europe’s leading research universities, with vital programs across disciplines.
Technical University of Munich (TUM) – An elite institution known for engineering, technology, and life sciences.
University of Würzburg – Known for humanities, social sciences, and medicine.
University of Erlangen-Nuremberg – Focuses on engineering, business, and social sciences..
Hof University of Applied Sciences – Known for digital innovation, business, and engineering programs, with a strong international focus.
Augsburg Technical University of Applied Sciences – Focuses on sustainable technologies, business, and design.
University of Passau – Specializes in law, business, computer science, and cultural studies.
Technical University Ingolstadt of Applied Sciences – Known for automotive engineering and digital transformation programs.
Deggendorf Institute of Technology – Offers applied programs in engineering and business with a focus on internationalization.
Kempten University of Applied Sciences – Specializes in engineering, tourism, and business.
University of Applied Sciences Landshut – Known for management, engineering, and healthcare programs.
University of Augsburg – Focuses on social sciences, humanities, and interdisciplinary research.
Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg – Specializes in humanities, social sciences, and business.

Hochschule für Musik Würzburg – Renowned for classical music and performance arts.
University of Applied Sciences Amberg-Weiden – Focuses on energy efficiency and digitalization.
University of Bayreuth – Known for interdisciplinary research and African studies.
Regensburg University of Applied Sciences – Specializes in IT, engineering, and business.
Munich University of Applied Sciences – The largest applied sciences university in Bavaria, excelling in business, engineering, and social studies.
Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences – Focuses on healthcare management and business IT.
Technische Hochschule Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm – Focuses on engineering, social sciences, and economics.
Coburg University of Applied Sciences – Offers engineering, social sciences, and design programs.
Academy of Fine Arts Nuremberg – Specializes in fine arts and architecture.
Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences – Specializes in agriculture, food technology, and forestry.
Academy of Fine Arts Munich – Focuses on painting, sculpture, and contemporary art.
Rosenheim Technical University of Applied Sciences – Offers programs in wood technology, business, and design.

Hochschule für Musik Würzburg – Renowned for classical music and performance arts.
University of Applied Sciences Amberg-Weiden – Focuses on energy efficiency and digitalization.
University of Bayreuth – Known for interdisciplinary research and African studies.
Regensburg University of Applied Sciences – Specializes in IT, engineering, and business.
Munich University of Applied Sciences – The largest applied sciences university in Bavaria, excelling in business, engineering, and social studies.
Neu-Ulm University of Applied Sciences – Focuses on healthcare management and business IT.
Technische Hochschule Nürnberg Georg Simon Ohm – Focuses on engineering, social sciences, and economics.
Coburg University of Applied Sciences – Offers engineering, social sciences, and design programs.
Academy of Fine Arts Nuremberg – Specializes in fine arts and architecture.
Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences – Specializes in agriculture, food technology, and forestry.
Academy of Fine Arts Munich – Focuses on painting, sculpture, and contemporary art.

Berlin

The capital city of Berlin hosts public universities known for their research and vibrant student communities.

Humboldt University of Berlin – Strong in the humanities, natural sciences, and law.
Free University of Berlin – Known for social sciences, humanities, and life sciences..
Technical University of Berlin – Specializes in engineering, technology, and computer science.
Berlin University of the Arts – Specializes in fine arts, music, and performing arts.
HTW Berlin – Offers applied sciences programs in business, engineering, and design.
Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin – One of Europe’s largest university hospitals, leading in medical research and education.

Berlin School of Economics and Law – Known for economics, business, and public administration programs.
Alice Salomon Hochschule Berlin – Focuses on social work, health, and education.
Berliner Hochschule für Technik (BHT) – Specializes in engineering, IT, and business studies.
Hochschule für Schauspielkunst Ernst Busch – A leading institution for theater and performing arts.
Catholic University of Applied Social Sciences – Offers programs in social work and education with a focus on ethics and social justice.

Brandenburg

Brandenburg’s public universities support a variety of research fields, especially those focused on sustainability and environmental sciences.

University of Potsdam – Strong in natural, computer, and social sciences.
Brandenburg University of Technology (BTU) Cottbus-Senftenberg – Known for energy and environmental engineering programs.
Brandenburg University of Applied Sciences – Focuses on engineering, economics, and information technology, offering practical-oriented education.
Technical University of Applied Sciences Wildau – Specializes in engineering, logistics, and management, emphasizing applied research and innovation.
HTW Berlin – Fachhochschule Potsdam – Offers programs in design, social work, and architecture with a focus on interdisciplinary approaches.

European University Viadrina – A prominent institution for law, business, and cultural studies with a cross-border focus in Frankfurt (Oder).
Brandenburg State Police University – Trains law enforcement personnel, focusing on security and public administration.
Film University Babelsberg Konrad Wolf – Germany’s oldest film school, renowned for film, media, and animation programs.
Technical University Brandenburg – Specializes in technology and digitalization with strong industry ties.

Bremen

Bremen, one of Germany’s smallest states, offers high-quality public universities focused on innovation and applied sciences.

University of Bremen – Noted for interdisciplinary research, particularly in environmental studies and social sciences.
University of Applied Sciences Bremen – Strong in international business, engineering, and applied sciences.
University of the Arts Bremen – Offers programs in fine arts, design, music and digital media, fostering interdisciplinary creativity and innovation.

University of Public Administration Bremen – Focuses on public administration and law, training students for careers in public service and administration.
Hochschule Bremerhaven – Known for maritime studies, logistics and business, with an emphasis on applied sciences and international collaboration.

Hamburg

Hamburg’s public universities are known for their strong focus on research and international programs.

University of Hamburg – A research university with strengths in natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) – Focuses on engineering and applied sciences.
HAW Hamburg (Hamburg University of Applied Sciences) – Offers programs in engineering, business, life sciences, and design, with a focus on applied research and industry connections.

Hochschule für bildende Künste Hamburg (University of Fine Arts Hamburg) – Specializes in fine arts, design, and media studies, encouraging experimental and interdisciplinary work.
Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg – Focuses on music performance, theater, and music education, fostering artistic development.

Hesse (Hessen)

Hesse is known for its focus on research in finance, law, and the natural sciences.

Goethe University Frankfurt – Well-regarded for law, business, and social sciences.
University of Marburg (Philipps University of Marburg) – A historic university Known for its psychology, medicine, and life sciences programs.
Technical University of Darmstadt – Strong in engineering, computer science, and technology.
Fulda University of Applied Sciences – Focuses on social sciences, business, and health, with a strong emphasis on practical training.
University of Kassel – Renowned for interdisciplinary programs in environmental sciences, art, and education.
University of Giessen – Specializes in life sciences, law, and social sciences, with a leading veterinary program.
Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen – Offers applied sciences programs in engineering, IT, and business.
Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences – Specializes in engineering, media, and business.

Offenbach University of Art and Design – Renowned for contemporary art, design, and media studies.
Staatliche Hochschule für Bildende Künste (Städelschule) – A prestigious institution for fine arts and architecture.
Geisenheim University – Known for viticulture, horticulture, and beverage technology.
Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences – Offers business, engineering, and social sciences with practical orientation.
Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts – Focuses on classical music, theater, and dance.
Kunsthochschule Kassel – Offers programs in visual arts, design, and art theory, with an interdisciplinary approach.
RheinMain University of Applied Sciences – Focuses on engineering, design, and social work.

Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen)

Lower Saxony is home to some of Germany’s oldest and most respected public universities, which specialize in agriculture, medicine, and engineering.

University of Göttingen – Renowned for life sciences, humanities, and natural sciences.
University of Hanover – Specializes in engineering, natural sciences, and laws.
Technical University of Braunschweig – Focuses on engineering and aviation studies.
Technical University of Clausthal – Known for engineering, natural sciences, and mining technology.
Leuphana University Lüneburg – Focuses on sustainability, digital transformation, and cultural studies.
Hochschule Hannover – Focuses on media, design, and business programs.
University of Vechta – Known for education, social sciences, and rural development studies.
Jade University of Applied Sciences – Offers maritime studies, engineering, and design.
Osnabrück University – Excels in agricultural sciences, education, and business.

University of Hildesheim – Focuses on cultural studies, education, and IT.
Emden/Leer University of Applied Sciences – Specializes in renewable energy and maritime studies.
Hochschule Osnabrück – Known for applied sciences in agriculture, technology, and health.
Braunschweig University of Art – Specializes in fine arts, design, and architecture.
Hannover Medical School – A leading institution for medical education and research.
Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences – Focuses on engineering, business, and law.
Hanover University of Music – Offers music performance and education programs.
HAWK University of Applied Sciences and Arts – Known for design, architecture, and social work.
Municipal School of Management in Niedersachsen (HSVN) – Trains public sector professionals in administration and management.

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern)

This state has public universities dedicated to marine sciences, agriculture, and environmental studies.

University of Rostock – Strong in environmental sciences, engineering, and medicine.
University of Greifswald – Known for life sciences, humanities, and medicine.
Wismar University of Applied Sciences – Focuses on engineering, business, and design, with practical learning programs.
Hochschule Stralsund – Specializes in technology, business, and renewable energy.
University for Music and Theater Rostock – Offers programs in classical music, theater, and music education

Neubrandenburg University of Applied Sciences – Known for social work, health sciences, and agriculture.
University of Applied Sciences for Public Administration, Administration of Justice and Police Güstrow – Trains professionals for public administration, police, and justice roles.
University of Applied Labour Studies of the Federal Employment Agency – Specializes in labor market policy, employment, and human resources management.

North Rhine-Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen)

North Rhine-Westphalia is Germany’s most populous state and home to many prestigious public universities.

University of Cologne – Renowned for business, humanities, and social sciences.
RWTH Aachen University – One of Europe’s leading technical universities specializing in engineering and technology.
University of Münster – Known for humanities, law, and social sciences.
University of Duisburg-Essen – Known for natural sciences, engineering, and social sciences.
University of Bonn – Known for research in mathematics, economics, and political science.
TU Dortmund University – Excels in data science, engineering, and education studies.
Bielefeld University – Renowned for social sciences, humanities, and theoretical physics.
FH Aachen – Offers applied sciences programs in engineering and design.
University of Siegen – Focuses on interdisciplinary studies, engineering, and media research.
Paderborn University – Offers IT, mechanical engineering, and cultural studies programs.
Folkwang University of the Arts – Specializes in music, theater, and dance.
University of Wuppertal – Focuses on engineering, business, and education.
FernUniversität in Hagen – Germany’s largest distance learning university.
Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences – Known for its English-taught programs in science and business.

Ruhr University Bochum – Excels in engineering, medicine, and philosophy.
Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf – Focuses on life sciences and humanities.
Cologne University of Applied Sciences – Offers programs in engineering, arts, and business.
German Sport University Cologne – Renowned for sports science and research.
Hochschule Bonn-Rhein-Sieg – Focuses on business, IT, and engineering.
Robert Schumann University – Specializes in classical music education.
Art Academy Düsseldorf – A leading art school known for contemporary arts.
Cologne University of Music and Dance – Offers programs in music performance and choreography.
University of Applied Sciences for Finance NRW – Trains finance professionals for public administration.
University of Applied Sciences Düsseldorf – Focuses on design, media, and engineering.
North Rhine-Westphalia University of Applied Sciences – Provides vocational and applied programs across disciplines.
University of the Federal Public Administration – Trains civil servants for government roles.
University of Health Sciences, Bochum – Specializes in healthcare-related disciplines.

Rhineland-Palatinate (Rheinland-Pfalz)

This region offers excellent public universities in natural sciences, social sciences, and engineering.

University of Mainz – Known for media, social sciences, and life sciences.
University of Kaiserslautern – Specializes in computer science and engineering.
University of Koblenz – Known for education, computer science, and cultural studies.
University of Applied Sciences, Worms – Focuses on business, tourism, and IT with strong industry collaborations.
German University of Administrative Sciences Speyer – Specializes in public administration and governance studies.
University of Ludwigshafen am Rhein – Offers business, social sciences, and healthcare programs.
University of Trier – Known for humanities, law, and environmental studies.
Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz – Renowned for medicine, arts, and social sciences.

Trier University of Applied Sciences – Focuses on architecture, engineering, and business.
Bingen Technical University of Applied Sciences – Offers programs in engineering, life sciences, and IT.
Technical University of Kaiserslautern (TUK) – Focuses on engineering, technology, and natural sciences.
Mainz University of Applied Sciences – Specializes in design, media, and civil engineering.
University of Applied Sciences of the German Federal Bank – Trains professionals in finance and banking.
Koblenz University of Applied Sciences – Offers programs in business, social work, and engineering.
University of Applied Sciences for Public Administration Rhineland-Palatinate – Focuses on public administration and law enforcement training.
Edenkoben College of Finance – Provides education in public finance and management.

Saarland

Saarland is a well-regarded public university focusing on technology, language, and life sciences.

Saarland University – Known for computer science, linguistics, and life sciences
Saarland University of Applied Sciences (htw saar) – Specializes in engineering, business, and social sciences with strong ties to local industries.
Saar University of Fine Arts (HBKsaar) – Focuses on contemporary art, media art, and design, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and experimental approaches.

Saxony (Sachsen)

Saxony’s public universities are renowned for their contributions to research, particularly in engineering, social sciences, and the humanities.

University of Leipzig – Known for humanities, social sciences, and life sciences.
Dresden University of Technology (TUD) – Strong in engineering, natural sciences, and architecture.
Chemnitz University of Technology – Focuses on mechanical engineering, nanotechnology, and social sciences.
Freiberg University of Mining and Technology – Focuses on mining, geology, and environmental sciences.
Leipzig University of Applied Sciences – Offers applied programs in business, engineering, and design.
Academy of Fine Arts Dresden – Specializes in visual arts and interdisciplinary artistic education.
University of Music and Theatre Leipzig – Focuses on music performance and theater arts.
Palucca University of Dance Dresden – Offers dance education with an emphasis on contemporary performance.
Leipzig Academy of Visual Arts – Known for fine arts and visual communication.
University of Music Carl Maria von Weber Dresden – Specializes in classical music education.
Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences – Focuses on engineering, social work, and management.

West Saxon University – Offers programs in business and engineering.
Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg – Known for humanities, medicine, and natural sciences.
Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg – Strong in engineering, economics, and medicine.
Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences – Focuses on social work, engineering, and health.
Harz University – Specializes in public administration, tourism, and IT.
MJade University of Applied Sciences – Offers programs in design, engineering, and maritime studies.
Osnabrück University – Known for agriculture, business, and social sciences.
University of Vechta – Focuses on education, social sciences, and regional development.
Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences – Offers engineering, law, and business programs.
Hanover University of Music, Theater, and Media – Focuses on arts education, including music and performance.
Friedrich Schiller University – Renowned for humanities, medicine, and natural sciences, based in Jena.

Saxony-Anhalt

Saxony-Anhalt’s public universities focus on interdisciplinary studies, with strengths in natural sciences, engineering, and social sciences.

Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg – Known for humanities, social sciences, and life sciences.
University of Magdeburg – Strong in engineering, computer science, and life sciences.
Anhalt University of Applied Sciences – Focuses on design, architecture, and IT, emphasizing practical, industry-related learning.
Merseburg University of Applied Sciences – Specializes in engineering, social work, and media studies.

Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences – Focuses on health, engineering, and social sciences.
Burg Giebichenstein University of Art and Design Halle – Renowned for art, design, and interdisciplinary creative programs.
Hochschule Harz – Known for business, public administration, and IT programs, with a focus on practical skills.

Schleswig-Holstein

Schleswig-Holstein has public universities focusing on medicine, marine, and natural sciences.

University of Kiel – Known for oceanography, natural sciences, and medicine.
University of Lübeck – Specializes in medicine, computer science, and engineering.
West Coast University of Applied Sciences – Focuses on business, technology, and tourism management, with an emphasis on applied learning.
Kiel University of Applied Sciences – Offers engineering, business, and social sciences programs.
Technical University of Applied Sciences Lübeck – Known for engineering and IT with a practical focus.

Lübeck Academy of Music – Offers programs in classical music and performance arts.
University of Flensburg – Focuses on education, European studies, and sustainable development.
Flensburg University of Applied Sciences – Known for technology, business, and energy studies.
Muthesius University of Fine Arts and Design – Specializes in design, fine arts, and media arts.
College of Administration and Services – Trains professionals for public service and administration roles.

Thuringia (Thüringen)

Thuringia’s public universities emphasize engineering, humanities, and the natural sciences.

University of Jena – Strong in humanities, natural, and social sciences.
Ilmenau University of Technology – Known for engineering, computer science, and economics.
University of Erfurt – Focuses on humanities, education, and social sciences.
Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences – Offers engineering, management, and social work programs.
Bauhaus-Universität Weimar – Specializes in architecture, art, and media studies.

University of Applied Sciences Jena – Focuses on engineering, economics, and health sciences.
Franz Liszt School of Music Weimar – Offers music education and performance programs.
University of Applied Sciences Erfurt – Known for social sciences, architecture, and business.
FH Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences – Specializes in business, engineering, and computer science.
University of Public Administration – Trains professionals for public sector management and governance roles.

Germany's Public University System – Key Features

Tuition-Free Education

Germany’s public universities generally do not charge tuition fees, especially for undergraduate programs, making higher education affordable to many.

Research Focus: Public universities emphasize research, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources.

International Students Welcome: Many public universities offer programs in English and welcome international students.