For those eyeing Germany as their educational destination, choosing the cities and universities is an important task for both students and parents. The 2024 rankings of the best German cities for international students for the upcoming 2024/2025 academic year have been released by Studying-in-Germany.org, the largest information platform for education in Germany.
These rankings are determined by a range of criteria, including the volume of international students, the quantity of higher education institutions, safety metrics, quality of life indices, cost of living assessments, crime statistics, and healthcare provisions. The rankings, meticulously curated by seasoned higher education experts showcase the following top-ranking cities:
- Munich
- Aachen
- Cologne
- Bonn
- Stuttgart
- Berlin
- Frankfurt
- Dresden
- Leipzig
- Hamburg
The criteria used in the research included various factors such as student population from the previous academic year, the concentration of universities within each federal state, the prominence of top-tier higher education institutions, rankings of the best universities in each region, safety ratings, quality of life indices, cost of living estimates, crime rates, and health standards.
Studying-in-Germany City Score Ranking: Top 10
Munich
Munich secures the top spot as Germany’s top student city for 2024/25, famous for its academic excellence, cultural richness, and excellent quality of life. Serving as the capital of Bavaria, Munich stands as a central hub attracting 55,291 international students. Known affectionately as “the Village of a Million People,” Munich consistently ranks among the world’s best cities for students.
Home to 20 universities including the prestigious Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, the city offers a safe environment and ranks third globally in quality of life. Despite being the second most expensive student city in Germany with a minimum monthly budget of €1,000, Munich’s attractions like the Pinakothek Museums, the Bavarian State Opera, and the famed Oktoberfest add immeasurable value to the student experience.
Aachen
Aachen proclaims the second spot with its combination of rich history, high quality of life, and affordability. Hosting RWTH Aachen University and a diverse range of 78 English-language programs, Aachen is a magnet for international students. The city ranks second in Germany for quality of life and offers a more affordable living compared to larger student cities. Aachen’s UNESCO-listed cathedral and its proximity to Belgium and the Netherlands enhance its appeal as an adventurous academic destination.
Cologne
Securing third place, Cologne (Köln) fascinates with its rich cultural scene and welcoming environment for its 77,199 international students. Home to the University of Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest institutions, Cologne boasts 12 universities and attractions like the UNESCO World Heritage Cologne Cathedral. With a moderate cost of living of around €960 per month, Cologne offers students a balanced mix of affordability and cultural richness.
Bonn and Stuttgart
Formerly Germany’s capital, Bonn remains a compact hub offering increasing student experiences amidst museums, scenic trails, and the Rhine River. The city’s three universities, led by the esteemed University of Bonn, ensure a diverse academic experience, though living costs average between €800-€1,000 monthly.
Stuttgart, known as the “cradle of the automobile,” houses 15 universities including the prestigious University of Stuttgart. Affordability is a draw despite non-EU students facing tuition fees of €1,500 per semester since 2017/18. The city’s lush green spaces and cultural events like the Cannstatter Volksfest enrich the student experience beyond academia.
In Germany, many cities have something special to offer students. Berlin stands out for its 33 universities, offering strong academic opportunities. Leipzig, on the other hand, is known for its rich culture and affordability. No matter what you’re looking for—whether it’s history, culture, or great universities—each city in the ranking promises a unique and fulfilling experience for students.