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Top Universities in Germany 2019
Sabrina Collier
Updated Apr 13, 2021Save
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Click here to view the most recent version of this article, based on the 2020 results.
Germany is one of the most popular study destinations in the world and boasts one of the largest numbers of ranked universities in the QS World University Rankings® at 45, with eight appearing in the global top 150 in 2019 and a further 10 in the top 300. Read on to discover how the best universities in Germany ranked this year, including a closer look at the top 10.
10. Universität Freiburg
Ranked joint 186th in the world this year with the US’ Case Western Reserve University, Universität Freiburg is one of the oldest and best universities in Germany, established in 1457. It now has over 24,400 students including many internationals.
9. Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen
Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen is ranked 168th in the world in 2019 and is particularly well regarded for its education and research in the fields of medicine, law, and theology and religion.
8. Technische Universität Berlin
Heading to the capital, Technische Universität Berlin is ranked 147th in the world this year and is known for its engineering programs, with particular prestige in the fields of mechanical engineering and engineering management.
7. Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen
Germany’s largest technical university, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen is ranked 144th in the world in 2019, with a very high score for its reputation with graduate employers (one of the six indicators used to compile the ranking).
6. Freie Universität Berlin
Ranked 130th in the world this year, Freie Universität Berlin was founded in 1948 and therefore celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. It’s one of the eleven elite German universities in the German Universities Excellence Initiative.
5. Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
Berlin’s highest-ranked institution continues to be Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, which is ranked 121st in the world and is considered particularly prestigious for arts and humanities subjects, achieving 24th place for this in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject.
4. KIT, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie
Ranked 116th in the world this year, KIT, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie is a leading university for engineering and the natural sciences. It earns scores in the top 100 for its reputation with employers and research impact (citations per faculty member).
3. Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg is up four places to rank 64th in the world in 2019 and continues to be third among the best universities in Germany. It’s also the country’s oldest, having been founded in 1386.
2. Ludwig-Maximilians - Universität München
Also up four places this year is Ludwig-Maximilians - Universität München (LMU), now ranked 62nd in the world (just one spot behind TUM). Established in 1472, LMU has been associated with 42 Nobel Laureates, including Thomas Mann.
Testimonials
1. Technische Universität München
Technische Universität München (TUM) continues to claim the number one spot among the top German universities, going up three places to rank 61st in the world in 2019. TUM celebrates its 150th anniversary this year and is known for its entrepreneurial spirit, with strong connections to employers and scientific institutes worldwide.
The remaining top German universities in the top 20 are:
And the rest…
After the global top 500, the remaining universities are ranked in ranges, starting at 501-510 and continuing to 801-1000.
=33. Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen – ranked 551-560 in the world.
=33. Leibniz Universität Hannover – ranked 551-560 in the world.
The next four top German universities are ranked 601-650 in the world, making them joint 38th in Germany:
=38. Philipps-Universität Marburg
=38. Universität Bayreuth
=38. Universität Duisburg-Essen
=38. Universität Potsdam
The final four top universities in Germany are in the 701-750 range, which means they’re ranked joint 42nd in Germany:
=42. Technische Universität Dortmund
=42. Universität Bielefeld
=42. Universität Düsseldorf
=42. Universität Rostock – up from 801-1000 last year.
To learn more about studying in Germany, download our complete guide, which includes advice on applications, tuition fees, studying in English, student visas and more.
And the rest…
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The former Assistant Editor of TopUniversities.com, Sabrina wrote and edited articles to guide students from around the world on a wide range of topics. She has a bachelor's degree in English Literature and Creative Writing from Aberystwyth University and grew up in Staffordshire, UK.
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