Universities With A High Acceptance Rate In Germany 2024 [Updated] (2024)

Germany has long drawn students from around the world, and it’s easy to see why. This innovative nation has produced some of the world’s most brilliant minds and game-changing technologies that have shaped our modern lives. German researchers have been at the forefront of scientific breakthroughs that continue to push boundaries and open up new horizons. It’s no wonder then that high acceptance rate universities in Germany are a top choice for international students seeking world-class education. In 2023, over 380,000 – 390,000 students from abroad were studying at different institutions across Germany.

One of the biggest draws? The high acceptance rates at many of Germany’s universities, combined with the relatively affordable cost of a truly exceptional education. With tuition fees that are often a fraction of those in other Western nations, Germany offers an incredible value proposition for students

• 2015/16 – 340,305
• 2016/17 – 358,895
• 2017/18 – 374,583
• 2018/19 – 394,665
• 2019/20 – 411,601
• 2020/21 – 416,437
• 2021/22 – 440,564
• 2022/23 – 458,210

20 German Universities With High Acceptance Rate

We have narrowed down 20 such universities which have the highest acceptance rates in Germany. Have a look at them below:

• International University
• University of Bonn
• Berlin International University of Applied Sciences
• University of Freiburg
• Humboldt University of Berlin
• Friedrich Schiller University
• Ludwig Maximillian University
• Eberhard Karls University of Tubingen
• University of Potsdam
• University of Hildesheim
• University of Siegen
• University of Kassel
• University of Vechta
• Fulda University of Applied Sciences
• University of Applied Sciences Esslingen
• University of Applied Sciences Bielefeld
• Anhalt University of Applied Sciences
• University of Applied Sciences Mittweida
• University of Applied Sciences Worms
• Deggendorf University of Technology

International University

• Acceptance Rate: 100%
• English Language Requirements: TOEFL iBT – 80; IELTS – 6.0

Schiller International University was founded in 1964 by Dr Walter Leibrecht to provide American students with an educational experience in Europe. Over time, the concept of the American model of learning within Germany grew to include international students from across the globe.

The institute follows a vision of a globalised educational learning environment and realises that international students’ perspectives are imperative in solving contemporary problems of society. Schiller International University has four campuses: Paris, Tampa, Madrid and Heidelberg. Moreover, students can also choose distance learning in 2021, which was introduced to adapt to the changes imposed by the global pandemic of Covid-19.

The most popular majors offered by Schiller International University are:

• International Business
• International Relations
• Hospitality and Tourism Management
• Nursing

Schiller International University is one of the most prestigious universities with a high acceptance rate in Germany. The employment rate of graduates after completing their course from the university is 68% and the acceptance rate of the university is 100%.

University Of Bonn

• Acceptance Rate: 60%
• Ranking: #76 – ARWU Shanghai Ranking 2022
• English Language Requirements: TOEFL iBT – 72 to 94; IELTS – 5.5 to 6.0

This public university was established in Germany in 1777 and houses more than 30,000 students each year for their tertiary education. Out of these 30,000, approximately 12%-15% of students are foreigners who completed their previous studies outside Germany. The German government has subsidised a majority of public educational institutes in the country, and one of them is the University of Bonn. With a tuition fee of 0, the country is open to domestic as well as international students at the same cost.

The University of Bonn has an acceptance rate of 60% and is one of the most affordable universities with a high acceptance rate in Germany. The prime areas of study at the University of Bonn are:

• Medical Genetics
• Asian & Oriental Studies
• Physics, Economics & Law
• Biology & Agriculture
• Philosophy & Ethics

To be eligible for admission to the University of Bonn, you must score at least 180 ECTS credits, regardless of discipline. Demonstrate excellent written and spoken English (TOEFL – 90 iBT / IELTS 7.0 or equivalent) or TOEFL ITP (minimum score of 577) GMAT or GRE.

Berlin International University Of Applied Sciences

• Acceptance Rate: 65%
• English Language Requirements: TOEFL iBT – 74; IELTS – 6.0

This is a private university in Germany with an acceptance rate of 65%. Even though it is one of the most popular universities with a high acceptance rate in Germany, the highest level of education offered by the Berlin International University of Applied Sciences is at an undergraduate level. The university offers challenging, innovative and practice-oriented courses to all its students and prepares them for a world after education. The student body of the university is diverse with students and academic staff from more than 48 countries and 5 continents, our university embodies internationality and offers an open-minded, intercultural and inspiring study atmosphere.

The most popular majors offered by the Berlin International University of Applied Sciences are:

• BA Architecture
• BA Business Administration
• BA Digital Business & Management
• BA Graphic Design & Visual Communication

The institute has a world-class reputation for its graphic design course which is the most difficult degree to attain from the university. To be considered for a graphic design course at Berlin International University of Applied Sciences, you must provide your portfolio (of documented past work) and ace the interview rounds.

University Of Freiburg

• Acceptance Rate: 33%
• Ranking: #113 – THE World University Ranking 2023
• English Language Requirements: TOEFL iBT – 72 to 94; IELTS – 5.5 to 6.5

University is ranked number 83 in the world by Times Higher Education and offers more than 290 courses to international and domestic students. The study programmes at the University of Freiburg are challenging and are a perfect integration of theory and practice. The university prepares students to solve the real-world challenges of modern society by facilitating teamwork and an inclusive academic environment.

There are many degree programmes available at the University of Freiburg out of which the most popular ones are:

• Arts & Humanities
• Cell Biology
• Computer Science
• Chemistry
• Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
• Clinical Medicine

For the year 2021, the university currently has a semester fee of €155 for domestic and international students. The University of Freiburg is one of the most prestigious universities with a high acceptance rate in Germany. The institute highly focuses on research and is one of the best in Europe for social sciences and natural sciences.

Humboldt University Of Berlin

• Acceptance Rate: 47%
• Ranking: #131 – QS World University Rankings 2023
• English Language Requirements: TOEFL iBT – 84; IELTS – 6.0

This public university in Berlin is one of the easiest universities with a high acceptance rate in Germany to get into. Every year the academic cohort consists of 10% international students making the university the 4th most popular university in Germany for international students. The university offers 9 faculties of studies to students and these are as follows:

• Law
• Life Sciences
• Arts & Humanities
• Theology
• Public Health
• Psychology
• Electrical Engineering
• Economics & Business
• Robotics

The university has two intakes every year: Winter & Summer. The mode of communication at this university is German and as a result, you need to provide evidence of your German language proficiency before you join this university. The university has an acceptance rate of 47% making it easily accessible.

Friedrich Schiller University

• Acceptance Rate: 60%
• Ranking: #189 – THE World University Rankings 2023
• English Language Requirements: TOEFL iBT – 95; IELTS – 7.0

Friedrich Schiller University was founded in 1558 and is a public research university in Jena, Thuringia, Germany. It has Coimbra Group and EUA accreditation. It is well-known for providing exceptional assistance and teaching. It is an institution that draws many high-tech companies. Friedrich Schiller University is a prestigious university in Germany. It has 18,219 students, including over 2500 overseas students from Friedrich Schiller University representing 100 nations. More than 200 study options are available in a variety of disciplines for students to choose from. Some of them are listed below –

• Medical Sciences
• Natural Sciences
• Humanities
• Social Sciences
• Economics
• Law
• Mathematics
• Computer Sciences
• Religion

Ludwig-Maximillian University

• Acceptance Rate: 55%
• Ranking: #59 – QS World University Ranking 2023
• English Language Requirements: TOEFL iBT – 79; IELTS – 6.5

Ludwig-Maximillian University (LMU) is one of Germany’s oldest and most prominent universities. LMU, which was founded in 1472, has a long tradition of academic distinction and is today recognised as one of Europe’s top institutions. LMU’s picturesque campus in the centre of Munich provides a diverse range of academic programmes in several disciplines. Known to be one of the most preferred universities with a high acceptance rate in Germany, LMU is regarded as one of Germany’s most selective institutions in terms of admissions.

Some of the most popular courses offered by the university are as follows –

• Neuroscience
• Physics
• Plant Science
• Psychology
• Quantitative Economics
• Software Engineering
• Statistics & Data Science

Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen

• Acceptance Rate: 20%
• Ranking: #169 – QS World University Rankings 2023
• English Language Requirements: TOEFL iBT – 79; IELTS – 6.5

Tübingen University, formally the Eberhard Karl University of Tübingen, is a public research university in Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It is one of eleven German Universities of Excellence. The University of Tübingen is particularly well-known as a research centre in the following fields:

• Plant Biology
• Medicine
• Law
• Archaeology
• Ancient Cultures
• Philosophy
• Theology
• Religious Studies
• Humanities
• Artificial Intelligence

The university is not a campus institution but is scattered around the city: Tübingen is one of five traditional “university towns” in Germany. Tübingen is one of the three universities in Germany with the biggest research output, and it is also the leading university in South Germany. According to the German Research Foundation’s (DFG) 2018 funding report, which breaks down grants provided to German universities from 2014 to 2016, it was placed eighth overall, fourth in humanities and social sciences, and sixth in life sciences including medicine.

University of Potsdam

• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Notable alumni: Klara Geywitz (politician), Svenja Jung (actress)
• Top courses: Materials science, space science, plant & animal science
• European ranking: 38th
• Tuition fees: €600 – €700 per semester

If you’re considering studying near Berlin, consider the University of Potsdam. It’s known for being really welcoming and easy to get into, which makes it a great option for students in Germany. They offer a wide range of programmes in social sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and administration, so there’s something for everyone. Plus, their admission process is known for being simple and straightforward, so you can focus on your studies without any extra stress.

University of Kassel

• Acceptance rate: 100%
• Notable alumni: Martina Werner (politician), Ines Mergel (professor)
• Top courses: Business & management, earth sciences, architecture
• National ranking: 50th
  Tuition fees: €300 – €400 per semester

The University of Kassel stands out with its remarkable 100% acceptance rate. They offer creative and practical engineering, social sciences, natural sciences and arts programmes. Each academic year, more than 100 visiting scholars pursue research projects in cooperation with the University of Kassel.

Fulda University of Applied Sciences

• Acceptance rate: 70%
• Notable alumni: Semiya Simsek (writer), Laura Harzheim (researcher)
• Top courses: Computer science, business, intercultural communication, European studies
• National ranking: 112th
• Tuition fees: €550 – €650 per semester

It was founded as the University of Applied Sciences in Hesse in 1974. The university was also the first German university to have been conferred the right to award PhD degrees.

It has the following faculties and study paths:

• Applied Computer Science
• Business Administration
• Electrical Engineering & Information Technology
• Food Technology
• Nursing & Health Sciences
• Nutritional Science
• Social & Cultural Science
• Social Work
• Social Sciences (PhD)
• Public Health (PhD)

University of Applied Sciences Esslingen

• Acceptance rate: 95%
• Notable alumni: Michael Dunst (musical artist), Ludwig Durr (designer)
• Top courses: Mechanical engineering, social work, digital business
• National ranking: 98th
• Tuition fees: €1200 – €1400 per semester

The history of Esslingen University of Applied Sciences dates back to 1868. The university has three campuses – City Centre, Hilltop and Goeppingen. Additionally, the student body exceeds 6,000 and provides comprehensive training and education in various disciplines.

University of Applied Sciences Bielefeld

• Acceptance rate: 80%
• Notable alumni: Stefan Raab (producer), Holger Mitterer (linguist)
• Top courses: Sociology, environmental studies, ecology
• European ranking: 116th
• Tuition fees: €600 – €700 per semester

The University of Applied Sciences Bielefeld has an acceptance rate of 80%. The university is highly accepting in this regard and aims to create a diverse environment of students. It is also the second-largest education institute in Bielefeld. The university divides itself into 6 divisions:

1. Faculty of Design
2. Faculty of Campus Minden
3. Faculty of Engineering and Mathematics
4. Faculty of Social Sciences
5. Faculty of Business
6. Faculty of Health

University of Applied Sciences Worms

• Acceptance rate: 93%
• Notable alumni: Kerstin Henzel (chancellor), Jens Hermsdorf (vice chancellor)
• Top courses: Travel Management, Computer Science
• National ranking: 183rd
  Tuition fees: €200 – €300 per semester

Worms University of Applied Sciences is known as Hochschule Worms in German. It stands as a business and technology-oriented institution situated in Worms, Germany. There is an enrollment of approximately 3,700 students who choose from an array of 38 degree programmes facilitated by 74 professors and around 100 lecturers.

The university comprises three departments:

1. Tourism/Travel Management
2. Computer Science
3. Business Sciences

German Universities With Moderate Acceptance Rates

We have also listed some universities in Germany which are moderately difficult to get into but just as attractive. They bring in a considerable lot of students from foreign countries. Read all about such universities below:

Deggendorf Institute of Technology

• Acceptance rate: 58%
• Notable alumni: Jaime Recalde (engineer), Adrian Kapsalis (lecturer)
• Top courses: AI, building products, energy systems engineering, electromobility, autonomous driving
• National ranking: 177th
• Tuition fees: €1000 – €1200 per semester

The Deggendorf Institute of Technology is an applied sciences university in Lower Bavaria, Germany. Alongside its undergraduate and graduate courses, the institute also provides doctoral programmes in collaboration with Charles Sturt University.

University of Applied Sciences Mittweida

• Acceptance rate: 50%
• Notable alumni: August Horch (engineer), AlexiBexi (YouTuber)
• Top courses: Acoustical engineering, engineering sciences management, physical engineering
• National ranking: 124th
• Tuition fees: Free

The University of Applied Sciences Mittweida is the second-largest public university of applied sciences in Saxony. It has an alumni network of nearly 80,000 individuals from nearly 40 countries across the globe. Moreover, it was established as “Technicum” in 1867. Initially focused on the education of machine-building engineers, the university emerged as one of the largest private schools in Germany by the turn of the century.

Anhalt University of Applied Sciences

• Acceptance rate: 49%
• Notable alumni: Aupee Karim (actress), Nana Yaa (musical artist)
• Top courses: AI, agricultural management, biomedical engineering
• National ranking: 208th
• Tuition fees: €1500 – €3000 per semester

Anhalt University of Applied Sciences is commonly referred to as Hochschule Anhalt. It is a public university established in 1991. The student body here exceeds 7,000. It stands as a mid-sized institution providing diverse academic programmes across its three campuses located in Bernburg, Dessau and Köthen, all situated within the state of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.

University of Vechta

• Acceptance rate: 42%
• Notable alumni: Vitaly Shklyarov (politician), Jochen Albrecht (geographer)
• Top courses: Cultural sciences, gerontology, social work, psychology
• National ranking: 111th
• Tuition fees: €500 per semester

The University of Vechta is located in Lower Saxony and is one of the most accessible universities in Germany. They have a student population of more than 4000 within its academic halls. The university has more than 6000 students and has been a thriving force of education in the area.

University of Hildesheim

• Acceptance rate: 45%
• Notable alumni: Sebastian Thrun (entrepreneur), Sabrina Janes (writer)
• Top courses: Educational and Social Sciences, Cultural Studies, Linguistics
• National ranking: 94th
• Tuition fees: Free

The University of Hildesheim is a top choice for international students seeking education in cultural studies, education and interdisciplinary research. They have a relatively high acceptance rate, and their accessibility stands out. You can opt for bachelor’s and master’s programmes in fields like cultural anthropology, digital humanities and educational sciences. The admission process is designed to be less competitive than other prestigious universities.

University of Siegen

• Acceptance rate: 50%
• Notable alumni: Uwe Bol (filmmaker), Lena Cassel (journalist)
• Top courses: Computer science, psychology, electrical engineering, economic policy
• European ranking: 126th
• Tuition fees: Free

The University of Siegen is located in North Rhine-Westphalia and is known for being one of the most accessible universities in Germany. They have programmes in engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, and the humanities. The admission process is relatively easier compared to some prestigious institutions, making it an attractive option for those seeking a well-rounded education with high acceptance rates.

Why Do German Universities Have Such High Acceptance Rates?

Germany has colleges, most of which are those with high acceptance rates. Most of them even follow open admission. Adding to that, they are the most affordable – absolutely no tuition fees! We believe this is why German universities have high acceptance rates:

German Universities Welcome International Students

Germany has an excellent education system that believes everyone should have access to quality education and research opportunities. This means there are lots of public universities with high acceptance rates and open admission policies, especially for undergraduate programmes. German universities really value being inclusive when it comes to education.

Taking a Closer Look at Acceptance Rates

If you dig into the numbers, you’ll find that public universities in Germany often have acceptance rates between an impressive 60% and an amazing 90%! This trend applies to both traditional universities and those focused on applied sciences. Private colleges with easy admissions may have slightly lower rates, but they still prioritise inclusion, especially for specialised subjects. For super-competitive fields like engineering and business, acceptance rates can be lower, but many universities guarantee admission for less popular programmes.

For International Students

For international students, especially those from India, one huge perk is that many German universities don’t charge any application fees. This makes it way easier financially since you can apply to multiple places without worrying about extra costs. It shows Germany really wants to make education accessible globally.

Admission Process In German Universities

The primary application process includes applying to the universities of your choice after fulfilling all the necessary requirements and eligibility criteria.

The primary application process comprises 3 main steps, which are as follows:

STEP 1: Apply to Your Desired University

To gain admission to Germany, you need to apply to the university of your choice. You can accomplish this in the following ways:

• Register through the university’s official website.
• Utilise the centralised admission portal for international students operated by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). (Not all universities employ this method. Contact your university for more detailed information).
• Apply directly to your university’s international office.

Typically, you will be required to complete the application form, upload all the necessary documents, and pay the application fee.

The list of documents required to apply to a university in Germany is:

• Valid passport
• A Passport photo
• Academic Transcript
• Language proficiency test results
• Completed and signed application form
• Tuition fee receipt

There are two intake periods at German Universities – Summer and Winter semesters. Summer applications must be submitted by January and winter applications must be submitted by July. Deadlines may vary by institution, so it is advisable to check deadlines and compliance and treat them with utmost care.

STEP 2: Arrange Finances for Your Studies

The next step in the German university admission process is arranging finances. Although public universities in Germany do not charge tuition fees, studying at private universities can be very expensive. So, ensure that you have adequate arrangements to cover your expenses.

There are different ways to finance your studies in Germany:

• Apply for student loans
• Apply for scholarships
• Take up part-time jobs
• Personal savings
• Parental income

International students can look for DAAD scholarships offered in Germany. Similarly, EU students can apply for Erasmus scholarship programmes. Remember to apply for a variety of scholarships as they are highly competitive.

STEP 3: Apply for a Student Visa

Once you have completed the above steps of the German university admission process, the next step is to apply for a visa. Student visa procedures may vary depending on your country of origin, duration, and purpose of stay in Germany.

EU students do not need a visa or documents to study in Germany. Non-EU students from selected countries also do not need a visa to study in Germany. You can check whether your country is among those that do not require a visa on the website of the Federal Foreign Office.

Take a look at some of the basic documents that you would need while applying for a Student Visa:

• Valid passport
• Proof of Financial Resources
• Student Health insurance
• Academic transcripts
• Language proficiency test results (German or English, depending on your course)
• Acceptance letter from your university

FAQs

Thanks for reading this blog on Top 5 Universities With A High Acceptance Rate In Germany. If you are interested in learning more about studying abroad and student life abroad, the following articles should interest you:

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