Public vs Private Universities in Germany

Public Universities in Germany

Merits

Affordability – one of the most appealing aspects of public universities in Germany is that they often don’t charge tuition fees for international students, especially for undergraduate degrees. You often pay a nominal fee each semester, which can be between 150-400 Euros, depending on your university.

Reputation and Recognition – many of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Germany are actually public universities. Schools such as the Technical University of Munich, the University of Heidelberg and the Free University of Berlin are consistently well ranked in the QS World University Rankings.

Wide Range of Courses – due to their sizing and funding, public universities have the resources to offer a wider range of courses than their private counterparts. This variety means that you will be able to take your pick as an international student.

Downfalls

Bureaucracy – being funded and regulated by the German government, public universities can sometimes be held back by bureaucratic processes. This means that there could be longer waiting times for administrative tasks. However, the university will be well prepared for this, and will be able to advise students if there will be a delay in processes.

Competitive Admission – due to their excellent reputations and affordability, public universities are highly popular for both domestic and international students, and can therefore be competitive. International students should make sure that they are aware of the entry requirements to their chosen degree.

Larger Class Sizes – the popularity of public universities can mean that some courses will have larger class sizes than those at private universities. This might mean that individual interactions with the teaching staff are limited. Communicating with your peers is a great way to get around this.

Private Universities in Germany

Merits

Individual Attention – because they are generally smaller, private universities can often offer smaller class sizes. This environment can allow for more personalised interactions with professors and other teaching staff, and for a more tailored learning experience.

Innovative Curriculum – private universities can sometimes offer more unique or specialised programmes that might not be available at public universities. This flexibility can be an advantage for international students who are interested in pursuing a career in more niche or cutting edge disciplines.

Networking Opportunities – some private universities have stronger connections in related industries and can therefore offer excellent networking opportunities, internships and job placements.

Downfalls

Higher Tuition Fees – unlike their public counterparts, private universities in Germany typically charge higher tuition fees, particularly for international students. However, you might have greater access to scholarships and financial aid at a private university.

Varied Recognition – while some private universities are world renowned and highly regarded, others might not be so well recognised internationally. That doesn’t necessarily mean that they are a bad university, but you should take time to research the global reputation of private universities before you apply and enrol.

Limited Programmes – some private universities may offer fewer programmes compared to public universities. International students should ensure that their chosen field of study or degree programme is available at the university they are interested in.

Making the Choice as an International Student

When deciding between public and private universities in Germany, international students should consider the following:

• Budget – if cost is a primary consideration for you, public universities might be a better choice. However, you should explore all scholarship options before completely disregarding private universities.
• Programme of Interest – research the available programmes at both types of universities. If one or the other offers a programme that aligns nicely with your interests, that could be a deciding factor.
• Learning Environment – if you would prefer smaller class sizes and more personal interactions, a private university might be a better fit.
• Future Goals – consider the reputation of the university in the field of study you are interested in, especially if you plan to seek employment or further studies in that field outside of Germany after you have graduated.
• Cultural Experience – studying abroad in Germany is not just about academics. Consider the cultural and social experiences on offer. Public universities tend to be bigger, so might offer a broader and more diverse demographic of students, whilst private universities might have more intimate setting and events.

In conclusion, both public and private universities in Germany have distinct advantages and challenges. The decision for international students should be based on their academic, financial and personal preferences and requirements. Whichever path is chosen, studying abroad in Germany promises to be a transformative and enriching experience.

READ MORE: University Rankings Explained