Best Universities in Frankfurt

You must have heard of Frankfurt from WWII’s widespread bombing. Contrary to the old picture, this city in the central German city on the river Main has undergone extensive redevelopment, so much so that today it hosts the world's leading and largest book fair – Frankfurter Buchmesse. Not only this but it was also reported as the world's 7th most liveable city in 2022, according to the World Economic Forum’s report.

You can determine the city’s growth and its rising popularity among people by the fact that it has the world’s 6th busiest airport in terms of international passengers. People from across the world travel to Frankfurt for various purposes – businesses, vacations, historical exploration, research, and of course, study!

If you’re looking to study abroad, Frankfurt has a unique appeal for international students with its robust education system founded on the belief that education is a right of everyone. Let us look at the best universities in Frankfurt, along with all the necessary details an international student requires to apply.

Frankfurt as a Study Hub for International Students

More than 440,000 international students were enrolled in top German universities in the winter semester of 2021/2022, per the official Study in Germany website. Universities and colleges in Frankfurt, Germany, have established a significant global position in imparting quality education. This is also because the Germans consider education a basic necessity for their economic prosperity and welfare and do not consider it a commercial product or business model.

The city is also a major tourism hub, in addition to serving as an important financial center. A fascinating blend of renovated German buildings and modern-urban cityscapes makes it an attractive destination for students. Universities in Frankfurt, Germany, are divided into public and private universities. Let us have a look at each of them in detail.

Top Public Universities/Colleges in Frankfurt

In particular, international students will find that public universities are not very hefty on their pockets. Most English-language courses are free, irrespective of your German-speaking abilities. However, colleges may charge you a minimal semester and administrative fees.

Let’s look at some of the best public universities in Frankfurt and check the best programs for each:

Top Private Universities/Colleges in Frankfurt

Private universities in Frankfurt charge tuition fees from international students as the government does not fund them. Nonetheless, private colleges in Frankfurt tend to offer specialized programs, various scholarships, and other privileges to keep up with public universities. Some of the top private universities in the world also have their roots in Frankfurt. 

Let us have a look at some of the best private universities in Frankfurt and check the programs one can pursue there: 

Cost of Living in Frankfurt for International Students

Most universities in Frankfurt for international students do not charge tuition fees for undergraduate and most postgraduate courses, making studying in Frankfurt quite affordable for international students. 

Depending on your lifestyle, students can expect to spend around €990.3 (without rent) a month on living expenses in Frankfurt. Private apartments in Frankfurt are more expensive (€826.09 - €2,071.10) than university dormitories. The majority of students, therefore, strive to share their rooms. Getting around the city on a budget can become easy with a monthly pass to use public transportation. 

Here is a list of other essential expenses associated with living in Frankfurt. (according to Numbeo)

How to Apply at Frankfurt Universities and Colleges

Check with the international office of your chosen Frankfurt colleges and universities to ensure you meet the prerequisites. Generally, a Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (HZB) or equivalent qualification is required for admission. Students with qualifications from outside the EU may have to take a university entrance examination (Feststellungsprüfung) following a preparatory course (Studienkolleg).

Application Procedure

• Choose the university and program you want to apply for. You will have to apply online.
• Generally, international students have to register on the uni-assist portal (The uni-assist is the central point of contact for applicants with international Educational certificates for approximately 170 German universities).
• Fill out your application with the necessary details and upload the required documents.
• Pay the application fees to submit your application.

Despite meeting the admissions requirements, you may not be admitted directly. There are certain restrictions on degree courses that are most popular in Germany called Numerus Clausus (NC). Applying to more German universities at once can help you avoid being rejected due to course restrictions.

German universities generally require proof of your knowledge of the German language; mostly, a B1-level proficiency is required by the universities. You must also submit a graduation or school leaving certificate specifying the subjects previously taken and marks achieved.

Application Intakes in Frankfurt

Most Frankfurt universities offer winter and summer entry to students. The deadlines for applying to higher education institutions or study programs may vary. Keep an eye on the dates and start your application process as early as possible since it will be helpful if you need to resubmit some documents or if something unexpected occurs.

The following are the general intake deadlines of the major universities in Frankfurt:

• The winter semester deadline is May 1.
• The summer semester deadline is November 1.

However, it is advised that you must check the specific university website you want to apply to for the exact application deadlines to make sure you do not miss them. 

Conclusion

Studying in Frankfurt, Germany, comes with a low price tag for the quality of education the universities provide. We hope the article provided enough details to make a well-informed decision regarding studying in Frankfurt. It will help if you familiarize yourself with your chosen university's specific admissions requirements and deadlines before applying.

Disclaimer: All costs are indicative and subject to change at any time.