Germany’s Top 19 Universities in 2024 from the Employers’ Perspective
If you’ve read my previous articles, you should know that I prioritize the opinions of employers over academic circles when it comes to university rankings. Academic rankings don’t hold much meaning, especially when it comes to German universities. I tried to explain this reason in a previous article. (See: Why German universities are not at the top in international rankings) As I always say, when it comes to German universities, the preferences of employers are more important than traditional rankings. For example, while TUM, the most renowned technical university in Germany, may rank 37th worldwide in the QS 2024 rankings, it is ranked 13th worldwide by HR managers of global major companies. I think this example is enough for you to understand the difference. Therefore, in my rankings, I always share survey results conducted with the participation of employers and determine the rankings accordingly. (See: Top 10 universities to study medicine and dentistry in Germany, Top 10 universities to study mechanical engineering in Germany, Top 10 universities to study computer science in Germany)
Last year, the GEURS survey, conducted worldwide by Emerging annually with the participation of only employers, aims to determine the top 250 universities from the perspective of employers. GEURS is a survey that questions topics such as employers’ recruitment processes worldwide, their relationships with universities, or the skills they are looking for in graduates. Germany has increased the number from 17 universities last year to 19 this year.
You can access last year’s results from this link. (Germany’s top 17 universities in the eyes of employers 2023)
Best Universities of Germany
- TUM – Technical University of Munich:
The Technical University of Munich, at the top of the list in 2024 just like in 2023. Besides being Germany’s most renowned technical school, it is also the most preferred school by employers. Moreover, it is not surprising that TUM is the most preferred German university by employers. Why?
Academic Excellence: TUM is a globally recognized research university in engineering, science, and technology fields.
Strong Engineering Programs: TUM offers outstanding engineering programs, especially in fields like mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. These programs are highly valued by employers.
Close Industry Relations: TUM has close relationships with leading German companies such as Siemens, BMW, and Audi. This provides students with internship and job opportunities and ensures that the curriculum meets the industry’s needs.
Internationalization: TUM is a university that is very open to international students and faculty members. This provides the university with access to a wider talent pool and makes it an attractive option for employers.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: TUM is a university that promotes entrepreneurship. The university provides support and resources for students to start their own businesses.
Additionally, TUM is home to numerous prestigious research institutes. This provides students with experience in the latest technology and research. TUM has a wide network for graduates. This can provide students with a wide range of career options.
Everything may seem positive so far. However, I must say that completing the school is one of the most challenging. You can be sure that a graduate of TUM is extremely intelligent, hardworking, and knowledgeable. I think this is why employers have ranked it first.
(Technical University of Munich) - Humboldt University of Berlin
One of Germany’s best universities, ranked 2nd in the survey in 2023 and remained 2nd in 2024, managing to increase its global ranking by 1 spot to 46th. However, in the QS ranking, it is around 120th. Now, you decide the difference. Especially outstanding in the humanities and social sciences, the school can offer its graduates a wide range of career options thanks to its excellent quality of education, wide range of programs, many famous alumni, and very good social network.
Prominent features of the school:
- A strong alumni network
- Career counseling and job placement services
- An education focused on entrepreneurship and innovation
- A focus on sustainability and ethical values
( See my article of Humboldt University )
- LMU Munich
Another famous school in Munich. Ranked 4th in 2023, it moved up to 3rd in 2024. It also managed to rise 3 spots to 53rd in the world rankings. LMU Munich’s most distinguishing feature from other schools is its research-oriented educational approach. LMU is one of Germany’s most research-oriented universities and encourages its students to be at the forefront of scientific research.
At LMU, students have the opportunity to participate in research projects starting from the undergraduate level. This allows students to reinforce their theoretical knowledge with practical applications and develop their research skills. The curriculum at LMU is also designed to promote research-based learning. Classes not only provide students with theoretical knowledge but also encourage them to think critically and solve problems. This is probably the most preferred feature by employers.
( See my article of LMU Munich ) - Technical University of Berlin
Despite its bad reputation among students (probably due to its difficulty), it is a school highly esteemed by employers. While it was ranked 3rd in 2023, it lost its position to LMU in 2024. Its world ranking is 56th. The school, which provides extremely strong support for its students in entrepreneurship, is one of the most renowned engineering schools in the world. It is also worth mentioning that it has a wide network of graduates.
- Heidelberg University
Heidelberg University, the oldest and most renowned university in Germany, has been providing education for 638 years. It is one of the most prestigious German schools recognized worldwide. It is also considered one of the most difficult schools to get into due to its high admission criteria. The university specializes in social and human sciences and is known for providing top-notch academic education. Its high ranking in the QS ranking (87th) is a testament to this. The university’s education traditions and highly accomplished students make its graduates highly sought after by employers. ( See University of Heidelberg ) - Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
The only private school in the list, Frankfurt School of Finance and Management stands out as the country’s top finance school. As I mentioned in my writings about the city, Frankfurt is the financial center of Europe. Frankfurt School of Finance and Management is not only well-known in Germany but also one of the most preferred business schools worldwide. Therefore, more than 40% of its students are international.
The school boasts many renowned professors and researchers in finance and management, ensuring that its graduates are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills. The school places a strong emphasis on practical experience, offering a wide range of internship opportunities. Despite its high tuition fees, the school is highly sought after for its quality education, making it highly regarded by employers. Perhaps for this reason, getting accepted is extremely challenging. ( see University of Frankfurt ) - Free University of Berlin
Founded in 1948 during the Cold War in West Berlin, the Free University of Berlin derives its name from the city’s divided political environment, chosen to emphasize that it was part of the ‘Free World.’ Despite its young age, the university is well-known for its strategies in scientific research, international connections, and programs focused on diverse research areas, earning it a reputation for high-quality education. It is where prominent figures like Germany’s former Chancellor Angela Merkel graduated from. Its popularity also brings along acceptance challenges. - Karlsruhe Institute of Technology KIT
KIT is a prestigious research university globally recognized for education and research in technical and natural sciences, located in Karlsruhe, Germany. Although it adopted this name relatively recently, it has achieved great success internationally. It particularly excels in technology and engineering. Due to its research focus, it is closely monitored and supported by the industry. Its graduates are also well-received by employers, which is why it has ranked 8th among employers. KIT is an excellent choice for students seeking a career-focused, innovative, and globally competitive education experience in technical fields. If science or engineering is your passion, you may want to explore what KIT has to offer in more detail. However, admissions can be competitive.
See Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
- University of Hamburg
The University of Hamburg is one of Germany’s largest public schools. While it is renowned for its climate research due to its proximity to the North Sea, it is also supported by serious research in fascinating subjects such as “Particle Physics,” “Nanoscience,” and the “Quantum Universe.” It boasts many Nobel Prize-winning alumni, and admissions can be highly competitive. The university has established a strong collaboration with the industry, which it maintains effectively. ( see University of Hamburg ) - Chemnitz University of Technology
The school, which has moved up one place in the ranking as of 2023, is the shining star of Chemnitz, a city in the former East German territories that appears frozen in time as an old Eastern Bloc city. While the university ranks lower internationally, employers eagerly snatch up its graduates, particularly due to the school’s initiatives and research in construction technologies.
The city’s demographics pose challenges for foreign students, but the university runs numerous social programs to support its students. The city’s excellent living conditions in terms of student costs are a separate reason for preference. However, the rising xenophobia, especially in the city, can be seen as a disadvantage. See Technical University Chemnitz
- RWTH Aachen University
RWTH Aachen University (Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen) is a technical university located in Aachen, Germany. It is one of Germany’s largest and most prestigious technical universities, known for its excellence worldwide. Graduates from this university, whether in mechanical or electrical engineering, are considered respected engineers worldwide. RWTH Aachen has close relationships with leading German companies such as Siemens, BMW, and Audi. This provides students with internship and job opportunities and ensures that the curriculum meets the needs of the industry. The university is renowned not only for its reputation but also for its challenging nature. See RWTH Aachen - Goethe University Frankfurt
The second and largest university to enter the list for Frankfurt, maintaining its position according to the 2023 survey. Goethe University Frankfurt is an internationally recognized and prestigious research university. Factors such as research excellence, internationalization, a strong alumni network, and the city of Frankfurt contribute to this reputation. While the university stands out for its programs in the finance field due to the city’s mission, it is also known for its research in various niche areas and its Nobel Prize-winning alumni. (Quantum physics originates from this university) See University of Frankfurt - University of Mannheim
Not widely recognized outside the international academic community, the university is often overshadowed by its proximity to Heidelberg, known as the “school in the shadow of Heidelberg.” The University of Mannheim is known as one of the best universities in Germany for business and economics. Its faculties in these fields often rank highly in international rankings. Its extensive alumni network and proximity to the headquarters of many large companies ensure that its graduates are highly regarded by employers. Living in Mannheim as a Student – 2023
- University of Cologne
A prestigious educational institution with a history spanning 635 years. It is also the second largest university in Germany in terms of student population. The university’s large size has allowed it to host a wide variety of programs, although it is primarily known for law, economics, and business. The cosmopolitan nature of Cologne may be seen as an additional advantage for foreign students. However, due to its size and the large number of students, it can be quite challenging for students to stand out. - University of Bonn
Entering the list at 15th place in 2024, the University of Bonn (Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn) is a prestigious state university located in Bonn, Germany. It has faculties in various fields such as Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Law, Medicine, Economics, Philosophy, and Arts. Known for its research intensity and wide-ranging fields, the university and the city’s international atmosphere can be seen as a facilitator for the lives of foreign students. However, the cost of living may be above average. (See. University of Bonn) - University of Freiburg
Another university newly added to the list, the University of Freiburg (officially Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg) in Freiburg im Breisgau is a prestigious and longstanding state university. Founded in 1457, it is one of Germany’s oldest universities. Freiburg stands out as one of Germany’s most livable cities due to its sunny climate and proximity to the Black Forest, unlike Germany’s general geographical structure.
The university’s close integration with the city creates a lively student atmosphere. It is at the forefront with its exemplary approaches to green city and sustainability issues. Since it is one of Germany’s leading universities, applications are relatively competitive. There may also be disadvantages in terms of international transportation, generally via Basel in Switzerland. University of Freiburg - Technical University Darmstadt
The school, which has risen 11 places in the international rankings compared to 2023, stands out as the university where the Chair of Electrical Engineering was first established in the world. Additionally, Germany’s first female engineer graduated from this university. The university has leading faculties in fields such as Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, and Civil Engineering.
The school is ranked among the best engineering schools in the world by academic circles. It stands out with its innovative research and is located in one of Germany’s leading technology regions. TU Darmstadt has industrial partnerships with major companies such as BMW, Siemens, and Bosch. This provides students with internship and job opportunities while ensuring that the programs are in line with the industry. See. TU Darmstadt - Leibniz University Hannover
One of Germany’s famous TU9 technical universities. It is known for its strong programs in fields such as Mechanical Engineering, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Natural Sciences, and Law. It has international renown, particularly in biomedical technologies and optical physics. With one in every seven people working in the healthcare sector, the city of Hannover (See. Living as a Student in Hannover) has also developed the university in this direction. However, due to being one of Germany’s top technical universities, applications are relatively competitive. - Bielefeld University
A school that can be considered quite young (54 years old), it has established itself in Biology and interdisciplinary research, attracting attention worldwide. Employers have also appreciated the quality of education at the school, placing it among the top 250 schools in the world. (Bielefeld Uni)
As last year, I have listed 19 German universities in the top 250 universities preferred by employers for their graduates. You may have noticed that the ranking of the schools on the list is slightly different from the ranking of international university rating agencies. This is what I mean by the employer’s point of view, so if your goal is not an academic career but a good position in the real sector, I suggest you take this list to heart.
“Especially since German employers rank the quality of undergraduate education as the most important criterion with 40%.”
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is TU Berlin harder to get or difficult to study? I think colleges in Germany are no joke but the fact that I was going to put TU Berlin as a choice for myself, your statement of it having a bad repo surprised me.Is it just for difficulty and studies or anything else? And LMU Munich I think the studies might be difficult there, as it’s a top uni..
Hi,
TU Berlin is definitely a very good school. The rankings on this page reflect the preferences of employers. The poor performance of TU Berlin in 2024 compared to previous years does not change this fact. This school is one of the best technical schools in Germany and has a reputation for difficulty.