StudyInFocus
Ready-made selection

Private universities in Germany and Austria

Private universities charge tuition, but they often admit without a grade competition, have more frequent intakes and offer more programmes in English. Before applying, check that the university is state-recognised (staatlich anerkannt) and the programme accredited — otherwise the degree may not be recognised.

In short · according to the StudyInFocus catalogue

117 universities in 57 cities: 0 public and 117 private. By type: applied sciences — 83, university — 21, art and music — 10.

See universities Not sure what to choose
Worth knowing before you choose
  • ·Choose the university for the programme, not the other way round: requirements and deadlines differ between programmes of the same university
  • ·Universities of applied sciences (Hochschule) focus on practice and are usually less competitive; universities focus on research and lead to a doctorate
  • ·Apply to 3–5 universities: the competition of grades is unpredictable
Filters Reset
Country
Germany 117Austria 0
University type
University 21Technical 0Applied sciences 83Art and music 10
Ownership
Public 275Private 117Church-run 43
Language of programmes
German 20English 20
Tuition for international students
Tuition-free 0Up to €1,500 per semester 0
Has a Studienkolleg
At the university 0Refers to a partner college 1Foundation 0

Filters change the page address. Ready-made selections have their own pages.

117 universities Private
Sort RelevanceMost programmes

We will pick universities and programmes for your future profession

The catalogue shows every university but does not tell you where to apply. We start from the profession and your details — school certificate and grade on the German scale, language, budget, dates — and leave a short list of programmes you can realistically get into.

Not chosen a profession yet? Career guidance →
Pick programmes

Ready-made selections

Popular combinations of filters — each with its own page and a short explanation.

Frequently asked questions about choosing a university

How many universities are in this selection?
117 universities in 57 cities: 0 public and 117 private. By type: applied sciences — 83, university — 21, art and music — 10.
Do public universities charge tuition fees?
Public universities in most federal states charge no tuition, only the semester fee; Baden-Württemberg charges international students €1,500 per semester. Private universities set their own fees — they are shown on each university page.

A university is chosen for the programme

Requirements, language and deadlines differ even within one university. Start with the programme — the catalogue shows which universities offer it.

Programme catalogue Check my chances
Free service review
Find what fits