Best Universities in Germany for Computer Science
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If you are an international student looking to study computer science in Germany, you have come to the right place. This article will discuss some of the best universities in the country for this field of study.
Keep in mind that each university has its strengths and weaknesses, so you will want to do your research and add your factors before making a final decision.
What is computer science?
Computer science is the study of computers and their applications. It deals with the design, implementation, and maintenance of software systems. And it also includes the study of algorithms, data science and structures, as well as programming languages. In short, computer science is a vast field that covers a lot of ground.
Why study computer science in Germany?
Germany is a world leader in the field of computer science. The country has produced some of the most famous and influential computer scientists in history, such as Konrad Zuse and Karlheinz Brandenburg. Germany is also home to cutting-edge research institutes and companies, such as the Max Planck Society and SAP AG.
What can you do with a computer science degree?
A computer science degree can lead to various exciting and rewarding careers. You could become a software engineer, a web developer, or even a research scientist.
Top graduates often work at companies like Meta, IBM, or Google!
So, without further ado, here are the best universities in Germany for computer science:
1. Technical University of Munich
- Year founded: 1868
- Number of students: 48,000
- World ranking: 38th overall, 14th for computer science
- Tuition fees: Free
The first university on our list is the Technical University of Munich (TUM). This school is widely regarded as one of the best in Germany for computer science, and it is also one of the largest. The campus is located in Munich, a major hub for technology and innovation. The university offers a wide range of programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, so you should be able to find a study program that fits your needs. The best part? You can study entirely for free at TUM and only pay a low semester fee of €147, covering basic student union membership.
2. LMU Munich
- Year founded: 1472
- Number of students: 52,451
- World ranking: 32nd overall, 50th for computer science
- Tuition fees: Free
The next university on our list is the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU). This school is one of the oldest and most prestigious in Germany. It is also located in Munich, which is home to many large businesses and startups. The university is known to produce graduates who founded $1 billion startups such as TIER Mobility.
3. Berlin Institute of Technology
- Year founded: 1879
- Number of students: 34,500
- World ranking: 139th overall, 61st for computer science
- Tuition fees: Free
Next up is the Berlin Institute of Technology. This university is located in, you guessed it, Berlin! It is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Germany, and it has a long history of excellence in computer science. Numerous Nobel Prize winners have studied and taught at the institute, like Konrad Zuse and Ludwig Wittgenstein, solidifying its status as one of the best universities to study computer science.
4. RWTH Aachen University
- Year founded: 1870
- Number of students: 47,173
- World ranking: 108th overall, 52nd for computer science
- Tuition fees: Free
RWTH Aachen University is another excellent option for computer science students. This university is located in Aachen, which is just a short drive from both Cologne and Düsseldorf. The computer science department at the university offers degree programs in over 30 fields, such as software engineering, computer graphics, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing, to name a few.
5. Heidelberg University
- Year founded: 1386
- Number of students: 29,187
- World ranking: =42nd overall, =92nd for computer science
- Tuition fees: €1,500 per semester
Heidelberg University is the oldest university on our list. It was founded in 1386 and is located in the city of Heidelberg. The university has a long tradition of excellence, and it is one of the most prestigious universities in Germany. It offers computer science programs for Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Computer science graduates of Heidelberg University have excellent chances of gaining employment due to its connections to companies in the region.
6. Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
- Year founded: 2009
- Number of students: 25,100
- World ranking: 180th overall, 63rd for computer science
- Tuition fees: €1,500 per semester
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is the youngest on this list. This university is located in Karlsruhe, just a short drive from Stuttgart and Frankfurt. The university was only officially established in 2009 after merging two institutions, the University of Karlsruhe and the Karlsruhe Research Centre Research. With the merger, KIT offers more than 40 research groups in the computer science department.
7. Technical University of Darmstadt
- Year founded: 1877
- Number of students: 25,000
- World ranking: 301-350 overall, 62nd for computer science
- Tuition fees: Free
The Technical University of Darmstadt (TU Darmstadt) is another excellent option for students looking to study computer science in Germany. This university is located in the city of Darmstadt, which is just a short drive from Frankfurt. The computer science department is known for its programs in IT security and robotics.
8. University of Freiburg
- Year founded: 1457
- Number of students: 25,000
- World ranking: =108th overall, 80th for computer science
- Tuition fees: Free
The University of Freiburg is the last university on our list. This university is located in Freiburg, which is pretty close to Strasbourg in France and Basel in Switzerland. The program has an excellent student-teacher ratio, giving you access to more focused mentoring and insights unavailable in large classrooms.
Which university is right for you?
The universities listed above are great for computer science students looking to study in Germany. They are also located in different parts of Germany with pros and cons, so it would help if you considered other factors such as the cost of living.
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