English 
Deutsch Contents
- Which private universities in Germany are the best ones?
- The 5 largest private universities
- 5 popular private universities in Germany
- 5 exclusive private universities in Germany
- Universities of applied sciences, universities, art colleges, business schools: What are the differences?
- Private universities vs. state universities: Pros and cons
There are currently just under 400 universities in Germany. 240 of these universities are under public law, 39 are church-run. 113 universities are private, namely private universities (20), private universities of applied sciences (87), private colleges of art and music (3) or universities of their own type. At a total of 15 private unis in Germany there is even the possibility of a doctorate.
Here we list all private universities in Germany and their entire range of courses at a glance.
Overview of all Providers
We have a total of 113 providers in our database. The first 30 top providers are displayed. Use the filter function or our search to discover more providers.
- Idstein, Hesse
- 15587 Students
- Psychology, Natural Sciences, Marketing, Social Work, Business Administration, International Management, Logistics, Physiotherapy, MBA, Human Resources, Tourism and Event, Fashion, Business Psychology…
- Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts, Master of Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Management in Artificial Intellig…
- 132 Courses in directory
- 1 Review
Fresenius University of Applied Sciences is one of Germany's largest private universities with campuses in Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Idstein, Cologne, Munich and Wiesbaden. It offers practice-oriented bachelor's and master's degree programs in the fields of chemistry & biology, business & media, health & social affairs and design, as well as training and continuing education. Studies are possible on a full-time, part-time and distance learning basis.
- Stuttgart, Baden-Wuerttemberg
- 5532 Students
- Communication Sciences
- Bachelor of Arts
- 1 Course in directory
Over 60,000 successful graduates since 1959: AKAD University offers part-time distance learning courses leading to Bachelor's, Master's and MBA degrees, as well as university certificates in the fields of business and management, technology and information technology, and communication and culture.
- Darmstadt, Hesse
- 4313 Students
- Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Natural Sciences, Computer Science, Business Informatics, Media Informatics, IT Management, Engineering Management, Civil Engine…
- Master of Science, Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Engineering, Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts
- 42 Courses in directory
The Wilhelm Büchner University (WBH) based in Darmstadt is Germany's largest private university for technology and design. It offers state-recognized and accredited distance learning courses for professionals in the fields of technology, computer science, design, business engineering, and the environment. The university is system-accredited, highly practice-oriented, and committed to sustainability, diversity, and social responsibility.
- Idstein, Hesse
- 100 Students
- General Management, Nursing Science, Medicine, Health Education
- Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts
- 10 Courses in directory
The goal of the Carl Remigius Medical School is to secure and further develop the high level of healthcare in Germany. To this end, the school trains the specialists and managers who are urgently needed in the industry in a targeted and future-oriented manner. The study programs of Carl Remigius Medical School have an interdisciplinary and holistic orientation; thus they fulfill essential requirements that are placed on health professionals.
- Bremen, Germany
- 5161 Students
- Health Management, Nursing Science, Nutritional Science, Psychology, Social Work, Pedagogy, Social Management
- Master of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Health Management, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science
- 21 Courses in directory
The APOLLON University of Applied Sciences for Health Economics is a state-recognized private distance learning university in Bremen. Since 2005, it has been offering part-time bachelor's, master's, and certificate programmes in health and social services. The university is part of the Klett Group and is known for its flexible study conditions, digital learning formats, and practice-oriented teaching. It is accredited by ZFU, FIBAA, AHPGS, and the German Council of Science and Humanities, and is committed to sustainability, equal rights, and international cooperation.
- Hamburg, Germany
- 10610 Students
- Marketing, Nursing Science, Psychology, Political Science, Social Work, Tourism and Event, Nutritional Science, Human Resources, Sports, Finance, Pedagogy, Business Administration, Legal Sciences, Com…
- Master of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Accountancy, Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Laws
- 66 Courses in directory
The European Distance Learning University Hamburg (Euro-FH) is a state-recognized private university based in Hamburg. It offers over 200 study programmes in various fields - part-time, flexible, and digital. As part of the Klett Group, it places special emphasis on personal support, innovative learning formats such as the AI learning companion KILEA, and international study options.
- Idstein, Hesse
- Psychotherapy, Medicine, Psychology
- Bachelor of Science, Master of Science
- 4 Courses in directory
The Charlotte Fresenius Hochschule is a private, state-recognized university-equivalent. The sponsoring company of CFH is Hochschule Fresenius gemeinnützige GmbH, one of the largest private presence universities in Germany. With its foundation in 2021, the university offers an NC-free Bachelor of Science in Psychology, which takes into account all the requirements of the Law on the Reform of Psychotherapist Training and the Approbation Regulations for Psychotherapists.
- Erfurt, Thuringia
- 100000 Students
- Sports, IT Management, Real Estate Management, Media Design, Media Informatics, Business Administration, Civil Engineering, Psychology, Data Science & AI, Social Work, Architecture, Tourism and Event,…
- Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Science, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Laws, Master of Engineering, Master of Business Administration
- 201 Courses in directory
- 1 Review
Practical relevance, international orientation or maximum flexibility: IU International University (IU) prepares over 100,000 students for the global job market. It brings together under its umbrella more than 100 study programs offered in three independent university areas: the IU Dual Study Program, the IU Distance Learning Program and the flexible IU myStudium. IU offers students a network of renowned practical partners in the business world: more than 15,000 companies have already successfully cooperated with IU, including ZURICH Versicherungen or Motel One. IU, which was founded in 2000, is now represented in over 40 cities in Germany.
- Heidelberg, Baden-Wuerttemberg
- 508 Students
- Business Administration, International Management, Business Psychology, Real Estate Management, Tourism and Event, Social Work, Psychology, Sports, Media Management, Sustainable Management
- Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science
- 11 Courses in directory
The Fresenius University of Applied Sciences Heidelberg is a state-recognized university by the state of Baden-Württemberg, located in Heidelberg and sponsored by the Fresenius University of Applied Sciences for International Management GmbH. The university grew out of a vocational school that was founded in Heidelberg as early as 1946 and has a long tradition in the field of practice-oriented vocational education.
- Stuttgart, Baden-Wuerttemberg
- 5687 Students
- Journalism, Film, General Management, Media Management, Media Design, Fashion, Psychology
- Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, Bachelor of Science
- 11 Courses in directory
Managing digital change, shaping the future - at five locations across Germany, Macromedia University offers state-recognized BA and MA degree programs in the context of management, media, journalism, film and design. Around 80 professors with industry experience stand for labor market-oriented teaching and an academic self-image as a university for shaping digital change.
- Idstein, Hesse
- 2200 Students
- Fashion, Media Design, Architecture, Media Management, Communication Sciences
- Master of Arts, Bachelor of Arts
- 16 Courses in directory
Fashion, design, communication and management - for over 28 years, the AMD Akademie Mode & Design, Department of Design at Fresenius University of Applied Sciences, has been training students for creative and business-oriented professions in the creative industries. More than 2200 students are enrolled at the four locations Berlin, Hamburg, Düsseldorf and Munich, they are taught by more than 30 professors and lecturers with industry experience.
- Oestrich-Winkel, Hesse
- 2200 Students
- General Management, Legal Sciences, MBA, Marketing, Business Administration, Real Estate Management, Finance
- Bachelor of Science, Staatsexamen, Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Arts
- 12 Courses in directory
The EBS University of Economics and Law is Germany's oldest private university for business and law, offering a challenging, internationally oriented range of study programmes in business and law. Students can expect a solid academic education with innovative teaching methods, individual support in small learning groups, and a strong practical orientation. As a talent factory for future leaders, the EBS combines excellent teaching content with a strong international network and specifically promotes entrepreneurial thinking, a sense of responsibility, and personal development.
PFH Private University of Applied Sciences
UAS · Private
- Göttingen, Lower Saxony
- 4077 Students
- Business Psychology, General Management, Business Administration, Psychology, Legal Sciences, Human Resources, MBA, Business Informatics
- Master of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Laws, Master of Science, Master of Business Administration
- 22 Courses in directory
RH Cologne – University of Applied Science (RH)
UAS · Private
- Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia
- 6203 Students
- Medicine, Mechanical Engineering, Legal Sciences, Media Management, Business Administration, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Media Design, International Management, Enginee…
- Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Laws, Master of Engineering, Master of Business Administration
- 26 Courses in directory
FOM University of Applied Sciences
UAS · Private
- Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia
- 45611 Students
- Health Education, Business Psychology, Health Management, IT Management, Business Informatics, Marketing, MBA, Social Work, International Management, Business Administration, Finance, Computer Science…
- Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Laws, Bachelor of Engineering
- 28 Courses in directory
Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
University · Private
- Frankfurt am Main, Hesse
- 3284 Students
- Data Science & AI, Business Administration, MBA, Health Management, General Management, Finance
- Master of Science, Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts
- 10 Courses in directory
SRH University
UAS · Private
- Heidelberg, Baden-Wuerttemberg
- 9046 Students
- Art Therapy, Business Informatics, Engineering Management, Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Real Estate Management, International Management, Childhood Education, Industrial Engineering, Kunstther…
- Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Laws
- 100 Courses in directory
German Sport University of Health Sciences
UAS · Private
- Berlin, Germany
- 2700 Students
- Psychology, Sports, Physiotherapy, Social Work
- Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science
- 9 Courses in directory
Munich Business School (MBS)
UAS · Private
- Munich, Bavaria
- 540 Students
- International Management, MBA, Entrepreneurship, Communication Sciences
- Bachelor of Arts, Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts
- 6 Courses in directory
CBS University of Applied Sciences (CBS)
UAS · Private
- Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia
- 2475 Students
- Finance, Human Resources, Health Education, Health Management, Medicine, General Management, Social Work, Business Psychology, IT Management, Childhood Education, MBA, Marketing, Pedagogy, Internation…
- Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Business Administration
- 51 Courses in directory
University of Applied Management (FHAM)
UAS · Private
- Ismaning, Bavaria
- 3287 Students
- Business Psychology, Sports, Civil Engineering, Marketing, Human Resources, Business Administration, Journalism, International Management, Media Management, General Management, Health Management, Psyc…
- Master of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Master of Engineering
- 40 Courses in directory
Steinbeis University (SH)
UAS · Private
- Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt
- 4047 Students
- Social Work, Business Informatics, IT Management, Human Resources, Industrial Engineering, Medicine, MBA, General Management, International Management, Engineering Management
- Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration, Master of Business and Engineering
- 16 Courses in directory
University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE)
UAS · Private
- Potsdam, Brandenburg
- 6251 Students
- Business Psychology, Data Science & AI, Sports, Business Administration, MBA, Media Design, Psychology, Art, General Management, Film, Marketing, Journalism, Business Informatics, Media Informatics
- Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts
- 19 Courses in directory
FHM University of Applied Sciences (FHM)
UAS · Private
- Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia
- 5497 Students
- Journalism, Sustainable Management, Pedagogy, Media Management, International Management, Psychology, Childhood Education, Nursing Science, Business Administration, Tourism and Event, Film, Physiother…
- Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, Master of Education, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Business Administration
- 42 Courses in directory
Witten/Herdecke University
University · Private
- Witten, North Rhine-Westphalia
- 2617 Students
- Medicine, Nursing Science, General Management, Humanities, Psychology
- Staatsexamen, Master of Science, Master of Arts, Bachelor of Science
- 6 Courses in directory
BSP Business and Law School
UAS · Private
- Berlin, Germany
- 1944 Students
- Communication Sciences, Fashion, International Management, Sports, IT Management, Entrepreneurship, Business Psychology, Business Administration, General Management, Legal Sciences, Humanities
- Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Arts, Staatsexamen
- 21 Courses in directory
EBZ Business School (EBZ)
UAS · Private
- Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia
- 1184 Students
- Civil Engineering, Real Estate Management, Architecture
- Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science
- 5 Courses in directory
Bucerius Law School
University · Private
- Hamburg, Germany
- 849 Students
- Legal Sciences
- Master of Laws, Staatsexamen, Bachelor of Laws
- 3 Courses in directory
International School of Management (ISM)
UAS · Private
- Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia
- 2781 Students
- Data Science & AI, Human Resources, Logistics, Tourism and Event, Sustainable Management, Marketing, Sports, International Management, Finance, General Management, Fashion, Computer Science, Business …
- Master of Science, Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Business Administration, Master of Laws
- 49 Courses in directory
DIPLOMA University of Applied Sciences
UAS · Private
- Bad Sooden-Allendorf, Hesse
- 8300 Students
- General Management, Psychology, Media Management, Legal Sciences, Tourism and Event, Childhood Education, Physiotherapy, Medicine, Business Psychology, Health Education, Business Informatics, IT Manag…
- Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Laws
- 47 Courses in directory
Which private universities in Germany are the best ones?
Don't be fooled by university rankings or user reviews. There is no such thing as the best private university or the best state university. Each university has its own characteristics, and factors such as the city's quality of life should also be included in the selection process.
Here are some tips for choosing the best private university:
- Location: Find out about the location or locations of the school. A city like Berlin is not always the best choice.
- Cost: Find out about tuition and fees. Include cost of living in the city as well. But be careful: cheaper universities are not necessarily worse, expensive universities are not necessarily better.
- Type of university: Pay attention to the type of university. Universities have a strong focus on research and may allow students to earn a doctorate, while programs at universities of applied sciences are usually much more practice-oriented.
- Political direction: Find out whether the university of your choice represents a certain political direction. This is not always easy to find out, but you can find out, for example, about the biographies of the rectors, about the composition of the university management and about ownership structures.
- Size: Even among private universities, there are universities with student numbers in the 5-digit range, such as FOM. Compared to state universities, these large private universities have many advantages despite their size. But perhaps you would prefer to study at a very small university with fewer than 1000 fellow students.
Below are 3 top lists that will list you the biggest, 5 popular as well as the most exclusive private universities.
The 5 largest private universities
The largest private university in Germany and at the same time the largest university in Germany since the summer semester 2021 is the IU International University (formerly IUBH International University). With the summer semester, about 70000 students are enrolled in over 100 study programs at IU.
Here is an overview of the 5 largest private universities in Germany:
| University | Students | Locations | Study offers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
IU International University of Applied Sciences | 100000 | Berlin, Bremen, Erfurt, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Frankfurt a.M., Leipzig, Cologne, Bad Honnef and many more | Campus degree programs, dual degree programs, part-time degree programs, distance learning programs in all disciplines |
 |
FOM University of Applied Sciences | 56270 | Berlin, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt a.M., Leipzig, Kassel, Stuttgart and many more, 33 university centers in total in Germany | part-time study programs in almost all disciplines |
 |
Fresenius University of Applied Sciences | 18000 | Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt/a.M., Hamburg, Heidelberg, Idstein, Cologne, Munich, Wiesbaden | Campus programs, part-time programs, distance learning programs, almost all disciplines |
 |
HFH Hamburger Fern-Hochschule | 8136 | Hamburg | Distance learning programs especially in business administration, social work, psychology, mechanical engineering |
 |
Steinbeis University | 7651 | Berlin | Campus studies especially in business & management, psychology, health sciences |
5 popular private universities in Germany
| University | Students | Locations | Degree programs | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
IU International University of Applied Sciences | 100000 | Berlin, Bremen, Erfurt, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Frankfurt a.M., Leipzig, Cologne, Bad Honnef and many more. | Campus degree programs, dual degree programs, distance learning programs in all disciplines |
|
Fresenius University of Applied Sciences | 18000 | Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt/a.M., Hamburg, Heidelberg, Idstein, Cologne, Munich, Wiesbaden | Campus programs, part-time programs, distance learning programs, almost all disciplines |
 |
PFH Private University of Applied Sciences | 4077 | Göttingen, Lower Saxony | Campus studies as well as distance learning in business administration & management, psychology, business psychology, business law |
 |
Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences | 5429 | Darmstadt, Hesse | Distance learning in engineering, computer science, industrial engineering and technology management as well as energy, environmental and process engineering |
 |
RFH – University of Applied Science | 6226 | Cologne |
Campus studies in engineering, media, medical economics & health, business & law, and logistics management, marketing and communications management; Full-time, dual and part-time |
5 exclusive private universities in Germany
| University | Students | Locations | Studienangebot | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Zeppelin University | 903 | Friedrichshafen, Baden-Württemberg | Sociology, management, communication sciences, politics |
 |
WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management | 1371 | Vallendar, Dusseldorf | Business administration/management, especially MBA programs |
 |
Jacobs University | 1466 | Bremen | Engineering sciences, health sciences, natural sciences, economics, political sciences |
 |
Bucerius Law School | 858 | Hamburg | Legal Studies |
 |
Universität Witten/Herdecke | 2617 | Witten, North Rhine-Westphalia | Medicine, Management, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology |
Universities of applied sciences, universities, art colleges, business schools: What are the differences?
Where do you want to study: At a german university of applied sciences or at a university? Or even at an art college? Here are the main differences between the types of private universities.
- Universities focus on research and science and usually have the right to award doctorates. The range of courses offered at universities is usually much more general than at UASs and also includes, for example, humanities subjects. There are about 21 private universities in Germany.
- Universities of Applied Sciences impart more application-oriented and job-related knowledge, always at the highest scientific level. There are just under 100 private UAS in Germany.
- Distance learning universities are actually quite normal universities of applied sciences, but they mainly offer distance learning courses, i.e. they are suitable for all those who want to study while working and independent of location. We list just under 10 distance learning colleges here.
- Art and music colleges train future artists, art teachers and art scholars. There are currently 3 private art colleges in Germany.
- Business school is a term for business schools, i.e. universities whose focus is in the field of economics. In addition to bachelor's degree programs, business schools often offer advanced degree programs leading to a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Important for the choice of your future private university is also the form of study in which you want to study. If you want to study full-time and do not want to do without the classic campus life, choose a presence university. If you want to study part-time and perhaps even from home and alongside your job, find out about private distance learning universities in Germany.
Private universities vs. state universities: Pros and cons
The decision for or against a private university or studying at a private university of applied sciences or university is, in a way, also a decision for life: After all, the university, the degree and the contacts made at the university strongly determine the course of life after graduation. What are the pros and cons of studying at a private university?
Cons:
- Tuition fees: Studying at private universities usually costs much more than studying at public universities. The boundaries are blurred when it comes to master's degree programs, because public universities also charge a lot for their postgraduate programs. Many private universities also support their students with student loans or even scholarships.
- Research focus: At universities of applied sciences in particular, the focus is much less on research than at universities, for example. Most private universities are geared more to the needs of industry. So if you want to do scientific research later on, you either study at one of the few private universities, at a state university or look for a job with a research focus.
Pros:
- Group sizes: Fighting for seminar seats? Squatting on the stairs in the lecture hall? Seminars with 50 participants? You won't find that at private universities. The learning groups are usually much smaller, and the support provided by the teaching staff is much more personal and intensive.
- Study duration: Smaller group sizes and better supervision usually ensure that students can learn with much more focus, and thus have a better chance of completing their studies in the standard study period or even faster.
- Admission: At most private universities, there are no admission restrictions due to an unfair NC. This does not mean that admission is not also restricted, but as a rule interested prospective students have significantly better chances of convincing in personal selection interviews and assessments and of gaining a place at a private university.
- Networking: Private business schools in particular also "sell" access to exclusive networks with their MBA programs, for example, to which students at state universities generally have less access.
- Online study and online campuses. In contrast to many state universities, the online offerings at private universities are generally much better developed. Im Gegensatz zu vielen staatlichen Hochschulen sind die Onlineangebote an privaten Hochschulen in der Regel deutlich besser ausgebaut.
Study Advice
Questions on the topic? Use our study advice, we are happy to help.
or post as a guest