Studying in Frankfurt and receiving a degree from a university in Frankfurt is a long-term investment in your career and personal development. Besides offering well-recognized, world-class degrees, universities in Frankfurt open the doors to many networking opportunities with people from all walks of life and give direct access to job openings in some of the biggest organizations in the world.
Frankfurt is home to nearly 100,000 students studying undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the city's eight higher education institutions, some of which are top in specific fields such as the finance sector, arts, and applied sciences. One of the good things about attending a university in Frankfurt is that the employability odds after university are high, and you are more likely to get a job in your desired field.
Reasons to study in Frankfurt
If you are trying to decide where to study in Germany, here are some good reasons why Frankfurt should be at the top of your list. First and foremost, you will be joining a large population of international students, which will make the adjustment to the new city smoother as you will meet other students who go through the same concerns and challenges and will be able to understand and support you. Secondly, Frankfurt offers all degree levels (i.e., Bachelor, Master, Ph.D., graduate diploma) in a wide range of disciplines (e.g., business, finance, natural sciences, engineering, humanities, arts, social sciences, etc.). It's important, however, to know that not all degrees are taught in English, which can be a determining factor in your decision. Once you begin your studies, Frankfurt offers many job and internship opportunities at big organizations, such as the European Central Bank, Deutsche Bank, Deloitte, and Ernst & Young, to name a few. The city is a business and financial center, and students can make the most of this characteristic to gain experience and start developing a professional network in Frankfurt.
Frankfurt's top universities
The universities mentioned below are not the only higher education institutions in Frankfurt; they are all well-recognized and sought after by many international and German students.
Goethe University Frankfurt
Goethe University has 16 faculties, including law, economics and business, psychology and sports sciences, theology, biological sciences, and medicine. The university dates back to 1914, and today, it counts over 48,000 students — of which about 7,600 are international — spread across its five campuses (i.e., Westend, Riedberg, Niederrad, Bockenheim, Ginnheim) in Frankfurt. The university has a long research tradition, and scholars collaborate with international partners aiming to find sustainable answers to global challenges concerning equity, health, international relations, and more.
University of Applied Sciences Frankfurt
The University of Applied Sciences has four faculties (i.e., architecture and civil engineering, computer science and engineering, business and law, and social work and health), offering studies in 70 cross-disciplinary degrees. The studies at the University of Applied Sciences are hands-on, meaning that students engage with real-life problems such as climate change and renewable energies in order to give innovative solutions. Besides Bachelor's and Master's programs, the university has many research centers for doctorate studies and collaborates with businesses and non-profit organizations on the basis of knowledge exchange.
The University of Music and Performing Arts
The University of Music and Performing Arts is located in the center of Frankfurt and hosts about 1000 students from countries all around the world. As its name suggests, the university offers expertise in music, theatre, and dance. With a special focus on contemporary art, the university's teaching method is a combination of theory and practice. Also, the university fosters a dynamic research environment, encouraging collaboration and correspondence between science and art.
Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
Frankfurt School is a private university that has a second campus in Hamburg, a study center in Munich, and offices in Nairobi, Kenya, and Amman, Jordan. The university is relatively new (it was established in 1957 as the Banking Academy), and it has been awarding PhDs since 2004. In 2007, it changed from the Banking Academy to the Frankfurt School, and the university's campus is very new — its construction finished in 2017. The university is very job market-oriented, and students are given all the necessary tools during their studies to become competitive candidates in the international labor market.
Good to know:
Most universities offer German language courses for free or at a very low price and have career advisors to help you with career decisions and job search.
Entry requirements in Frankfurt universities
Each university has different entry requirements depending on the demand, level, and subject of the degree. Nevertheless, there are some standard requirements that most international students will have to meet if they wish to study in Germany. First and foremost, for studies at the Bachelor level, you will need a school-leaving certificate that is recognized in Germany — if not, you will have to complete a foundational year in Germany. Regarding language requirements, for degree programs taught in the German language, you should be able to provide proof of German language proficiency (i.e., Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang or TestDaF); for courses taught in English, non-native English speakers will need an IELTS or TOEFL certificate with a minimum score, which will be determined by the university.
Important:
If you need to apply for a student visa to enter Germany for studies, you may be asked to provide additional documents to those required by the university. In addition, you may have to attend an interview at the embassy before a decision is made regarding your visa application.
Scholarships in Frankfurt
The biggest expenses you are expected to have as an international student are your accommodation in Frankfurt, food, health insurance (whether it is public or private, it is mandatory), and traveling within the city, nationally, and internationally. Most universities in Germany offer tuition-free studies, while some higher education institutions apply tuition fees for students outside of the EU. Other expenses you will have include administrative fees for enrollment in each semester, using the university's facilities (e.g., sports facilities, dining halls), and taking the university bus line. These expenses can be covered by scholarships and alleviate a big burden on your student life. The federal government awards a monthly allowance to Bachelor's and Master's degree students, but the recipients of this scholarship are selected by each university. Non-profit organizations also give grants, but the criteria are very strict and usually include excellent grades and good knowledge of the German language.
Good to know:
Different scholarships apply for German, non-European, and European students, as well as students from emerging and developing economies.
Living in Frankfurt
Frankfurt is one of the world's smallest metropolises but, despite its relatively small size, is a significant financial and cultural hub. Hence, students from all over the world arrive in Frankfurt to gain knowledge and professional experience while living in a diverse and pleasant environment. Besides the many tourist attractions, museums, and world-class annual events such as Frankfurt's Book Fair and the Frankfurt Gay Pride, the city is surrounded by nature (i.e., gardens, parks, hiking routes) as it is also home to the very impressive Stadtwald (i.e., city forest). Life in Frankfurt will never be dull, given there are so many leisure activities for all lifestyles. If you also wish to visit your home country often or explore the rest of Europe, Frankfurt has one of the busiest and largest airports in the world.
Good to know:
When doing your research for universities in Frankfurt, be mindful of Frankfurt (Oder), which is a small city in eastern Germany with its own university and a very affordable cost of living.
Student housing in Frankfurt
Every student's biggest challenge when moving to a new city is finding a place to stay that will be affordable but at the same time located in a safe area. As a student, your largest monthly expense will be your rent, so it is worth doing thorough research before deciding where you will be spending such a significant sum of money for the next months. Of course, living in the city center is appealing; however, rents in the heart of Frankfurt are very expensive and not within most students' budgets. In our Frankfurt neighborhood guide, you can explore your options, but in order to save money, you should also consider sharing a place with other students, which is the most common practice to reduce monthly expenses and have a social and vibrant student life. Student halls and dormitories are also a good solution, but you should apply for a place there in advance, and priority is usually given to undergraduate students or students who arrive from outside of Europe.
Good to know:
When calculating your monthly housing expenses, add the utility bills (i.e., heating, gas, electricity, rubbish collection) if your renting contact is ‘Kalt'. ‘Warm' contracts include these living expenses.
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