The short answer
For English-taught, career-focused study, the universities you can apply to through Craydel include SRH University, the University of Europe for Applied Sciences, IU International, Constructor University, Macromedia, EU Business School, Gisma, BSBI, CBS and EBS — across Berlin, Munich, Cologne and beyond. Choose by field and city; Germany's world-ranked names are public and German-taught.
“Best” means something different in Germany than a ranking table. The globally ranked names (TU Munich, LMU, Heidelberg) are public, mostly German-taught, and applied to directly. For an African student who wants to study in English with support, the right question is which universities offer strong programmes in your field, in a city you can afford — and that’s what this guide covers, using the English-taught universities you can apply to through Craydel.
Which universities can you apply to in English?
Through Craydel you can apply to more than 20 English-taught universities across Germany. Here are the ones with the widest English-taught course choice, by city.
| University | City | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| SRH University | Berlin | Business, IT, design, health management |
| University of Europe for Applied Sciences | Berlin / Hamburg | Business, tech, creative & media |
| IU International University of Applied Sciences | Cologne / online | Business, data, IT — flexible study |
| Constructor University | Bremen | Science, engineering, data (campus-based) |
| Macromedia University | Munich / Berlin | Media, design, management |
| EU Business School | Munich | Business & management, MBA |
| Gisma University of Applied Sciences | Berlin / Potsdam | Business, data science, project management |
| Berlin School of Business & Innovation (BSBI) | Berlin | Business, tourism, MBA |
| CBS International Business School | Cologne | Business, finance, management |
| EBS Universität | Wiesbaden | Business, law, finance |
English-taught universities in Craydel’s data, with the fields they offer most. Course counts and fees are in our cost and cheapest guides.
An honest word on rankings. The universities above are private / applied-sciences institutions — they’re built for career-focused, English-taught study, not global research-ranking prestige. Germany’s world-ranked universities are public, but they teach mainly in German and you apply to them directly (see our study-for-free guide). Pick on programme fit, city and cost rather than a ranking number.
Choose by field, not by ranking
Match the university to what you want to study. The English-taught universities you can apply to are strongest in:
Management & MBA
EU Business School, CBS, EBS, BSBI, Gisma — plus business at almost every university.
Computer science, IT, AI
IU, SRH, Constructor, University of Europe — strong computing and data programmes.
Design & media
Macromedia, University of Europe, SRH — design, film and communication.
Online / hybrid study
IU offers flexible and online-friendly formats alongside campus study.
Not sure which German university fits you?
A Craydel counsellor will shortlist English-taught universities by your field, budget and grades — and flag the scholarships you qualify for — at no cost to you.
Which city?
City matters as much as university — for cost and lifestyle. Berlin has the most choice but the highest living costs; Munich and Cologne are mid-range; smaller cities like Leipzig and Bremen are the most affordable. See our accommodation and living-costs guide.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best universities in Germany for international students?
For English-taught, career-focused study you can apply to through Craydel, strong options include SRH University, the University of Europe for Applied Sciences, IU International, Constructor University, Macromedia, EU Business School, Gisma, BSBI, CBS and EBS — chosen by field and city rather than a global ranking.
Why aren’t TU Munich or Heidelberg on the list?
Those are public, mostly German-taught universities you apply to directly, not through an agent. Craydel places students into English-taught private and applied-sciences universities, which are built for international, career-focused study. If you have strong German, a public university is well worth pursuing directly.
How do I choose a German university?
Start with your field, then the city’s living cost and your chances of an offer — not a ranking number. The English-taught universities here are strongest in business, IT/data, and creative/media. A counsellor can shortlist the best fit for your grades and budget.
Do these universities teach in English?
Yes — every university you can apply to through Craydel teaches in English, so you don’t need a German-language qualification to enrol. See our English-taught programmes guide.
Sources
- Craydel course, campus and admissions data (2026) — English-taught universities, cities, fields and course counts.
- DAAD — International Programmes in Germany (English-taught degrees). daad.de
Want this built around your grades and budget?
A Craydel counsellor will shortlist Germany universities that fit what you can actually afford — free.