Germany is widely known for its strong educational system, and its colleges and universities have a strong reputation for offering exceptional programs in journalism and media.
Five universities stand out for their academic excellence and industry relevance in media studies, journalism, and communication among the many academic institutions that offer these programs. These top universities are shaping the future of media professionals in Germany.
In this blog post, we will delve deeper into Germany’s top 5 universities for media and journalism, exploring their unique strengths, programs, and opportunities.
Whether you are a student or a professional looking to advance your career in media, these institutions offer world-class education and training and access to cutting-edge research and industry partnerships.
So, let’s look at these influential organizations and what they provide the next generation of media professionals.
Top 5 Universities for Journalism in Germany
1. Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
Ludwig Maximilian University is a top research university in Germany. They have a Department of Communication Studies and Media Research that has been around since 1472 and is very well-known worldwide.
The university is ranked 32nd globally by Times Higher Education and 63rd in the QS Global World Rankings 2023.
They have over 51,000 students studying German or English across 18 faculties. The good news is that tuition is free! However, you may have to pay a tuition fee if your workload is less than 5 hours per week.
The cost of housing varies depending on whether you stay in university accommodation or private housing, with prices ranging from 270 to 650 euros per month.
Courses offered at the university:
There are around 18 courses which include:
- Catholic Theology
- Protestant Theology
- Law
- Business Administration – Munich School of Management
- Economics
- Medicine
- Veterinary Medicine
- History and the Arts
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Science and the Study of Religion
- Psychology and Educational Sciences
- Study of Culture
- Languages and Literature
- Social Sciences
- Mathematics, Computer Science and Statistics
- Physics
- Chemistry and Pharmacy
- Biology
- Geosciences
Cost of Living:
| CATEGORY | EXPENSIVE CITY [IN EURO] | AVERAGE [IN EURO] | SMALL TOWN [IN EURO] | COMMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | 500 | 375 | 200 | Depending on the location |
| Semester Fees | 350 | 200 | 110 | Per semester |
| Transportation | 0 | 0 | 0 | The cost of transportation is already included in the semester fees. |
| Public Insurance | 110 | 110 | 110 | Insurance does not depend on cities. |
| Private Insurance | 35 | 35 | 35 | you can choose either public or private insurance. |
| Radio Bill | 18.36 | 18.36 | 18.36 | Per month |
| Mobile | 20 | 15 | 8 | Mobile bill does not depend on cities. Usually it cost 8-20 euro per month |
| Groceries | 220 | 200 | 160 | Depending on your choice |
| Miscellaneous | 200 | 150 | 100 | Depending on your choice |
| Total [with Public Insurance] | 1,418 | 1,068.36 | 706.36 | Per month |
| Total [with Private Insurance] | 1,343 | 993.63 | 631.36 | Per month |
2. University of Hamburg
The University of Hamburg is a big college in northern Germany with lots of students. Just like other public universities in Germany, they don’t make students pay for tuition.
For international students who take a break from studying, they only need to pay a small fee of around 328 EUR, which can be reduced to 278 EUR if they keep taking breaks.
The University of Hamburg is well-known for its media and journalism studies programs, which teach students about things like how media works, how to be ethical in journalism, and how to analyze media. They also help students get real-world experience by offering internships and working with media companies.
Overall, the University of Hamburg is a great place for students who want to learn about media and journalism, and they make sure students get hands-on practice to help them be successful.
Courses offered by the University of Hamburg
There are 8 faculties and 27 departments in the university:-
Cost of living:
| CATEGORY | EXPENSIVE CITY [IN EURO] | AVERAGE [IN EURO] | SMALL TOWN [IN EURO] | COMMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | 500 | 375 | 200 | Depending on the location |
| Semester Fees | 350 | 200 | 110 | Per semester |
| Transportation | 0 | 0 | 0 | The cost of transportation is already included in the semester fees. |
| Public Insurance | 110 | 110 | 110 | Insurance does not depend on cities. |
| Private Insurance | 35 | 35 | 35 | you can choose either public or private insurance. |
| Radio Bill | 18.36 | 18.36 | 18.36 | Per month |
| Mobile | 20 | 15 | 8 | Mobile bill does not depend on cities. Usually it cost 8-20 euro per month |
| Groceries | 220 | 200 | 160 | Depending on your choice |
| Miscellaneous | 200 | 150 | 100 | Depending on your choice |
| Total [with Public Insurance] | 1,418 | 1,068.36 | 706.36 | Per month |
| Total [with Private Insurance] | 1,343 | 993.63 | 631.36 | Per month |
3. Technical University Berlin
Did you know that Technical University of Berlin is one of the top technical and research universities in Germany?
It was founded in 1879 and has a diverse student body, with around 28% of students coming from different countries.
The university offers lots of internship opportunities and career training programs to help students get great jobs in Germany.
Graduates of TU Berlin can earn an average annual salary of 52,000 EUR (around 46.42 lakhs INR), which is pretty impressive!
Popular courses for International Students:
- Aeronautics and Astronautics (M.Sc.)
- Biomedical Engineering (M.Sc.)
- Building Energy Engineering (M.Sc.)
- Civil Engineering (M.Sc.)
- Chemical Engineering (M.Sc.)
Cost of Living:
At TU Berlin, students are not required to pay any tuition fees, except for a few master’s programs which cost around 3000-5000EUR. However, they need to pay semester fees, which vary depending on the program and are typically around 304 EUR. In addition to this, the cost of living in Berlin, including housing, meals, leisure activities, books, internet, and transportation, amounts to approximately 830 EUR per month.
4. Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz
Johannes Gutenberg University (JGU) is a public university located in Germany. The university is known for its diverse culture and has more than 31,000 students from 120 different countries.
JGU is one of the best research-focused universities in Germany and is part of a network called German U15, which welcomes international students on its campus.
The university does not charge an application fee or tuition fee for its courses, but international students have to pay an international recognition fee and additional costs for studying in Germany.
JGU is ranked #123 in Europe and #345 in the World for Media Studies. International students are not required to pay tuition fees, but they have to manage their living expenses while studying in Germany. The average salary at JGU is 45,000 EUR.
Popular courses for international students:
- Executive M.B.A (2 years)
- Masters of Science Management (2 years)
- Masters of Education in Computer Science (2 years)
- M.sc in Applied Bioinformatics( 2 years)
- M.A in Philosophy/Ethics (2 years)
Cost of living:
| CATEGORY | EXPENSIVE CITY [IN EURO] | AVERAGE [IN EURO] | SMALL TOWN [IN EURO] | COMMENTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | 500 | 375 | 200 | Depending on the location |
| Semester Fees | 350 | 200 | 110 | Per semester |
| Transportation | 0 | 0 | 0 | The cost of transportation is already included in the semester fees. |
| Public Insurance | 110 | 110 | 110 | Insurance does not depend on cities. |
| Private Insurance | 35 | 35 | 35 | you can choose either public or private insurance. |
| Radio Bill | 18.36 | 18.36 | 18.36 | Per month |
| Mobile | 20 | 15 | 8 | Mobile bill does not depend on cities. Usually it cost 8-20 euro per month |
| Groceries | 220 | 200 | 160 | Depending on your choice |
| Miscellaneous | 200 | 150 | 100 | Depending on your choice |
| Total [with Public Insurance] | 1,418 | 1,068.36 | 706.36 | Per month |
| Total [with Private Insurance] | 1,343 | 993.63 | 631.36 | Per month |
5. University of Leipzig
The University of Leipzig, founded way back in 1409, is one of Germany’s oldest and most prestigious universities. It has a student population of around 30,000, with over 7,000 applications every year.
If you’re an international student, the good news is that you don’t need to worry about tuition fees – all you’ll need to pay is a semester charge of €193.5, which includes public transportation expenses.
To live and study in Germany, you’ll need between €850 and €1300 per month. The University of Leipzig is a top-ranking institution, known for its excellence in media studies.
If you’re an international student, the university offers a range of tailored services to help you settle in, including cultural training workshops, seminars on applying for German jobs, and lectures on the German job market.
Popular Courses for International Students:
- International Energy Economics and Business Administration (M.sc)
- Advanced Spectroscopy in Chemistry (MSc)
- African Studies (M.A)
- Anthropology (M.A)
- Chinese Studies (B.A)
- European Private Law (LLM)
- British Studies (BA)
Cost of Living:
The University charges 3125 Euros per semester for tuition fees, and the overall cost of living is estimated to be around 900 Euros per month.
If you’re looking to build a career in media and journalism, Germany has some great universities to offer. These top 5 universities provide students with a well-rounded education, practical experiences, and excellent industry connections to help them succeed in the ever-changing media industry. You can choose the university that suits your interests and embark on an exciting educational journey towards a bright future in media and journalism in Germany.
FAQs
Are there English-taught Media and Journalism programs in Germany?
Several universities offer Media and Journalism programs taught in English, particularly at the Master’s level. You can find these programs by looking for universities with international programs on their websites or by consulting resources like “MyGermanUniversity” and “Mastersportal”.
Do I need to speak German to study Media and Journalism in Germany?
While German proficiency isn’t always required for English-taught programs, it can certainly enhance your experience and provide more opportunities beyond the classroom. Consider taking language courses before or during your studies.
What are the tuition fees for Media and Journalism programs in Germany?
In Germany, public universities usually don’t charge tuition fees or have very low fees for students from EU/EEA countries. However, international students may have to pay higher fees. Private universities, on the other hand, generally charge tuition fees for all students. It’s important to research specific programs to get accurate information on fees.
What are the job prospects for Media and Journalism graduates in Germany?
The media industry in Germany is constantly evolving and provides a wide range of career options. Graduates with a strong degree and language proficiency can explore opportunities in areas such as journalism, public relations, marketing, communication, content creation, and beyond. The availability of specific job opportunities will depend on your area of specialization and the efforts you make as an individual.
How can I apply to universities for Media and Journalism in Germany?
University and program application procedures vary. Typically, you’ll need to submit transcripts, application forms, letters of recommendation, and sometimes entrance exams. Be sure to research and start early as deadlines can be tight.
