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26 Best Public Languages & Linguistics Universities in Germany

Of the 26 Public Languages & Linguistics universities in Germany, Heidelberg University ranks highest at #80 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Humboldt University of Berlin (QS World #130) and Universität Hamburg (QS World #193) complete the top three. The universities on this list offer 96 matching courses between them.

26 universities · ranked best first

how we rank

How these universities are ranked

13 of these universities hold a QS World position, from #80 (Heidelberg University) to #526 (Friedrich-Schiller Universität Jena); they are listed first, in that order. Below them, universities follow their research output: Heidelberg University is cited most (44,319,490 citations).

Public, private and where they are

26 are public and 0 private (100% public). By location, Baden-Württemberg (1) and Berlin (1) account for the most of those we can place. The oldest is Heidelberg University, founded in 1386. Humboldt University of Berlin is the largest, with 35,000 students.

What the courses look like

By level: 54 bachelor's and 42 master's. The usual length is 4 years and 1–2 years. 100% are full-time. Start dates lean to Fall (61% of courses with a stated intake) and Spring (61% of courses with a stated intake). Heidelberg University offers the widest choice, with 19 of these courses.

What it costs

We hold indicative fees for 2 of these universities. Humboldt University of Berlin is the least expensive at USD 600 a year and Heidelberg University the most at USD 3,000; the middle of the range is about USD 3,000. Check each university's own fee page before you budget — figures change every year.

Frequently asked questions

What are the top universities for Public Languages & Linguistics in Germany?

Heidelberg University (QS World #80), Humboldt University of Berlin (QS World #130) and Universität Hamburg (QS World #193) lead this list. QS World positions come first; the rest are ranked by research impact.

Which is the cheapest university for Public Languages & Linguistics in Germany?

Of those with published fees, Humboldt University of Berlin is the least expensive at about USD 600 a year. Fees are indicative — confirm on the university's site.

How many public universities offer Public Languages & Linguistics in Germany?

26 public and 0 private universities are on this list.

How long does a Public Languages & Linguistics course take in Germany?

Most listed courses run 4 years, with 1–2 years the next most common.

When do Public Languages & Linguistics courses start in Germany?

Fall is the main intake — 61% of courses with a stated start date begin then, and Spring is the second.

Which university has the most Public Languages & Linguistics courses in Germany?

Heidelberg University, with 19, ahead of Universität Erfurt (11).

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