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16 Best Public Master's Languages & Linguistics Universities in Germany

Heidelberg University leads the 16 Public Master's Languages & Linguistics universities in Germany at #80 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Next come Humboldt University of Berlin (QS World #130) and Universität Hamburg (QS World #193). Across the whole list there are 42 courses to choose from.

16 universities · ranked best first

how we rank
1Best overall
HE Heidelberg University logo
QS World #80 #5 in Germany Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Heidelberg University

Public University · 7 courses in Master's Languages & Linguistics

All 7 courses →
EUR 2,500 – EUR 3,000/yrTuition (indicative)
1386Founded
29,000Students
6,000International
Admissions open
#80 QS World University Rankings 2026
#5 in Germany
9Ranked
HU Heinrich-Heine Universität Düsseldorf logo
#41 in Germany Germany

Heinrich-Heine Universität Düsseldorf

Public University · 4 courses in Master's Languages & Linguistics

Tuition (indicative)
Founded
Students
International
Admissions open
#41 in Germany · by research impact
10,778,489 citations · h-index 875
10Ranked
UL Universität Leipzig logo
#46 in Germany Germany
#46 in Germany · by research impact
6,507,080 citations · h-index 701
15Ranked
UH Universität Hildesheim logo
#99 in Germany Germany

Universität Hildesheim

Public University · 3 courses in Master's Languages & Linguistics

Tuition (indicative)
Founded
Students
International
Admissions open
#99 in Germany · by research impact
145,672 citations · h-index 129

Languages & Linguistics at other levels

How these universities are ranked

7 of these universities hold a QS World position, from #80 (Heidelberg University) to #272 (Universität Köln); they are listed first, in that order. The rest are ordered by research impact. Heidelberg University has the largest research record in this group, with 44,319,490 citations and an h-index of 1,646.

Public, private and where they are

The split is 16 public to 0 private institutions. 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.

Inside the course list

The usual length is 1–2 years and null. 100% are full-time. Start dates lean to Fall (55% of courses with a stated intake) and Spring (55% of courses with a stated intake). Heidelberg University offers the widest choice, with 7 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 Master's 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 Master's 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 Master's Languages & Linguistics in Germany?

16 public and 0 private universities are on this list.

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

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

When do Public Master's Languages & Linguistics courses start in Germany?

Fall is the main intake — 55% of courses with a stated start date begin then, and Spring is the second.

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

Heidelberg University, with 7, ahead of Universität Leipzig (5).

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