Best Fields to Study in Germany

Best Fields to Study in Germany

With nearly 400 universities catering to over 2.7 million students, 300,000 of whom are international, Germany clearly has a lot to offer in the world of academia. With excellence in all fields at all academic and degree levels, the country has been witnessing a consistent uptick in international interest and global ranking.

But for students looking to study in the country, what are the best areas of focus to pursue? It turns out, science programs - of all varieties - are not only popular in the country, but also produce some of the brightest minds in their respective fields. Here are three of the best areas of study in Germany:

1. Physics

The number-one field of study in Germany is physics. With 5 universities ranked in the top 50 and 35 ranked in the top 400 universities for physics, Germany boasts an array of options for students serious about taking significant strides in the industry. In fact, many graduates of German universities are making world-changing discoveries in the industry.

Did you know that 101 Germans have won the Nobel Peace Prize and, of those, 32 received the award for their developments in physics? Famous German-trained physicists include Wilhelm Roentgen, known for discovering the X-ray, and Max Planck, a renowned pioneer of quantum physics. Boasting some of the best research centers in the world, Germany is a premier destination for those studying physics.

Students interested in physics in Germany should research universities like Leibniz University of Hannover and Clausthal University of Technology.

2. Chemistry

Continuing with the trend of science, Chemistry ranks second in terms of best fields to study in Germany. With 7 universities in the world’s top 100 chemistry programs being in the country, it’s no wonder the field is so popular with students, both international and domestic.

Prominent Chemistry-driven discoveries have been made in Germany, many of which you likely use or have encountered before. Among them are Aspirin and Morphine. Additionally, German-trained chemists are just barely outranked by physicists: they have won 30 Nobel Prizes overall, most recently in 2014.

Students interested in chemistry in Germany should research universities like the Technical University of Braunschweig and Hamburg University of Applied Sciences.

3. Engineering

Rounding out the list of top fields of study in Germany is a final area within the realm of science: engineering. Germany is home to 7 universities within the world’s top 100 schools for engineering, including Munich’s Technical University at 26th place. The country is at the forefront of innovation in all forms of engineering, with some of its most prominent advancements in the realms of mechanical and civil.

Germany has a long history of engineering feats, which in many ways lent to the country’s rising to power during both world wars. While they might have been used to assist what many classify as the wrong side of history, the developments, discoveries, and advancements are impressive, nonetheless. Germany's engineering prowess is represented by groundbreaking inventions from the radio-controlled watch to the automobile.

Students interested in engineering in Germany should research universities like Ilmenau University of Technology and the Technical University of Berlin.