TopUniGermany

18 Best Biology PhD Universities in Germany

The best German universities offering PhD Biology, ranked by our transparent composite score — no paid placement.

18 universities · ranked best first

how we rank
1
FR University of Freiburg logo

University of Freiburg

Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden-Württemberg · Public University

DE #9 QS World #179 Star rating 5 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
€3,000/yr
Founded
1457
2
University of Tübingen logo

University of Tübingen

Tübingen, Baden-Württemberg · Public University

DE #10 QS World #191 Star rating 5 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
€3,000/yr
Founded
1477
3
BO University of Bonn logo

University of Bonn

Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia · Public University

DE #14 QS World #239 Star rating 5 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
No tuition fees
Founded
1818
4
University of Münster logo

University of Münster

Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia · Public University

DE #19 QS World #379 Star rating 4 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
No tuition fees
Founded
1780
6
UJ Friedrich Schiller University Jena logo

Friedrich Schiller University Jena

Jena, Thuringia · Public University

DE #24 QS World #471 Star rating 4 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
No tuition fees
Founded
1558
7
KO University of Konstanz logo

University of Konstanz

Konstanz, Baden-Württemberg · Public University

DE #29 QS World #511 Star rating 4 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
€3,000/yr
Founded
1966
8
JG Justus Liebig University Giessen logo

Justus Liebig University Giessen

Gießen, Hesse · Public University

DE #40 QS World #701 Star rating 4 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
No tuition fees
Founded
1607
11
HM Hannover Medical School logo

Hannover Medical School

Hannover, Lower Saxony · Public University

DE #142 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
No tuition fees
Founded
1961

Frequently asked questions

Which are the best universities in Germany for PhD Biology?

Based on our composite ranking, the top choices include University of Freiburg, University of Tübingen, University of Bonn. See the full ranked list above with QS positions, tuition fees and entry requirements.

How much does a PhD in Biology cost in Germany?

Tuition varies by university and is indicative on each profile — public universities charge no tuition fees in most states (only a semester contribution of roughly €150–€400), while private universities and some Baden-Württemberg programmes do charge. Scholarships can reduce costs significantly.

Can international students study Biology in Germany?

Yes. Germany has over 2,000 English-taught programmes open to international students, who apply for a national student visa (Visa D) at the German mission after receiving their letter of admission.

How are these universities ranked?

We use a transparent composite score combining QS World positions, our editorial star rating, academic breadth, internationalisation and student support — never paid placement. See our ranking methodology for the exact weights.

Studying Biology at PhD level in Germany

Germany is the world’s leading destination for Biology at PhD level, with accredited programs taught in English at public flagships, private research universities and specialist institutes. The universities above are ordered by our composite ranking score, which combines QS World positions, our editorial star rating, academic breadth, internationalisation and student support — with no paid placement.

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