TopUniGermany

10 Best Computer Science PhD Universities in Germany

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

10 universities · ranked best first

how we rank
1
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
2
UH University of Hamburg logo

University of Hamburg

Hamburg · Public University

DE #11 QS World #191 Star rating 5 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
No tuition fees
Founded
1919
3
University of Göttingen logo

University of Göttingen

Göttingen, Lower Saxony · Public University

DE #12 QS World #201 Star rating 5 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
No tuition fees
Founded
1737
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
5
LE Leipzig University logo

Leipzig University

Leipzig, Saxony · Public University

DE #27 QS World #501 Star rating 4 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
No tuition fees
Founded
1409
6
SA Saarland University logo

Saarland University

Saarbrücken, Saarland · Public University

DE #31 QS World #601 Star rating 4 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
No tuition fees
Founded
1948
7
PO University of Potsdam logo

University of Potsdam

Potsdam, Brandenburg · Public University

DE #32 QS World #601 Star rating 4 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
No tuition fees
Founded
1991
8
RP RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau logo

RPTU University Kaiserslautern-Landau

Kaiserslautern, Rhineland-Palatinate · Public University

DE #78 Star rating 4 Admissions open
Tuition (indicative)
No tuition fees
Founded
2023

Frequently asked questions

Which are the best universities in Germany for PhD Computer Science?

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

How much does a PhD in Computer Science 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 Computer Science 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 Computer Science at PhD level in Germany

Germany is the world’s leading destination for Computer Science 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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