City Guide: Best German Cities for International Students

Choosing the right city to study in Germany can make a big difference in your academic, social, and personal experience. Each city offers something unique—from vibrant student life and cultural diversity to affordability and job opportunities.

In this city guide, Naaz Study Abroad compares five top German cities—Berlin, Munich, Heidelberg, Aachen, and Stuttgart—based on living expenses, student life, part-time work opportunities, and safety, helping you decide where to start your educational journey.

Germany’s capital is known for its international vibe, creative energy, and world-class universities like Humboldt University and TU Berlin.

• Living Expenses: Moderate (€850–€1,200/month)
• Student Life: Lively arts, music, and culture scene; large expat community
• Work Opportunities: Abundant part-time jobs, internships, and startup exposure
• Safety: Generally safe, especially in student-friendly areas

Naaz Tip: Berlin is ideal for students in creative, tech, and business fields seeking a multicultural experience.

Home to TU Munich and major corporations like BMW and Siemens, Munich is great for engineering, research, and innovation.

• Living Expenses: High (€1,200–€1,500/month)
• Student Life: Polished, organized, and academically rigo
• Work Opportunities: Excellent internship and job prospects in tech and business
• Safety: Very safe, clean, and student-friendly

Naaz Tip:Choose Munich if you want to combine top-tier academics with excellent job placement options, especially in STEM.

A historic university town, Heidelberg is home to Germany’s oldest university and offers a peaceful environment for focused study.

• Living Expenses: Moderate (€850–€1,100/month)
• Student Life: Cozy, intellectual, and close-knit community
• Work Opportunities: Limited but available in hospitality and education
• Safety: Extremely safe and welcoming

Naaz Tip:Heidelberg is perfect for students in humanities, social sciences, and research-based programs.

Known for RWTH Aachen University, one of Europe’s top engineering institutions, Aachen is a student-centric town with a technical focus.

• Living Expenses: Affordable (€800–€1,000/month)
• Student Life: Campus-driven, tech-oriented, and supportive
• Work Opportunities: Strong ties with industries and research centers
• Safety: Very safe and calm

Naaz Tip:Aachen is a great pick for students pursuing mechanical, civil, or IT engineering who prefer a focused academic setting.

Stuttgart combines strong academic programs with being home to global companies like Mercedes-Benz and Porsche.

• Living Expenses: Slightly high (€1,000–€1,300/month)
• Student Life: Balanced city life with strong career networks
• Work Opportunities: Excellent for internships in automotive and manufacturing
• Safety: Safe, with a good quality of life

Naaz Tip:Stuttgart is ideal for students aiming for careers in automotive, mechanical, and industrial engineering.

City	Living Cost	Best For	Job Prospects
Berlin	Moderate	Tech, arts, business	High in startups/tech
Munich	High	Engineering, business, finance	Excellent
Heidelberg	Moderate	Humanities, research	Limited
Aachen	Affordable	Engineering, science	Strong in tech
Stuttgart	Slightly High	Automotive, mechanical	Excellent

At Naaz Study Abroad, we help students not only select the right course and university—but also the right city to match their lifestyle, career goals, and budget.