Germany is increasingly becoming a premier destination for law students worldwide, offering a unique blend of historical prestige, modern legal theory, and, in many cases, zero tuition fees.
However, the German legal education system is distinct. While most international students target Master of Laws (LL.M.) programs taught in English, those aiming to practice as lawyers in Germany must navigate the rigorous “Staatsexamen” path.
Top German Law Schools for International Students (2026 Rankings)
Based on the latest data from Times Higher Education and QS World University Rankings, these institutions lead the field in research, international outlook, and employability.
| University | Global Law Rank (2026) | Notable Specializations | Tuition (Non-EU) |
| LMU Munich | #21 | International Law, IP, Business Law | Free* |
| Humboldt University of Berlin | #31 | European Law, Dispute Resolution | Free* |
| Heidelberg University | #40 | Corporate Law, Human Rights | ~€1,500/sem |
| Bucerius Law School | Elite (Private) | Business Law, Legal Tech | Paid (€€) |
| Goethe University Frankfurt | Top 100 | Finance & Banking Law, ILF | Free* |
*Public universities generally only charge a “Semester Contribution” of €300–€400, which includes a transit pass.
Featured Institutions
1. LMU Munich (Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität)
Ranked as the top law school in Germany for 2026, LMU is located in the heart of Bavaria. It is particularly famous for its research quality.
- Best for: Students seeking a traditional, highly prestigious academic environment.
- International Appeal: Offers specialized English-taught LL.M. programs for foreign lawyers.
2. Bucerius Law School (Hamburg)
Bucerius is Germany’s first private law school and is often called the “Ivy League of German Law.”
- Best for: Corporate-minded students. Their Master of Law and Business (MLB) program is world-renowned.
- International Appeal: The campus is highly international, and the school maintains strong ties with top-tier global law firms.
3. Heidelberg University
As Germany’s oldest university, its law faculty is a powerhouse for International Law, supported by the proximity of the Max Planck Institute for Comparative Public Law.
- Best for: International Public Law and Human Rights.
- International Appeal: It offers a unique LL.M. program in International Law with a semester option in Santiago, Chile.
Understanding the Two Academic Paths
International students must choose between two very different tracks:
Path A: The LL.M. (Master of Laws)
This is the most popular route for international students.
- Duration: 1 year (2 semesters).
- Language: Many are offered entirely in English.
- Goal: To specialize in a specific field (e.g., Intellectual Property, European Law) to work in international organizations or global corporations.
- Limitation: This degree alone does not allow you to practice as a judge or attorney in Germany.
Path B: The Staatsexamen (State Examination)
To become a “Rechtsanwalt” (Attorney) in Germany, you must follow this path.
- Duration: 5–7 years.
- Language: Exclusively German (C1/C2 level required).
- Goal: Practice law within the German judicial system.
Admission Requirements for 2026
To apply for an LL.M. in Germany, you generally need:
- A First Law Degree: A Bachelor of Laws (LLB) or equivalent from your home country.
- Language Proficiency: * English: IELTS 6.5–7.0 or TOEFL 90+.
- German: If the program is in German, you need DSH-2 or TestDaF 4×4.
- Proof of Funds: For 2026, the German government requires international students to have approximately €11,900 in a blocked account (Sperrkonto) to cover yearly living expenses.
Why Study Law in Germany?
- Multilateral Hub: Germany is home to more than 20 international courts and tribunals, including the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (Hamburg).
- Career Opportunities: Germany’s economy is the largest in Europe, creating high demand for “Compliance Officers” and “International Legal Consultants.”
- Affordability: Compared to the US or UK, where law degrees can cost $50,000+ per year, German public education is a fraction of the cost.