Last Updated on August 21, 2025
Germany is rapidly emerging as one of the prime choices of law students, owing to its growing portfolio of English-taught study in particular, has high-quality low cost higher education, and rich legal history. Whether an undergraduate law degree or a specialized LLM, students are considering law in Germany due to its world-renowned quality of teaching, leading world-recognized universities and ties with European legal communities.
Which law schools are the best to study law in germany in 2026? The following are just some of the leading law schools with an international reputation of advanced learning in the field of law, with top rankings, superior quality course study and an excellent post-study career:
Best Schools to study law in Germany
- Heidelberg University : It has the oldest and most highly ranked law faculty in Germany.
- LMU Munich : Curriculum that specializes in research that dwells more on EU law.
- Humboldt-University of Berlin: Operating within a variety of international treaties, Humboldt-University of Berlin is one of the prestigious law institutions
- University of Freiburg : Robust heritage constitutional-law and jurisprudence
- Commercial and financial law are famous at the Goethe University Frankfurt.
- University of Cologne: The legally oriented international and interdisciplinary nature of legal education
- Bucerius Law School: the first German non state law school that has a global name
- Excellence in government and public law university of Bonn
- University of Munster : Vacancy cross-bridging, orientation practice-oriented law studies
Heidelberg University
The factors that make Heidelberg one of Germany’s top schools to study law in Germany:
- The nation’s oldest law faculty and the one that consistently ranks atop the German university hierarchy
- A distinct focus on Roman, international, and EU law
- Broad legal library resources and long-standing academic publishing tradition
- English-language LLM programs invite students from all over the world.
| University Name | Global Ranking (2026) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| Heidelberg University | #1 in Germany for Law | ~€300 (semester contribution only) |
LMU Munich
Reasons to study law in Germany at LMU Munich:
- World-class faculty and strong European legal studies
- Research-led curriculum with cross-border legal themes
- Excellent ties with Munich’s corporate legal ecosystem
- Offers LLM programs with English options
| University Name | Global Ranking (2026) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| LMU Munich | Top 50 in Law Worldwide | ~€400 (semester contribution only) |
Humboldt University of Berlin
The reasons why to study law in Germany at Humboldt:
- Germany has one of the most reputable law schools
- Firm rule of law theory and constitutional law
- LLM International Dispute Resolution (conducted in English)
- It is situated within the heart of the politics and legislation of Germany
| University Name | Global Ranking (2026) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| Humboldt University of Berlin | Top 75 in Law Worldwide | ~€315 (semester fee only) |
Bucerius Law School
What makes Bucerius so special to study law in Germany:
- The very first global-net partner law school of Germany
- Extremely selective and foreign recruitment
- English LLM in Law and Business
- Headquartered in Hamburg with heavy emphasis on commercial law
| University Name | Global Ranking (2026) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| Bucerius Law School | Top 100 in Law Globally | ~€25,000 (LLM) |
University of Hamburg
What makes Hamburg a top school to study law in Germany:
- Major center for public international and maritime law
- Offers LLM in European and International Law in English
- Research institutes like the Max Planck Institute for Comparative Law
- Vibrant academic and professional legal community
| University Name | Global Ranking (2026) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| University of Hamburg | Top 100 Law School | ~€330 (semester contribution) |
University of Cologne
Reasons to consider studies in law in Germany in Cologne:
- One of Germany’s largest and oldest law faculties
- Focus on interdisciplinary areas: law, economics, IT
- Strong EU integration and Erasmus partnerships
- Numerous internship pathways in public administration
| University Name | Global Ranking (2026) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| University of Cologne | Top 100 in Law Globally | ~€270 per semester |
Goethe University Frankfurt
Highlights of Goethe’s law school when it to comes to studying law in Germany:
- Leading school for commercial, financial, and IP law
- Close ties to European Central Bank and law firms
- Bilingual courses and international exchange options
- Opportunities for internships in Frankfurt’s legal sector
| University Name | Global Ranking (2026) | Average Yearly Tuition Fees |
| Goethe University Frankfurt | Top 100 in Law | ~€370 per semester |
Top Schools to study law in Germany LLM (2026)
Which is the best university to do an LLM in Germany in 2026?
The German law schools that provides best LLM programs are:
- Heidelberg University-Masters of Law in International Law, European Law
- LMU Munich – High-level law studies in English
- Humboldt University of Berlin – LLM in International Dispute Resolution
- University of Hamburg – LLM in European and International Law
- The Bucerius Law School – LLM in Law and Business (English)
The institutions have access to legal internships and research centers that cut across Europe and their legal education is globally competitive.
Law in Germany Career Demand (2026)
Is the legal sector highly sought-after in Germany?
Yes. In particular, legal experts are highly sought after in areas such as EU law, commercial arbitration, and environmental law. Among the principal employers are:
- Law firms and consulting firms operating on the international stage
- State authorities and regulatory bodies
- Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and international bodies
- Legal departments of multinational corporations
Best Law Schools in Europe (Germany Focused)
10 best law schools in Germany for 2026:
| Country | Notable Universities | Highlights |
| Germany | Heidelberg University, LMU Munich, Humboldt Berlin | Affordable education, English LLMs, EU law specialization |
| Germany | University of Freiburg, University of Hamburg | Strong constitutional law, LLM options |
| Germany | Bucerius Law School, Goethe Frankfurt | International outlook, law-business integration |
| Germany | University of Cologne, University of Bonn | Public law expertise, interdisciplinary learning |
| Germany | University of Münster | Large faculty and practical focus |
Best Cities to Study Law in Germany
Here are some of the top student cities for law students in Germany:
- Berlin – Legal think-tanks and international policy hubs
- Munich – Access to top law firms and corporate law opportunities
- Hamburg – Port city with maritime and international law specialization
- Heidelberg – Historic law faculty and vibrant student culture
- Frankfurt – Financial capital with commercial law prominence
Best Undergraduate Degrees for Law in Germany
Bachelor-level law degrees available in Germany:
- LLB (Bachelor of Laws)
- BA in Legal Studies (Rechtwissenschaften)
- BA in European and International Law
- BA in Business Law
- BA in Legal Tech
Principal Factors for Choosing the Best Law Schools in Germany
When choosing to study law in Germany, it is essential to take the following factors into account:
- International rankings and the global prestige of the law faculties
- Whether LLM or LLB, the offer of English-taught programs.
- Access to internships at courts and law firms in addition to EU bodies
- Concentrations within public, corporate, international, or Technology law
- Costs of tuition and the accessibility of scholarships
- Post-study visa and bar-exam pathways
- Specialize in research-oriented or practice-focused training.
- Geography and living expenses in German cities
- Partnerships with law firms and membership in international legal networks
- Assistance for international and non-EU students
Standard Procedure for Applying to Law School in Germany
- Narrow down your list of universities on the basis of language, specialization, and associated costs.
- Verify Entry Requirements–Abitur, GPA, and TOEFL/IELTS for English-taught programs.
- Gather documents – transcripts, motivation letter, CV, language certificate.
- Submit the Application via Uni-Assist or Through the University Portal
- Wait for the Admission Decision or the Scheduled Interview
- Apply for a Student Visa and Arrange Accommodation
- Seek out scholarships or DAAD assistance.
- Enroll at the local authorities in Germany.
Final thoughts on “Top 10 Law Schools in Germany (2026)”
Germany continues to stand out as one of the premier destinations for budding legal professionals, offering a balanced mix of academic rigor, financial affordability, and global legal exposure. Be it an LLB or an internationally recognized LLM, Studying law in Germany offer abundant specializations, interdisciplinary training, and robust ties to the European legal framework. Thanks to world-class universities such as Heidelberg, LMU Munich, and Bucerius Law School, students can obtain a top-tier education for only modest tuition and with ample prospects after graduation. For those looking to pursue law overseas, Germany undoubtedly emerges as one of the most enticing options in 2026.
FAQs
Is Germany a good country to pursue LLB?
Yes. Germany provides low-cost, internationally renowned legal education.
Which law schools belong to the top five?
Heidelberg, LMU Munich, Humboldt Berlin, Bucerius Law School, and University
Is LLB in England possible at German universities?
Yes, a number of universities offer LLB or LLM taught entirely in English.
Is an Indian LLB Accepted in Germany?
Although it does not immediately qualify one for legal practice, it may still be considered for LLM admission.
Of all the nations, which one is most suitable for LLB?
Owing to its low cost and outstanding academic quality, Germany appears in many rankings as one of the foremost destinations for legal education.
Is the LLB program free in Germany?
In public universities, tuition is generally waived but students pay modest semester registration fees.
Is it possible for me to study in Germany even though I only speak English?
Yes. A number of master’s law programs (LLM) are available in English.
How much does it cost to do an LLB in Germany?
Semester fees usually fall between €250 and €400, however, private universities often charge higher fees.
Are English-qualified lawyers permitted to practise in Germany?
Not in a direct manner, yet once complemented by further qualifications and linguistic proficiency, it becomes feasible.
In Germany, what is LLB referred to as?
The corresponding credential is the Staatsexamen in Rechtswissenschaft or the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in a limited number of programs.
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