Law Education in Germany: 5 Top Universities for Jura

A law degree in Germany typically does not lead to a standard bachelor’s degree, but rather to the Rechtswissenschaft / Jura track, with the goal of passing the Erste juristische Prüfung and subsequently completing a Referendariat. Therefore, when choosing a university, it is important to consider not only its reputation but also the program structure, areas of specialization (Schwerpunktbereiche), language of instruction, admission requirements, and the federal state where you plan to study and build your career.

Below are five well-known German universities that are often considered by applicants interested in law. This is not an official ranking: admission requirements, competition levels, deadlines, and the range of specializations vary, so be sure to check the specific faculty’s website before applying.

What You Need to Know Before Choosing a Law School

In Germany, traditional legal training is structured differently than in many CIS countries. To work as a judge, prosecutor, attorney, or notary, you typically need to complete a law degree, pass the first state bar exam, complete the Referendariat (legal clerkship), and pass the second state bar exam. Separate Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in law do exist, but they do not always lead to the traditional regulated legal professions.

Before applying, check the following:

• What specific degree (Abschluss) the program leads to: Staatsexamen, Erste juristische Prüfung, Bachelor, Master, or LL.M.;
• whether there is a Numerus Clausus or local selection process for the desired semester;
• What language certificates does the university accept for German-language programs?
• which areas of specialization are available in the later stages of the program;
• whether you can start your studies in the summer semester or only in the winter semester;
• Find out whether your foreign high school diploma or prior academic work is recognized through uni-assist, Hochschulstart, or directly by the university.

1. Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg

Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet Freiburg - One of Germany’s oldest universities and a prominent center for legal education in the southwestern part of the country. Freiburg is a good fit for those who want to study in a classic university town with a strong academic environment and access to German, European, and international legal contexts.

For future lawyers, what matters most is not general promises of prestige, but the faculty’s academic offerings: which departments specialize in public, private, criminal, European, and international law; which areas of specialization are offered; and how exam preparation is structured. At Freiburg, be sure to check the Juristische Fakultät website and the current admission requirements for the Law program.

2. University of Cologne

Universitaet zu Koeln - A major university in one of the main cities of North Rhine-Westphalia. For law applicants, Cologne is attractive due to the size of its law school, its research environment, and the city’s large market for legal internships, law firms, companies, and public institutions.

If you’re considering Cologne, compare not only the university’s name but also practical details: the competition for the Law program, available areas of specialization, counseling services for international applicants, German language requirements, and the application process. For those considering an academic career, it’s important to look into opportunities for seminars, research assistant positions, and subsequent doctoral studies in advance.

3. Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich

LMU Muenchen - One of Germany’s most renowned universities, LMU’s law school is located in Munich’s strong academic and professional environment. The city provides access to major law firms, companies, courts, administrative agencies, and international employers.

LMU may be of particular interest to those who want to study at a large research university and are prepared for high competition. Before applying, check which admission pathway is available for your specific applicant category, what documents are required for the recognition of foreign educational qualifications, and what deadlines apply for your chosen semester.

4. Goethe University Frankfurt am Main

Goethe-Universitaet Frankfurt It is located in Germany’s financial hub. This provides a strong environment for legal education: nearby are banks, regulatory bodies, international companies, courts, law firms, and organizations involved in economic, corporate, and financial law.

Frankfurt is worth considering for applicants interested in business law, financial regulation, corporate practice, international relations, and the city’s professional environment. That said, the admissions process remains an academic one: be sure to check the faculty’s requirements, admission rules, language requirements, and which specializations are available in your curriculum.

5. Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg

Universitaet Heidelberg - Germany’s oldest university and one of the most recognizable German institutions abroad. Heidelberg’s legal tradition is particularly strong for those who value academic reputation, a classic university environment, and depth of research.

Heidelberg isn’t automatically the right fit for everyone: its small size, high academic standards, and intense competition require thorough preparation. Before applying, it’s important to check the current admission requirements for the Law program, language requirements, deadlines, as well as the structure of the focus areas and opportunities for international exchange programs.

How to Compare Universities

Criterion	What to Check
Program Type	Staatsexamen / Erste juristische Prüfung or other degree
State	Exam requirements and legal education vary by Bundesland
Specializations	Schwerpunktbereiche, LL.M., research institutes
Internships	Courts, law firms, companies, government agencies, legal clinics
Admissions	NC, language certificates, deadlines, application process
City	Cost of living, internship market, transportation, housing

Common Mistakes Made by Applicants

• choosing a university based solely on the word “top” without checking the specific program;
• confuse the LL.B./LL.M. with the traditional path to regulated legal professions;
• Don’t underestimate the importance of German: studying law requires a very strong command of academic German;
• Focus only on the university, but not on the federal state or the admission requirements;
• Submit your application without checking the deadlines, because they may vary by semester and applicant category.

What to Do Before Applying

1. Visit the law school’s website and the central admissions office’s website for your chosen university.
2. Find the exact name of the program: Rechtswissenschaft, Jura, Erste juristische Prüfung, or another degree.
3. Check the requirements for your foreign high school diploma or previous university education.
4. Verify your language certificates, deadlines, and the application process.
5. Compare 3–5 universities not based on overall rankings, but on the program, city, admission competition, and your career goals.

You can also check out the related post at Studying in Germany, but you should verify the academic terms, admission requirements, and visa details using official sources for the year you plan to apply.