Frankfurt isn’t the first city that comes to mind when people think of student life in Germany. Most people picture banks, skyscrapers, and the country’s busiest airport.
But behind that corporate skyline lies a serious academic scene, built around two very different paths to a degree: Goethe University (Goethe-Universität) and Frankfurt UAS (Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences).
Anyone considering studying here eventually has to decide which approach suits them better – a classic research university, or a practice-oriented, applied education.
To cut straight to it: Goethe University is a large public research university with around 43,000 students and a broad range of programs, from law and medicine to philosophy and the natural sciences.
Frankfurt UAS, on the other hand, is a smaller university of applied sciences with about 15,000 students, focused on engineering, computer science, business, and social work, with a strong emphasis on internships and industry cooperation.
If you’re drawn to academic depth and research, Goethe is the natural choice. If you want a fast, practical route into employment, Frankfurt UAS makes more sense.
Getting to Frankfurt – and back home again
Before diving deeper into how these two universities compare, it’s worth touching on something that rarely comes up when people talk about studying abroad: having a reliable, affordable way to get home when you need to.
Students from Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider region who enroll in Frankfurt usually only start thinking seriously about this once the winter break approaches, or once family back home starts sending things over.
For them, the Banja Luka – Frankfurt bus line run by Livno Bus is one of the simplest solutions available – a direct connection with no transfers, no need for a plane ticket, and none of the luggage restrictions airlines often impose.
In fact, quite a few students from Banja Luka and the surrounding area use it regularly throughout the year, not just for the big holidays.
Goethe University: tradition, research, and breadth
Goethe University was founded in 1914, funded by a donation from Frankfurt’s wealthy citizenry – which makes it one of the few German universities that didn’t originate from a state initiative, but from a civic one. It was named after Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in 1932.
Today it has around 43,000 students spread across four campuses throughout the city.
Goethe is a classic research university, strong in law, economics, medicine, the natural sciences, and the humanities. It’s also home to the renowned Institute for Social Research, the birthplace of the so-called Frankfurt School and thinkers like Adorno and Habermas.
Several Nobel laureates have worked or studied here. Truth be told, if you’re after prestige, research opportunities, and a wide range of programs, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better option in this part of Germany.
Frankfurt UAS: practice, industry, and a fast track to work
Frankfurt UAS was founded much later, in 1971, as a university of applied sciences. With around 15,000 students and a campus at Nibelungenplatz, right in the city center, it’s built differently from a classic university – fewer large lecture halls, more small-group work, and professors who often come straight from industry.
Its four faculties – Architecture and Civil Engineering; Computer Science and Engineering; Business and Law; and Social Work and Health – offer more than 70 degree programs.
Internships and company partnerships aren’t optional here, they’re part of the curriculum, and thesis projects are often done in cooperation with regional firms.
And here’s why that matters: many employers in and around Frankfurt recognize this practical approach and are happy to hire Frankfurt UAS graduates straight out of their studies.
Quick comparison
| Goethe University | Frankfurt UAS | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1914 | 1971 |
| Students | ~43,000 | ~15,000 |
| Type | Research university | University of applied sciences |
| Main focus | Law, medicine, economics, natural sciences, humanities | Engineering, computer science, business, social work |
| English-taught courses | Some, mostly at master’s level | More common, especially at master’s level |
| Internships | Not mandatory across all programs | Mandatory in most programs |
What it actually costs
Money is always part of the equation when choosing a university, and rightly so. The good news is that Hesse, the state Frankfurt belongs to, doesn’t charge tuition fees – not for domestic students, and not for international ones, regardless of whether they come from the EU or not.
What you do pay is a semester contribution, usually between 100 and 400 euros, which covers administrative costs and a public transport pass.
This applies to both Goethe University and Frankfurt UAS, making both considerably more affordable than in many other countries, and even compared to a few German states that have introduced separate fees for non-EU students.
Everyday life in Frankfurt
Frankfurt is one of the pricier cities in Germany, mostly because of housing costs, but students who budget carefully can still live comfortably. Student dormitories are the cheapest option, with room prices typically ranging from 170 to 220 euros a month, though spots are limited and it’s worth applying early.
Those who don’t secure a place in a dorm usually share an apartment with flatmates, which is a common and accepted way of living among students across Germany.
Beyond rent, factor in food, health insurance, and everyday expenses – most students need somewhere between 900 and 1,200 euros a month to cover the full cost of living in the city.
One upside is that the semester contribution at both universities already includes a public transport pass, so at least that cost is taken care of.
So, which one should you choose?
It depends on what you’re after. If you’re interested in an academic career, research, or programs that simply don’t exist at an applied sciences school – medicine, law, philosophy – Goethe University is the logical choice.
But if you want a specific profession, hands-on experience during your studies, and a quick route into the job market, especially in engineering, IT, or business administration, Frankfurt UAS delivers exactly that. Both are solid, well-recognized paths – the difference is simply where they lead.
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Frequently asked questions
Putting it all together
Frankfurt isn’t the first city that comes up when people talk about student life in Germany, but that’s exactly what makes it interesting: two very different universities, side by side, each with its own audience.
Goethe University offers depth and tradition, Frankfurt UAS offers speed and practicality. And when it’s time to go home for the holidays, at least that part doesn’t have to be complicated.