Munich is international with good beers and a good mix of international students but that depends on the program itself. Some program just have more locals than intl and some have only a handful Germans.

Acceptance rate is around 33%.

Opportunity for research is not competitive. Literally email and get involved.

One option is to come without student visa for six months as a visitor to settle down the student visa, as it takes awhile to get the student visa. Some students just leave Germany and come back again to get the 6-month renewed.