Humboldt University Of Berlin: International Student Fees Explained

The Humboldt University of Berlin is a public research university that offers state-of-the-art education to students from around the world. The university is known for its extensive research programs and quality education. With an acceptance rate of 18%, it is quite competitive to gain admission. International students at Humboldt University of Berlin are faced with various fees and costs. This includes tuition fees, semester fees, and living costs.

Semester fees

As a public university in Germany, Humboldt University of Berlin provides free education to its students. However, students are required to pay a semester fee, which as of January 2023, is €315.64 per semester. This fee is applicable to both local and international students and covers the cost of a student travel pass for Berlin.

The semester fee is a common feature of German public universities, where students can access higher education with little to no tuition fees. Humboldt University, in particular, offers a range of financial support programs, including scholarships, loans, and work-study programs, to assist students with their educational expenses. These opportunities are available to both local and international students, helping to offset the cost of attendance.

The cost of living in Berlin is another important consideration for students, as it can be relatively high compared to other cities. On average, students can expect to spend around €750-950 per month on living expenses, including accommodation, food, insurance, and other personal costs. Additionally, students should factor in the cost of study materials, transportation, and any other personal expenses they may incur during their time at the university.

For international students, it is worth noting that Humboldt University offers furnished rooms in apartments in the Studentendorf Adlershof for around €450 per month, which includes various amenities and facilities. The university also provides support in finding off-campus accommodations for those who prefer alternative living arrangements.

In summary, while Humboldt University of Berlin does not charge tuition fees, the semester fee and cost of living in Berlin are significant expenses that students should carefully consider and plan for when budgeting for their education.

Scholarships

As a public university in Germany, Humboldt University of Berlin does not charge tuition fees to students. However, students are required to pay a semester fee, which is approximately €300-€641 per year.

Humboldt University of Berlin offers scholarships to international students. The university provides financial assistance to international students in the form of scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit, with some also taking into account factors such as overcoming personal challenges, social and community involvement, and motivation.

The Deutschlandstipendium scholarship program at Humboldt University supports students of all nationalities with €300 per month for at least two semesters. The scholarship is funded by the Federal Government and private sponsors. The application period for the 2025/26 funding year is now closed, and decisions on applications are expected to be announced in mid-to-late March 2025. The funding period for 2025/26 begins on April 1, 2025, and ends on March 31, 2026.

The university also offers the PROMOS scholarship, which is aimed at students who do not receive Erasmus+ funding for their planned stay abroad and are not participating in an Erasmus+ program. The PROMOS scholarship is a German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) funding program that enables students to gain academic and cultural skills worldwide.

Additionally, Humboldt University accepts the International BAföG (Auslands-BAföG), which provides financial support for students who wish to study abroad. This scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel expenses, depending on the individual's needs and circumstances.

Students can also apply for the DAAD Annual Scholarship, which enables students to study abroad for a full academic year or combine study with an internship semester. This scholarship usually covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel expenses and is based on academic performance, motivation, and aptitude.

The Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes – German Academic Scholarship Foundation offers a one-year scholarship for undergraduate and postgraduate students in almost all subjects (excluding Sinology, Art, Design, and Music). Students must be nominated by the International Office of Humboldt University for this scholarship.

Other scholarships available include the Erasmus+ scholarship for students studying or interning within Europe, and various country-specific scholarships, such as the South Korean government scholarship for master's and PhD graduates.

Loans and work-study programs

As a public university in Germany, Humboldt University of Berlin does not charge tuition fees to students, regardless of their country of origin. However, students are required to pay a semester fee, which is approximately €315.64 as of January 2023. This fee includes a student travel pass for Berlin.

In addition to the semester fee, international students at Humboldt University of Berlin should expect to pay a monthly cost of living of around €861. This covers expenses such as accommodation, transportation, study materials, meals, and personal expenses.

To assist international students with their financial obligations, Humboldt University of Berlin offers a range of financial support programs, including scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. These opportunities are available to both local and international students.

The university provides scholarships to students with strong academic records, and students are also eligible to apply for scholarships from external sponsors. Additionally, Humboldt University of Berlin offers work-study programs that allow students to work while studying, providing them with an income to support their living expenses.

For students pursuing a master's degree, scholarships are available if they meet the eligibility criteria, which vary depending on the specific scholarship. These scholarships can provide significant financial assistance to international students.

Furthermore, Humboldt University of Berlin has a diverse range of student clubs and organizations that cater to various interests, including academic, cultural, and social aspects of student life. These clubs and organizations can provide a source of community and support for international students, potentially helping to offset some of the financial burdens associated with studying abroad.

In summary, while Humboldt University of Berlin does not charge tuition fees, there are still significant costs associated with attending the university as an international student. However, the university offers a range of financial support programs, including loans and work-study opportunities, to help students meet these expenses. With careful planning and utilization of the available resources, international students can access the prestigious education provided by Humboldt University of Berlin.

Living costs

As a public university in Germany, Humboldt University of Berlin provides free education to its students, who are only required to pay a semester fee. The semester fee as of January 2023 is €315.64, although one source states that it is €160. Additionally, international students are not required to pay any fees and are only required to pay €315 per semester. However, students are required to have a minimum of €12,000 in a blocked account to be eligible to study.

The cost of living in Berlin is higher than in other German cities, as it is the country's capital. Students at Humboldt University of Berlin will need between €750 and €950 per month to cover living expenses such as accommodation, food, insurance, and matriculation costs. The university offers furnished rooms in apartments in the Studentendorf Adlershof for PhD candidates, researchers, and students for around €450 per month, including electricity, internet, weekly cleaning, towels, bed linen, a gym, club rooms, a nursery, and a learning lounge. Students can also find private apartments in the various student halls in Berlin, which are managed by Studentenwerk.

The university is located in one of Europe's most vibrant cities, with an array of cultural activities, including museums and galleries. Many of these are located near the university's main campus. Berlin's status as an important German city with many top universities means that Humboldt University graduates are in high demand in the job market.

Application process

Humboldt University of Berlin is a public university that offers a wide range of programs for international students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The university is ranked 84th in the World University Rankings, and many programs are available in English.

The application process for international students depends on the level of study. For undergraduate programs, international students must apply through Uni-Assist. Humboldt University of Berlin has two intakes: Summer and Winter semesters. There is no application fee for undergraduate or graduate admissions.

For Master's programs, students must have an undergraduate degree in the relevant field. The educational qualification equivalency differs from one country to another, and students should check the complete admission requirements for their specific program. Additionally, students will have to confirm their knowledge of the English language.

Humboldt University of Berlin offers scholarships to international students with good academic records. Students are also eligible to apply for scholarships sponsored by external bodies. The university provides financial assistance to international students in the form of scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.

The university does not provide any on-campus housing facilities, but it helps students find off-campus accommodations. Students can apply for accommodation by contacting the international department of HU Berlin. The cost of living in Berlin is relatively high, and students can expect to spend around €750-950 per month.

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