
Humboldt University of Berlin is a public research university that was established in 1810. It is one of the largest and oldest universities in Berlin, with over 34,000 students enrolled. The university offers a wide range of programs and courses for international students, including bachelor's and master's degrees, exchange semesters, internships, and short-term programs. While there is no tuition fee for international students, they are required to pay a semester fee of around EUR 300-600, which includes a semester ticket for public transport. In addition to its academic offerings, Humboldt University provides a diverse and lively campus life, with various student clubs and organizations, as well as support services specifically for international students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application fee | No application fee |
| Acceptance rate | 18% |
| Number of courses | 171+ |
| Tuition fees for international students | Free; Semester fees of €315-€630 per year |
| Number of students | 34,000+ |
| Number of female students | 20,000+ |
| Ranking | Ranked #126 in the world and 7th in Germany as per QS ranking 2025 |
| Campuses | 3 |
| Support for international students | Yes |
| Internship opportunities | Yes |
| Work opportunities for international students | Yes |
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What You'll Learn

International students do not pay tuition fees
Humboldt University of Berlin is a public research university established in 1810. It is one of the largest and oldest universities in Berlin and is considered one of the best public universities in Germany. The university offers a wide range of programs and courses for international students, including bachelor's and master's degree programs, exchange semesters, internships, and short-term programs.
Regarding tuition fees, Humboldt University provides free education to international students. There are no tuition fees for international students; however, they are required to pay a semester fee, which is approximately EUR 315 per semester or EUR 630 per year. This fee includes a semester ticket for public transportation. Additionally, international students can benefit from the various scholarships offered by the university, such as the Humboldt International Student Scholarship.
The university has a low acceptance rate of around 18%, making it a competitive university to gain admission to. International students must meet certain language proficiency standards and submit the required documents, including a certificate from the Academic Evaluation Centre (APS), to be considered for admission.
Humboldt University offers a diverse and lively campus life with multiple locations in Berlin. The main campus is located in the Mitte district, a historical area in central Berlin. The university provides a range of facilities and support services for international students, including accommodation advisory services and student clubs specifically aimed at international students.
Overall, Humboldt University of Berlin offers a high-quality education to international students without charging tuition fees, making it an attractive option for those seeking a well-rounded academic experience in Germany.
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Semester fees are around €300-€600 per year
Humboldt University of Berlin is a public research university that provides state-of-the-art education to students from around the world. The university is known for its extensive research programs and the quality of education it provides to students. The university is one of the largest and oldest in Berlin, with three main campuses and over 34,000 students enrolled.
For international students, Humboldt University offers a selection of courses designed to focus on the history, culture, and society of Berlin and Germany. The university does not charge tuition fees for international students, but they are required to pay semester fees, which are around €300-€600 per year. These fees include a semester ticket for public transportation.
The semester fees at Humboldt University of Berlin for international students are very reasonable, ranging from €300 to €600 per year. This fee includes a ticket for public transportation for the semester, which is valid for six months. The university also provides multiple scholarships for international students, with varying amounts.
The low tuition fees for international students at Humboldt University of Berlin make it an attractive option for those seeking a high-quality education. The university's diverse campus life, with multiple locations in Berlin, offers a lively and vibrant environment for students from all backgrounds. The main campus is located on Unter den Linden in Mitte, a historical boulevard in central Berlin.
In addition to its academic offerings, Humboldt University provides a range of facilities and support services to enhance student life. These include student clubs and organizations, as well as specific groups aimed at supporting international students. The university also offers an accommodation advisory service to help international students navigate the housing market and find suitable accommodations.
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Humboldt University is hard to get into
Humboldt University of Berlin is one of the most prestigious universities in Germany and Europe at large. Established in 1810, it has educated 29 Nobel Prize winners and is named after its founder, Wilhelm von Humboldt, and his brother, Alexander von Humboldt, an esteemed naturalist and alumnus of the university. Humboldt University is ranked 57th globally, placing it in the top 0.3% of universities worldwide. It is ranked 17th in Europe and 2nd in Germany.
With an acceptance rate of just 18% for international students, Humboldt University is highly competitive and selective. The acceptance rate varies across departments, with some courses, such as Psychology, having an admission rate as low as 2%. In contrast, the acceptance rate is closer to 5% for courses such as Philosophy and Ethics. Other courses may have an acceptance rate as high as 20%. The university is moderately selective, and highly competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Computer Science tend to have stricter requirements.
International applicants are required to submit proof of previous studies, including copies of their secondary school certificate, graduation certificate, and other grade certificates, along with scores from other exams required to study in Germany. While Humboldt University is generally tuition-free, international applicants must also provide proof of language proficiency, with a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or a TOEFL score of 80 for English-taught programs. For German-taught programs, it is recommended to have at least a C1 level of German language proficiency. Additionally, Indian students need at least 60% in their previous academic qualifications to be eligible for admission.
The university follows strict timelines for its two main intakes: winter and summer semesters. To secure a spot, applicants must adhere to these deadlines. For instance, the deadline for international applications for postgraduate courses in 2025 was May 31, 2025, while the deadline for undergraduate courses was July 15, 2025.
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The university offers a range of support for international students
Humboldt University of Berlin is a public research university that provides state-of-the-art education to students from around the world. The university offers a range of support for international students.
Firstly, Humboldt University offers a diverse campus life across multiple locations in Berlin. Its facilities and cultural activities attract both local and international students. The main campus is located on Unter den Linden in Mitte, a historical boulevard in central Berlin. The university also has two other campuses: Campus Nord, which is home to the Faculty of Life Sciences and parts of the Natural Sciences, and Campus Adlershof. Campus Nord is a quieter part of the university, ideal for students seeking a peaceful environment close to nature.
Secondly, Humboldt University provides an array of student clubs and organizations catering to various interests, including academic, cultural, and social pursuits. There are also several organizations specifically dedicated to supporting international students, ensuring they feel welcomed and included during their time at the university.
Thirdly, the university offers the HU GO STUDY (HUGS) programme, a support programme tailored for international students and doctoral candidates from abroad. HUGS provides free workshops on various topics, helping students develop new skills and network with others. This programme also includes a dedicated initiative that grants Ukrainian refugee students the opportunity to study at Humboldt University.
Additionally, Humboldt University assists international students with navigating the housing market in Berlin. The university offers an accommodation advisory service, providing guidance on finding suitable accommodations and helping students make well-informed decisions in a competitive housing market.
Moreover, Humboldt University provides international students with comprehensive support services throughout their academic journey. The university offers a wide range of academic disciplines, including philosophy, history, economics, and natural sciences. For those interested in German politics and parliamentary practices, the university's International Parliament Scholarship (IPS) enables students to intern at the German Bundestag.
Humboldt University also assists students in understanding their rights and responsibilities as students, including topics related to exams, coursework, and the role of professors. The university further aids international students in navigating administrative processes, such as visa applications and residence permits, which are mandatory for international students staying in Germany.
Overall, Humboldt University of Berlin is committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for its international students, offering a range of services and resources to enhance their academic and cultural experience.
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Berlin is a competitive housing market
Berlin's Humboldt University is a public research university that offers state-of-the-art education to students worldwide. The university is among the best public universities in Germany and is known for its extensive research programs and quality education. With an acceptance rate of 18%, it is quite competitive to secure admission. The university offers 171 programs for international students, including Bachelor's and Master's courses, as well as diploma programs.
Berlin is a popular city for students and young professionals, which has led to a competitive housing market. The city's population is growing, and the demand for housing, especially in the city centre, is high. However, new housing projects in these areas are scarce, and existing rental properties are almost fully occupied. The rental scene in Berlin is challenging, with rent hikes outpacing wage increases. Student-heavy areas like Neukölln and Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg have seen significant rent increases, making it difficult for students to find affordable housing.
To navigate the competitive housing market in Berlin, it is recommended to start the search early, apply for both university dorms and private accommodations, and explore different neighbourhoods beyond the central districts for more affordable options. Berlin's tech scene also provides opportunities for students to engage with startups and entrepreneurial ventures, which could potentially offer alternative accommodation options or additional income to cope with rising rents.
The university itself offers an accommodation advisory service to help international students find suitable housing. Additionally, there are various student clubs and organizations, including groups specifically for international students, which can provide support and community during the transition to life in Berlin.
While the housing market in Berlin is tight, the city's vibrant student life and academic opportunities make it an attractive destination for international students. With careful planning and persistence in the housing search, students can secure their place in this dynamic and culturally rich city.
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Frequently asked questions
Humboldt University of Berlin does not charge tuition fees for international students. However, international students are required to pay semester fees, which are around €315 per semester or €630 per year.
There are many scholarships available for international students at Humboldt University of Berlin, including the Humboldt International Student Scholarship.
International students applying to Humboldt University of Berlin must meet certain language proficiency standards based on their program. Additionally, international students must submit a Certificate from the Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) for admission.






















