Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU Berlin)
About
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin is a public research university charging zero tuition for international students, in a Bundesland that avoids the €1,500-per-semester non-EU surcharge charged in Baden-Württemberg. It spans an unusually broad range — humanities, law, medicine, social sciences, economics, science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), education, and agriculture — with graduates eligible for an 18-month post-study job-seeker visa.
Berlin is Europe's liveliest university city, blending cutting-edge creative industries with historical depth. The capital draws international students in large numbers; living costs are surprisingly moderate compared to other major European centres, though rising. Public transport is extensive and affordable.
Application deadlines
- WiSe (higher-semester/some MSc)Sep 15
Higher-semester entries and some master's programmes. Verify per programme on HU portal
- Winter semester — Bachelor, applicants with a non-German school certificate (via uni-assist)15 July
Applies to both restricted-entry and open-admission Bachelor programmes when the school-leaving certificate was earned outside Germany. The window opens on 1 June. The closing date is an exclusion deadline — a late file is not considered. Source: https://www.hu-berlin.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/bewerben/fristen-termine
- Summer semester — Bachelor, applicants with a non-German school certificate (via uni-assist)15 January
The window opens on 1 December. Not every programme takes a summer intake. Source: https://www.hu-berlin.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/bewerben/fristen-termine
- Winter semester — Master of Arts/Science with restricted admission, non-German certificate (via uni-assist)14 June
The window opens on 18 May — a full month earlier than the Bachelor deadline. Source: https://www.hu-berlin.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/bewerben/fristen-termine
- Winter semester — Master of Arts/Science, open admission, non-German certificate (via uni-assist)28 June
The window opens on 18 May. The same 18 May – 28 June window applies to the Master of Education. Source: https://www.hu-berlin.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/bewerben/fristen-termine
- Summer semester — Master, non-German certificate (via uni-assist)15 January
The window opens on 1 December. All Master categories share this closing date for the summer intake. Source: https://www.hu-berlin.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/bewerben/fristen-termine
- Winter semester — Bachelor, open admission, German school certificate (direct application)31 August
Applicants who earned their certificate in Germany apply directly to the university and get six extra weeks; those with a foreign certificate go through the central application service (uni-assist) and close on 15 July instead. Restricted-entry programmes close on 15 July for everyone. Source: https://www.hu-berlin.de/studium/vor-dem-studium/bewerben/fristen-termine
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to study at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU Berlin) as a non-EU student?
Tuition for non-EU students at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU Berlin) is €0 per year. Living costs in Berlin are separate.
What IELTS score do you need for Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU Berlin)?
English-taught programmes at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU Berlin) typically require IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. Confirm the exact requirement per programme on the official admissions page.
How much money do you need to show for a student visa to Germany?
For a student residence permit in Germany you must prove €11,904 per year (2026, DAAD / Study in Germany — proof of financing (blocked account, 992 EUR/month for 12 months): https://www.study-in-germany.com/en/plan-your-studies/requirements/proof-of-financing/).
Does Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU Berlin) offer scholarships?
DAAD: Master's/PhD, merit-based (RU/BY de-facto restricted post-2022). Deutschlandstipendium: €300/mo, all nationalities, merit + social commitment. Apply via university portal (Apr–Jun).
Where is Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU Berlin) located?
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU Berlin) is in Berlin, Germany. Unter den Linden 6, 10117 Berlin, Germany
What can you study at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU Berlin)?
Fields offered include: Humanities, Law, Medicine, Social Sciences, Economics, STEM, Education, Agriculture.
Accommodation
studierendenWERK Berlin — 60+ halls across Berlin. Single room in shared flat (WG): €293–363/month; single apartment: €543–599/month. Deposit €700 + €75 service fee. Long waiting list — apply immediately upon admission
- Studierendenwerk Berlin · regional student services — it allocates the halls, not the university
- WG-Gesucht
- HousingAnywhere
- ImmobilienScout24
Scholarships
- 🏛DAAD
- 🏛Deutschlandstipendium
DAAD: Master's/PhD, merit-based (RU/BY de-facto restricted post-2022). Deutschlandstipendium: €300/mo, all nationalities, merit + social commitment. Apply via university portal (Apr–Jun).
National funding for this destination
Honestly
Why this works
- As a public university, HU Berlin charges zero tuition for international students, unlike private alternatives.
- Berlin sits in a non-fee Bundesland, so non-EU students avoid the €1,500 per semester surcharge applied in Baden-Württemberg.
- A German EU degree is recognised across 27 member states, opening labour markets far beyond Russia or Central Asia.
- After graduating, Germany grants an 18-month job-seeker visa to stay and convert a degree into a work permit.
- HU Berlin covers humanities, law, medicine, social sciences, economics, science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), education, and agriculture — unusually broad for one campus.
- Berlin's economy hosts major tech, media, and startup employers, giving students real internship access from day one.
What to check
- Most bachelor programmes at HU Berlin are taught in German; without C1 level, access to English-taught degrees is limited.
- Non-EU applicants whose school diploma is not directly recognised must complete a preparatory year (Studienkolleg) first.
- Germany requires proof of funds via a blocked account (Sperrkonto) — approximately €11,904 for one year — before a student visa is issued.
- International students may work only 120 full days or 240 half days per year, which limits earning capacity alongside studies.
- Berlin has a well-documented housing shortage; finding affordable accommodation near campus can take months and requires early action.
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These fields in the country
Tuition and deadlines change with each academic year — the date beside the figures says when we last confirmed them on the official source. Visa rules are set by governments and can change between our checks.
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