Bard College Berlin, A Liberal Arts University

Berlin, Germany

About Bard College Berlin, A Liberal Arts University

Bard College Berlin is a private German-American liberal arts university located in the Pankow-Niederschönhausen district of Berlin. Founded in 1999 as the European College of Liberal Arts (ECLA), it became Bard College Berlin in 2011 following a merger with Bard College in New York. The institution holds national-level accreditation in Germany from the Wissenschaftsrat and U.S. accreditation through the Middle States Commission on Higher Education via Bard College.

The college offers interdisciplinary bachelor's degree programmes in the humanities, practicing arts, and social sciences, taught entirely in English in small seminars with an average class size of 10 students. Qualifying graduates receive both a German BA and an American BA degree. With 307 enrolled students representing 71 nationalities, the institution is highly international by design.

Bard College Berlin makes no fee distinction between domestic and international students. The comprehensive annual fee for 2026–27 is €38,250 (on-campus, covering tuition, housing, meals, and health services), with 85% of students receiving some form of financial aid.

Key facts

Founded: 1999
Students: 307
International: Students from 71 nationalities; highly international student body

Dual German and American BA degree for qualifying graduates

307 students from 71 nationalities; 12:1 student-faculty ratio and average class size of 10

National accreditation by Germany's Wissenschaftsrat and U.S. accreditation via Middle States Commission

85% of students received financial aid in 2023–24; need-based packages cover 20–100% of fees

All programmes taught in English; German language study integrated throughout the curriculum

Residential liberal arts campus in Berlin with access to Erasmus exchanges and Bard global network

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

Bard College Berlin is a private institution and charges tuition. The 2026–27 comprehensive fee is €38,250/year (on-campus, covering tuition, housing, meals, and health services) or €27,500/year (off-campus, covering tuition only). A mandatory Semesterticket (public transport pass) adds €453.60/year. The institution makes no distinction between domestic and international students for fee purposes. 85% of students received financial aid in 2023–24, with need-based packages covering 20–100% of fees.

Admission requirements

Applicants must be at least 18 years old by 1 August of the intended enrolment year. All application materials must be in English or German (with certified translations if needed). Non-native English speakers must demonstrate C1-level proficiency; accepted tests are TOEFL iBT 95+, IELTS Academic 7.0+, Cambridge CAE/CAE A–C, TOEFL Essentials 10+, or Duolingo English Test 130+. Required documents include a motivation statement (250–500 words), a graded writing sample, official transcripts from the last four years, and two academic recommendation letters. Applicants to the BA in Artistic Practice and Society must submit up to 10 digital samples of their artistic practice. No APS certificate requirement is mentioned for Indian, Chinese, or Vietnamese applicants (the institution uses its own application process independent of German public university admissions). There is no application fee.

Application deadlines

Immediate Decision Plan (BA in Artistic Practice and Society and BA in Humanities, Arts, and Social Thought): 1 November (notification via interview on 8 November). Early Action: 1 November (notification by 31 December). Regular Decision: 15 January (notification late March). Final Deadline (specific countries): 1 May (notification 1 June).

Languages of instruction

English (primary language of instruction for all programmes). German language study integrated throughout the curriculum from beginner to advanced level; students must reach B1 German by end of second year.

Campuses & locations

Berlin-Pankow Campus

Platanenstrasse 24, 13156 Berlin — residential campus in a quiet, green neighbourhood of northern Berlin

Living in Berlin

Berlin is Germany's capital and largest city, combining a vibrant cultural scene with major political and economic institutions. The campus sits in the quiet residential district of Pankow-Niederschönhausen in northern Berlin, while the city centre offers access to the German parliament, Federal Chancellery, three opera houses, a philharmonic orchestra, and a dense network of galleries, cinemas, and theatres. Berlin's large student population and extensive public transport network make it highly liveable for international students.

Student life & support

The campus is residential, with dormitories in a quiet, green neighbourhood supported by Student Residential Assistants available 24/7. About a dozen student-led clubs drive community life alongside exchange students from the Bard global network and Erasmus participants. On-campus facilities include a library, cafeteria, lecture hall, and seminar spaces. The college provides career services, health and counselling support, disability accommodations, and a dedicated study abroad and internships office. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio and average class size of 10 foster a close-knit academic community.

International Office: [email protected] International students page →

Accredited Programmes

Bachelor/Bakkalaureus