Freie Universität Berlin

Freie Universität Berlin is a public university in the state of Berlin. There are no tuition fees for bachelor's and consecutive master's programmes for any nationality (Berlin does not charge non-EU tuition fees, unlike Baden-Württemberg or Bavaria). Students pay a mandatory semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) each semester; the exact current amount was not stated in plain text on the official pages reviewed and is published on the university's enrollment pages. The semester contribution typically covers the student union (AStA), student services organisation (Studierendenwerk), and — in Berlin — an optional or included public transport (BVG) semester ticket.

International applicants with non-German educational qualifications apply via uni-assist and must submit a VPD (Vorprüfungsdokumentation — preliminary review documentation); processing takes several weeks so early submission is advised. The same application deadlines apply to international and domestic applicants. For bachelor's and state examination programmes, the language of instruction is normally German, requiring a recognised German proficiency certificate (TestDaF TDN 4, DSH 2, or equivalent). For master's programmes, a recognised bachelor's degree in a relevant subject is required; consecutive master's programmes in English also require English language proof. Applicants from India, China (including Hong Kong and Macau), and Vietnam must obtain an APS certificate (issued by the German Embassy's Academic Evaluation Centre) before applying for a student visa — this is a consular requirement independent of FU Berlin's own admission process.

Winter semester (starting October): bachelor's/state examination programmes with restricted admission (NC) 1 June – 15 July; without restriction 1 June – 1 September. Master's programmes with restricted admission 20 April – 31 May; without restriction 20 April – 15 August. Summer semester deadlines are published each March on the university website. International applicants using uni-assist should allow several additional weeks for VPD processing before the stated portal deadlines.

The majority of degree programmes are taught in German. A growing number of consecutive master's programmes are offered entirely in English, particularly in STEM and social science fields. German-language proficiency is required for German-taught programmes (typically TestDaF TDN 4 or DSH 2); English-taught programmes require evidence of English proficiency (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL). The university also offers German language courses for international students through its programme portfolio.