About Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU Berlin) is a public research university located in central Berlin, founded in 1810 by Frederick William III of Prussia at the initiative of Wilhelm von Humboldt. It is one of Germany's oldest universities and is credited with originating the Humboldtian model of higher education, which links teaching directly with research. The university is a member of the Berlin University Alliance and has been part of the German Universities Excellence Initiative.
HU Berlin enrolls approximately 36,000 students across nine faculties covering humanities, law, social sciences, natural sciences, life sciences, economics, theology, and mathematics. The university is affiliated with Charité — Universitätsmedizin Berlin, one of Europe's largest university hospitals. More than 57 Nobel Prize laureates have been associated with the institution.
The university operates across three campus locations in Berlin: the historic main building on Unter den Linden in the city centre (Mitte), a life sciences and medical campus near Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Nord), and a natural sciences and technology campus in the southeast of the city (Adlershof). Teaching is conducted primarily in German, with a growing number of English-taught master's programmes available.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1810
- Students
- 36,232
- International
- ~18%
- Faculties
- 9
Founded in 1810 — one of Germany's oldest universities and the originator of the Humboldtian model linking teaching with research
More than 57 Nobel Prize laureates affiliated with the institution
Member of the Berlin University Alliance and part of the German Universities Excellence Initiative
Three distinct campuses: Mitte (humanities/law), Nord (life sciences/medicine), Adlershof (natural sciences/maths/computing)
Affiliated with Charité — Universitätsmedizin Berlin, one of Europe's largest university hospitals
Approximately 18% of enrolled students are international, reflecting strong global academic integration
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
HU Berlin is a public university in the state of Berlin. Berlin does not charge tuition fees for undergraduate or consecutive master's programmes for EU or non-EU students. A mandatory semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) is charged each semester; the precise amount was not accessible from the official website during this enrichment pass (the hu-berlin.de domain was protected by Anubis bot-detection). Students should verify the current semester contribution directly on hu-berlin.de before enrollment. The semester contribution typically covers the public transport semester ticket (Semesterticket) for Berlin and Brandenburg, student services (Studierendenwerk), and student union fees.
Admission requirements
International applicants apply either directly to HU Berlin or through uni-assist (the central application service), depending on the programme. Entry requirements follow standard German university rules: for master's admission, a recognised bachelor's degree (minimum 3 years, from an anabin H+ institution) is required. Indian, Chinese (including Hong Kong and Macau), and Vietnamese applicants must hold a valid APS certificate (Akademische Prüfstelle) before a student visa can be issued; the APS is not a HU Berlin-specific requirement but a German visa prerequisite for those nationalities. German-taught programmes require proof of German language proficiency (typically TestDaF TDN 4, DSH-2, or equivalent). English-taught master's programmes typically require IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. Specific subject-level requirements and numerus clausus (NC) restrictions vary by programme and intake.
Application deadlines
Application deadlines were not retrievable from the official hu-berlin.de website (Anubis bot-protection blocked access). As a general guide for German universities: winter semester (Wintersemester, starting October) applications typically close around 15 July for domestic applicants and 15 May–15 July for international applicants via uni-assist; summer semester (Sommersemester, starting April) applications typically close around 15 January. Students must verify current deadlines directly on hu-berlin.de or via uni-assist before applying.
Languages of instruction
The primary language of instruction is German. A number of master's-level programmes are offered in English, particularly in the natural sciences and interdisciplinary fields. Prospective students should verify the language of instruction for each specific programme via HU Berlin's course catalogue.
Campuses & locations
Main building at Unter den Linden 6, central Berlin (Mitte district); humanities, law, economics and business administration
Near Berlin Hauptbahnhof; life sciences and Charité — Universitätsmedizin Berlin (medical)
Southeast Berlin (Treptow-Köpenick); natural sciences, mathematics, computer science
Living in Berlin
Berlin is Germany's capital and largest city, with a population of approximately 3.7 million. It is a major hub for culture, politics, technology, and research, home to three universities in the Excellence Initiative, numerous research institutes (including Max Planck and Helmholtz centres), and a growing startup and tech sector. The city is well connected by public transport (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram, bus), and the HU semester ticket covers all Berlin–Brandenburg public transport. Berlin is generally regarded as one of the more affordable major European capitals, with student-oriented rental housing and a wide range of cultural and social activities.
Student life & support
HU Berlin's International Office (Internationale Abteilung) supports incoming international students with orientation programmes, counselling, and administrative guidance. The Studierendenwerk Berlin operates student halls of residence (Wohnheime) across the city; places are allocated by application and demand is high, so early application is recommended. HU Berlin offers German language courses for international students through its Sprachenzentrum (Language Centre). The Allgemeiner Studierendenausschuss (AStA) runs student union activities and services. Berlin's large international student population means extensive peer networks and English-language social events are readily available.
158
Accredited Programmes
64
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
91
Master
3
Other
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