About Technische Universität Berlin
Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin) is a public research university located in Charlottenburg, Berlin. Founded on 9 April 1946 as a successor to the Königlich Technische Hochschule zu Berlin (established 1879), approximately 41,000 people study, research, and work at the university across seven faculties covering engineering, natural sciences, economics, humanities, and the built environment.
TU Berlin is a member of the TU9 alliance of leading German technical universities and participates in the Berlin University Alliance, which was funded under Germany's Excellence Strategy from November 2019. In the 2026 QS Europe Rankings, TU Berlin is ranked 41st, placing it in the top 5% of European universities.
The university hosts its own Preparatory School (Studienkolleg) for international applicants whose school-leaving qualifications do not directly qualify for admission to a German university. A wide range of English-taught master's programmes is available alongside German-taught programmes across all faculties.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1946
- Faculties
- 7
Member of TU9 — the alliance of nine leading German technical universities
Part of the Berlin University Alliance, funded under Germany's Excellence Strategy (since 2019)
41st in Europe in the 2026 QS Europe Rankings (top 5% of European universities)
Seven faculties spanning engineering, natural sciences, economics, humanities, and urban planning
Operates its own Studienkolleg (preparatory school) for international applicants
Semester contribution of ~€379/semester includes a full Berlin public transport pass (Semesterticket)
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
TU Berlin charges no tuition fees for standard degree programmes (bachelor's and consecutive master's). All enrolled students pay a mandatory semester contribution of €379.06 per semester (Winter Semester 2026/27 rate), which includes an administrative fee (€50.00), a student body contribution (€14.56), a student welfare organisation fee (€85.00), and a Semesterticket (€226.80 + €2.70 social fund) granting unlimited public transport use across Berlin and Brandenburg. The contribution is the same for domestic and international students — no nationality-based surcharge applies. Continuing-education (non-consecutive) master's programmes may charge tuition fees separately.
Admission requirements
International applicants must hold a university entrance qualification recognised in Germany. If the foreign school-leaving certificate does not qualify for direct admission, applicants must complete a preparatory year at a Studienkolleg — TU Berlin operates its own preparatory school for this purpose. Bachelor's programmes require proof of German language proficiency (typically DSH-2, TestDaF TDN 4, or equivalent) as German is the sole language of instruction at undergraduate level. Master's programme language requirements vary by programme; English-taught programmes require an internationally recognised English-language certificate. Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants are required to hold a valid APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate issued by the German Embassy before enrolment, in line with standard German university admission rules for these nationalities. Applicants should contact the Studierendensekretariat (Student Affairs Office, IA) for guidance on credential recognition.
Application deadlines
Winter Semester (October start) — Bachelor's with restricted admission (NC): international applicants 1 May–15 July; without NC: 1 May–31 August. Master's with restricted admission (German-taught): 1 April–15 June; English-taught restricted: 1 April–15 May; open admission: 1 June–31 August. Summer Semester (April start) — Bachelor's with NC: 1 December–15 January; without NC: 1 December–28 February. Master's restricted: 1 December–15 January; open admission: 1 December–28 February. Deadlines refer to the date documents are received at TU Berlin, not the postmark date. Verify current cycle deadlines at: https://www.tu.berlin/en/studying/applying-and-enrolling/dates-deadlines
Languages of instruction
German is the language of instruction for all bachelor's degree programmes. Master's programmes are offered in both German and English; the number of English-taught master's programmes has grown significantly and spans engineering, natural sciences, economics, and planning disciplines. Applicants should verify the language of instruction for individual programmes in the course catalogue.
Campuses & locations
Central campus in the Charlottenburg district of Berlin, near Ernst-Reuter-Platz; home to the majority of faculties and administrative offices
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 technology, start-ups, culture, and the arts, and hosts a large international community. The city has an extensive public transport network (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram, bus) — covered by the TU Berlin Semesterticket. Berlin's cost of living is moderate relative to other Western European capitals, and the city offers a wide range of student housing, cultural venues, and employment opportunities.
Student life & support
TU Berlin's Department of International Affairs provides dedicated support for incoming international students, including orientation through the 'TU Booster' onboarding programme, a buddy programme pairing international and German students, language courses, visa and residence permit guidance, and housing assistance. Student housing is managed through Studierendenwerk Berlin, which operates dormitories across the city; demand typically exceeds supply so early application is recommended. The campus library system, canteens, sports facilities, and a broad range of student clubs and associations are available to all students. German language courses are offered to support students on English-taught programmes integrating into daily life in Berlin.
102
Accredited Programmes
29
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
63
Master
10
Other
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