Humboldt University of Berlin: Ranking, Fees, Admission Requirements, Scholarships and Jobs

Humboldt University of Berlin: Ranking, Fees, Admission Requirements, Scholarships and Jobs

Berlin, BerlinLocation
UniversitySchool type
Estd1810established year
33000enrollment
Public
8.7/10
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Bhaskar Das

Content Writer - Study Abroad

Highlights

  • Tuition fees: There are no tuition fees for international students except a semester fee of EUR 315 per semester.
  • Document Required: As an international student, you must submit Certificate from the Academic Evaluation Centre (APS) for admission
  • Work during Studies: You can work for 20 hours a week during the semester and 40 hours during semester breaks
  • Amount Required: You must have at least EUR 12,000 in your blocked account for one year to be eligible for study.

Humboldt University of Berlin is a public research university established in October 1810. It is ranked #126 in the world and 7th in Germany as per QS ranking 2025. The university offers over 189 different programs from various fields at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. Most of the Humboldt University of Berlin courses start in the Winter Semester in the month of September. You can opt from programs like:

  • Monobachelor
  • Combined Bachelor without teaching option/reference
  • Combined Bachelor with teaching option/reference
  • Master (without M.Ed. )
  • Master of Education (M.Ed.)
  • Further education courses, certificate courses, LL.M.

There is no tuition fee to study at the Humboldt University of Berlin. You need to pay a semester fee of EUR 315 every semester which will cover most expenses like travel and club fees. Since you are an Indian student, you must complete 13 years of study. This can be one year in college after 12th or a 3 year diploma after 10th. You can also take a 1 year preparatory course in Germany after bachelor’s in India.

Now, regarding the requirements for admission, you must take a German language test if you are a bachelor’s student. All undergraduate degree programs at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin are offered exclusively in German, and you need C1 German language proficiency. IELTS is not required, instead you need to prove that your Medium of instruction was English in previous education.

You can upload the documents in the university portal. Once your admission is confirmed, the university will send a letter with the address where you need to send the copies of the documents.

Humboldt University of Berlin Rankings

Humboldt University ranks among the top 150 in global universities and within the top 10 in German universities. QS also ranks the university in other parameters which are given below.

Parameters Ranking 2025
QS World University Ranking #=126
QS World University Ranking by Subject #7
QS Sustainability Ranking #=542
Europe University Rankings #=23

Humboldt University of Berlin Campus

Humboldt University has one of the best campuses for study in Germany. It has a huge library with a great collection where you can spend your time to study. There are three campuses with different colleges. They are:

  • The Adlershof Campus
  • Campus Mitte
  • Campus Nord

As an international student, you might face language and cultural barriers. Joining the clubs will help you interact with other students and increase your merit and get certificates.

Humboldt University of Berlin Campus

Humboldt University of Berlin Fees

The university does not charge any tuition fees for international students to study in Germany. You just need to pay the semester fees which is around EUR 315 including a semester ticket (for public transport) per semester (6 months). The details of the semester fees are:

Particulars Fees
1st enrollment fee 50 Euro
Contribution to the student body 9.75 Euro
Contribution to the Studierendenwerk 54.09 Euro
4th-semester ticket 201.80 Euro

Humboldt University of Berlin Application Process

The application can be done directly via the website and via uni-assist at the Humboldt University of Berlin. The application process for Germany is mentioned below:

  • Apply online at studienplatz.hu-berlin.de.
  • You can apply once you have your high school or diploma certificate.
  • You first register and then apply for your degree program in the second step.
  • After registration, you can create your application(s).
  • You submit special requests during the online application process.
  • If you are under 18 years old at the time of application, you will automatically be included in the “Minor quota”.
  • At the end of the online application, you can see the documents that may be required by post.

Humboldt University of Berlin Documents Required

While applying, you must note that the final review of applications by uni-assist can take up to 6 weeks. You must submit your application with all required documents to uni-assist online. Save the documents in PDF format and label the files clearly, e.g., CV, German language certificate. Your documents are marked with a time-stamp when they are uploaded to uni-assist. The documents required are:

  • Secondary school-leaving certificate with overview of subjects and grades
  • Overview of subjects and grades for your degree program (Transcript of Records / Diploma Supplement)
  • Module handbook (description of the learning content of your previous degree program)
  • Degree certificate from the university or, in the graduation phase, confirmation of the date of graduation
  • Official translation of documents that are not issued in German or English
  • Proof of the language skills for the relevant master's program
  • Complete curriculum vitae (from the start of school education to the date of application)
  • Copy of passport or identity card
  • For applications from China, India and Vietnam: Certificate from the Academic Evaluation Centre (APS)

Humboldt University of Berlin Application Deadline

The application deadlines are very important since submissions made after the application deadline are not valid and will not be accepted. Compliance with the deadline is determined by receipt of the complete application documents time. The deadlines for Indian students are:

Programs Winter semester Summer semester
Degree programs with NC (restricted admission) 02 May to 31 May (cut-off deadline) 01 December to 15 January (cut-off deadline)
Study programs without NC (Open admission) 02 May to 15 June (cut-off deadline) 01 December to 15 January (cut-off deadline)

Humboldt University of Berlin Cost of Living

Berlin is still much cheaper than other German cities. On average, students need c. 950 Euros monthly as cost of living in Germany. This includes accommodation rent, matriculation costs (315 Euros per semester), food and insurances. The costs provided below might differ as per your lifestyle. The details of the average cost of living are:

Humboldt University of Berlin Cost of Living

Details Expense
Accommodation EUR 300-400
Food EUR 120
Health Insurance EUR 80
Personal Expenses EUR 50

Humboldt University of Berlin Scholarships

The university provides multiple scholarships for international students. The amount for these scholarships vary. Some of the scholarships are:

Scholarship name Scholarship Description
Elsa-Neumann-Stipendium des Landes Berlin Supports doctoral candidates of all disciplines and offers full-time and part-time scholarships as well as scholarships for the completion of the doctoral project.
Schleiermacher-Promotionprogram Schleiermacher-Program is targeted at doctoral candidates at Humboldt-Universität working on their thesis independently, outside a doctoral program.
Caroline von Humboldt Stipendiatinnen Program (Exzellenzinitiative) Caroline von Humboldt Stipendium is targeted specifically at women. It offers scholarships for the completion of the doctoral project, scholarships to support mothers in continuing their doctorate after maternity leave and/or parental leave as well as scholarships for stays abroad.
Humboldt Research Track Scholarship (Exzellenzinitiative) Humboldt Research Track scholarships are targeted at students who have achieved excellence during their master's and are preparing for their doctoral studies.
Fellowship for Completion of Degree Humboldt-Universität offers scholarships for the completion of the thesis specifically for international students who do not have German citizenship and who do not study at Humboldt-Universität as part of an exchange program.

Humboldt University of Berlin Placements

Humboldt University provides a Humboldt Internship Program that lasts for 3 months. The international short-term program offers three months of subject-specific learning in a real working environment. The university does not provide teaching assistance or research assistance programs. As part of a start-up, you will gain exciting insights into a wide range of academic fields, individual support during your stay and ECTS credits. The program consist of:

  • Three-month research stay
  • Collaboration in a research project or university-related start-up
  • Preparation workshop

The following websites can help students to find internships or job opportunities in Germany for international students:

  • www.jobworld.de - Integrates different job and internship fairs such as FAZ, Süddeutsche, Tagesspiegel, UNICUM, JobScout24.
  • www.BackinJob.de - Career fair for German and international interns.
  • www.careerjet.de - This advanced search engine provides information on internships and jobs worldwide.
  • www.jobguide.de - This website contains information on internships in Germany and abroad. Furthermore, it provides tips on applications, assessment centers and interviews.
  • www.academics.de - This website lists jobs in Germany at universities and research institutes. You can receive a weekly newsletter with new jobs.

Humboldt University of Berlin Work Permit

Indian students can opt for part-time jobs in Germany while studying. The details of the jobs will be mentioned in German student Visa. As per reports, 2 out of 3 Indian students opt for part-time jobs in Germany on an average.

  • You can work for 120 full days (8 hours) or 240 half days
  • The days are calculated from January 1st to 31st December
  • Work 20 hours a week during semesters
  • Full-time jobs during semester breaks

You can also work at the university at the library or as an assistant. The details of these jobs will be available at the university bulletin.

Humboldt University of Berlin Alumni

The free Alumni Portal is the central network for alumni of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Here you can receive alumni benefits, network and find exciting events and news. The Humboldt University of Berlin Alumni network offers:

  • Exchange and networking with former fellow students
  • Career portal and networks of the decentral alumni initiatives
  • News and information on events at Humboldt-Universität
  • Free alumni email address: firstname.lastname@alumni.hu-berlin.de
  • Alumni newsletter
  • Discount at the Humboldt-Store
  • Networking
  • Alumni group on LinkedIn
  • Alumni group on XING

Some top Alumnis of Humboldt University are:

  • Heinrich Heine
  • Adelbert von Chamisso
  • Ludwig Feuerbach
  • Otto von Bismarck
  • Alice Salomon
  • Karl Marx
  • Kurt Tucholsky

Humboldt University provides free education to international students. The accommodation also costs less. You can work part-time while studying at the university, which will help you earn and manage your expenses.

FAQs

Ques: Is it hard to get into Humboldt University Berlin?

Ans: Yes, it is hard to get into Humboldt University. The acceptance rate for various courses are different. For some courses, such as Psychology, the Humboldt University of Berlin admission rate is as low as 2%. In contrast, the acceptance rate is close to 5% for others, such as Philosophy and Ethics. It could be as high as 20% for other courses.

Ques: Is Humboldt University of Berlin prestigious?

Ans: Yes, Humboldt University is one of the most prestigious universities in Germany. Established more than 200 years ago, in 1810, the Humboldt University of Berlin is one of the most prestigious universities not only in Germany, but in Europe. The university also provides free education for international students.

Ques: How much is Humboldt University of Berlin tuition fees for international students?

Ans: There are no tuition fees for international students at the Humboldt University of Berlin. You must pay a semester fee 2 times a year. The total fees comes around EUR 630 for one year.

Ques: What is the acceptance rate for Humboldt University of Berlin?

Ans: Humboldt University of Berlin acceptance rate is 18%, hence securing admission in it is a competitive affair. Established in 1810, Humboldt University of Berlin is a public research university that hosts a total of 36,566 students.

Ques: Does Humboldt University in Berlin teach in English?

Ans: In addition to regular university courses, Humboldt University offers a selection of courses designed specifically for international students that focus on the history, culture, and society of Berlin and Germany. Most of these courses are taught in English.

Humboldt University of Berlin Program Fees & Deadlines

ProgramImportant DatesFeesExams ScoreAction
Application Deadline For Winter 2025 Intake (15th Jul 2024)
Application Deadline For Winter 2025 Intake With Non-Restricted Intake (15th Jul 2024)
Application Deadline For Winter 2025 Intake With Restricted Intake (31st Aug 2024)
USD 5,450 /Yr
EUR 5,000 /Yr
  • IELTS: 6.0
  • TOEFL: 100
  • PTE: 48
Application Deadline For Winter 2025 Intake With Non-Restricted Intake (31st Aug 2024)
Application Deadline For Winter 2026 Intake With Restricted Intake (31st May 2025)
USD 5,450 /Yr
EUR 5,000 /Yr
  • TOEFL: 100
  • IELTS: 6.5
Application Deadline For Winter 2025 Intake With Non-Restricted Intake (31st Aug 2024)
Application Deadline For Winter 2026 Intake With Restricted Intake (31st May 2025)
USD 5,450 /Yr
EUR 5,000 /Yr
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • TOEFL: 100
  • PTE: 53
B.B.A
3 years
Application Deadline For Winter 2025 Intake (15th Jul 2024)
Application Deadline For Winter 2025 Intake With Non-Restricted Intake (15th Jul 2024)
Application Deadline For Winter 2025 Intake With Restricted Intake (31st Aug 2024)
USD 174 /Yr
EUR 160 /Yr
  • IELTS: 6.0
  • TOEFL: 100
  • PTE: 48
Application Deadline For Winter 2025 Intake (15th Jul 2024)
Application Deadline For Winter 2025 Intake With Non-Restricted Intake (15th Jul 2024)
Application Deadline For Winter 2025 Intake With Restricted Intake (31st Aug 2024)
USD 174 /Yr
EUR 160 /Yr
  • IELTS: 6.0
  • TOEFL: 100
  • PTE: 48
Application Deadline For Winter 2025 Intake With Non-Restricted Intake (31st Aug 2024)
Application Deadline For Winter 2026 Intake With Restricted Intake (31st May 2025)
USD 1,744 /Yr
EUR 1,600 /Yr
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • TOEFL: 100
  • PTE: 53

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Humboldt University of Berlin comparison

University NameHumboldt University of BerlinFree University of Berlin
Collegedunia Score6.2 Out of 106.1 Out of 10
Overall Ranking
  • #126 QS World University 2025
  • #87 Times Higher Education 2024
  • #120 QS World University 2024
  • #97 QS World University 2025
  • #98 QS World University 2024
  • #102 Times Higher Education 2024
Subject Strength
  • #222 for Engineering by QS World University 2024
  • #175 for Medicine by QS World University 2024
  • #31 for Law by Times Higher Education 2024
  • #288 for Engineering by QS World University 2024
  • #143 for Medicine by QS World University 2024
  • #65 for Law by QS World University 2024
Programs
  • UG Programs- 9
  • PG Programs - 19
  • Doctorate Programs -3
  • UG Programs- 42
  • PG Programs - 55
  • Doctorate Programs -1
Exam Score
Cost to Study
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 10874.6139 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 7985.34 Per Year
  • Average Tuition Fees:USD 4469 [For PG Program]
  • Hostel + Meal:USD 10987.2 Per Year
Placement

Graduate Employability Ranking- #34 (THE, 2019); Doctorate (106,000 USD); PhD (103,000 USD); LLM (100,000 USD); Masters in Science (66,000 USD).


According to the British Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 the FU Berlin ranks 83rd globally and seventh in Germany.

Average Salaries By Degree Are: 

  • Masters in Science : $105,000 
  • Other Degree : $91,000 
  • Masters in Finance: $88,000 
  • Masters of Arts : $65,000 
  • LLM : $53,000 

-Read Full Comparison

Humboldt University of Berlin Ranking

202520242023202220212020201920182017

QS World University logo

Overall 126 out of 1503 in Global Ranking

#7 out of 43 in Germany 2025

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Humboldt University of Berlin Ratings

Based on 1 Students Rating

8.7 out of 10
9.0/10Academic
8.0/10Accommodation
9.0/10Faculty
8.0/10Infrastructure
9.0/10Placement
9.0/10Social Life

Humboldt University of Berlin Reviews


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1 Reviews Found

RN
8.7 /10

Overview:

When looking for a PhD position, I looked for the research group with similar interests, its quality and reputation (publications), scientific standing of supervisor in the community, etc. The aspect of university was by a happenstance.

Fees:

The education fees in Germany are almost zero. The tution fees per semester were ~350? which included student travel pass for Berlin.

academic: 9/10
faculty: 9/10
infrastructure: 8/10
accomodation: 8/10
placement: 9/10
extracurricular: 9/10

Humboldt University of Berlin Scholarships


NameScholarship Per StudentLevel of StudyType
Bharat Petroleum ScholarshipScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyMasterTypeMerit-Based
Google's Women Techmakers ProgramScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeMerit-Based
Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation ScholarshipsScholarship per student$100,000Level Of StudyDoctorateTypeMerit-Based
Bhajan Lal ScholarshipScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyDoctorateTypeMerit-Based
Heinrich Boll ScholarshipsScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyBachelorTypeCompany-Sponsored
Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung ScholarshipScholarship per studentVariable AmountLevel Of StudyDoctorateTypeMerit-Based

Humboldt University of Berlin Admissions

  • Summer Admission Deadlines

    Important Date: January15 (Application deadline)
  • Winter Admission Deadlines

    Important Date: May31 (Application deadline)

Humboldt University of Berlin Exam Scores

ExamsAvg. ScoreMin ScoreMax. Score%Submitted'
Graduate
GMAT700600800-
GRE312---
Language Proficiency
TOEFL110100120-
IELTS7.56.59-

Attendance Cost

$5,450

attendance cost

The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees

Tuition fees
Undergraduate Programs
$294 / Year
Post Graduate Program
$5,450 / Year
On Campus
Student Hall
$7,985 / Year

Faculty

Total FacultyFull TimePart TimeGraduate Assistants
632---

Humboldt University of Berlin Campus Location


+49-30-20-934-6747
Telephone
Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin
Address

Comments


74 Comments
O
oladipupo timilehin
Do I need a German language text
K
Karan Gupta

Yes, You must have at least level C1 in German language proficiency before taking admission to the university. You can check exams required to study in Germany.

I
imran hanif
I am msc math from Riphah university Pakistan in 2021.My cgpa is 2.77/4.I want to take MPhil degree in pure math but I want to come Germany but I heard that for me take admission again in msc math in Germany for one year.Then I will able to get MPhil and phd in pure math.
K
Karan Gupta

You might not necessarily need another year of M.Sc. in Germany before pursuing an MPhil or Ph.D. in pure math. Your M.Sc. from Riphah University can be considered, but the CGPA could be a point of discussion. It's advisable to identify universities in Germany with MPhil/Ph.D. programs in pure math that interest you and their specific requirements for admission.

S
salem joseph were
Can I join the join the university without a German Language certificate but using my IGSCES English grades to show my proficiency
K
Karan Gupta

No, you cannot join Humboldt University of Berlin (HU Berlin) for undergraduate studies without a German language certificate.

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