Free University of Berlin
đ Berlin, Berlin
A leading research university and one of Germany's 'Universities of Excellence', renowned for political science, the humanities and the natural sciences.
Fields of study
Popular programmes
- đMA International Relations
- đMSc Computational Sciences
- đMSc Bioinformatics
- đMA North American Studies
Admission requirements
Programme-specific minimums vary â confirm on the official programme page before applying.
- Academic / GPA
- Bachelor's with ~70%+ (German 2.5 or higher)
- English (IELTS / TOEFL)
- IELTS 6.5 (5.5 per band) / TOEFL iBT 88+
- German language
- DSH 2 / TestDaF 4Ã4 for German-taught programmes
- Other documents & expectations
- Subject-relevant Bachelor's
- Letter of Motivation
- Research-oriented Master's may ask for a thesis abstract
Application deadlines
Deadlines change yearly â always verify on the official programme page.
đ Winter intake (starts October)
15 July for most Master's. Bachelor's: 15 July via uni-assist.
đ¸ Summer intake (starts April)
15 January for selected Master's.
âšī¸ Semester fee includes the AB-zone Semesterticket for Berlin public transport.
How to apply
Apply via uni-assist
Centralised application service for international applicants. Pay ~âŦ75 for first application, âŦ30 each additional.
Open the application portal âGot admission? Here's what to do next.
Every international student needs the same three things to study at this university: an offer letter, a blocked account, and health insurance. Here's the honest order.
đ How to apply â step by step
Tailored for this university's application route.
- 1Create a uni-assist account at uni-assist.de (free, English).
- 2Upload certified copies of your degree, transcripts and language test.
- 3Pay the application fee (~âŦ75 for the first programme, ~âŦ30 for each additional).
- 4uni-assist verifies your documents and forwards them to the university (4â6 weeks).
- 5The university makes the final admission decision and sends an offer letter.
- 6Accept the offer and enrol (Immatrikulation) to receive your enrolment letter.
đŗ Open a blocked account
German embassies require proof you have ~âŦ11,904 for one year. A blocked account (Sperrkonto) is the standard way to show this.
Expatrio
Berlin-based fintech designed for international students â quick, English-friendly, popular bundle option.
Fintiba
One of Germany's longest-running blocked-account fintechs, very widely used by international students.
đŠē Health insurance
You need pre-arrival travel + health insurance for your visa appointment. Once you arrive and enrol, switch to public insurance (TK / DAK) if you are under 30.
DR-WALTER Educare24
Most international students applying via Expatrio â comes bundled with the blocked account.
Mawista Student
Students using Fintiba, or those who want standalone visa insurance without bundling.
đ Student visa process
With your offer letter, blocked account, and insurance in hand, you're ready to apply for the student visa at your German embassy. Plan 4â12 weeks for the visa decision.
Frequently asked questions
Answers based on the most-asked questions about FU Berlin.
Is FU Berlin tuition-free for international students?+
Yes. Free University of Berlin is a public university in Berlin where tuition is âŦ0 per semester for international students. You still pay a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) of about âŦ315, which typically includes a public-transport ticket.
What English language score does FU Berlin require?+
For English-taught programmes, Free University of Berlin typically requires IELTS 6.5 (5.5 per band) / TOEFL iBT 88+. Programme-specific minimums can vary â always confirm on the official programme page.
When is the application deadline for FU Berlin?+
For winter intake (programmes starting in October), the deadline is typically: 15 July for most Master's. Bachelor's: 15 July via uni-assist. For summer intake: 15 January for selected Master's.
How do I apply to FU Berlin?+
International applications go through uni-assist (uni-assist.de). You upload certified copies of your degree, transcripts and language test, and uni-assist verifies them before forwarding to FU Berlin. The application fee is approximately âŦ75 for the first programme.
Is FU Berlin a good university?+
Yes. Free University of Berlin is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world â currently around #98 globally. It is particularly strong in Political Science, Humanities, Natural Sciences.
đī¸
Living in Berlin
Average ~âŦ1,100/month, rent ~âŦ600/month.
City guide âđ°
Find a scholarship
DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium and university-specific awards.
Browse scholarships âđ
Visa walkthrough
Step-by-step from offer letter to embassy appointment.
Read the visa guide â