🎓 World rank #120Updated June 2026

Humboldt University of Berlin

📍 Berlin, Berlin

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A historic Berlin institution associated with 57 Nobel laureates including Einstein and Planck. Its semester fee includes a Berlin public-transport ticket.

Fields of study

HumanitiesSocial SciencesLawNatural SciencesEconomics

Popular programmes

  • 🎓MSc Economics and Management Science
  • 🎓MSc Statistics
  • 🎓MA British Studies
  • 🎓MSc Computer Science

Admission requirements

Programme-specific minimums vary — 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 / TOEFL iBT 92 for English-taught programmes
German language
DSH 2 / TestDaF 4×4 for German-taught programmes (most HU Bachelor's are in German).
Other documents & expectations
  • Subject-matched undergraduate degree
  • Motivation letter (1–2 pages)
  • Some programmes require a writing sample or portfolio

Application deadlines

Deadlines change yearly — always verify on the official programme page.

🍂 Winter intake (starts October)

15 July for most Master's and Bachelor's. Some research Master's: 15 May.

🌸 Summer intake (starts April)

15 January for selected programmes.

â„šī¸ Berlin semester fee (â‚Ŧ315) includes the AB-zone public-transport ticket — solid value.

How to apply

Apply via uni-assist

Centralised application service for international applicants. Pay ~â‚Ŧ75 for first application, â‚Ŧ30 each additional.

Open the application portal →
Next stepsAfter admission — the visa pipeline

Got 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.

📋 How to apply — step by step

Tailored for this university's application route.

  1. 1Create a uni-assist account at uni-assist.de (free, English).
  2. 2Upload certified copies of your degree, transcripts and language test.
  3. 3Pay the application fee (~â‚Ŧ75 for the first programme, ~â‚Ŧ30 for each additional).
  4. 4uni-assist verifies your documents and forwards them to the university (4–6 weeks).
  5. 5The university makes the final admission decision and sends an offer letter.
  6. 6Accept the offer and enrol (Immatrikulation) to receive your enrolment letter.

đŸŠē 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.

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📋 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 4–12 weeks for the visa decision.

Frequently asked questions

Answers based on the most-asked questions about HU Berlin.

Is HU Berlin tuition-free for international students?+

Yes. Humboldt University of Berlin is a public university in Berlin where tuition is â‚Ŧ0 per semester for international students. You still pay a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) of about â‚Ŧ315, which typically includes a public-transport ticket.

What English language score does HU Berlin require?+

For English-taught programmes, Humboldt University of Berlin typically requires IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 92 for English-taught programmes. Programme-specific minimums can vary — always confirm on the official programme page.

When is the application deadline for HU Berlin?+

For winter intake (programmes starting in October), the deadline is typically: 15 July for most Master's and Bachelor's. Some research Master's: 15 May. For summer intake: 15 January for selected programmes.

How do I apply to HU 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 HU Berlin. The application fee is approximately â‚Ŧ75 for the first programme.

Is HU Berlin a good university?+

Yes. Humboldt University of Berlin is consistently ranked among the top universities in the world — currently around #120 globally. It is particularly strong in Humanities, Social Sciences, Law.

đŸ™ī¸

Living in Berlin

Average ~â‚Ŧ1,100/month, rent ~â‚Ŧ600/month.

City guide →

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Find a scholarship

DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium and university-specific awards.

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Visa walkthrough

Step-by-step from offer letter to embassy appointment.

Read the visa guide →