All Levels
DAAD scholarships for international students
All funding: varies by programme
Free University of Berlin
Berlin, Germany
"Berlin's University of Excellence in humanities and sciences"
At a Glance
Accept Rate
—
Avg Salary/Yr
—
Ranking
#88 (QS)
PSW VISA
18 months
About Free University of Berlin
Freie Universitaet Berlin was founded in 1948 in West Berlin as a free alternative to the university in the Soviet sector. It covers a broad range of humanities, social sciences, natural and life sciences, and was recognised as a German University of Excellence in 2006/2007, 2012 and 2019. It shares the Charite medical centre with Humboldt University.
Rankings & Recognition
#88
Ranked #88 in the QS World University Rankings 2026.
Accreditations & Memberships
Public University
QS 2026 Performance Breakdown
Score out of 100 across each QS evaluation pillar, with Free University of Berlin's global standing for that metric.
Academic Reputation
70.10#70
Employer Reputation
55.30#55
Faculty Student Ratio
28.50#28
Citations per Faculty
60.20#60
International Faculty Ratio
65.70#65
International Student Ratio
60.10#
#
Key Facts
1948
Founded
#88
QS 2026 Rank
Public University
Type
Berlin
Location
approx. 33,500
Total Students
Popular Programs
Humanities and cultural studies
Social sciences and political science
Natural sciences
Life sciences and biochemistry
Mathematics and computer science
Veterinary medicine and pharmacy
Application Details
Intakes
Winter (Oct) and Summer (Apr)
Application Route
uni-assist (non-German qualifications)
English Programmes
1 bachelor + about 25 masters
German Needed
Not for English-taught degrees
Standardized Test Requirements
| Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
|
Language test
|
Check university site |
Study Abroad & Visa Details
Visa Approval Rate
—
I-20 Processing
National visa (type D)
Post-Study Work
18 months
Green Card Pathway
EU Blue Card
Financials
Application Fee
N/A
Avg Scholarship
DAAD / university awards
Career Outcomes
N/A
Graduate Employment
18 months
Post-Study Work
Where Graduates Land
N/A
Faculty & Alumni
Academic Staff — approx. 460 professors
Student-Staff Ratio — N/A
—
Notable Alumni
N/A
Campus & Location
Main campus is in the south-western Berlin district of Dahlem, with additional institutes elsewhere in the city.
Campus Details
Dahlem
(Berlin)
Campus Forecast
Berlin
Main campus
Student residences
Continental climate
Student Life & Housing
Housing
Studierendenwerk Berlin residence halls
Student halls across Berlin districts
Early application advised
Dining
Studierendenwerk Berlin canteens at FU
Mensa near Dahlem campus
Cafes on campus
Health & Wellness
Health insurance is compulsory for students
Activities & Clubs
Hochschulsport university sports
Student initiatives and clubs
Berlin cultural events
Diversity & Demographics
Intl. Students
N/A
Main Intl. Regions
N/A
Cost Deep-Dive
Tuition Bachelor (approx.)
EUR 0 (semester fee only)
Tuition Master (approx.)
EUR 0 (semester fee only)
Blocked Account (visa)
EUR 11,904 / year
Health Insurance
Compulsory (approx. EUR 120 / month)
Intakes & Deadlines
Winter semester (October) and summer semester (April) for most programmes. Check the FU deadlines page for the current year.
Scholarships at Free University of Berlin
2 scholarships available
All Levels
Deutschlandstipendium (merit-based)
All funding: eUR 300 / month (national scheme)
These are general eligibility guidelines. Always confirm exact requirements with the university's admissions office or your Sukhada counsellor.
Academic Requirements
Undergraduate
School certificate; some need German
Postgraduate
Relevant bachelor degree; programme specific
English Proficiency
Language test
Check university siteRequired Documents
Passport copy
Application form (uni-assist or university portal)
School-leaving certificate (HZB) or degree
Academic transcripts
APS certificate (applicants from India, China, Vietnam)
Language proof (German or English)
CV and motivation letter
Blocked account proof (EUR 11,904 per year)
Health insurance proof
Photo
Application Process
1
Choose programme
Check the course list, teaching language and entry rules on the FU Berlin international pages.
2
Prepare documents
Get certified copies, the APS certificate (for India), a language certificate and a CV with motivation letter.
3
Apply online
Apply through uni-assist (or the university portal if the programme says so) and pay the uni-assist fee.
4
Admission decision
The university checks your file and sends the admission letter (Zulassung).
5
Money & insurance
Open a blocked account (EUR 11,904 per year) and take German health insurance.
6
Visa & enrol
Apply for a German national student visa (type D), then enrol and register your address after arrival.
Campus & Location
Main campus is in the south-western Berlin district of Dahlem, with additional institutes elsewhere in the city.
Bachelor's
5
Free University of Berlin
📍 Berlin
Bachelor's
North American Studies
Free University of Berlin
📍 Berlin
Bachelor's
Political Science
Free University of Berlin
📍 Berlin
Bachelor's
Computer Science
Free University of Berlin
📍 Berlin
Bachelor's
Biochemistry
Free University of Berlin
📍 Berlin
Bachelor's
Geosciences
Master's
4
Free University of Berlin
📍 Berlin
Master's
Data Science
Free University of Berlin
📍 Berlin
Master's
Computational Sciences
Free University of Berlin
📍 Berlin
Master's
Bioinformatics
Free University of Berlin
📍 Berlin
Master's
Global History
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