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.
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.
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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:
Documents Required:
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 | 01 December to 15 January |
| Study programs without NC (Open admission) | 02 May to 15 June | 01 December to 15 January |
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:
| Details | Expense |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | EUR 300-400 |
| Food | EUR 120 |
| Health Insurance | EUR 80 |
| Personal Expenses | EUR 50 |
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 |
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 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 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:
The following websites can help students to find internships or job opportunities in Germany for international students:
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 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 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.
Ques: Is it hard to get into Humboldt University Berlin?
Ques: Is Humboldt University of Berlin prestigious?
Ques: How much is Humboldt University of Berlin tuition fees for international students?
Ques: What is the acceptance rate for Humboldt University of Berlin?
Ques: Does Humboldt University in Berlin teach in English?
