Freie University of Berlin, Germany

Overview

The Freie University of Berlin (Germany) is among the best researched universities in Europe and an international icon of academic freedom and quality of higher education founded in 1948. The university was founded in the post war period to encourage independent and democratic education and since then it has become one of the reputable universities that are known to be innovative, interdisciplinary, and collaborate internationally along with effective cost to study in Germany.

The Freie University of Berlin (Germany) in Berlin-Dahlem, a green and lively area of the capital of Germany, is the place to pursue the best programs in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, business, and medicine. The university has a diverse and inclusive academic environment with a student population of over 33,000 students representing over 120 countries to study in Germany.

In accordance with the Excellence Strategy in Germany, the Freie University of Berlin (Germany) is also a University of Excellence, which demonstrates the exceptional achievements in the area of research and education. It has international collaborations with over 400 universities around the world such as Stanford, Oxford, and the University of Tokyo, which provide a good academic exchange and combined research projects along with robust courses to study in Germany.

Highlights

  • Acceptance Rate: 20% (Highly Selective)
  • Total Students: 33,000+ from 120+ countries
  • Programs Offered: 180+ undergraduate and postgraduate degrees
  • Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
  • Graduate Employability Rate: 95% within six months of graduation
  • Scholarships: DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium, and Freie University Merit Awards
  • Annual Research Funding: €900 million+

Rankings

The Freie university, Berlin (Germany) is always rated as the best in Germany and Europe and has superior results in political science, history and biology. The Freie University of Berlin (Germany) in Berlin-Dahlem, area of the capital of Germany, is indeed the place to pursue the best programs in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, business, and medicine.

Ranking Agency Rank / Recognition
QS World University Rankings 2025 #122 globally
Times Higher Education (THE) 2025 #88 worldwide
ARWU (Shanghai) 2024 #151 – 200 globally
U.S. News Best Global Universities 2025 #131 globally
QS Europe University Rankings 2025 #26 in Europe
QS Subject Rankings (Social Sciences & Humanities) 2025 Top 60 worldwide

Intakes

The Freie University of Berlin (Germany) has a biannual system of taking in international students. Students are expected to apply early in order to get admission as well as work on visa formalities.

Winter Semester (October): Primary admission to provisions in most undergraduate and postgraduate programs in any field.

Summer Semester (April): Offered in selected masters and research-based courses.

Courses & Fees

Freie University of Berlin (Germany) has a variety of programs with the focus on academic excellence, integration of research, and global relevance. Innovation in the fields of data science, political studies, and environmental sustainability is assisted by modern research laboratories and IT centers

Program

Duration

Tuition Fees (approx.)

Bachelor of Political Science

3 Years

€0 tuition + semester fee €312

Bachelor of Economics

3 Years

€0 tuition + semester fee €312

Bachelor of Computer Science

3 Years

€0 tuition + semester fee €312

Bachelor of Biology

3 Years

€0 tuition + semester fee €312

Master of Data Science

2 Years

€0 tuition + semester fee €312

Master of Public Policy

2 Years

€0 tuition + semester fee €312

Master of Global History

2 Years

€0 tuition + semester fee €312

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

1.5 Years

€31,000 total program cost

Cost of Studying at Freie University of Berlin

Being a state-owned university, the Freie University of Berlin (Germany) is free in most of its programs. Students are however advised to plan their living costs and fees per semester. It has international collaborations with over 400 universities around the world such as Stanford, Oxford, and the University of Tokyo. So, it is advisable to plan your budget accordingly. 

Expense Type

Estimated Cost

Tuition Fees

€0 (public university)

Semester Contribution

€312 per semester

Accommodation

€500 – €900 per month (€6,000 – €10,800 per year)

Food & Groceries

€250 – €350 per month (€3,000 – €4,200 per year)

Transportation

€40 – €80 per month (€480 – €960 per year)

Health Insurance

€120 per month (€1,440 per year)

Miscellaneous

€100 – €200 per month (€1,200 – €2,400 per year)

Scholarships

The Freie University of Berlin (Germany) has many scholarships offered to foreign students, which are based on the academic merit and excellence in research. It also hosts job fairs, employer panels and networking events with major organizations in Europe. The exposure is made practical through internship programs with Berlin based startups and corporations.

Scholarship

Value / Waiver

Details

Freie University International Merit Scholarship

€1,000 – €3,000 per semester

For top-performing international students

DAAD Scholarship (Germany)

€850 – €1,200 monthly stipend

Funded by the German Academic Exchange Service

Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship)

€300 per month

Co-funded by government and corporate sponsors

Erasmus+ Mobility Grant

€350 – €450 per month

For students studying abroad in Europe

Berlin Study Award

€2,000 annually

For academically strong students enrolled in Berlin universities

Admissions

Admission process is quite smooth and hassle free. The university was founded in the post war period to encourage independent and democratic education and since then it has become one of the reputable universities that are known to be innovative, interdisciplinary, and collaborate internationally along with effective scholarships to study in Germany.

Undergraduate Admissions
  • Prerequisites: High school graduation equivalent to the German Abitur.
  • Language Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 90 / PTE 58+ (English taught); TestDaF 4 / DSH-2 (German taught).
  • Paperwork: Academic transcript, evidence of language proficiency, proof of motivation, passport, and evidence of financial means (approximately EUR11,208/year).
Postgraduate Admissions
  • Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in the related field issued by a recognized institution, GPA [?] 2.5 (German scale).
  • Language Skills: IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 88 or PTE 58+ or TestDaF 4 or DSH-2.
  • Documents: Degree certificate, academic transcripts, SOP, CV, 2 recommendation letters and funding proof.

Accommodation

Studierendenwerk Berlin and housing associated housing associations offer housing assistance at Freie University of Berlin (Germany). In the vicinity itself free psychological counselling and wellness workshops are provided by Freie University of Berlin (Germany) to encourage mental health

On-Campus Accommodation:

College dormitories offer single rooms and common apartments with kitchen, laundry space, and internet/wi-fi. Rent is between EUR250 – EUR450 /month.

Off-Campus Accommodation:

They are available in areas such as Dahlem, Steglitz, and Kreuzberg where students may get individual accommodation and flat (Wohngemeinschaften). Mean rent: EUR500 -EUR900/month.

Placements

Freie University of Berlin (Germany) has a good connection with the world of employers and research bodies. Its Career Service Center offers internship schemes, employment matching schemes and skill development workshops. Average graduate initial salary: EUR48,000 – EUR68,000 every year, contingent on specialization.

Top Recruiters Include:

  • Siemens AG
  • Google Germany
  • SAP SE
  • PwC Germany
  • Amazon Europe
  • Deutsche Bank
  • Bosch GmbH
  • BMW Group
  • Airbus
  • Deloitte Germany

Student Essential Services

The Freie University of Berlin (Germany) offers elaborate services to the students to foster academic excellence, individual well-being, and international interactions. The international students are helped by peer mentors in integration and adjustment.

Student Success Centre: The Student Success Centre assists students to ease their way in the university by mentoring them on their studies, tutoring them as well as conducting learning strategy workshops. Lessons are devoted to the preparation of exams, research, and time management. 

Hubs of Career and Employability: The Career Hub provides individual career counseling, resume writing and interview preparation. It also hosts job fairs, employer panels and networking events with major organizations in Europe. The exposure is made practical through internship programs with Berlin based startups and corporations.

Counselling and Accessibility Services: Free psychological counselling and wellness workshops are provided by Freie University of Berlin (Germany) to encourage mental health. The services offered by the accessibility services include adaptive technologies, alternative examinations, and learning support to students with disabilities.

Clubs and Recreation: The university promotes students to join over 200 student organizations such as cultural groups, sport groups, volunteer groups, and research societies. At such annual events as Freie Summer Fest and Global Student Week, a community and cultural exchange are created.

Learning Materials and Libraries: One of the largest libraries in Europe and containing a large range of digital collections is located at Freie University of Berlin (Germany). Innovation in the fields of data science, political studies, and environmental sustainability is assisted by modern research laboratories and IT centers.

Visa and Housing Assistance: The International Office has services that assist with giving end-to-end support of visa applications, residence permits, bank accounts, and insurance. New students are able to adjust to the lifestyle of Berlin through the orientation programs and tours of the city.

Health and Well-being: All students are provided with health insurance guidance, fitness facilities, and medical centers on campus. There are wellness programs like yoga, mindfulness and health awareness programs which are performed periodically.

Education and Cultural: Research Excellence and Cultural Diversity As an academic hub, Freie University of Berlin (Germany) hosts International Day, Berlin Research Festival and Innovation Fair. The campus is augmented with language cafes, artist exhibitions and alumni talks.

Location of Freie University of Berlin, Germany

Frequently Asked Questions Section

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the programs of Freie University of Berlin (Germany)?

Freie University of Berlin (Germany) offers programs in Political Science, Economics, Computer Science, Data Science, and Business Administration.

What are the English language requirements in Freie university of Berlin (Germany)?

Requirements at Freie University of Berlin (Germany)- Undergraduate: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90. Postgraduate: Course: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent TOEFL/PTE.

Does Freie University of Berlin (Germany) provide scholarships to international students?

Yes, there are scholarships like DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium, and Freie University Merit Awards at Freie University of Berlin (Germany).

At what time are Freie University of Berlin (Germany) intakes?

The primary intakes are in October (Winter) and in April (Summer) at Freie University of Berlin (Germany).

Can Freie University of Berlin students accommodate themselves?

Yes, there are on-campus dormitories and other apartments that are owned privately through Studierendenwerk Berlin at Freie University of Berlin (Germany).

How expensive is the cost of living in Freie University of Berlin?

Cost per year of between EUR12,000 -EUR15,000 includes rent, transport and general costs at Freie University of Berlin (Germany).

The reason why Freie University of Berlin (Germany) is selected?

Freie University of Berlin is a place where academic freedom is valued, global rankings are high, research and research possibilities are diverse, and one of the most diverse European capitals.

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