Freie Universität Berlin

Key facts

Checked against the sources listed at the bottom of this page on 9 November 2026.

About Freie Universität Berlin

Freie Universität Berlin was founded in 1948 in response to political pressure at the older Berlin university on Unter den Linden, which was then in the Soviet sector.^[7] It is a public research university with its main address in the Dahlem district of Berlin.^[6] The university won all three rounds of the German federal and state Excellence Competitions (2006/2007, 2012 and 2019) and is recognised as a German University of Excellence.^[7]

In winter semester 2024/25 it had 34,400 students and 3,300 doctoral students. It has 390 professors and is organised in 11 departments, 4 central institutes and 1 joint medical school.^[1] The share of students from abroad is 13% in bachelor’s, 33% in master’s and 42% in doctoral programmes.^[1]

How is Freie Universität Berlin ranked?

In the QS World University Rankings 2027, published in June 2026, Freie Universität Berlin is 98th in the world. It is the fourth German university in the list behind TUM (25th), LMU Munich (61st) and Heidelberg University (86th).^[2]

Rankings differ by publisher and year, so treat one position as one view. How we compile rankings.

What can you study at Freie Universität Berlin?

FU Berlin offers 180 degree programmes, 81 at undergraduate level and 99 consecutive master’s programmes.^[1] Multi-subject bachelor’s programmes combine a core subject with additional modules; a table on the university’s application page shows which subject pairings are possible.^[8] Most programmes are taught in German; some master’s programmes are taught in English.^[4]

How much does Freie Universität Berlin cost?

The university states: “Freie Universität Berlin does not charge any tuition fees (except for continuing education programs).” The page has no date.^[3] Students pay a semester contribution instead:

Students with a valid disability card and eligibility for free public transport are exempt from the ticket; other exemptions are handled by the semester ticket office. A late fee of currently €19.94 is added to re-registrations paid after the deadline.^[3] For rent and living costs in Berlin see our Germany guide and the Study in Germany guide.

How do you apply to Freie Universität Berlin?

• Master’s with a non-German degree: first request a preliminary review documentation (VPD) from uni-assist, selecting Freie Universität Berlin and the master’s option; certificates from China, India or Vietnam also need an APS certificate. Processing usually takes four to six weeks. Then create an account in the FU application and enrolment portal and submit the application there with the VPD, which is valid for one year. FU accepts only applications through the portal that include a valid VPD issued for FU Berlin.^[9]
• Bachelor’s: you must apply even where admission is unrestricted. For multi-subject programmes you apply for the core subject and any additional modules. Programmes with limited places issue an admission notice; the page then redirects to online enrolment. The page has a separate section for qualifications obtained outside Germany but does not describe the steps itself.^[8]

We give no deadlines because they change every year and differ by programme; use the programme page. Contact: the Info-Service Studium at info-service@fu-berlin.de.^[8]

Which language level do you need?

For the application the page requires proof of at least German level C1 (CEFR): a C1 certificate with grades, TestDaF with 4/4/3/3 or better, DSD II, OnSet/OnDaF at C1, DSH 1 or telc C1 Hochschule with at least “ausreichend”. Two master’s programmes have lower levels at application: Interdisciplinary Latin American Studies (B2) and Biodiversity, Evolution, Ecology (A1).^[4]

At enrolment a higher level is needed for most programmes: DSH 2, telc C1 Hochschule at least “gut”, the Goethe C2 certificate, DSD II with C1 in all parts, the Studienkolleg Feststellungsprüfung or TestDaF level 4 in all four parts. German Philology (bachelor’s) and German-language Literature (master’s) require TestDaF level 5 or DSH 3. Certificates must not be older than three years, except the German Abitur.^[4] The page warns that some master’s programmes taught in English also require a low level of German. Applicants who need the Studienkolleg need B2 only.^[4]

More about studying in Germany

• Germany: best universities
• Study in Germany: complete guide
• Cost of Studying Abroad
• International Student Scholarships
• University Ranking Methodology

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