Free University of Berlin is a top ranked international public research institution in Berlin, founded in 1948. Supported by American Allies and Berlin Politics, the institution was set up by students and academicians. The university has hosted 5 Nobel Prize winners as its staff. Currently, 33,000 students are enrolled in the institute, including 13% pursuing bachelor’s and 29% pursuing master’s programs at Free University of Berlin.
Free University of Berlin offers 11 departments and a total of 173 courses to choose from. Multiple surveys from recognized agencies have placed Free University of Berlin among the 5 best universities in Germany. International students need a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (83-86%) for admission to Free University of Berlin. Students need proficiency either in English or German to be eligible to apply to the courses in the university. After graduation, Free University of Berlin students secure high paying employment with average salaries up to 171,000 EUR per annum (1.52 lakhs INR).
Free University of Berlin Rankings
Free University of Berlin has been ranked among the top 100 universities in the world according to various ranking agencies. Some of the global rankings of the university according to various reputed ranking agencies are as follows:
| Ranking Type | 2023 Rank | 2022 Rank | 2021 Rank | 2022 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | #=118 | #127 | #130 | #130 |
| THE World University Rankings | #=91 | #83 | #=118 | #=117 |
| US News and World Report | #87 | #95 | #111 | #122 |
| CWUR | #56 | #55 | #59 | #71 |
Free University of Berlin Campus
Free University of Berlin has four central institutes and six graduate schools. Most of the facilities are centred at the main location of Dahlem School of Education, however Institute of East European Studies, Institute of Latin American Studies and JFK Institute of North American Studies form an integral part of the university.
The University Library is the central attraction of the institution. It’s equipped with individual and group work rooms and has manuscripts, research texts and e-content. Campus Library containing academic and research material for Psychology, Science, Maths, Computer Science and Cultural Studies is also accessible to students.
The Botanical Garden and Museum is another treasure on campus and is located at the Königin-Luise-Street. On the same street is the University sports complex for the sports enthusiasts. Students at Free University of Berlin are active participants in the educational and cultural system. Their representation is made through the student body. Furthermore, engaging students in cultural aspects apart from academic excellence is of utmost importance and thus choir, theatre, orchestra and many other groups are formed.
Free University of Berlin Accommodations
The university offers accommodation to students in association with ERG Universitätsservice GmbH. These residential rooms are available at Studierendenwerk Berlin and Studentendorf Schlachtensee. The apartments at IBZ are available only for doctorates and scientists.
Single rooms with shared facilities and single/studio apartments are available for accommodation. In the single room with shared facilities option, students get the basic facilities of washroom, kitchen, and internet, dryer and washing machine (available for additional fee). Studio apartments consist of the basic amenities along with gym, gaming room, study area, TV area, and laundry services. Studio apartments are available at Neon Wood and The Student Hostel. The cost of living for Free University of Berlin students are as follows:
| Type of Room | Rent Per Semester (EUR) | Equivalent Rate for Indians (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Homestay (incl. breakfast and dinner) | 2,800 | 2.50 lakhs |
| Student Village, single-occupancy (self-catering) | 2,300 | 2.06 lakhs |
| The Social Hub (formerly The Student Hotel), single-occupancy (self-catering) | 4,360 | 3.9 lakhs |
| Accessible housing (self-catering) | 2,920 | 2.61 lakhs |
Free University of Berlin Programs
International students can pursue 173 degree courses in Free University of Berlin on Mono Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral level in the humanities, arts, science and natural science discipline. Some of the courses are solely associated with the university, while others are in cooperation with other prestigious universities.
MS in Data Science is a popularly chosen course by international candidates as it is taught in the English medium. Applicants need to produce an English language proof along with certain specific score requirements in the bachelor’s degree. Knowledge of computer programming languages such as C++, Java, Python, etc. is mandatory.
Free University of Berlin Admissions
English is the medium of teaching for a lot of courses considering the lack of German language knowledge in a lot of international applicants. The university offers some master’s courses for continuing studies candidates.
Graduate Admissions
| Application Portal | Online Application Portal |
| Application Fee | 10 EUR (890 INR) |
| Academic Requirement | School and university degree or certificates | Translated transcripts (If in native language) |
| GPA | 3.0 out of 4.0 (83-86%) |
| German Language Proficiency | TestDaF with level 5 in all four parts | DSH 3 |
| English Language Proficiency | IELTS: 4.0 to 5.0 | TOEFL iBT: 71 or equivalent |
| SOP/LOR | Letter of Motivation | Letter of Recommendation |
| Additional Requirements | Copy of Passport | Resume |
Undergraduate Admissions
| Application Portal | UniAssist |
| Application Fee | 10 EUR (890 INR) |
| Academic Requirement | Degree or certificates | Translated transcripts (If in native language) |
| GPA | 3.0 out of 4.0 (83-86%) |
| Age Proof | Minimum 18 years |
| German Language Proficiency | TestDaF with level 5 in all four parts | DSH 3 |
| English Language Proficiency | IELTS: 4.0 to 5.0 | TOEFL iBT: 71 or equivalent |
| SOP/LOR | Letter of Motivation | LORs |
| Additional Requirements | Copy of Passport | Resume | Proof of Fund Availability |
Free University of Berlin Cost of Attendance
Free University of Berlin does not charge tuition except for the continuing studies program. Rather, students are to pay the semester fee which is mostly subject to change every semester. The semester fee for summer is 237.89 EUR (21,300 INR) and for winter is 242.99 EUR (21,700 INR). The breakdown for the fees comprising cost of living in Germany is as follows:
| Fee type | Amount Per Semester (EUR) | Amount Per Semester (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment fee | 50 | 4,480 |
| Contribution to Students Support Service | 54.09 | 4,850 |
| Contribution to Students Government (Student Body) | 10 | 895 |
| Transportation ticket contribution | 198.8 | 17,800 |
Living expenses in Berlin can cost about 600-700 EUR (53,700 to 62,600 INR) on an average. This includes rent, food, study material, health insurance, clothing, etc.
Free University of Berlin Scholarships
Free University of Berlin does not offer scholarships in Germany for international students on its own but does associate with the Center for International Cooperation (CIC) which bridges this gap. Short-time financial assistance is provided to maintain international associations.
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships every year for international students. These can be availed by students pursuing language courses, master's and doctoral programs, and academic internships.
German Research Organizations, like DFG, FhG, MPG, etc. also offer grants for research projects or individual researchers. The Library of John F. Kennedy institute offers grants to multiple students every year from its impressive collections. Advanced scholars and Ph.D. candidates can avail this scholarship.
Free University of Berlin Placements
Free University of Berlin takes part in the European Career Fair, apart from the other career fairs across Berlin and Germany. Stellenticket Freie Universität Berlin is the job portal where students can look for a position that suits one’s interest and qualifications.
International Career service is also provided at the university to hone the skills of students who wish to work abroad. Free University of Berlin also posts vacancies for professorships, academic and non-academic staff. These vacancies are also available on university job portal and students with the desired credentials can apply for the same.
Students placed in the Financial Services sector have bagged the highest package which can range from 100,000 to 145,000 EUR. As per educational degree, Master of Science pass outs have proved the most successful.
Free University of Berlin Alumni
Free University of Berlin alumni are spread around over 100 countries in the world. Free University of Berlin reserves benefits for alumni in the networking, invitation and discount categories. These benefits are as follows:
- Invitation to university events
- Opportunity for networking
- Access to multiple newsletters from the university
- Registration for email updates from the university
- Discount on sports program, GasthorerCard CLASSIC and Annual Longnight of Sciences.
Notable Alumni
| Alumni | Designation |
|---|---|
| Andrea Fischer | Former member of German Bundestag |
| Michael Roes | German Writer and Filmmaker |
| Jacques de Caso | Historian |
| Rudi Dutschke | German Sociologist |
| Elke Heidenreich | German author, Literary Critic, TV Presenter, and Journalist |
Free University of Berlin is one of the best universities in Germany. The university secures an annual goverment funding of 370 million Euros and an external funding expenditure of 125 million Euros. With over 38% doctoral students from abroad, Free University of Berlin is one of the best research institutes of the university.
FAQs
Ques. Is Free University of Berlin free?
Ans. Yes. Free University of Berlin does not charge any tuition fee for majority of its programs. The university charges a nominal semester fee between 237.89 to 242.99 EUR (21,300 to 21,700 INR) and few other related expenses from the enrolling students.
Ques. What are the ranks of Free University of Berlin?
Ans. Free University of Berlin is ranked at #118 in QS World University Rankings, 2023. The university has secured the #91 rank in THE World University Rankings, 2023. It is currently the #5 Best University in Germany according to U.S. News and World Report.
Ques. Does Free University of Berlin offer courses in English?
Ans. Yes. Free University of Berlin offers various programs entirely in English as a language of study.
Ques. What are the admission requirements at Free University of Berlin?
Ans. International students need a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (83-86%). Students mandatorily need English proficiency or German language proficiency for different courses at the university.
Ques. How much does Free University of Berlin graduates earn?
Ans. Free University of Berlin graduates earn up to 108,000 EUR per annum average salaries. MS graduates of the university reportedly earn an average annual salary of 98,000 EUR per year.
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