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Last updated on 31 Oct '26HU BerlinWhat's new?
- Humboldt University of Berlin application deadline for the Summer semester is Jan 15, 2027 for Bachelor's and Master's courses.
About Humboldt University of Berlin
Humboldt University of Berlin has produced many Nobel Prize winners, including Albert Einstein. Being a public research university in Germany, HU Berlin also does not charge any tuition fees for Indian students. Only a semester fee of EUR 355 (INR 37.6 K) applies.
- HU Berlin Rankings: For the year 2027, the Humboldt University of Berlin Ranking is #140 in the world. It ranks number 1 in Germany for Arts and Humanities on the QS Rankings.
- Accreditation: The Humboldt University of Berlin is a public research university based in Berlin, Germany. Fully accredited by the German System of Accreditation, it is the oldest university in Berlin. HUB Germany is divided into 9 faculties that deliver more than 170 degrees. Berlin Humboldt also partners with 375 universities.
- HU Berlin Acceptance Rate: Students interested in higher studies here would have to perform really well in their studies. The Humboldt University of Berlin acceptance rate is 18%, as per unofficial sources
- Admissions: It is tough to get into HU Berlin due to the good academic profile this university demands from Indian students. For PG courses at Humboldt School, Indian students need a GMAT score of 590+ and a GRE score of 310+ and for English-taught courses, they need an IELTS or TOEFL score too
- Humboldt University of Berlin vs Free University of Berlin: Both universities are public and require no tuition fee from Indian students. For both, a mandatory semester fee is required which is almost the same at both unis. At Humboldt, Indian students have to take the ELP exams like IELTS (5.5+) or TOEFL (72+), but at the Free University of Berlin, an IELTS waiver is possible if the Bachelor's degree was English-taught. Humboldt University of Berlin is known for its strengths in subjects like Law, Economics and Humanities and the Free University of Berlin for courses in Data Science, Computer Science and Political Science. Read the difference in the PDF given here: HU Berlin vs FU Berlin.
Humboldt University of Berlin Facts
In total, there are 375 partner universities of HU Berlin. In the context of research, HU Berlin is a premier German university recognized under the Excellence strategy. There are 6 Clusters of Excellence. A few facts about HU Berlin are given below-
| Fact | Validation |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1810 (opened) |
| Third-Party Funding | EUR 129 million |
| Total Students | 35,681 |
| International Students | 6,279 |
| Female Students | 20,617 |
| Sporting Affiliation | Hochschulsport HU Berlin |
| Humboldt University of Berlin All Courses | Download now |
Commonly asked questions On Highlights
Yes, Humboldt University of Berlin is a good university for Indian students. It is a public university in Germany.
HU Berlin is called the Mother of all modern universities and its famous for its courses in Arts, Humanities, Natural Sciences and Sustainability.
As per the QS World rankings 2027, HU Berlin ranked #140 among the top global universities.
Getting a seat at HU Berlin requires an excellent student application, with a strong academic and extracurricular background. The university acceptance rate for Indian students is 18%.
It can be said that Humboldt Uni of Berlin admissions are very competitive for Indian students. However, Shiksha Topper Counsellors can guide students with their university and visa application, English/German language prep, and overall profile.
The Humboldt Uni of Berlin is generally tuition free for Indian students. As a public university in Germany, it does not charge tuition fee for most courses.
However, some non-consecutive, or continuing education PG programs do require students to pay a tuition fee. This includes the GET MA (Global Studies Programme - Master of Arts) programme that requires a tuition fee worth EUR 10,000 or INR 10.56 Lakhs.
To know which courses require a tuition fee, check the official HU Berlin website (hu-berlin.de)
Yes, Indian students can study at the Humboldt Uni of Berlin without learning German. Students can enroll in one of the English-taught courses at HU Berlin. These only require a valid score in language tests like IELTS.
For entry to German-taught programs, a C1 level proficiency is required from Indian students.
Humboldt University of Berlin Ranking 2027
The Humboldt University of Berlin ranks #8 in Germany and #109 in the world in 2027 as part of Shiksha Popularity Rankings. HU Berlin also ranks among the top 10 universities in Germany for its MSc, MSN, MA, LLM, and Accounting and Finance programs. Given below are the Humboldt University of Berlin Rankings 2027 for its popular programs:
| Humboldt University of Berlin Subject | Rank in Germany |
|---|---|
| MA | #1 |
| MSN | #1 |
| LLM | #2 |
| Others PG | #6 |
| MSc | #9 |
| MIM | #12 |
By Other Ranking Bodies
QS, THE, and US News rank HU Berlin as follows in their latest rankings:
| Platform | Humboldt University of Berlin Ranking |
|---|---|
| Humboldt University of Berlin QS Ranking 2027 |
|
| THE World University Rankings 2027 |
|
| US News and Global Universities 2026/27 |
|
#109
#8
Commonly asked questions On Rankings
The Humboldt University of Berlin QS Ranking 2026 is #140 in the world. HU Berlin has consistently ranked among the top 150 universities in the world as part of the recent QS World rankings.
Given below is how HU Berlin has performed in recent years as part of the QS Rankings 2027
| Year | 2027 | 2026 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World Rankings | #140 | #130 | #126 |
Yes, the Humboldt University of Berlin or HU Berlin, is very well known as it is considered one of the top universities in Germany and Europe.
As per the Humboldt University of Berlin QS Ranking in 2027, it is placed at #140 which is a decline of 10 spots from the year 2026.
For employability, this university is often ranked within the top 70 in the world.
HU Berlin ranks #251 globally for it's PG Computer Science programme in 2026, as per THE. It has ranked among the top 300 universities globally for its PG Computer Science programme in the last 3 years, as part of THE's Global Subject Rankings.
Check the table below to see how the HU Berlin has performed globally for its PG Computer Science program:
| Year | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PG Computer Science (THE Subject World Ranking) | #251 | #201 | #251 |
Humboldt University of Berlin Programs and Fees 2027
HU Berlin offers 219 programs taught in English and German to its students across fields like Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences, Law, Medicine & Life Sciences, and Natural Sciences & Mathematics. There are 33 programs that are taught entirely in English. The average duration of HU Berlin programs is 3 years at the UG level and 2 years at the PG level.
Humboldt University of Berlin Popular English Taught Programs
Some standout Humboldt Uni Berlin programs that don't require students to learn German to pursue them are mentioned below:
- MSc Information Systems
- MSc Computational Neuroscience
- MSc Economics
- MSc Business Administration
- MSc Psychology
HU Berlin Fees for Indian Students 2027
HU Berlin charges no tuition fees from Indian students for most courses. However, there are some exceptions. The Humboldt University of Berlin tuition fees for Indian students interested in specialized continuing education programs like the Master's in Social Science are EUR 10,000 or INR 10.56 Lakhs. Students should also plan for the cost of living in Germany.
Cost of Living for Indian Students in Germany 2027
Public universities in Germany are mostly free. Students only have to budget for the living costs. It is mandatory to have a minimum blocked account balance of EUR 992 or INR 1.05 Lakhs per month to study in Germany. Given below is a sample budget for Indian students in Germany.
|
Component |
Monthly Cost of Living in EUR |
Monthly Cost of Living in INR |
|---|---|---|
|
Rent |
EUR 500 - EUR 900 |
INR 52.9 K - INR 95.3 K |
|
Other expenses (food, internet, telephone, leisure activities) |
EUR 300 - EUR 500 |
INR 31.7 K - INR 52.9 K |
Source: hu-berlin.de
4.4(1)2 years
Guided 1.5K students to Germany universities.
4.2(1)1 year - 2 yearsGuided 1.5K students to Germany universities.
Guided 1.5K students to Germany universities.
Commonly asked questions On Popular Programs
Yes, HU Berlin offers online courses. They are offered via the Humboldt Winter and Summer University online platform.
These programs can be pursued at one's own pace. Social Sciences, Metropolitan Studies, Language, Literature, and History are some of the standout courses for students to pursue at the university, among others.
Students are not required to pay a tuition fee at HU Berlin. However, each semester they need to pay a semester fee worth EUR 355 (INR 37.6 K). The fee covers administrative costs, student union services, and public transport ticket costs at the university.
- Students need to pay the same by mid-Feb for re-registering for the summer semester
- By mid-July for re-registration to the winter semester
Indian students need a minimum of EUR 11,904 or INR 12.6 Lakhs in their blocked account. The blocked account is to be opened before applying for a German student visa.
The Blocked account in Germany for Indian students guide will answer all your doubts.
How to get into Humboldt University of Berlin from India?
Indian students seeking admission to HU Berlin Master's programs need to have completed a UG degree or equivalent from an accredited Indian college/university. For entry to Humboldt University of Berlin's UG programs, an HSC with a minimum 70%, equivalent to the higher education entrance qualification (HZB) is required. Students whose high-school qualifications don't meet the HZB level need to have completed the first year of their UG studies in India or enroll in a Studienkolleg in Germany.
Here is more on the Studienkolleg:
Studienkolleg is a one-year preparatory course for students whose school-leaving qualification does not provide direct access to UG degree in Germany. At the end of the course, the students have to also appear for an assessment test. For admission to Humboldt University of Berlin, this one-year preparatory course is organized jointly with Free University of Berlin.
Humboldt University of Berlin Application Deadline 2027
International students who want to take admission to Humboldt University of Berlin have to apply via Uni-Assist. The processing fee at Uni-Assist is EUR 75 (Around INR 8k). Upcoming deadlines for Indian students to complete the HU Berlin Admission Process are mentioned below:
| Intake | Application Deadline - PG | Application Deadline - UG |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Jan 15, 2027 | Jan 15, 2027 |
| Winter | Jun 15, 2027 | Jul 15, 2027 |
What is a Blocked Account?
Before coming to Germany, students have to prove that they have enough finances to study in Germany. For this, they are required to have a Blocked Account. The amount to be submitted for the Blocked account is EUR 11,904 per year (Around INR 12.6 L).
HU Berlin Application Checklist for Indian Students
APS Certificate is one of the most important document for Indian students seeking admission to HU Berlin. Mentioned below are the documents and test scores Indian students need to submit to study at Humboldt Uni Berlin:
| Application Checklist Item | Required |
|---|---|
| Documents Required |
|
| English Test Scores Accepted |
|
| German Proficiency Tests Accepted (C1 Level or Equivalent) |
|
Language Proficiency at HU Berlin
Though for the English-taught courses at Humboldt University of Berlin, an IELTS / TOEFL score can be submitted. There are a few Master’s course, where German language proficiency (At level C1) is required.
Indian students are now required to take the dMAT exam for enrolling into certain Master's programs at HU Berlin. Check out the video below to know more:
- Application fees :No Fees
- Type of deadline :Regular
Commonly asked questions On Admissions
At the Humboldt University of Berlin, the requirements for different documents depend on the course of choice of students. The requirements may vary from course to course. Docs required are given below -
- School leaving certificate
- Proof of university entrance examination
- Proof of previous studies
- Language certificates
Humboldt University of Berlin MA in English Literature admission requirements for international students are given below:
- English language proficiency: C1 level of proficiency / IELTS with 6.5 bands or TOEFL score of 100
- German language proficiency: B2 level proficiency in German
- A BA in English Studies or in Comparative Literature is required or an equivalent degree with a minimum of 60 credit points in English studies
Know more: Humboldt University of Berlin MA in English Literature
For the Humboldt University of Berlin admissions, Indian students are required to have a minimum GPA of around 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale which is above 80% in the Indian grading system.
Some highly competitive courses may also require a 1.5 GPA or higher. The HU Berlin application needs to be sent via the Uni-Assist portal.
HU BerlinHumboldt University of Berlin Scholarships
HU Berlin offers limited scholarships to Indian students. However, students can seek external scholarships like Deutschlandstipendium and the DAAD Scholarship. One half of the Deutschlandstipendium scholarship is funded by the Federal Government, and the other half by private donors. This scholarship is awarded once a year.
| Scholarship Type | Scholarship Name | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Merit-based | Deutschlandstipendium |
|
| Merit-based | DAAD |
|
Commonly asked questions On Scholarships
Yes, Indian students can apply for the research fellowship at Humboldt. It is worth EUR 3,000 (INR 3.17 Lakhs) for post-doctoral researchers and EUR 3,600 (INR 3.8 Lakhs) plus additional benefits for experienced ones.
The below list of documents can be submitted to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation online to apply for the same:
- CV (2 pages max)
- Research Outline (5 pages max)
- Complete list of publications
- Key publications
- German language certificate
- Detailed statement of host in Germany
- 2 expert reviews
Upcoming application window are closed now.
HU Berlin does not have a single, fixed scholarship deadline. Scholarship deadlines vary as per the program. The below table lists the deadline for some popular financial aid options available to Indian students at Humboldt Uni Berlin:
| Scholarship | Deadline |
|---|---|
| DAAD Scholarship | Between Aug and Dec for the following intake Winter intake |
| Deutschlandstipendium | Late Nov or Early Dec for Summer intake |
| DAAD STIBET Program | Aug 15 |
Not always. German proficiency requirement depends on the specific scholarship and chosen field of study. For English-taught programs and research scholarships, learning German is usually not required.
However, students interested in Humanities and Social Sciences may require German proficiency to conduct research. Other scholarships that ask for German proficiency include:
- DAAD German Language Courses
- Political Foundation Scholarships
- Hans-Bockler-Stiftung
- Humboldt Research Fellowship for Postdocs (Humanities/Social Sciences)
2 yearsHumboldt University Berlin Graduate Outcomes
In the Global Employability University Ranking and Survey by Emerging, HU Berlin ranks at #68 worldwide and #4 in Germany. The career center offers many career services to its students to help with HU Berlin Placements. This includes workshops, counselling, and networking opportunities.
Humboldt University of Berlin Placement Rate
Graduates of the university were able to land jobs as part of industries like Business Development. Education, Research, Legal, and Media & Communication.
- Part Time Work: During their studies, HU Berlin students can work up to 20 hours per week. Popular part time jobs in Germany are Student Assistant, Research Assistant, Cafe staff, Tutor, Deliver executive, etc.
Average Salary in Berlin
The average salary earned by graduates is EUR 58,000 or INR 62 Lakh per year, according to Payscale.
Post Study Work Permit in Berlin
After completing the studies in Germany, a residence permit for 18 months can be applied for. As per the Post Study Work Permit in Germany, students can stay in Germany to search for a job related to their study field.
Commonly asked questions On Placements
IT industries tend to pay students the best salaries in Berlin. Mentioned below are some of the best paying jobs for Indian students in Berlin.
| Industry | Average Salary in EUR | Average Salary in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Software Engineer | EUR 76,289 | INR 80.8 Lakhs |
| Software Engineer | EUR 60,948 | INR 64.55 Lakhs |
| Front End Developer or Engineer | EUR 58,067 | INR 61.5 Lakhs |
| Data Scientist | EUR 57,370 | INR 62.33 Lakhs |
| Data Analyst | EUR 48,883 | INR 51.75 Lakhs |
Source: Payscale
There are many ways Indian students can find part-time work in Germany. Some popular ways are mentioned below.
- Check in at the university career centers. They have access to job listings that are reserved exclusively for university students. Since there are less number of applications, this means better chances of landing a job.
- Indeed Germany, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn also list many part-time work options
- Students can also share their CVs in person at cafes, retail stores, and restaurants
- Networking with peers can also help students land a part-time job much more quickly
The University of Humboldt at Berlin doesnot releases its alumni data. However as per some of the unofficial sources, some of the roles for which MBA graduates are hired are
- Consulting
- Finance
- General management
- Marketing
- Sales
- Strategy/ Planning
- Operations
Humboldt University of Berlin Fees 2027
Students can check Humboldt University of Berlin living expenses and course-wise entry requirements from the table given below on this page.
| Courses | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Duration & Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
MS(23 courses) | – / – | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 - 7, TOEFL: 72 - 95, Duolingo, PTE: 51 - 65 |
M.A.(55 courses) | INR 0 - 10 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5 - 7.5, TOEFL: 80 - 100, Duolingo |
B.A.(47 courses) | – / – | Duration: 3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo |
Others PG(27 courses) | INR 0 - 11 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL |
M.Sc.(7 courses) | – / – | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 95 & Above |
MBA/PGDM(6 courses) | – / – | Duration: 2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 7 & Above, TOEFL: 95 & Above |
B.Sc.(9 courses) | – / – | Duration: 3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo |
LL.M.(6 courses) | INR 0 - 16 LGet Fee Details | Duration: 1 year-2 years Exam Accepted: IELTS: 5.5 - 6.5, TOEFL: 72 - 100, Duolingo |
B.Agri(1 course) | – / – | Duration: 3 years Exam Accepted: |
BBA(3 courses) | – / – | Duration: 3 years Exam Accepted: IELTS, TOEFL |
Humboldt University of Berlin Notable Alumni
A number of famous celebrities have studied at HU Berlin such as Karl Marx, Max Planck, Angela Davis, Max Weber, Erwin Schrodinger, Georg Simmer, etc. 57 Nobel Prize laureates are also associated with HU Berlin.
| Alumni | Best Known For | Image |
|---|---|---|
| Karl Marx | German-born philosopher, economist, political theorist, historian, sociologist, journalist, and revolutionary socialist |  |
| Arthur Schopenhauer | German philosopher |  |
| Max Weber | German sociologist, historian, jurist and political economist |  |
| Angela Davis | American Marxist and feminist political activist, philosopher, academic, and author |  |
| Erwin Schrödinger | Nobel Prize-winning Austrian and naturalized Irish physicist who developed fundamental results in quantum theory |  |
| Sahra Wagenknecht | German politician, economist, author, and publicist |  |
| Felix Mendelssohn | German composer, pianist, organist and conductor |  |
Commonly asked questions On Alumni
Yes, Max Planck did attend HU Berlin. He studied at the University for two semesters between 1877 and 1878. Back then, HU Berlin was known as the University of Berlin.
Planck is considered the "Father of Quantum Theory". He also won a Nobel Prize in 1818 and gave the Planck constant that linked energy and frequency.
A few of the alumni benefits that the Humboldt University of Berlin get are:
- Individual counselling by HU Berlin's career counselling service
- Access to networking events and job exchanges
- An alumni portal, where students can exchange, job offers, and events
- Local alumni meetings
Celebrities like Karl Marx, Max Weber, Angela Davis, Erwin Schrodinger, Ivan Turgenev, etc have studied at HU Berlin. A few others are listed below
- Philosophers Walter Benjamin and G.W.F. Hegel
- Psychoanalyst Karen Horney
- Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer
- Civil rights leader W.E.B Du Bois
College comparison
Compare HU Berlin with other similar colleges
| College | 1st Year Tuition Fees | Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| INR 0 | #91 THE, 2027 | |
| INR 0 - 10.35 L | #89 THE, 2027 | |
| INR 0 - 5.2 L | #98 QS, 2027 | |
| INR 3.18 L - 3.2 L | #224 THE, 2027 | |
| INR 0 - 15.05 L | #45 THE, 2027 | |
| INR 0 | #41 THE, 2027 |
CompareHU BerlinStudying in Germany
Key Facts About Germany
Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Humboldt University of Berlin Campus
Indian students describe life as "academically demanding but fun" as part of the Humboldt University of Berlin student reviews on Shiksha Study Abroad. The university attains 4.5 stars out of 5 for overall student life. HU Berlin campus is home to a dedicated University Sports program with 300+ athletic courses across 80+ different sports, libraries, study spaces, canteens, cafes, and student support services like the Welcome Centre.
It's a great university, and I am grateful to be a part of it. However, yes, it is also demanding as one would learn a lot of new things in studies and in life. Living, earning, and studying in a new country have their own ups and downs.
Anonymous
MSc in Global Change Geography, 2027 Batch
Humboldt University of Berlin Campus Locations
HU Berlin operates 4 campuses. This includes the main Humboldt University of Berlin campus - Campus Mitte, Campus Nord, Campus Adlershof, and Campus Dahlem.
| HU Berlin Campus | Campus Feature |
|---|---|
| Campus Mitte |
|
| Campus Nord |
|
| Campus Adlershof |
|
| Campus Dahlem |
|
Humboldt University of Berlin Campus Life for Indian Students
Mentioned below are the key features of the Indian student life at HU Berlin:
- HU Berlin does not own or operate on-campus housing services of its own, but it does help Indian students find affordable housing near the campus. Public student residence halls across Berlin are managed by the Studierendenwerk Berlin (STW), and HU Berlin's International department helps Indian students find rooms here
- HU Berlin does not serve Indian food in its Mensas. Indian students in Berlin generally cook by themselves or explore nearby Indian restaurants, where an average meal costs between EUR 10 and EUR 20 (INR 1.05 K and INR 2.1 K)
Students can check Humboldt University of Berlin photos from Shiksha's gallery.
Commonly asked questions On Others
Yes, the Humbolt Uni campus is safe for Indian students. They get all the support they need to related to security and immigration. The campus is patrolled by guards throughout the day.
The CampusFit center also provides students a monitored, training area with a qualified staff. Services related to physical and mental well-being and emergency medical services are also available.
Indian food is very limited at the HU Berlin Campus. However, there are many food places near the university campus that serve quality Indian food. Some popular are listed below.
| Restaurant or Dining Hall | Best Known For | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Vedis | Sahi Puri, Samosa Chaat. Shahi Panner, and Chicken Biryani | Schonhaueser Allee 142, 10437 Berlin |
| Restaurant Meena Kumari | Shahi Panner, Daal Makhani, and Butter Chicken | Lynchener Street 9k, 10437 Berlin |
| Zaika | Butter Chicken, Garlic Naan, and Chicken Korma | Wichestr 57, 10439 Berlin |
There are many things students can do at on the weekend at Humboldt Uni Berlin campus and outside it. Some popular ones are listed below.
- Take a walk to the East Side Gallery
- Visit the Mauerpark for karaoke and flea market
- Cycle, Skate, or Picnic at Tempelhofer Feld
- Enjoy panoramic views from the TV Tower
HU Berlin
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a month ago
Below are given some popular master courses at Humboldt University of Berlin:
- Master's in Computer Science
- MS in Business Administration
- Polymer Science (M.Sc.)
- Computational Neuroscience (M.Sc.)
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
There are many reasons for Indian students to opt for HU Berlin –
· The University doesn't charge any tuition fee for most of the courses, so it is very affordable.
· The University has been ranked at #107 globally and #6 in Germany.
· There are Scholarships available for Indian stude
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The acceptance rate at the Humboldt University is around 18% for the International students. This is suggestive of high competition among students for seats at the University and the selectiveness of the University in terms of their admission process. Students need to perform really well academicall
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The students who wants to get in Humboldt University for MBA Course may apply via uni-assist. The University offers 6 MBA Courses for a duration of 2 years and zero tuition fee. The document checklist is given below:
· UG Degree
· APS Certificate
· English Lang Proficiency
· Germ
K
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
The courses are mostly English taught at Humboldt University of Berlin but the student should have basic knowledge of German Language to adjust well in the Campus and surrounding. German Language Tests accepted at the University are-
· TestDaF
· DSH
· Goethe Certificate
K
Contributor-Level 10
About the author
Study Abroad Expert
HU Berlin
Main Building
Computer Science Building
Faculty of Mathematics & Natural Science
HU BerlinLocation
| University City | Berlin, Other - Germany, Germany |
| Size of city | Large |
| Population of City | 37,11,930 |
HU BerlinContact Information
Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin, Germany
Berlin ( Other - Germany)
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