Universities in Berlin | Detailed Student Guide 2026

Why Study at Universities in Berlin

While Berlin is widely recognised as a student-friendly city, it’s more of the city’s universities that highly appeal to international students.

1. Affordable Education: The public universities in Berlin offer quality education for international students at zero tuition fees. This is a key feature of the Germany education system, which makes quality education accessible for students.
2. English-Taught Programs: With the increasing availability of English-Taught programs in Berlin, it is easier for non-German students to find a course that caters to their academic interests without significant language barriers.
3. Strong Job Market: Hosting a range of tech companies, MNCs and exciting start-ups, Berlin offers students a range of rewarding job opportunities. In addition, students work part-time and enjoy internships that help them build strong industry connections and gain valuable experience.
4. Vibrant Student Life: Offering a perfect balance of art, music, and nightlife, students in Berlin enjoy a perfect experience that makes university living exciting.

Types of Universities in Berlin

With multiple types of institutions designed to cater to varying academic paths and career goals, Berlin stands as a top destination for international students looking for quality education.

Public Research Universities (Universitäten)

The public research universities in Berlin are the traditional institutions, highly focused towards academic research and theoretical knowledge. These universities strongly appeal to international students through a range of programs across disciplines.

The public research universities are perfect options for students who are looking for

• Academic or research careers
• Range of subject options
• Strong global recognition

Top public universities in Berlin host more than 37000 students, which clearly showcases their intensive research-focused campuses.

Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen / Hochschulen)

These universities are more focused towards practical learning, career preparedness and industry connections, helping students gain skills that are valuable at a global level.

The universities of Applied Sciences are best for:

• Career in STEM fields
• Practical learning and internship opportunities
• Quick entry to the job market

Programs offered by these universities are more properly designed and more application-focused than those at research universities. 

Private Universities and Colleges

With smaller class sizes, advanced facilities and personalised support, private universities and colleges offer a wide range of English-taught programs with curricula designed with the input from industry leaders.

Studying in private universities is beneficial for

• Careers in business, management and creative fields
• Flexible Admission Requirements
• Personalised learning environment.

The private universities hold a small share of Berlin’s education system but are highly effective in terms of infrastructure, advanced learning and personalised support.

Art, Film, and Music Colleges

Home to renowned arts institutions and colleges, Berlin is a cultural hub attracting thousands of students across creative disciplines. These institutions are highly organised, offering a specialised and competitive environment for students to learn and thrive.

These colleges are best for

• Exciting careers in Fine Arts, Design, Music, Film, and Performing Arts
• Portfolio-Based admissions
• Access to a thriving artistic community

Public vs Private Universities in Berlin

While public universities in Germany Berlin host a majority of students, and private institutions are appealing to students through advanced learning and support. Let us clearly break down the key differences between the two types of universities. 

List of Top Universities to Study in Berlin

Studying in Berlin is undoubtedly worthwhile for international students in every aspect; however, choosing between public and private institutions is the most crucial decision one has to make. Here is list of universities in berlin for each type for students to make an informed decision.

Top Public Universities in Berlin

Some of the top Public Universities in Berlin that attract students from various parts of the world are -

Free University of Berlin (Freie Universität Berlin)

The leading research institution in Berlin, hosting over 37000+ students and widely known for its excellence in social science and humanities.

Humboldt University of Berlin (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin)

With a legacy dating back to 1810, Humboldt is considered one of Europe’s most prestigious universities, offering modern research at zero or low tuition.

Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin)

The Technical University of Berlin is among the most popular and widely recognised public research institutes, which hosts almost 34,000+ students from more than 150 countries, showcasing its strong global acknowledgement.

Berlin University of the Arts (Universität der Künste Berlin)

Recognised as one of the largest arts schools in Europe, the Berlin University of Arts offers world-class programs across multiple artistic disciplines.

Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR Berlin)

A premier applied sciences institution, specialising in business, law and public administration. Students here enjoy strong industry links and strong employability rates.

Top Private Universities in Berlin

A few of the widely recognised private universities in Berlin that stand as the perfect option for international students are:

Hertie School

With specialisation in governance and public policy, students aiming for careers in government, NGOs and global organisations, Hertie School is the premier choice.

ESMT Berlin

Founded by the leading German corporations, ESMT is undoubtedly the best business school for students in Berlin. The MBA and executive programs at ESMT help students land highly rewarding careers, specifically in finance and consulting.

Bard College Berlin

Widely known for its interdisciplinary learning approach in the humanities and arts, Bard College is among the top universities in berlin for students looking for a personalised academic experience and a strong focus on research.

CODE University of Applied Sciences

Greatly specialising in offering tech-focused education, CODE University offers project-based learning that helps students learn practical skills and gain valuable experience.

Berlin International University of Applied Sciences

With a wide range of English-taught programs and a global academic atmosphere, Berlin International University is undoubtedly the one the best universities in berlin for international students.

Admission Requirements to Study at Top Universities in Berlin

While admission requirements generally vary by university and program, the majority of universities and colleges in Berlin follow Germany-wide standards agreed by academic authorities.

Academic Qualifications

• UG Programs – Students are required to have a secondary certificate equivalent to the German Abitur.
• PG Programs – Must possess a bachelor’s degree with strong academic performance.
• Admission to a few competitive programs may have subject-specific requirements.

Language Proficiency

• English-Taught Programs – Provide English Proficiency through IELTS Academic (usually 6.0–6.5+) or TOEFL iBT (usually 72–100+).

Application Documents

The set of documents required across Berlin universities is:

• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of Recommendation
• CV/Resume
• Passport copy
• Portfolio (for art/design programs)
• APS Certificate  

Application Platform

• To process applications of international students, a majority of universities in Berlin use uni-assist, an integrated platform that evaluates foreign qualifications before sending them to colleges.

Scholarship and Financial Aid Available

While studying in Berlin is generally affordable, international students can still apply for a range of scholarships, which will help them cover expenses other than tuition, including living expenses, travel or other mobility costs. A few of the top scholarship options include:

How to Choose the Right University in Berlin

With more than 60 world-class universities in Berlin, choosing the right one is a vital decision for international students. The decision must align with your academic interests, career goals, budget goals and various other factors that make experience worthwhile.

A few of the factors you must consider are:

• Campus life and Student life
• Career Prospects
• Eligibility Prerequisites and Admission Requirements
• Language of Instruction offered
• Program Quality and Specialisation
• Tuition and Living Expenses

Final Thoughts

Summing up, for students looking to study in Europe at a comparatively very low cost, Berlin is the perfect option available. Hosting more than 40,000 international students every year, the universities in Berlin offer the opportunity to study in Germany, which is highly rewarding and worthwhile for students from different parts of the world. Whether you are looking for research excellence, real-world training or creative disciplines, the Berlin institutions have everything to offer to you.

Thinking about higher studies in Germany? Connect with our study abroad consultants today, plan your every step with us, and save up to 5 lakhs in your journey.

FAQs

1. Areuniversities in Berlin free for international students?

For international students, studying in Berlin is not completely free. While public universities in Berlin offer tuition-free education, students are required to pay a semester fee of around (€250–€350). On the other hand, private colleges charge full tuition fees.

2. Can I study in English at universities in Berlin?

Yes, it is possible to study in English at many universities in Berlin, given there is a wide and growing selection of English-taught courses.

3. Is it easy to get a job after graduating from a university in Berlin?

With a strong job market in Berlin, students can easily find a job in numerous sectors, including engineering, technology, business and creative industries. Also, many universities have strong industry links, making it easier for students to find a job in Berlin.

4. What are the famous universities in Berlin?

Berlin is home to multiple globally recognised institutions attracting international students from various parts of the world.  The most famous universities are often referred to as the “Big Three”. These include:

• Humboldt University of Berlin (HU Berlin)
• Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin)
• Free University of Berlin (FU Berlin)

5. What German level is required to study at Universities in Berlin?

For students planning to study German-taught programs, usually B2-C1 proficiency is required. However, for English-Taught programs, students don’t require German.

6. What are the best courses to study in Berlin?

Some of the best courses to study in Berlin are in Engineering, Computer Science/IT, Business & Management, and Data Science. These courses are influenced by the city’s status as a tech & innovation hub.