Humboldt University of Berlin (HU Berlin) has 43 English-taught programs out of 213 total programmes as of 2026. All undergraduate (Bachelor's) programmes are taught exclusively in German - no exceptions.
- For Master's programmes, around 30% are taught entirely in English, and another 16% are bilingual (English and German).
- Even for some English-taught Master's programmes, HU Berlin's official admissions page explicitly states that German C1 proficiency may still be required.
Also read:
German Language Is Mandatory for All Bachelor's Programmes at HU Berlin
If you are applying for a Bachelor's degree at Humboldt University of Berlin, German language proficiency at the C1 level is a non-negotiable requirement — there are no exceptions.
- HU Berlin's official undergraduate admissions page states clearly: "All undergraduate degree programmes at Humboldt-Universität are offered exclusively in German. You must therefore have German C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages to apply."
| Degree Level | German Required? | English-Only Option Available? | What Indian Students Must Know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's (UG) | Yes — German C1 mandatory for all programmes | No | No Bachelor's programme at HU Berlin is taught in English. German C1 is required for the application itself — not just for daily life. |
| Master's (PG) | Depends on the programme | Yes — approximately 30% of Master's programmes are English-only | Some English-taught Master's programmes also require German C1. Always check the specific programme's admission regulations (ZZR) on hu-berlin.de. |
| PhD | Depends on the department and supervisor | Yes, many research groups work in English | PhD admission is supervisor-driven. Many supervisors at HU Berlin work in English. Confirm language requirements directly with your prospective supervisor. |
Note for Indian students: The German C1 requirement for Bachelor's programmes is not just a language of instruction issue — it is a formal admission requirement. Your application will be rejected by uni-assist if you do not submit a valid German C1 certificate. There is no pathway to a Bachelor's degree at HU Berlin without German, regardless of your academic profile.
Check the full admission requirements for Humboldt University of Berlin for Indian students 2026
English-Taught Master's Programmes at HU Berlin
HU Berlin offers 43 English-taught programmes in total, of which the majority are at Master's level.
- Of all Master's programmes at HU Berlin, approximately 30% are taught entirely in English, and 16% are bilingual.
- The table below lists the key English-taught Master's programmes available to Indian students, verified from the official HU Berlin study programme catalogue.
| Program | Degree | Language | German Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSc Agricultural Economics | M.Sc. | English only | No |
| MSc Computational Neuroscience | M.Sc. | English only | No |
| MSc Economics | M.Sc. | English only | No |
| MA Global Studies Programme | M.A. | English only | No |
| MSc Polymer Science | M.Sc. | English only | No |
| MA Global History | M.A. | English only | No |
| MSc Organismal Biology, Biodiversity and Evolution | M.Sc. | English only | No |
| MA American Studies | M.A. | English only | No |
| MSc Business Administration | M.Sc. | English and German | Yes — German C1 also required |
| MSc Psychology | M.Sc. | English and German | Yes — German C1 also required |
| MA International Relations | M.A. | English and German | Yes — German C1 also required |
| MSc Information Systems | M.Sc. | English and German | Yes — German C1 also required |
Critical note for Indian students: Even for bilingual programmes listed as "English and German," HU Berlin's official admissions page states that German C1 may be required. The official rule is: "If no other language requirements are listed in the ZZR about German language skills, proof of German language proficiency at level C1 is required for the application." Always check the specific programme's ZZR (admission regulations) on hu-berlin.de before assuming German is not needed.
Which HU Berlin Master's Programmes Explicitly Require German C1
HU Berlin's official admissions page lists specific Master's programmes that require German C1 proficiency — and this list includes some programmes that have English-language components. Indian students targeting these programmes cannot avoid German, even if the teaching language appears to be partly English. The list below is taken directly from the official HU Berlin postgraduate admissions page.
| Programme | German C1 Required? |
|---|---|
| MA Adult Education / Lifelong Learning | Yes |
| MA Art and Image History | Yes |
| MA Cultural Theory and History | Yes |
| MA Education Studies | Yes |
| MA Gender Studies | Yes |
| MA German Literature | Yes |
| MA History Studies | Yes |
| MA Information Science | Yes |
| MA Linguistics | Yes |
| MA Media Studies | Yes |
| MA Philosophy | Yes |
| MA Religion and Culture | Yes |
| MA Social Sciences | Yes |
| MA Sport Science | Yes |
| MSc Chemistry | Yes |
| MSc Informatics (Computer Science) | Yes |
| MSc Mathematics | Yes |
| MSc Physics | Yes |
| MSc Psychology: Focus on Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy | Yes |
| All Master's programmes for the teaching profession | Yes |
Note for Indian students: MSc Informatics (Computer Science) and MSc Mathematics at HU Berlin both require German C1 — a fact that surprises many Indian students who assume STEM programmes are always in English. If you are targeting Computer Science or Mathematics at HU Berlin, German is mandatory. For English-only Computer Science options in Germany, consider TU Berlin or RWTH Aachen, which offer English-taught MSc Computer Science programmes.
Can Indian Students Survive Daily Life in Berlin Without German?
Berlin is one of the most English-friendly cities in Germany — but "English-friendly" does not mean German is unnecessary for daily life, administrative processes or career prospects. Indian students enrolled in English-taught programmes at HU Berlin consistently report that while academic life is manageable in English, several essential tasks require at least basic German.
| Situation | English Sufficient? | German Needed? | Practical Note for Indian Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attending English-taught lectures and seminars | Yes | No | English-only programmes are fully taught in English. No German needed in the classroom. |
| Communicating with HU Berlin administration | Mostly yes | Sometimes | HU Berlin's international office communicates in English. Some administrative letters and portals are in German only. |
| Finding accommodation | Partially | Helpful | Many Berlin landlords and flatmate platforms (SpareRoom, WG-Gesucht) operate in German. Basic German helps significantly when searching for housing. |
| Opening a bank account | Yes (for digital banks) | No (for digital banks) | N26 and Revolut operate fully in English. Traditional German banks may require German. |
| Registering address (Anmeldung) | Partially | Helpful | The Bürgeramt (citizens' office) process is in German. Forms are in German. Basic German or a translation app helps. |
| Visiting a doctor or a pharmacy | Partially | Helpful | Many Berlin doctors speak English, especially in central areas. Pharmacies are generally manageable in English. |
| Finding a part-time job in Berlin | Limited | Yes — for most jobs | Most part-time jobs in Berlin (retail, hospitality, tutoring) require German. English-only part-time work is limited to international companies and student assistant roles at the university. |
| Finding a full-time job after graduation | Possible in tech/international companies | Strongly recommended | Berlin's tech sector (Zalando, Delivery Hero, N26) hires in English. Most other sectors require German. Indian students who learn German during their studies have significantly better job prospects in Germany. |
Read: Cost of Living in Germany for Indian Students 2026 on Collegedunia.
German Language Certificates Accepted by HU Berlin
If your target programme at HU Berlin requires German C1, you must submit a valid German language certificate — not just proof of attending a German course. HU Berlin explicitly states that certificates of attendance of a German course are not accepted. The following certificates are accepted for the application.
| Certificate | Level | Accepted for Application? | Exempt from DSH Exam? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goethe-Zertifikat C1 | C1 | Yes | No — DSH exam still required before enrolment unless you have C2 |
| telc C1 | C1 | Yes | No — DSH exam still required |
| telc C1 Hochschule (passed with "very good" or "good") | C1 | Yes | Yes — exempt from DSH |
| DSH-1 (from another German university) | C1 equivalent | Yes | No — DSH exam still required |
| DSH-2 (from another German university, not older than 3 years) | C1+ equivalent | Yes | Yes — exempt from DSH |
| TestDaF (minimum TDN 3 in all sections) | C1 equivalent | Yes | No — DSH exam still required (unless TDN 4 in all sections) |
| TestDaF (TDN 4 in all sections, not older than 3 years) | C1+ equivalent | Yes | Yes — exempt from DSH |
| Goethe-Zertifikat C2 (not older than 3 years) | C2 | Yes | Yes — exempt from DSH |
Explore German language courses for Indian students on Collegedunia.
Should Indian Students Learn German Even for English-Taught Programmes at HU Berlin?
Yes, even if your Master's programme at HU Berlin is taught entirely in English, learning at least basic German (A2–B1 level) during your studies will significantly improve your daily life, job prospects and long-term options in Germany. This is not a formal requirement for English-only programmes — it is practical advice based on the reality of living and working in Berlin.
| Reason to Learn German | Why It Matters for Indian Students at HU Berlin |
|---|---|
| Post-study work in Germany | The German Job Seeker Visa and EU Blue Card allow graduates to stay and work in Germany after completing their degree. Most German employers outside the tech sector require at least B2 German. Learning German during your studies gives you a 2-year head start. |
| German Permanent Residency (PR) | Germany's PR pathway requires B1 German proficiency. Indian students who learn German during their Master's can apply for PR faster after graduation. |
| Housing and daily life | Berlin's rental market is competitive. Landlords and flatmates prefer tenants who speak German. Basic German significantly improves your chances of finding good accommodation. |
| Part-time work during studies | International students in Germany can work up to 20 hours per week. Most part-time jobs in Berlin require German. German skills expand your earning options significantly. |
| Free German courses at HU Berlin | HU Berlin's Language Centre (Sprachenzentrum) offers German language courses for international students at all levels. These courses are available to all enrolled students and are a practical way to learn German while studying. |
Note for Indian students: Germany offers one of the fastest PR pathways for international graduates among major study destinations. Indian students who complete a Master's at HU Berlin and secure a job in Germany can apply for PR in as little as 21 months via the EU Blue Card route — faster than the UK, Canada or Australia. German language skills are the single biggest factor that determines whether Indian graduates can access this pathway.
Read: Jobs in Germany After Graduation for Indian Students — EU Blue Card and PR Guide on Collegedunia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques. Can Indian students study at Humboldt University of Berlin without knowing German?
Ans. Yes — but only for specific Master's programmes. HU Berlin offers approximately 43 English-taught programmes, most of which are at Master's level. All Bachelor's programmes are taught exclusively in German and require German C1 proficiency for the application. For Master's programmes, around 30% are taught entirely in English with no German requirement. However, some bilingual programmes (English and German) also require German C1 even though they have English-language components. Always check the specific programme's admission regulations (ZZR) on hu-berlin.de before applying. Source: hu-berlin.de/en/study/before-your-studies/apply/international-students/undergraduate-degree-programmes and further-study-programmes.
Ques. Which Master's programmes at HU Berlin are available in English for Indian students?
Ans. The key English-only Master's programmes at HU Berlin available to Indian students include MSc Agricultural Economics (IELTS 7.0 / TOEFL 95 required), MSc Computational Neuroscience, MSc Economics, MA Global Studies Programme, MSc Quantitative Molecular Biology, MSc International Health, MSc Polymer Science, MA Global History, MSc Organismal Biology Biodiversity and Evolution and MA American Studies. All of these are tuition-free — students pay only the semester contribution of €355 per semester (₹38,389). Source: hu-berlin.de/en/study/study-programme and mygermanuniversity.com English programmes list for HU Berlin (2026).
Ques. Does MSc Computer Science at HU Berlin require German?
Ans. Yes. MSc Informatics (Computer Science) at Humboldt University of Berlin is taught in German and requires German C1 proficiency for the application. This is explicitly listed on HU Berlin's official postgraduate language requirements page. Indian students targeting an English-taught Computer Science Master's in Germany should consider TU Berlin or RWTH Aachen, which offer English-taught MSc Computer Science programmes. Source: hu-berlin.de/en/study/before-your-studies/apply/international-students/further-study-programmes.
Ques. Does the MSc Psychology at HU Berlin require German?
Ans. Yes. MSc Psychology at HU Berlin is a bilingual programme (English and German) and requires German C1 proficiency in addition to English language scores (IELTS 5.5 / TOEFL 72 minimum). The programme is listed on HU Berlin's official page as requiring German C1. Indian students who do not have German C1 cannot apply for this programme. Source: hu-berlin.de/en/study/before-your-studies/apply/international-students/further-study-programmes and collegedunia.com/germany/university/632-humboldt-university-of-berlin-berlin/master-of-science-ms-psychology-215752.
Ques. Can Indian students survive daily life in Berlin without German?
Ans. Berlin is one of the most English-friendly cities in Germany — many residents, especially in central areas, speak English. For academic life in English-taught programmes, English is sufficient. However, several essential tasks are significantly easier with German: finding accommodation (most rental listings and landlords use German), address registration at the Bürgeramt, administrative letters from German authorities and finding part-time work. Most part-time jobs in Berlin require German. Indian students in English-taught programmes are strongly advised to take the free German language courses offered by HU Berlin's Language Centre (Sprachenzentrum) during their first semester. Source: hu-berlin.de/en/university/international/coming-to-hu/welcome-centre/language.
Ques. What German language certificate does HU Berlin accept?
Ans. HU Berlin accepts the following German language certificates for applications requiring German C1: Goethe-Zertifikat C1, telc C1, telc C1 Hochschule, DSH-1 and TestDaF with a minimum score of TDN 3 in all sections. Certificates of attendance of a German course are not accepted. Students who submit C1 and are admitted must also take the DSH exam at HU Berlin before enrolment — unless they hold TestDaF TDN 4 in all sections, telc C1 Hochschule with "very good" or "good", Goethe-Zertifikat C2 or DSH-2 from another German university (not older than 3 years). Source: hu-berlin.de/en/study/before-your-studies/apply/international-students/undergraduate-degree-programmes.
Ques. Does HU Berlin offer free German language courses for international students?
Ans. Yes. HU Berlin's Language Centre (Sprachenzentrum) offers German language courses for international students at all levels — from complete beginner to advanced. These courses are available to all enrolled students at HU Berlin. The Language Centre also offers intensive courses in English, French, Italian and Spanish. Indian students enrolled in English-taught Master's programmes are encouraged to use these courses to build German language skills during their studies. Source: hu-berlin.de/en/university/international/coming-to-hu/welcome-centre/language.
Ques. Is it worth learning German to study at HU Berlin, even for English-taught programmes?
Ans. Yes — strongly recommended. Even if your Master's programme at HU Berlin is taught entirely in English, learning German during your studies significantly improves your daily life in Berlin, your part-time job options and your long-term career and residency prospects in Germany. Most part-time jobs in Berlin require German. Germany's PR pathway requires B1 German proficiency. The EU Blue Card route — one of the fastest PR pathways for Indian graduates globally — is far more accessible with German language skills. HU Berlin's Language Centre offers free German courses for all enrolled students. Source: hu-berlin.de/en/university/international/coming-to-hu/welcome-centre/language and official German government visa and PR requirements.
Ques. What is the minimum English score required for English-taught programmes at HU Berlin?
Ans. The minimum English score varies by programme. For MSc Agricultural Economics, the requirement is IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL 95. For MSc Psychology (bilingual), the minimum is IELTS 5.5 or TOEFL iBT 72. For other English-taught programmes, the specific requirement is listed in the programme's admission regulations (ZZR) on hu-berlin.de. HU Berlin accepts IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT and Cambridge English certificates (FCE, CAE, CPE) — with the Candidate ID and Secret number provided for online verification by uni-assist. Source: hu-berlin.de/en/study/before-your-studies/apply/international-students/further-study-programmes.
interested in this College ?
Follow & Share this college to get information about admission.
Comments