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Freie Universität Berlin or Free University of Berlin is a prestigious public research university located in the Dahlem district in Germany. Currently, the university hosts over 33,900 students, including a significant population of international students from 80 countries. Free University of Berlin acceptance rate is only 15%, reflecting a highly competitive admission process. The university offers a wide array of programs, including 15 B.Sc., 12 B.A., and 95 master's courses, with top specializations in Data Science, Pharmaceutical Research, Management, Marketing, and Computer Science. For admission, a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (~85%) is generally required, along with German proficiency with TestDaF level 5 or DSH 3. English-taught programs require proof of English language proficiency with an IELTS score between 4.0 and 5.0 or a TOEFL iBT score of 71.
Free University of Berlin has a no-tuition fee policy like any other German public university, charging only minimal semester fees between EUR 300 to 330 (INR 29,112–32,024). Indian students can estimate to spend around EUR 934 per month (~INR 89,777) in living expenses, covering rent, food, and personal costs. Scholarships are limited for international students at Free University of Berlin, however, the Deutschlandstipendium provides EUR 300 (~ INR 29,087) per month and includes academic mentoring. The university has an employment rate of 87%, reflecting excellent career opportunities for graduates. You can avail strong career support at the campus through workshops, employer talks, and personalized guidance.
Know More: Free University of Berlin
Highlights
| Category | Specifications |
|---|---|
| University type | Public Research University |
| Number of campus | 4 |
| Main campus location | Dahlem district of Berlin |
| Campus size | 35 hectares (86.48 acres) |
| Total students | 33,900 |
| Countries represented by international students | 80 countries |
| Acceptance rate | 15% |
| Employment rate | 87% |
| Official website | https://www.fu-berlin.de/en/index.html |
Free University of Berlin Rankings
Free University of Berlin is currently one of the top 100 universities in the world as per QS World University Rankings, 2025. Some trends of notable rankings of Free University of Berlin are as follows:
| Ranking Type | 2025 Rank | 2024 Rank | 2023 Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | #97 | #98 | #=118 |
| THE World University Rankings | #=104 | #102 | #=91 |
| US News Best Global Universities | - | #66 | #87 |
| QS Sustainability Ranking | #393 | #=437 | #241-260 |
| QS Europe University Rankings - Western Europe | #16 | #15 | - |
Also Check: Free University of Berlin Reviews
Free University of Berlin Courses & Fees
Free University of Berlin offers 15 B.Sc. programs, 12 B.A. programs, and several other courses. The university also offers 95 masters courses to its students. Some popular masters courses in the university include Data Science, Computer Science, Pharmaceutical Research, Management and Marketing, Finance, Accounting and Taxation.
- Freie Universität Berlin does not charge tuition fees from its students.
- You may need to pay minimal semester fees between EUR 300 (~ INR 29,112) and EUR 330 (~ INR 32,024) and charges.
- Indian students can roughly estimate to spend EUR 934 (~ INR 89,777) in living expenses, including rent, grocery, and leisure.
Also Check: Cost of Living in Germany
Free University of Berlin Graduate Admissions
Applicants at Free University of Berlin with certificates from India, China, or Vietnam must provide a certification from the Academic Evaluation Centre (Akademische Prüfstelle - APS) along with the other required documents. The admission requirements for postgraduate courses at Free University of Berlin are as follows:
Application Portal: Online Registration Portal
Application Fee: EUR 75 (~ INR 7,275)
Academic Requirement:
- School and university degree or certificates
- Translated transcripts (if in native language)
- GPA: 3.0 out of 4.0 (85%)
- 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
- Letter of Motivation
- Letter of Recommendation
- Copy of passport
- Resume
Free University of Berlin Undergraduate Admissions
The detailed admission requirements for undergraduate programs at Free University of Berlin are as follows:
Application Portal: UniAssist
Application Fee: EUR 75 (~ INR 7,275)
Academic Requirement:
- Degree or certificates
- Translated transcripts (if in native language)
- GPA: 3.0 out of 4.0 (85%)
- 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
- Letter of Motivation
- LORs
- Resume
- Copy of passport
- Proof of Fund Availability
Also Check: German Language Proficiency Tests in 2025
Free University of Berlin Scholarships
Scholarship opportunities at Freie Universität Berlin are limited for international students, with approximately 60 scholarships offered per year. The primary scholarship available to all students is the Deutschlandstipendium. The merit-based scholarship is designed to help talented students from all backgrounds with a financial support of EUR 300 (~ INR 29,087) per month, funded equally by the German Federal Government and private sponsors.
In addition to financial aid, you may also benefit from mentoring and networking opportunities through an accompanying program. Details of Deutschlandstipendium scholarship is provided below:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | - Enrollment at Free University Berlin within standard time to degree- Or a letter of acceptance to a degree program at FU Berlin |
| Funding | €300/month (50% federal, 50% private) |
| Duration | Minimum 2 semesters starting October; extensions possible |
| Additional Benefits | Accompanying academic and professional support program |
| Application Period | Winter semester only; summer semester entry is not available |
| How to Apply | Applications must be submitted electronically via the online application system |
Also Explore: How to Get a Scholarship in Germany?
Free University of Berlin Placements
Free University of Berlin Career Service assists both domestic and international students to transition in the workforce. The following comprehensive support services improve students' employability in Germany and abroad:
- International Career Service:
- Offers tailored guidance for international students looking to gain work experience in Germany.
- It also assists German students planning to intern abroad.
- Regular information events cover topics such as visa regulations, post-study work options, and job entry strategies in Germany.
- Career Service Internship Program:
- Helps students prepare for internships and job applications by offering skills training and application guidance.
- It is particularly useful for international students unfamiliar with the local job market or hiring processes.
- One-on-One Advising: Provides individual career counselling on choosing job sectors, planning career entry, finding internships, and preparing application documents like CVs and cover letters.
- Career Workshops and Employer Engagement:
- Hosts interactive workshops, employer talks, and presentations to develop soft skills, explore various career fields, and connect directly with hiring organizations and alumni.
Also Explore: Jobs in Germany
Free University of Berlin offers world-class education in a highly competitive yet affordable academic environment. With no tuition fees, strong academic programs, and extensive career support services, it stands out as a top destination for international students looking to study in Germany. From globally ranked courses to excellent employability prospects, the university provides a solid foundation for both academic and professional growth.
FAQs
Ques. Is Free University of Berlin good?
Ans. Yes, Free University of Berlin is a globally recognized institution, currently ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide by QS Rankings 2025. It offers over 120 degree programs and maintains an impressive employment rate of 87%, indicating strong academic and career outcomes.
Ques. What is the ranking of Freie Universität FU Berlin?
Ans. As per QS World University Rankings 2025, Free University of Berlin is ranked #97 globally. It also holds the #=104 position in THE World University Rankings 2025 and ranks #16 in Western Europe according to QS Europe University Rankings.
Ques. Is Freie Universität Berlin hard to get into?
Ans. Yes, with an acceptance rate of just 15%, Freie Universität Berlin is highly competitive. Applicants typically need a GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 (~85%) and strong proficiency in German or English, depending on the language of instruction.
Ques. Is Freie Universität Berlin free for international students?
Ans. Yes, like most German public universities, Freie Universität Berlin does not charge tuition fees, even for international students. However, students are required to pay semester fees ranging from EUR 300 to 330 (~INR 29,112–32,024), along with monthly living expenses of around EUR 934 (~INR 89,777).
Free University of Berlin Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees |
|---|---|---|
B.S Computer Science 3 years | USD 9,430 /Yr EUR 8,200 /Yr | |
B.S Business Administration 3 years | USD 9,430 /Yr EUR 8,200 /Yr | |
| USD 9,430 /Yr EUR 8,200 /Yr | ||
| USD 9,430 /Yr EUR 8,200 /Yr | ||
M.S Computational Sciences 2 years | USD 9,430 /Yr EUR 8,200 /Yr | |
| USD 9,430 /Yr EUR 8,200 /Yr | ||
M.A Economics 2 years | USD 9,430 /Yr EUR 8,200 /Yr | |
| USD 9,430 /Yr EUR 8,200 /Yr | ||
M.S Physics 2 years | USD 9,430 /Yr EUR 8,200 /Yr | |
B.S Psychology 3 years | USD 9,430 /Yr EUR 8,200 /Yr |
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Free University of Berlin comparison
| University Name | Free University of Berlin | Humboldt University of Berlin | Technical University Munich | University of Stuttgart |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 6.1 Out of 10 | 6.2 Out of 10 | 6.2 Out of 10 | 4.3 Out of 10 |
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| Placement | According to the British Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 the FU Berlin ranks 83rd globally and seventh in Germany. Average Salaries By Degree Are:
| Graduate Employability Ranking- #34 (THE, 2019); Doctorate (106,000 USD); PhD (103,000 USD); LLM (100,000 USD); Masters in Science (66,000 USD). | Tie-ups with around 800 start-ups set up by alumni and faculty. | Graduate employability rankings’ 20: #191-200. |
| - | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison | Read Full Comparison |
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Overall 88 out of 1401 in Global Ranking
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Free University of Berlin Student Profiles
Free University of Berlin Reviews
1 Reviews Found
Likes
- No tuition fees, 2 year MS program, Opportunity to do a lab internship for a year and convert that to my thesis project, Transferrable skills
- Excellent faculty, structured syllabus, the opportunity to conduct research for 6 months and then use that experience to write your thesis, do a mini-experiment and have a shot at publishing your own paper
Dislikes
- No Placement cell or post course guidance on what to do after the MS. German culture in general is a cold culture with not many friends or approachable students. So one has to get used to live alone, used to their bureaucracy and rules.
Overview
Wonderful learning experience at Freie University Berlin. The 2 years I spent at the university were amazing, enriching, insightful and academically dense. The statistics course especially was tough and aimed at engineers but the professor made sure we understood it and now it pays off as I can understand the complex Math in research Papers. The opportunity to do an internship, my own thesis was the highlight and best part of the course as I got to apply the academic concepts in real life settings.
Campus Life
The campus had a huge library where one can access plethora of books, reading rooms, study area, cafeteria (special vegan and vegetarian cafeteria). Lab infrastructure was top notch.
Free University of Berlin Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| German Chancellor Fellowship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyDoctorate | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Humboldt Research Fellowship | Scholarship per student$2,900 | Level Of StudyDoctorate | TypeMerit-Based | |
| British Council IELTS Award 2023 | Scholarship per student$13,047 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Kurt Hansen Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyDoctorate | TypeNeed-Based | |
| Kaad Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyDoctorate | TypeMerit-Based |
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Free University of Berlin Admissions
Application Portal: https://identity.fu-berlin.de/registration/account?execution=e1s1
Fall Deadlines
Important Date: April1 (Application deadline)Spring Deadlines
Important Date: November1 (Application deadline)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees
Faculty
| Total Faculty | Full Time | Part Time | Graduate Assistants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 631 | - | - | - |
Free University of Berlin Campus Location
Nearby This Campus
- Bus Station
- Shopping Mall
- Book Store
- Pharmacy
- Train Station
- Airport
- Restaurant
Bus Station
Book Store
Train Station
Restaurant
Shopping Mall
Pharmacy
Airport
● All distance are measured radially. Actual distance may vary
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