The Free University of Berlin ranks among the top 100 universities worldwide, achieving #97 in QS World University Rankings 2025 and #104 in THE World University Rankings 2025. It stands at #66 in U.S. News & World Report's Best Global Universities rankings. This prestigious German institution has improved significantly over the past five years, rising from #130 in 2021 to its current position. The university is particularly renowned for its humanities, social sciences, and life sciences programs.

Also Check: Admissions at Free University of Berlin

Free University of Berlin Global Ranking Trends (2021-2025)

Ranking Body 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021
QS World Ranking 97 98 118 127 130
THE World University Ranking 104 102 91 83 118
U.S. News & World Report - 66 87 95 -

Free University of Berlin Subject-Specific Rankings

In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, the Free University of Berlin (FU Berlin) is ranked 104th overall. Specifically, its subject-specific rankings include 29th in Arts and Humanities, 70th in Law, and 80th in Life Sciences. Here’s a detailed subject rankings breakdown:

Engineering and Science

Subject 2024 2023 2022 2021
Engineering and Technology 288 310 304 318
Computer Science #201-250 #201-250 #201-250 #201-250
Veterinary Science 40 46 49 31
Chemistry 82 87 90 74
Biological Science 85 80 118 125
Earth and Marine Science #101-150 #101-150 #101-150 #101-150
Natural Science 105 104 139 114
Physics and Astronomy 113 101 101 -
Mathematics 130 101 101 -

Arts and Humanities

Subject 2024 2023 2022 2021
Arts and Humanities 41 27 28 24
Archaeology 15 17 13 25
History 19 28 24 23
Politics 22 20 19 20
Sociology 29 30 28 22

Language Programs

Subject 2024 2023 2022 2021
Modern Languages 33 28 23 22
Communication and Media 34 39 40 46
English Language and Literature 42 43 39 36
Linguistics #101-150 #101-150 #101-150 #97

Law and Social Policy

Subject 2024 2023 2022 2021
Social Policy and Administration #51-101 #51-101 #51-101 #37
Law and Legal Studies 65 69 89 #101-150

Medicine and Life Sciences

Subject 2024 2023 2022 2021
Pharmacy and Pharmacology 67 77 75 97
Life Science and Medicine 143 201 231 289
Psychology 72 74 76 -
Nursing 151 101 76 -

Free University of Berlin THE Rankings by Field (2025)

In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, the Free University of Berlin is ranked 104th globally. Specifically, here's how they perform in various fields: 

Field 2025 Ranking
Arts and Humanities 29
Law 70
Life Sciences 80
Business and Economics 151
Computer Science 151
Psychology 72

Why Free University of Berlin Is Attractive?

  1. Free Education: The university offers tuition-free education to international students
  2. Rising Rankings: Consistent improvement in global standings over the past five years
  3. Strong Job Market: Germany's shortage of skilled workers creates opportunities for graduates
  4. Part-time Work: Higher payment rates for student part-time jobs compared to many countries
  5. Research Excellence: Particularly strong in humanities, social sciences, and life sciences

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques: Is Free University Berlin good?

Ans: Yes, Free University of Berlin is one of the top universities in Germany, ranked #97 globally by QS World University Rankings 2025.

Ques: What is the rank 1 university in Germany?

Ans: Ludwig-Maximillians-Universität München is considered one of Germany's leading universities with over 500 years of experience in education and research.

Ques: What is Free University of Berlin famous for?

Ans: It is renowned for its research in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and life sciences. The university was founded in Berlin-Dahlem during the Cold War in 1948.

Ques: Is the Free University of Berlin public or private?

Ans: The Free University of Berlin (Freie Universität Berlin) is a public research university.