Humboldt University of Berlin Courses, Fees, and Scholarships 2026

Humboldt University of Berlin is a public research university located in Berlin, Germany. The university offers more than 160 programs, including bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. The popular courses include MS Psychology, MS Economics, and BS Computer Science.

• The university does not charge any tuition fees to domestic and international students. However, students have to pay a contribution fee each semester, which costs €355 (₹38,389).
• Students are required to have a valid health insurance before enrolment and residence permit approval, which costs €90‑130 monthly (₹9,732 - ₹14,058).
• As per the university, the cost of living in Berlin will be approximately €11,904 (₹ 12.87 lakh).
• For a German student visa, applicants are required to show financial resources covering living expenses of €11,904 (₹12.8 lakh) per year.

Apart from the costs, students can apply for scholarships. The university itself offers very few direct scholarships. Most funding options are either merit-based (like Deutschlandstipendium) or external (such as DAAD).

International students can pay the semester contribution fee through a bank transfer to the designated account of Humboldt University of Berlin using the provided IBAN and BIC (SWIFT code).

Note: As of 8 April 2026, 1 EUR = ₹108.14 INR is used throughout the article for currency conversion.

Also check: Germany study guide for Indian students

Humboldt University of Berlin Tuition Fees for Indian Students

At Humboldt University of Berlin, most programs follow a semester system, where bachelor’s degrees last 6 semesters (3 years) and master’s degrees usually last 4 semesters (2 years).

• The university follows the German public university model, where tuition fees are generally not charged for most programs. This applies to students enrolling in bachelor’s and consecutive master’s degrees.
• All students are required to pay a semester contribution fee.

Semester Contribution: This is not a tuition fee but a mandatory charge that covers administrative costs, student services, and a public transport ticket that allows unlimited travel across Berlin during the semester.

Note: There are some exceptions to this fee-free structure. Certain specialised or non-consecutive programs, such as executive degrees or specific international master’s programs (for example, LL.M. programs), may charge tuition fees, which are usually higher than standard programs.

Read: Required documents for Indian students at Humboldt University of Berlin

Semester Contribution Fee Payment at Humboldt University of Berlin

At Humboldt University of Berlin, the semester contribution fee is paid exclusively via bank transfer to the university’s designated bank account.

• After receiving admission or enrolment instructions, students are provided with the exact payment details, including the university’s IBAN and BIC (SWIFT code).

The university requires that the transfer include a clearly specified payment reference (*Verwendungszweck). If this reference is missing or incorrect, the payment may not be recognised, which could delay enrolment.

• The transfer must be initiated early enough to ensure that the full amount is received in the university’s account before the enrolment deadline.
• The university explicitly states that any bank charges or transfer fees must be borne by the student, meaning the exact semester contribution amount must arrive in full.

Registration is completed only after the payment is received, and the student then officially becomes enrolled and can access enrolment documents.

Verwendungszweck: It is the reference text you must enter while making the bank transfer, so the university can identify your payment.

What to Write in Verwendungszweck?

The university typically requires:

• Your full name
• Your student or applicant ID number

Example format: Nidhi Sharma 1234567 Semesterbeitrag

Important conditions

• Payment method: Bank transfer only (no online portal or cash option mentioned)
• Required details: International Bank Account Number (IBAN), Bank Identifier Code (SWIFT Code), and correct payment reference.
• Responsibility: The student must cover all transfer charges.
• Deadline: Payment must be received before enrolment is completed.

Financial Requirements at Humboldt University of Berlin for a German Student Visa

When applying for a German student visa, the German authorities require proof of the applicant’s ability to support themselves financially while studying. This is called proof of financial resources.

• Current requirement: Students need €992 (₹1.7 lakh) per month, which totals €11,904 (₹12.8 lakh) per year.
• This amount is considered sufficient for living expenses such as rent, food, health insurance, transportation, and study materials.

Blocked Account (Sperrkonto): For many Indian students, the easiest way to show this financial proof is via a blocked account. Here’s what it means:

• A blocked account is a special German bank account. You deposit the required funds (for example, €11,904 for one year). You cannot withdraw all the money at once; only a fixed amount is released each month (currently around €992).

Key Point: Most Indian students prefer a blocked account because it’s simple, accepted by all German embassies, and satisfies visa requirements directly.

Check out: Student visa requirements for Indian students to study in Germany

Part-time Jobs for International Students at Humboldt University of Berlin

At Humboldt University of Berlin, part-time job opportunities for international students are available but not centrally guaranteed. Students must actively search and apply for positions on their own.

• The university provides access to vacancies through its official job portal. Roles such as:
  • Student assistants (HiWi)
  • Research assistants
  • Administrative support
• The on-campus jobs are academic in nature and closely aligned with a student’s field of study.
• Students are also allowed to pursue internships, research stays, and other practical opportunities facilitated through international programs offered by the university.

Humboldt University of Berlin does not function as a placement provider.

• All international students must comply with German work regulations, which generally permit working up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year, alongside their studies.
• The university also emphasises that degree programs are primarily full-time, and any employment should not interfere with academic progress.

Also read: Part-time jobs in Germany for Indian students

Humboldt University of Berlin remains a cost-effective option for Indian students, with no tuition fees and a semester contribution of about €355 (₹38,389). However, the overall financial requirement is still significant. Students must budget around €11,904 per year (₹12.8–12.9 lakh) for living expenses and visa proof, along with €90–130/month (₹9,732–₹14,058) for health insurance.

While scholarships are limited and mostly external, the university’s low tuition structure ensures that the total annual cost stays close to €12,000 (₹13 lakh), making it comparatively more affordable than many other study destinations, provided financial planning is done in advance.