Humboldt University of Berlin is a public research university located in Berlin, Germany. It is widely recognised for its strong academic foundation in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and interdisciplinary research. The university does not publish an official acceptance rate; however, third-party sources estimate it to be around 20–30%. As per the latest QS World University Rankings 2026, the university is ranked around #130 globally.
The university offers over 160 bachelor’s and master’s programs, with bachelor’s taking 3 years (6 semesters) and master’s 2 years (4 semesters) under the standard German system.
At Humboldt University of Berlin, tuition fees are generally very low or non-existent for most programs, as it is a public university. However, students are required to pay a semester contribution fee, which covers administrative services and public transportation benefits in Berlin. Some specialised or non-consecutive programs may have additional tuition fees.
- Semester Contribution Fee: €355 per semester | ₹38,389
- Cost of Living (Berlin): €11,904 per year | ₹12.87 lakh
- Scholarships: Limited and highly competitive; major support comes from Deutschlandstipendium, DAAD, and research-based funding options
- Semester: Winter (main intake) and Summer
For admissions, undergraduate applicants from India usually cannot apply directly after Class 12, as the qualification is not equivalent to the German Abitur (13-year schooling system). Most students are required to complete a Studienkolleg or meet equivalent eligibility requirements. Graduate applicants must hold a relevant bachelor’s degree with strong academic performance. Applicants are also required to submit German language proficiency proof (usually C1 level) for most programs, along with academic transcripts, APS certificate, CV, and other program-specific documents.
Current admission scenario at Humboldt University of Berlin: Applications for bachelor’s and master’s programs in the Winter Semester are currently open, with submissions closing on 31 August 2026.
Note: As of 9 April 2026, 1 EUR = ₹108.30 INR is used throughout the article for currency conversion.
Also check: Germany study guide for Indian students
- Humboldt University of Berlin Popular Courses for Indian Students
- Humboldt University of Berlin Admission Requirements for Indian Students
- Humboldt University of Berlin Deadlines 2026
- Humboldt University of Berlin Campus
- Humboldt University of Berlin Cost of Living for Indian Students
- Humboldt University of Berlin Language Requirements for Indian Students
- Humboldt University of Berlin Scholarship for Indian Students
- Humboldt University of Berlin Rankings 2026
- FAQs
Humboldt University of Berlin Popular Courses for Indian Students
Humboldt University of Berlin offers 160+ programs, including popular courses like MS Psychology, MS Economics, and BS Computer Science.
At the university, most bachelor’s programs are designed to be completed in 6 semesters (3 years), while master’s programs usually take 4 semesters (2 years). This follows the standard German higher education system, where degrees are structured in a clear and fixed timeline.
Most programs have no tuition fees, but students must pay a semester fee of about €355 (₹38,389). Some specialised or non-consecutive programs, such as executive or certain international master’s (e.g., LL.M.), may have higher tuition fees.
| Program | Course Duration | Tips for Indian Students |
|---|---|---|
| MSc Psychology | 2 years | Highlight clinical/research modules in the motivation letter. |
| MSc Economics | 2 years | Emphasise a strong quantitative/math background in the Uni-Assist application as selection is competitive and analytical. |
| MSc Agricultural Economics | 2 years | Showcase any prior agriculture/development coursework or experience to strengthen interdisciplinary fit. |
| MSc Computational Neuroscience | 2 years | Strengthen math/physics/CS foundation. |
| Master's in Mathematics | 2 years | Demonstrate advanced coursework or research experience. |
| BSc Business Administration | 3 years | Get Indian 12th + APS evaluated accurately via uni-assist. |
| BSc Computer Science | 3 years | Prioritise C1 German certification + strong school-level math/CS. |
| BSc Biology | 3 years | Include any lab/extracurricular biology work in application documents. |
| BSc Physics | 3 years | Focus on rigorous math/physics documentation via APS & uni-assist for accurate *HZB evaluation of Indian qualifications. |
| BSc Psychology | 3 years | Secure high C1 German proficiency well in advance. |
Humboldt University of Berlin Admission Requirements for Indian Students
For Indian students, Class 12 alone is usually not enough for direct admission to Humboldt University of Berlin, as it does not meet the German Abitur-equivalent requirement (a qualification equal to Germany’s 13-year school system).
To apply for admission, all students must use the Uni-assist application portal (application fee: €75 | ₹8,112). The university does not specify a required percentage; instead, admissions are assessed holistically. Check below the recommended percentage required for Indian students.
| Particulars | Bachelor’s Requirements | Master’s Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Requirement (recommended) | 65–70% or higher in the 12th board exams improves the chances of being assessed as equivalent to the German Abitur. | Strong academic performance in the degree is recommended, typically 60–70% or higher, depending on the program. |
| Documents Required | -Higher Education Entrance Qualification (HZB) -*Studienkolleg Or recognized equivalent qualification -School leaving certificate + marks -Academic transcripts (if studied before) -CV-Passport copy -*APS certificate (for India) |
-Bachelor’s degree certificate |
Read: Required documents for Indian students at Humboldt University of Berlin
Humboldt University of Berlin Deadlines 2026
Humboldt University of Berlin follows a dual-semester system, with two main intakes each academic year.
- Winter Semester (October to February each year)
- Summer Semester (Lectures run from April to July)
In Germany, the winter semester is the main intake with more program options, while the summer semester offers limited courses. Winter semester (2026) admissions are currently open for bachelor’s and master’s students.
| Semester | Admission Type | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Winter 2026/27 | Restricted (competitive) | 1 June – 15 July 2026 (for UG) |
| 18 May – 14 June 2026 (for PG) | ||
| Open (non-restricted) | 1 June – 31 August 2026 (both) | |
| Summer 2027 (tentative) | Restricted (competitive) | 15 December 2026 – 15 Jan 2027 |
| Open (non-restricted) | 15 December 2026 – 28 Feb 2027 |
Humboldt University of Berlin Campus
Humboldt University of Berlin has four main campuses in Berlin:
- Campus Mitte: Main campus with humanities, social sciences, and central facilities.
- Campus Adlershof: Science and technology hub with advanced research labs.
- Campus Nord: Life sciences, biology, and medical-related research.
- Campus Dahlem: Agriculture, environmental sciences, and sustainability studies.
Facilities for Students at Humboldt University of Berlin:
- Transportation: Semester fee includes a public transport pass for easy travel across Berlin.
- Food: University canteens (Mensa) offer regular vegetarian and vegan meal options.
- International Support: Welcome Centre helps with arrival, documents, and settling in.
- Health Insurance Help: Assistance with mandatory health insurance setup.
- Language Support: German language courses for beginners to advanced levels.
- Libraries: Access to large study spaces and digital resources (e.g., Grimm Centre).
- Sports & Activities: Wide range of affordable sports and fitness programs.
- Career Support: Workshops, internships, and a job guidance service.
Note: For accommodation, Humboldt University of Berlin advises international students to apply early for affordable student housing via Studierendenwerk Berlin. As spaces are limited, students should also consider private options like shared apartments. Finding accommodation is the student’s responsibility.
Check out: Student visa requirements for Indian students to study in Germany
Humboldt University of Berlin Cost of Living for Indian Students
According to Humboldt University of Berlin, the estimated cost of living in Berlin is around €11,904 (₹12.87 lakh) per year, which covers essential expenses such as accommodation, food, health insurance, transport, and personal needs.
| Expense Category | Annual Cost in EUR | Annual Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (off-campus rent) | €5,400 | ₹5.84 lakh |
| Food & groceries | €2,400 | ₹2.60 lakh |
| Health insurance | €1,440 | ₹1.56 lakh |
| Transport | €600 | ₹65,000 |
| Study materials | €360 | ₹39,000 |
| Leisure & personal | €1,704 | ₹1.84 lakh |
| Total | €11,904 | ₹12.87 lakh |
Health Insurance: All students must have valid health insurance as required by German law before enrolment and residence permit approval. Public (statutory) insurance typically costs €90–130 per month (₹9,732–₹14,058).
Humboldt University of Berlin Language Requirements for Indian Students
All Bachelor’s and some master’s programs at Humboldt University of Berlin are taught in German, so English tests like IELTS/TOEFL/PTE are not accepted for admission.
International students must provide proof of German language proficiency (usually C1 level), through certificates such as:
- Goethe-Zertifikat C1
- TestDaF (minimum TDN 3 in all sections)
- DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang)
Apart from German language requirements, some master’s courses at the university require English proficiency scores for admission. Check out the table mentioned below:
| English Test | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 5.5 overall |
| Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE) | Accepted |
| TOEFL iBT | 72 |
Humboldt University of Berlin Scholarship for Indian Students
At Humboldt University of Berlin, scholarship options for Indian and other international students are limited and mostly indirect. Available funding is generally focused on doctoral (PhD-level) studies, merit-based research programs, and short-term completion grants.
The university itself provides very few direct scholarships, with most financial support coming from merit-based schemes like the Deutschlandstipendium or external sources such as DAAD.
| Scholarship Name | Provider | Eligibility | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deutschlandstipendium | German government + private sponsors (via HU) | All enrolled students (including international) | €300 monthly ₹32,424 |
| DAAD Scholarships | External (DAAD) | International students | Varies (often full/partial funding) |
| Humboldt Research Track Scholarship | Humboldt University of Berlin | High-performing master’s students preparing for a PhD | Short-term funding for 6 months |
| Fellowship for Completion of Degree | Humboldt University of Berlin | International students near degree completion | Short-term financial support for thesis completion |
Students’ reviews on Reddit: Students generally say that scholarships at HU Berlin are limited and highly competitive, with most options offering only partial funding. Since tuition fees are already low or free, there are fewer scholarship opportunities compared to other countries. As a result, many students depend on external funding like DAAD or personal financial resources.
Explore: Scholarships for Indian students to study in Germany
Humboldt University of Berlin Rankings 2026
Humboldt University of Berlin shows slight fluctuations in its 2026 rankings.
- According to the QS World University Rankings, it has declined from #126 (2025) to #130 (2026).
- In the U.S. News, there is a small improvement from #48 to #47.
- THE rankings improved in 2025 but dropped to #89 in 2026.
- Collegedunia Study Abroad Ranking places the university at #65 out of #824.
| Ranking Body | Rank 2026 | Rank 2025 | Rank 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings | #130 | #126 | #120 |
| US News Best Global Universities Rankings | #47 | - | #48 |
| Times Higher Education | #89 | #84 | #87 |
| Collegedunia Study Abroad Global Ranking | #65 out of #824 |
- |
|
| Collegedunia Study Abroad National Ranking | #5 out of 80 in Germany | ||
Summary: Humboldt University of Berlin remains a well-ranked global university with a strong international reputation, despite slight fluctuations in rankings.
Also read: 2026 global and subject-wise rankings of Humboldt University of Berlin
Humboldt University of Berlin is a public research university that offers high-quality education with very low tuition costs, making it a strong option for international students.
Most programs have no tuition fees, and students only need to pay a semester contribution of about €355 per semester (≈ ₹38,389), which includes administrative services and public transport benefits. However, the major expense is living in Berlin, which is around €11,904 per year (≈ ₹12.87 lakh), covering accommodation, food, insurance, transport, and personal costs.
In terms of scholarships, opportunities are limited and highly competitive, with support mainly coming from programs like DAAD and Deutschlandstipendium, which provides around €300/month (₹32,424) for selected students. Because tuition is already low, funding options are fewer compared to countries with high tuition fees.
Admission is moderately to highly competitive, with an estimated acceptance rate of 20–30% (third-party data). For Indian students, direct admission after Class 12 is usually not possible, and most need to complete Studienkolleg, along with an APS certificate and strong academic performance. Additionally, most courses require C1-level German language proficiency, making language preparation a key requirement.
FAQs
Ques. What is the semester contribution at Humboldt University of Berlin?
Ans. The semester contribution is a mandatory fee paid each semester that covers administrative services, student support, and often public transport access.
Ques. What is Studienkolleg, and why is it required for Indian students?
Ans. Studienkolleg is a one-year preparatory course required because the Indian Class 12 certificate is usually not equivalent to the German Abitur. Students must complete it and pass the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) to qualify for bachelor’s admission.
Ques. What does HZB mean, and why is it required for admission at Humboldt University of Berlin?
Ans. HZB (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung) stands for “Higher Education Entrance Qualification.” It refers to the certificate or set of qualifications that confirms a student is eligible to pursue higher education at a German university.
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Humboldt University of Berlin comparison
| University Name | Humboldt University of Berlin | Free University of Berlin |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 6.2 Out of 10 | 6.1 Out of 10 |
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| Placement | Graduate Employability Ranking- #34 (THE, 2019); Doctorate (106,000 USD); PhD (103,000 USD); LLM (100,000 USD); Masters in Science (66,000 USD). | 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:
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| - | Read Full Comparison |
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Overall 65 out of 824 in Global Ranking
Overall 130 out of 1401 in Global Ranking
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Humboldt University of Berlin Reviews
2 Reviews Found
Likes
- Working environment and the independence to work is the main advantage of the university. In addition, Humboldt has 56 and counting Noble prizes to its credit, which shows the quality of research.
Campus Life
- Humboldt is really huge, with a dedicated sports center, clubs and regular options for extracurricular activities. All the facilities are available.
Fees
- For each semester the total fees are 300 Euros, including 180 euros, which goes into a public transport ticket, providing free access to public transport in the city.
Overview
When looking for a PhD position, I looked for the research group with similar interests, its quality and reputation (publications), scientific standing of supervisor in the community, etc. The aspect of university was by a happenstance.
Campus Life
The university offers a range of services and facilities to international students through student welcome center. It offers events and workshops both in English and German, and supports completely free of charge. You get a support for your academic and social integration by providing general assistance to make the most of studies, offers advice on your physical and mental well-being, and organizes social networking opportunities. This is done via orientational zoom sessions, intercultural trainings, mentoring, academic and qualification workshops, wellbeing tutorials and cultural and networking events.
Humboldt University of Berlin Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 92,880/Yr$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| MAWISTA Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 6.2 L/Yr$6,691 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeEasy-to-Apply | |
| Kurt Hansen Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 9.3 L/Yr$10,000 | Level Of StudyDoctorate | TypeNeed-Based | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Google's Women Techmakers Program | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student₹ 1.9 L/Yr$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored |
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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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2326 | - | - | - |
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