Humboldt University of Berlin: Admissions, Acceptance Rate, Eligibility, Accommodations & More
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Studying at Humboldt University of Berlin (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin) offers students a unique opportunity to be part of one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Germany. Known for its rich academic legacy, modern research opportunities, and cultural vibrancy, this university attracts thousands of international students annually. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Humboldt University of Berlin’s admissions in 2025, including key dates, courses, eligibility, and accommodation options.
Humboldt University of Berlin Highlights 2025
Category | Details |
Year of Establishment | 1810 |
Campus Size | Over 100 buildings located across three main campuses |
QS World University Ranking (2025) | #120 |
Campus Locations | Berlin (Main Campus: Mitte, Adlershof Science Campus, and North Campus) |
Placement Rate | Approximately 85% |
Top Recruiters | Google, Siemens, Deutsche Bank, SAP, BMW |
Popular Courses | MSc in Computer Science, BA in Humanities, MSc in Data Science, LLM in International Law |
English Proficiency Exam Required | IELTS (6.5+), TOEFL (90+), or equivalent |
Acceptance Rate | 18%–20% |
Annual Tuition Fees | €700–€1,500 for international students |
Website | www.hu-berlin.de |
Humboldt University of Berlin Admission Dates 2025
The university follows strict timelines for its two main intakes: winter and summer semesters. To secure your spot at this globally recognized institution, it’s crucial to adhere to these deadlines. Below is a summary of the Humboldt University of Berlin important dates for 2025 admissions:
Application Stage | Winter Semester 2025 | Summer Semester 2025 |
Application Start Date | April 1, 2025 | October 1, 2025 |
Application Deadline | July 15, 2025 | January 15, 2026 |
Admission Decision Notification | September 2025 | March 2026 |
Semester Start Date | October 2025 | April 2026 |
Humboldt University of Berlin: Popular Courses, Duration & Eligibility 2025
Humboldt University of Berlin is renowned for its comprehensive range of programs across disciplines such as natural sciences, humanities, law, and social sciences. Below are additional details about the university’s popular courses and eligibility criteria 2025:
Program | Duration | Eligibility Criteria |
MSc in Computer Science | 2 Years | Bachelor’s in Computer Science or related field, IELTS 6.5/TOEFL 90+, German language proficiency required for certain courses. |
BA in Humanities | 3 Years | High school diploma, German B2 level proficiency or IELTS 6.0 for English-taught programs. |
LLM in International Law | 1 Year | Bachelor’s in Law or equivalent, IELTS 6.5/TOEFL 90+, GRE optional for some applications. |
PhD in Biological Sciences | 3–4 Years | Master’s degree in the chosen research field, a detailed research proposal, IELTS 7.0 for English programs. |
MA in Political Science | 2 Years | Bachelor’s in Political Science, related field, or equivalent, IELTS 6.5/TOEFL 90+. GRE/GMAT scores may be needed for certain specializations. |
MSc in Data Science | 2 Years | Bachelor’s in Data Science, Mathematics, or a related subject, IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90+, relevant coding or programming knowledge recommended. |
Bachelor in Psychology | 3 Years | High school diploma, German language proficiency (B2) for core courses; English proficiency for electives or supplementary programs. |
Humboldt University of Berlin Acceptance Rate 2025
Humboldt University of Berlin is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 18-20%, depending on the program. Highly competitive courses like Medicine, Law, and Computer Science tend to have stricter requirements.
Category | Details |
Overall Acceptance Rate | 18-20% |
Highly Competitive Courses | Medicine: 5%, Computer Science: 10%, Law: 15% |
Easier Access Programs | Humanities, Language Studies, Social Sciences: 25-30% |
Humboldt University of Berlin Eligibility Criteria for 2025 Admissions
- Academic Requirements: Bachelor’s degree for postgraduate programs or a high school diploma for undergraduate programs.
- Language Proficiency: English (IELTS 6.0–7.0 or TOEFL 90+); German (B2 or higher) for most courses.
- Additional Tests: GRE or GMAT for specific courses like Business or Law.
- Documents Needed: Transcripts, SOP, Letters of Recommendation, CV, and a valid passport.
Humboldt University of Berlin Ranking 2025
Humboldt University of Berlin consistently ranks among the top universities worldwide, especially in fields like humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Its exceptional research output and historical legacy make it a global favorite for higher education.
Here’s an overview of Humboldt University of Berlin rankings and academic reputation:
Ranking Platform | Scope | Current Ranking | Last Update | Additional Details |
Times Higher Education (THE) | Global comparison of 2,092 universities in research and teaching | 84th in the world 4th in Germany | 9th October 2024 | HU is recognized for its research impact and teaching quality. |
QS World University Rankings | Global comparison of 1,500 universities | 120th in the world 7th in Germany | 27th June 2023 | HU is noted for academic reputation and employer partnerships. |
QS World University Rankings by Subject | Global comparison of 51 subjects at 1,452 universities | Subject-specific rankings | 10th April 2024 | Highlights HU’s strong performance in specialized areas like humanities and sciences. |
CHE University Ranking | Detailed ranking of German-speaking universities | Performance-based categories | 2nd May 2024 | Includes student opinions and institutional data for study conditions. |
U-Multirank | Multi-dimensional, EU-funded ranking | Performance categories | 21st June 2022 | Compares universities across diverse performance areas without an overall score. |
National Taiwan University Ranking (NTU) | Performance ranking of scientific papers | 76th in the world 3rd in Germany | 9th August 2018 | Focuses on HU’s research output and impact globally. |
Humboldt University of Berlin Scholarships 2025
Studying at Humboldt University of Berlin can be highly affordable for international students, thanks to various scholarships that cover tuition, living costs, and other expenses. These scholarships are offered by the university itself, the German government, and private organizations.
Humboldt University Top Scholarships for International Students 2025
Below is a detailed table highlighting the top Humboldt University of Berlin scholarships 2025:
Scholarship Name | Benefits | Eligibility Criteria | Application Deadlines |
DAAD Scholarship | Monthly stipend of €850, travel allowance, and health insurance | Bachelor’s or master’s students; proven academic excellence and leadership qualities | October–January (varies by course) |
Deutschlandstipendium | €300 per month | Open to all students with exceptional academic performance | April 2025 |
Humboldt Research Fellowship | Stipend of €2,670/month for postdoctoral research | Outstanding academics with a doctoral degree; strong research proposal | Rolling basis |
Erasmus+ Funding | Monthly stipend (€250–€500) and tuition support | Enrolled in a European partner university | University-specific deadlines |
How to Apply for Scholarships at Humboldt University of Berlin:
- Visit the official Humboldt University website or the funding organization’s page for detailed information.
- Prepare a strong application with supporting documents like academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a statement of purpose.
Humboldt University of Berlin Accommodations 2025
Finding the right accommodation is crucial for international students moving to Berlin. Humboldt University provides a range of housing options, from student dormitories to private apartments, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Types of Student Accommodation Available
Humboldt University collaborates with various housing providers to offer convenient accommodation options for students. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular choices:
Accommodation Type | Monthly Cost (EUR) | Features |
Student Dormitories | €200–€400 | Affordable, located close to campus, shared or single rooms, communal kitchens |
Private Apartments | €500–€800 | Ideal for privacy, fully furnished, located in various neighborhoods |
Shared Flats (WG) | €300–€600 | Cost-effective, shared with other students, utilities split among tenants |
Homestays | €400–€700 | Live with a local family, cultural immersion, meals included in some cases |
Top Student Accommodations Near Humboldt University
Following is the top off campus student accommodations near Humboldt University of Berlin:
Conclusion
Humboldt University of Berlin stands as a beacon of academic excellence, offering affordable education, a diverse range of programs, and a welcoming environment for international students. With its rich legacy, global rankings, and vibrant student life, it’s no wonder that Humboldt remains a top choice for students worldwide.
Whether you’re planning to study humanities, science, or law, Humboldt provides the perfect blend of quality education and cultural immersion. Start your journey now, and secure a spot in this prestigious institution for 2025!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Humboldt University of Berlin hard to get into?
Yes, with an acceptance rate of just 18%, Humboldt University of Berlin is highly competitive and selective, making it one of the top universities in Germany.
How much are the tuition fees for international students at Humboldt University?
For postgraduate programs, the average tuition fee is approximately $10,475 per year. Additional expenses for hostel and meals average around $7,692 annually.
What is Humboldt University ranked in the world?
Humboldt University is ranked 57th globally, placing it in the top 0.3% of universities worldwide. It ranks 17th in Europe and 2nd nationally in Germany.
What is the IELTS score required for admission to Humboldt University?
A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or TOEFL score of 80 is required for international applicants enrolling in English-taught programs.
How can Indian students apply to Humboldt University of Berlin?
Indian students need at least 60% in their previous academic qualifications to be eligible for admission. The acceptance rate for international students remains at 18%, emphasizing the importance of strong academic credentials.