Humboldt University of Berlin Summary
Founded in 1810, the university is closely associated with the Humboldtian idea of the unity of teaching and research. This means that students are trained in the classroom and are also encouraged to develop independent academic thinking, research skills and intellectual depth. Humboldt University is especially suitable for students who want a traditional German university with a strong academic culture, public research identity and access to one of the most important political, cultural and professional cities in Europe.
Several programs offered at the Humboldt University of Berlin are offered in German at the undergraduate level. International applicants should check requirements for German language carefully before applying. Undergraduate fields of study are law, economics, business administration, social sciences, history, philosophy, cultural studies, German literature, English studies, language studies, education, psychology-related study, mathematics, computer science, physics, chemistry, biology, geography, agricultural sciences and related fields. Some subjects may be available via mono-bachelor, combined bachelor and teacher education structures.
Humboldt University offers German-taught, English-taught and bilingual routes at master’s level, depending on the subject. Popular postgraduate subjects are Economics, Business Administration, Computer Science, Global History, Social Sciences, European History, Philosophy, Linguistics, Mind and Brain, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Integrated Natural Resource Management, Agricultural Economics and Gender Studies. The university is especially attractive for students interested in the fields of humanities, social research, public policy, economics, language studies, science and interdisciplinary academic work.
Humboldt University encourages research at doctoral level in the humanities and social sciences, law, economics, natural sciences, life sciences, mathematics, informatics, education and interdisciplinary areas. Doctoral candidates are assigned to faculties, graduate programs, research groups and supervisors. Berlin provides PhD candidates with access to libraries, archives, museums, public institutions, policy organizations and academic networks within the research landscape.
Tuition fees at Humboldt University of Berlin are not charged for regular degree programs in general. Students pay semester fees and contributions. These fees usually include administrative costs, student services and public transport related benefits depending on current rules. Some continuing education, special, exchange, or professional programs may have separate fees. Berlin is also less expensive than Munich, but you will need to plan well in terms of accommodation, health insurance, food, transportation and personal expenses.
Humboldt University Berlin is best for students interested in a historic public research university with strong academic depth, a central Berlin location and an excellent reputation in the humanities, social sciences, law, economics and sciences. It is especially suited to students who want to pursue careers in research, academia, public policy, international organizations, law, education, culture, media, government, NGOs, science and doctoral study.
About Humboldt University of Berlin
The university has a strong academic identity based on research based teaching. It has a particularly strong reputation for the humanities, social sciences, philosophy, history, linguistics, law, economics, natural sciences and life sciences. Studying at Humboldt University means to be part of an academic environment that values independent research, theoretical depth, critical thinking and interdisciplinary debate.
Humboldt University is not primarily a technical university. It is a big public research university, with strengths in traditional academic fields as well as modern research areas. It is suitable for students who want both intellectual tradition and access to contemporary research topics such as climate, society, digital change, governance, language, culture, data, economics and life sciences.
International students care about language planning. Many bachelor programs are taught in German, some master programs are taught in English or partly in English. Students should check the exact language of the program prior to applying. Berlin is a very international city, but German is important for daily life, undergraduate study, and many academic routes.
For students looking for a serious academic university in a global city, Humboldt University of Berlin is a great choice. It is particularly suited for students who want research exposure, cultural depth, affordability of a public university, and career opportunities related to government, policy, culture, education, international organizations, research, and science.
Humboldt University of Berlin History
- Humboldt University of Berlin was founded in 1810.
- The university was originally established as the University of Berlin.
- It became closely associated with Wilhelm von Humboldt’s education philosophy.
- The Humboldtian model connected teaching, research and academic freedom.
- The university became one of Europe’s most influential research universities.
- Berlin’s cultural and political importance strengthened the university’s role.
- Humanities, philosophy, law and sciences became major academic areas.
- Natural sciences and laboratory-based research expanded over time.
- The university contributed strongly to German intellectual and scientific life.
- It later became known as Humboldt University of Berlin.
- The university adapted to modern European bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree structures.
- International master’s and research programs expanded its global profile.
- Graduate research developed across humanities, social sciences and sciences.
- The university maintained a strong public research identity in Berlin.
- Today, Humboldt University of Berlin is recognized as one of Germany’s leading historic research universities.
Humboldt University of Berlin Highlights
- Public research university in Germany
- Established in 1810
- Located in Berlin
- Historic university with strong academic tradition
- Strong for humanities, social sciences, law, economics, natural sciences and life sciences
- Known for the Humboldtian model of research-based teaching
- Many bachelor’s programs are German-taught
- Selected master’s programs are English-taught or bilingual
- Regular degree programs generally do not charge tuition fees
- Semester fees and contributions apply
- Berlin offers strong academic, cultural and professional opportunities
- Strong fit for students targeting research, public policy, law, culture, education, science and international careers
Humboldt University of Berlin Courses Offered
UG Courses
- Bachelor of Laws-related Study
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
- Bachelor of Science in Economics
- Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences
- Bachelor of Arts in History
- Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
- Bachelor of Arts in German Literature
- Bachelor of Arts in English Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Education Studies
- Bachelor of Arts in Geography
- Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
- Bachelor of Science in Physics
- Bachelor of Science in Chemistry
- Bachelor of Science in Biology
- Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sciences
- Bachelor-level Study in Political Science
- Bachelor-level Study in Linguistics
- Teacher Education Programs
PG Courses
- Master of Science in Economics
- Master of Science in Business Administration
- Master of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Mathematics
- Master of Science in Physics
- Master of Science in Chemistry
- Master of Science in Biology
- Master of Arts in Global History
- Master of Arts in European History
- Master of Arts in Social Sciences
- Master of Arts in Philosophy
- Master of Arts in Linguistics
- Master of Arts in Gender Studies
- Master of Arts in Cultural Studies
- Master of Arts in English Literatures
- Master of Arts in German Literature
- Master of Science in Mind and Brain
- Master of Science in Agricultural Economics
- Master of Science in Integrated Natural Resource Management
- Master-level Study in Education and Teacher Training
PhD Courses
- PhD in Law
- PhD in Economics
- PhD in Business Administration
- PhD in Social Sciences
- PhD in History
- PhD in Philosophy
- PhD in Cultural Studies
- PhD in Linguistics
- PhD in Education
- PhD in Mathematics
- PhD in Computer Science
- PhD in Physics
- PhD in Chemistry
- PhD in Biology
- PhD in Geography
- PhD in Agricultural Sciences
- PhD in Political Science
- PhD in Gender Studies
- PhD in Life Sciences
- PhD in Interdisciplinary Research
Humboldt University of Berlin Specializations Offered
UG Specializations
- Law
- Business Administration
- Economics
- Social Sciences
- History
- Philosophy
- German Literature
- English Studies
- Cultural Studies
- Education Studies
- Geography
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Agricultural Sciences
- Political Science
- Linguistics
- Teacher Education
- Academic Writing
- Research Methods
- Bachelor Thesis
PG Specializations
- Economics
- Business Administration
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Global History
- European History
- Social Sciences
- Philosophy
- Linguistics
- Gender Studies
- Cultural Studies
- English Literatures
- German Literature
- Mind and Brain
- Agricultural Economics
- Natural Resource Management
- Education
- Teacher Training
- Master’s Thesis Research
PhD Specializations
- Legal Research
- Economics Research
- Business Research
- Social Sciences Research
- Historical Research
- Philosophy Research
- Cultural Research
- Linguistics Research
- Education Research
- Mathematics Research
- Computer Science Research
- Physics Research
- Chemistry Research
- Biology Research
- Geography Research
- Agricultural Research
- Political Research
- Gender Research
- Life Sciences Research
- Doctoral Thesis Research
Humboldt University of Berlin Admission Process
Admission to Humboldt University of Berlin begins with selecting the correct bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, exchange or continuing education route. Applicants must check whether the program is German-taught, English-taught or bilingual, and whether admission is open, restricted or subject to additional selection. Many undergraduate programs require strong German proficiency, while selected master’s programs may be available in English.
Bachelor’s applicants must show a recognized university entrance qualification, language proof and any program-specific documents. Master’s applicants need a relevant bachelor’s degree, academic match, language proof and additional documents if required by the program. Doctoral applicants need a research topic, supervisor fit and faculty approval. After admission, students complete enrollment, pay semester fees and arrange housing, insurance, visa or residence permit requirements and living-cost planning.
Admission Details
- Humboldt University of Berlin is a public research university.
- It is located in Berlin, Germany.
- It was established in 1810.
- It is known for research-based teaching and strong academic tradition.
- Many bachelor’s programs are German-taught.
- Selected master’s programs are English-taught or bilingual.
- Regular degree programs generally do not charge tuition fees.
- Semester fees and contributions apply.
- Estimated monthly living cost in Berlin is around EUR 950 to EUR 1,200 or more.
- Admission depends on academic recognition and program requirements.
- Some programs have restricted admission.
- Doctoral admission requires supervisor and faculty approval.
- Applicants should check deadlines early.
Humboldt University of Berlin Eligibility Criteria
UG Eligibility
- Applicants need a recognized secondary school qualification equivalent to German university entrance requirements.
- German language proficiency is required for many bachelor’s programs.
- Some programs may have admission restrictions or subject-specific selection rules.
- Law and social science applicants need strong reading, writing and analytical skills.
- Economics and business applicants need quantitative readiness.
- Science applicants need strong preparation in mathematics and natural sciences.
- Computer science applicants need analytical and mathematical ability.
- International applicants must check country-specific recognition requirements.
- Some applicants may need preparatory study, additional documents or language certification.
PG Eligibility
- Applicants need a relevant bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification.
- Academic match with the selected master’s program is required.
- German proficiency is required for German-taught programs.
- English proficiency is required for English-taught programs.
- Economics, business and science applicants need suitable subject preparation.
- Humanities and social science applicants need academic background in a related field.
- Some programs may require motivation letters, references, writing samples or interviews.
- International applicants must follow program-specific deadlines and document rules.
- Competitive programs may have restricted admission.
PhD Eligibility
- Applicants normally need a relevant master’s degree or equivalent qualification.
- A research topic and supervisor fit are required.
- Faculty approval is required.
- Strong academic record and research potential are expected.
- Research experience, academic writing or publications can strengthen the application.
- Language requirements depend on the faculty, supervisor and research topic.
- Funding route should be clarified before starting.
- Doctoral admission is research-focused and competitive.
Humboldt University of Berlin Courses Fees
UG Fees
- Tuition Fees: Regular degree programs generally do not charge tuition fees.
- Semester Fees and Contributions: Around EUR 315 to EUR 355 per semester, subject to university updates.
- Some Special Programs: Continuing education, exchange or professional routes may have separate fees.
- Bachelor’s Programs: Many are German-taught and require German language proficiency.
- Estimated Monthly Living Budget in Berlin: Around EUR 950 to EUR 1,200 or more, depending on housing and lifestyle.
- Additional Costs: Housing, health insurance, food, local transport, books, study materials, visa or residence permit expenses and personal costs are separate.
PG Fees
- Tuition Fees: Regular consecutive master’s programs generally do not charge tuition fees.
- Semester Fees and Contributions: Around EUR 315 to EUR 355 per semester, subject to university updates.
- Some Special Programs: Continuing education, professional, exchange or specialized programs may charge separate fees.
- English-taught Master’s Programs: Selected options are available, but admission requirements are program-specific.
- Estimated Monthly Living Budget in Berlin: Around EUR 950 to EUR 1,200 or more.
- Additional Costs: Accommodation, insurance, food, transport, study materials, visa or residence-related costs and personal expenses are separate.
PhD Fees
- Doctoral Tuition: Regular doctoral study is generally not charged like taught degree programs.
- Semester Fees: May apply depending on enrollment status.
- Doctoral Funding: May come through research employment, scholarships, graduate programs, university projects or external foundations.
- PhD applicants should confirm supervision, faculty requirements and funding before applying.
- Additional Costs: Housing, insurance, research costs, transport, visa or residence permit expenses and personal costs are separate.
Humboldt University of Berlin Scholarships
- DAAD scholarships may support selected international students.
- Deutschlandstipendium may support high-performing students.
- University-linked funding may support selected students in specific cases.
- Doctoral candidates may receive funding through research employment or graduate programs.
- External foundations may support international students.
- Berlin-based research networks may offer project-based doctoral roles.
- Some scholarships may support living costs.
- Some scholarships may be merit-based.
- Some scholarships may be need-based.
- Students should not assume automatic scholarship funding.
- Scholarship deadlines may differ from admission deadlines.
Humboldt University of Berlin Career Outcomes
- Law graduates can work in legal support, compliance, public administration, policy and research roles.
- Economics graduates can work in consulting, public policy, banking, research and international organizations.
- Business graduates can work in management, operations, finance, marketing and entrepreneurship.
- Social Science graduates can work in NGOs, government, policy analysis, research and international institutions.
- Humanities graduates can work in culture, education, publishing, media, museums and research.
- Computer Science graduates can work in software, data, systems, research and technology roles.
- Natural Science graduates can work in laboratories, research institutes, industry and education.
- Agricultural Science graduates can work in food systems, sustainability, development and research.
- Education graduates can work in teaching, educational research, training and policy roles.
- PhD graduates can pursue academic research, postdoctoral roles, university teaching and specialist research careers.
Humboldt University of Berlin FAQs
Q1. Is Humboldt University of Berlin a public university?
Yes, Humboldt University of Berlin is a public research university in Germany.
Q2. When was Humboldt University of Berlin established?
Humboldt University of Berlin was established in 1810.
Q3. Where is Humboldt University of Berlin located?
It is located at Unter den Linden 6, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
Q4. What is Humboldt University of Berlin best known for?
It is known for humanities, social sciences, law, economics, natural sciences, life sciences and research-based teaching.
Q5. Are Humboldt University programs taught in English?
Many bachelor’s programs are German-taught, while selected master’s programs are available in English or bilingual formats.
Q6. Does Humboldt University charge tuition fees?
Regular degree programs generally do not charge tuition fees, but semester fees and contributions apply.
Q7. Is Berlin expensive for students?
Berlin is usually more affordable than Munich, but housing and living costs still require careful planning.
Q8. Is Humboldt University good for international students?
Yes, it is a strong option for international students who meet academic and language requirements, especially at master’s and doctoral levels.




















