Explore universities and programs in Berlin for international students.
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As Germany’s capital city, Berlin is an economic, political and cultural powerhouse. Steeped in history and packed full of outstanding restaurants, galleries, and attractions, Berlin is the perfect place for an unforgettable study abroad experience.
Thanks to its location in the heart of Europe and the city’s extensive transport links, Berlin is ideal for students looking to discover more of the continent during their time abroad.
Berlin is an academic hotspot and is home to one of the world’s most admired educational systems. With almost 40 prestigious universities, technical colleges, and international schools based in the city, you’ll find the right institution for you.
By choosing to study in Berlin, you’ll gain an internationally-respected education and will be part of a lively and fast-growing student population.
When it comes to studying in Berlin, program options really are endless. The city’s war-torn past, historical monuments, and memorial sites make it a fascinating destination for those interested in pursuing history, international relations, or European studies.
Renowned for its thriving art scene, entrepreneurial spirit, and innovative research, Berlin is also popular amongst students hoping to study art, international business, engineering, and science.
Simply tell us what you're looking for and we'll show you programs that are right for you.
If you choose to study at one of Berlin’s public institutions, you’ll pay no tuition fees. You’ll only be charged a small fee of around €250 each semester to cover any enrolment and administration costs. Private universities can charge between €5,000 - €25,000 per year for a bachelor’s education, whereas master’s programs can cost up to €40,000 per year.
Berlin is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most affordable cities, so it’s ideally suited for a student budget. You can expect to pay between €300 - €700 each month for a private apartment in the city, but university residence halls are normally much cheaper.
| Category | Cost (in Euro) |
|---|---|
| Rent, 1-bed apartment in city centre | €1,317 |
| Rent, 1-bed apartment outside centre | €926 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse) | €349 |
| Internet (60 Mbps unlimited) | €44 |
| Mobile phone plan (data + calls) | €17 |
| Monthly public transport pass | €63 |
| Monthly grocery basket | €153 |
| Coffee shop drink | €4 |
| Cinema or cultural event ticket | €13 |
| Gym membership | €34 |
Indicative monthly costs per person.
Data sourced from numbeo.com (Crowdsourced).
Once you’ve decided on the program you want to study and the university you’d like to attend, you need to check that you meet the entry requirements. Some universities might also ask you to take a language test, usually the DSH or TestDaF, to demonstrate your German proficiency.
Most universities in Berlin will have their own online application process that is managed by their international admissions office. There’s also a centralized portal called uni-assist that you can use if you want to apply to several institutions at once. However, not all universities will accept applications through this service.
After you’ve received formal confirmation of your place at a university, you’ll need to apply for a German student visa. The type of visa you’ll need will depend on the length and nature of your studies, as well as your nationality.
Even if you’re from a country exempt from visa requirements, you’ll still need to apply for a residence permit.
I’m studying in Berlin, which is an amazing and big city full of international people. I come from a third world country, for me being here is like finding heaven because of how secure I feel. In my life I never thought it would be possible to walk in the streets with your phone at 10 pm and being safe. Moving is always a process and of course you feel welcome but it’s hard to make new connections if you don’t speak the native language some days I feel welcomed others not so much. The transportation is amazing ! So easy to use and move from A to B so good connected and it’s really crazy to see how it works ;) Berlin is a massive city with many spaces for many people and it’s easy to find your interests if your into sports - many places to do exercise. Shopping - lots of places. Night life is the same story, and berlin has one of the biggest night scenarios for you.
I’m studying in Hamburg and the city is really a student city, the university is located right at the train station which makes everything easier and it’s really easy and fun to travel within the city. The city has a lot to offer and with the classes you don’t have a problem knowing the city and being part of the chaos which makes a lot of experience and friends.
As the capital of Germany, I think Berlin is very safe and convenient. It is well known that Berlin has the best nightlife.
Munich is a great city. I feel safe and like there are a lot of opportunities to grow here.
Berlin is the best city for international students in Germany. It has many things to do and people are open minded, it's super multicultural and everywhere you go people will speak English (in case you don't speak German). A downside can be for people that want to practice their German, because everyone will want to have conversations in English. I feel safe at the neighbourhood where I live, and I have plenty of transport links to University. Of course, Berlin is a big city so the average time from point A to B can sometimes be around 30 to 40 minutes.
