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Free University of Berlin: Admissions 2024, Acceptance Rate

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Dark Clock Icon Last updated on 20 Dec '24, by Anushree Sinha (Study Abroad Expert)

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Free University of Berlin application deadline for UG courses with limited edition and master's courses is Jan 15, 2025. Students are advised to refer to FU Berlin's Admissions for admission related queries. 

About Free University of Berlin

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Year of establishment
1948
Also known as
FU
University website
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Student website
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No. of campus
1
Accepted exams
UG/PG course ratio
0.69
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Commonly asked questions
On Highlights

Q:   How to apply at FU Berlin?

A: 

For UG

You can apply to FU Berlin through the Uni-assist portal. Uni-assist takes three to four weeks to process your application and forward it to the university. Thus, the university advises students to apply well in advance. There is no interview involved, and you can track your application status through the Uni-assist only.

For PG

International students need to apply through the Uni-assist portal only. The process is similar to that of undergraduate admissions. No interview is required. For international students with an existing FU Berlin degree, the admission process can be done through its application portal. For more information on this, visit the university website and follow the given instructions.

Q:   Is it hard to get into Free University of Berlin?

A: 

The admissions process at the Free University of Berlin is extremely tough, with an annual acceptance rate of 15%. 33,500 students attend the institution, with 13% enrolled in foreign bachelor's programs, 29% in master's programs, and 38% in doctorate degree programs. The Free University of Berlin does not specify any particular criteria for consideration of a student profile. However, it looks for a student with a strong academic record, practical/work experience in the relevant field, and varied interests. Language proficiency tests are compulsory, as most of the courses are taught in German. Also, it will be useful for students to communicate and move around the city. Yet, getting admission is quite challenging, mainly due to the high volumes of applications and competitive applicant pool.

Q:   What are the eligibility requirements at Free University of Berlin?

A: 

For undergraduate programs, FU Berlin requirements differ depending on the course and major. It accepts 10+3 years of education degree, i.e., either a grade 12 qualification and a one or two-diploma in the respective subject or a grade 10 qualification with a three-year diploma. For international applicants, a German language proficiency test score is compulsory as all UG programs are offered in German only. The university accepts any one of these as proof of German language proficiency:

For the Mono-Bachelor North American Studies course, any one of the English proficiency test scores is required:

Note: Exact score requirements will vary depending on the course. Check the official website for more details.

For graduate programs, each department has different admissions requirements. Thus, score requirements will vary as per course or choice of major apart from a mandatory bachelor’s or master’s degree, which should be equivalent to the country’s standard of education. German or English proficiency tests are required depending on the medium of instruction of the selected course. Check the respective school website for details.

Test Name

Scores 

English proficiency tests accepted

TOEFL: 80 or higher

Or
IELTS: Overall 5.0 or higher

Or

Cambridge CAE/CPE: B2 or higher

German proficiency tests accepted

DSH

Or

TestDAF

Or

German proficiency in CEFR: C1 or higher

Apart from this, some standardized test scores may be mandatory for particular courses, while some courses may be test-optional. Check the website for details.

Q:   Is it tough to get into the Free University of Berlin?

A: 

Free University of Berlin is one of the top 100 universities in the world and has an acceptance rate of mere 15%. This figure indicates that only 15 out of 100 applicants manage to secure admission in the Free University of Berlin. Also candidates must meet the GPA and English language requirements. Hence, securing admission in this university is a competitive affair.

Q:   Is there any application fees for FU Berlin?

A: 

Students applying to undergraduate courses at FU Berlin through the Uniassist need to pay a non-refundable amount of EUR 75. For the first desired course of study, the application fee is EUR 75 through Uniassist, and for each additional course, it is an extra EUR 30. International graduate applicants need to apply through the Uniassist as well. Thus, the application fee is the same as for UG – EUR 75 (non-refundable).

Free University of Berlin Scholarships

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Commonly asked questions
On Scholarships

Q:   Does the Free University of Berlin provide scholarships to international students?

A: 

Yes, the Free University of Berlin provide scholarships to international students in order to help them fully concentrate on their studies without the worry of expensive tuition fees. This scholarship programme supports talented students with 300 euros per month,  for a minimum of two semesters starting in October (Extensions are possible).

Free University of Berlin Admission Dates 2024

  • Application fees :Euro 100
  • Type of deadline :Regular
Document IconDocuments
Type of documentsApplicable for
SOPNot required
LORNeeded for few courses
EssaysNot required
CVNot required
Additional documentsRequired
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Calendar IconImportant dates
Intake seasonDeadline
Summer15ᵗʰ Jan 2025
Winter31ˢᵗ May 2023 - 4ᵗʰ Sep 2024
Admission details of all coursesRight Arrow Icon
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Commonly asked questions
On Admissions

Q:   What are the Free University of Berlin admission requirements?

A: 

The Free University of Berlin admission requirements are:

  • Must be 18 years old
  • Must have reached the equivalent of second-semester sophomore status or beyond at 4-year universities and colleges, and be  in the process of completing their B.A./B.S. degree
  • Must have a very good command of English
  • Must have a GPA of at least 3.0 

Q:   How can I improve my IELTS writing skills?

A: 

To get a higher score, utilize more synonyms and words and phrases that aren't repetitive and have the same meaning as the words in the question. To learn more, go to  IELTS Writing.

Q:   How can I practice Speaking section of IELTS?

A: 

By using correct vocabulary and right pronunciation IELTS speaking become easy to learn. Speaking in IELTS exam is the most scoring section you can learn more about  IELTS Speaking and attain the desired marks.

Q:   How long is the processing time for FU Berlin?

A: 

The processing of an application typically takes four to six weeks, however, it can take even longer towards the end of the application period. To avoid disappointment, we advise you to submit your application at least four weeks before the deadline.

For undergraduate programs, the university generally releases its decisions by:

Undergraduate Programs

Intakes

Deadlines

Summer

February

Winter

August/September

For graduate programs, FU Berlin reverts to applications as PDF documents through the application portal.

Graduate Programs

Intakes

Deadlines

Summer

February-March

Winter

July or September

 

Q:   What are the requirements for Free University of Berlin MSc in Data Science?

A: 

Free University of Berlin MSc in Data Science admission requirements are given as follows:

  • A bachelor's degree in Computer Science or an equivalent degree with a total of 180 credit points. These should include at least 20 LP in Mathematics modules and at least 10 LP in Computer Science modules
  • Proof of English language skills at level C1 of CEFR

Free University of Berlin Fees

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Courses1st Year Tuition FeesDuration & Eligibility
M.A.(65 courses)
– / –Duration1 year-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 4.5 - 7, TOEFL: 72 - 95, PTE: 59 - 76
MS(22 courses)
– / –Duration1 year-2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 5 - 7, TOEFL: 72 - 95, PTE: 59 - 76
B.A.(44 courses)
– / –Duration3 years-42 months
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 4 - 6.5, TOEFL: 43 - 94, PTE: 43 - 75
B.Sc.(16 courses)
– / –Duration3 years-66 months
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 5 - 5.5, TOEFL: 71 - 80, PTE: 58 - 59
M.Sc.(4 courses)
– / –Duration2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 72 & Above, PTE: 59 & Above
MBA/PGDM(4 courses)
– / –Duration2 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 72 & Above, PTE: 59 & Above
B.Pharma(1 course)
– / –Duration4 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS, TOEFL, PTE
B.E. / B.Tech(3 courses)
– / –Duration3 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS: 5.5 & Above, TOEFL: 72 & Above, PTE: 59 & Above
BDS(1 course)
– / –Duration5 years
Exam AcceptedIELTS, TOEFL, PTE
MBBS(1 course)
– / –Duration75 months
Exam AcceptedIELTS, TOEFL, PTE
Read more
View Course Wise Fees ->
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Commonly asked questions
On Fees and Eligibility

Q:   Do I need a residence permit to work while studying in Germany?

A: 
All persons from non-EU countries need to apply for a residence permit for study purposes to work while studying in Germany.

Q:   What is the Free University of Berlin annual tuition fee?

A: 

Free University of Berlin programs comprise of an extensive academic portfolio comprising of a wide variety of courses under the 173 degree programs, 78 undergraduate programs, 9 postgraduate programs, 95 consecutive masters programs, and 51 doctoral programs. The annual tuition fee for some of the most popular courses in the Free University of Berlin are listed in the table below:

Course1st Year Tuition Fee
LL.M.INR 8.49L

Q:   What GPA do you need for Free University of Berlin?

A: 

Candidates must have successfully completed at least two semesters of university- or college-level coursework at their home institution, and they must have a GPA of at least 3.0 (students with GPAs below 3.0 are welcome to apply, but admission cannot be guaranteed until their overall qualifications are more carefully examined).

Q:   What are the reading tasks of IELTS exam?

A: 

Ielts reading test require wide range of reading skills including gist, detail, skimming etc. you can learn more about the IELTS Reading Tips and Reading Tips for IELTS Diagram Label and acquire the IELTS band scores you seek.

A
AnonymousVerified Icon
Bachelor of Science in Biology with Teacher Training (In German) - Batch of 2023
5
Reliable and academic oriented study place.
Tips: I learned many new things after coming here. There are many scholarship options. One should thoroughly go through the university's website. The class discussions are very interactive and the library is well-stocked with a wide variety of books. The student groups are very helpful, and the faculty is supportive. There are different clubs for different departments, and the new students are always supported by the older students, who come from all over the world. I am very satisfied that I adapt very easily since Berlin is a metropolitan city, and it is not difficult here to get support in any aspect.
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Free University of Berlin Placements

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Commonly asked questions
On Placements

Q:   What are some of the industries where Free University of Berlin graduates work?

A: 

According to the details available on the web, some of the industries where Free University of Berlin graduates work are:

  • Operations
  • Sales
  • Media and Communication
  • Healthcare Services
  • Legal
  • Administrative Services
  • Engineering
  • IT

Q:   Can I work part-time while studying at Free University of Berlin?

A: 

International students who are enrolled at Free University of Berlin can work for more than 120 full days or 240 half days per calendar year. Some of the part-time jobs for which international students can work are:

  • Cashier
  • English Tutor
  • Writer
  • Translator
  • Graphic Designer
  • Social Media Manager
  • Programmer
  • Sales Associate







Free University of Berlin Rankings 2025

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Commonly asked questions
On Rankings

Q:   How is the Free University of Berlin ranked globally?

A: 

Free University of Berlin is one of the top 100 universities in the world with the rank #98 in QS World University Rankings 2024. In Times Higher Education, Free University of Berlin has claimed the spot #102 in World University Rankings 2024 and #101–200 in Impact Rankings 2023. In US News and World Report 2024 Rankings, Free University of Berlin has secured the rank #87 in Best Global Universities, #28 in Best Global Universities in Europe and #5 in Best Global Universities in Germany.

Q:   Is the Free University of Berlin good for international students?

A: 

The Free University of Berlin is one of the top 100 universities in the world with the rank #98 in QS World University Rankings 2024 and #97 in QS rankings 2025. The university offers 170+ degree programs in various fields like social sciences, biology, chemistry, physics, chemistry, medicine, pharmacy, mathematics, languages, cultural studies, law, economics, business, and arts. It is counted among the top international universities for the high population of international students and teachers. The university also has collaborations with numerous international organizations and institutions from various countries like France, India, Turkey, Belgium, Croatia, Hungary, Great Britain, Netherlands, Russia, etc. It provides the students with outstanding internship and job opportunities through the tie-ups it has developed with well-established firms over the years. It is one of the best universities for international students.

Free University of Berlin Vs RWTH Aachen Vs University of Hamburg

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Compare FU with other similar colleges

M.A.
MS
B.A.
B.Sc.
M.Sc.
MBA/PGDM
B.Pharma
B.E. / B.Tech
BDS
MBBS
College1st Year Tuition FeesShiksha GradeRanking

FU

INR 0A+#43 QS, 2025

Humboldt University of Berlin

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INR 0 - 7.95 LA+#68 QS, 2025

The University of British Columbia

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INR 5.52 L - 31.5 LA++#38 QS, 2025

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INR 15.09 L - 32.17 LA++#25 QS, 2025

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INR 11.85 L - 41.72 LA++#13 QS, 2025

Oxford University

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INR 25.96 L - 45.49 LA++#1 Guardian, 2025
The values are of the latest years available with Shiksha. For more details, check detailed comparison
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FU
Studying in Germany

Key Facts About Germany

Insights on education, demographics & weather.
Education in Germany
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178+
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43K
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20 Per Week During Term
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18 Months
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Berlin
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83.25M (2024)
chartMixed Key Fact Icon
2%
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German
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December
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Karlsruhe05
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Munich-14
Berlin-14
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Free University of Berlin Campus Life

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Free University of Berlin FAQs

Q:   Who are the notable alumni of the Free University of Berlin?

A: 

The Free University of Berlin is associated with many notable alumni belonging to various fields. They are:

  • Shoucheng Zhang - A successful physicist known for his work on topological insulators
  • Jürgen Kocka - A well-known German historian.
  • Klaus Wowereit - Berlin's former mayor.
  • Hartmut Zinser - A successful German religious studies scholar
  • Michael Stürmer - A German historian popular for his part in the 1980s Historikerstreit
  • Wolfgang Becker - A famous German film director
  • Ingeborg Gräßle - Member of the Parliament of Europe
  • Michael Roes - German filmmaker and writer
  • Mario Laserna Pinzón - The founder of Bogotá's Los Andes University

Q:   What is the Free University of Berlin ranking?

A: 

Free University of Berlin is one of the best and top-rated German universities in the world. It is consistently ranked among the best universities by major global ranking bodies every year. The Free University of Berlin ranking is as follows:

#98 in World University Rankings 2024 - QS World University Rankings
#91 in World University Rankings 2023 - Times Higher Education (THE)
#97 in Best Global Universities 2023 - US News and World Report Rankings 

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FU

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered a week ago

Admission to MS in Finance at Free University of Berlin

Free University of Berlin does not offer a specific MS in Finance, but it has programs related to economics, management, and quantitative finance under its School of Business and Economics. Admission requirements generally include:

  1. Eligibility Cr

...more

S

Shreyansh Srivastava

Contributor-Level 8

Answered 3 days ago

Except for some UG and PG courses, Free University of Berlin does not charge tuition fees. However, students are required to pay certain fee and charges each semester. However, apart from this, international students are required to pay the living expenses. Though the living costs depend on students

...more

N

Nishtha Shukla

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 3 days ago

According to a top-ranking publisher, Free University of Berlin is one of the top public universities in Berlin, Germany. It is ranked at #97 in the world in 2025 as per a top-ranking publisher. As per another ranking publisher, this university ranks at #104 worldwide. Students at this university co

...more

A

Anya Aggarwal

Beginner-Level 5

Answered Yesterday

A comparison of Free University of Berlin with RWTH Aachen and University of Hamburg is given as follows: 

Free University of Berlin comparison

 

C

Chandra Chaudhary

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 3 days ago

The applicants who want to study at Free University of Berlin are required to have a bachelor's degree or an equivalent degree. Also, the applicants are required to have English or German language proficiency. A few of the documents that are required to apply are:

  • APS Certificate
  • Academic transcripts
  • F

...more

G

Gunjan Thapa

Beginner-Level 5

About the author

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Anushree Sinha

Study Abroad Expert

Anushree is a Graduate in Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and takes keen interest in content creation. She has affinity for writing and travelling around the world takes the top spot on her bucket list. Bringing out the creativ...Read Full Bio
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FU
Location

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University CityBerlin, Other - Germany, Germany
Size of cityLarge
Population of City37,11,930

FU
Campuses

Departments Icon1   Campuses
Dahlem CampusUp Arrow Icon
Address

Kaiserswerther Straße 16-18, 14195 Berlin, Germany

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Contact Information

Address

Brümmerstr. 50
14195 Berlin

Berlin ( Other - Germany)

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