Skip to content

Humboldt University of Berlin

Berlin, Germany

Estimate total cost
university Grade A+ Study in Germany →
Official site ↗
World rank #107
Tuition from ₹2.77 L per year, 6 courses
Courses 23
Founded 1810

About Humboldt University of Berlin

Indian students go for Humboldt University of Berlin admissions because it has produced 29 Nobel Prize winners, including Albert Einstein. Also, at HU Berlin, Indian students do not have to pay any tuition fee. Only a mandatory semester fee of around EUR 355 (INR 38.5K) is applicable for them.

The other reasons to choose Humboldt are given below -

  • HU Berlin Scholarship: If you want to study for free at Humboldt and also get living expenses waived? Indian students can apply for the popular Humboldt Scholarships like DAAD (a monthly stipend of EUR 992 or INR 1.07L for PG students) and Deutschlandstipendium (EUR 332 or INR 36K).\
  • HU Berlin Rankings: For the year 2027, the Humboldt University of Berlin Ranking is #140 in the world. It ranks number 1 in Germany for Arts and Humanities on the QS Rankings.
  • Accreditation: The Humboldt University of Berlin is a public research university based in Berlin, Germany. Fully accredited by the German System of Accreditation, it is the oldest university in Berlin. HUB Germany is divided into 9 faculties that deliver more than 170 degrees. Berlin Humboldt also partners with 375 universities.
  • HU Berlin Acceptance Rate: Students interested in higher studies here would have to perform really well in their studies. The Humboldt University of Berlin acceptance rate for Indian students is 18%. This means only 2 in every 10 applications received are accepted by the university.
  • Admissions: It is tough to get into HU Berlin due to the good academic profile this university demands from Indian students. For PG courses at Humboldt School, Indian students need a GMAT score of 590+ and a GRE score of 310+ and for English-taught courses, they need an IELTS or TOEFL score too.
  • Humboldt University of Berlin vs Free University of Berlin: Both universities are public and require no tuition fee from Indian students. For both, a mandatory semester fee is required which is almost the same at both unis. At Humboldt, Indian students have to take the ELP exams like IELTS (5.5+) or TOEFL (72+), but at the Free University of Berlin, an IELTS waiver is possible if the Bachelor's degree was English-taught. Humboldt University of Berlin is known for its strengths in subjects like Law, Economics and Humanities and the Free University of Berlin for courses in Data Science, Computer Science and Political Science. Read the difference in the PDF given here: HU Berlin vs FU Berlin.

Humboldt University of Berlin Facts

The partner universities include Ivy League Universities like Harvard. The University of California and the University of Melbourne are some other prominent partner universities of HU Berlin.

Fact Validation
Address Unter den Linden 6, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Third-Party Funding EUR 129 million
Total Students 37,222
International Students 5,203
Female Students 21,667
Student to Faculty Ratio 19:1
Sporting Affiliation Hochschulsport HU Berlin
Humboldt University of Berlin All Courses Download now

HU Berlin Related Videos -

  • Major Update on Humboldt Admissions: Indian students applying to PG courses at HU Berlin need to take the dMat (Digital Master Test) to receive their APS Certificate 
  • The dMat Registration Deadline is Sep 26, 2026, and an application fee of EUR 150 (INR 16.2K)

Courses and fees

Tuition as published by the source, converted to rupees. Per year unless the course page says otherwise.

Bachelor's (40)

CourseDurationTuition
B.Sc. in Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences 3 years
BA Gender Studies (In German) 3 years
BA in American Studies (In German) 3 years
BA in Archaeology and Cultural History of North-East Africa 3 years
BA in Art and Picture History 3 years
BA in Art and Visual History 3 years
BA in Asian and African Studies 3 years
BA in Catholic Theology (In German) 3 years
BA in Classical Archaeology (In German) 3 years
BA in Cultural Theory and History (In German) 3 years
BA in Deaf Studies 3 years
BA in Education 3 years
BA in Education Studies 3 years
BA in English 3 years
BA in English Studies 3 years
BA in European Ethnology (In German) 3 years
BA in French 3 years
BA in French Studies (In German) 3 years
BA in Geography (In German) 3 years
BA in German 3 years
BA in German Linguistics (In German) 3 years
BA in German Literature Studies (In German) 3 years
BA in German Studies 3 years
BA in Greek 3 years
BA in Greek Studies (In German) 3 years
BA in Historic Linguistics 3 years
BA in Historical Linguistics (In German) 3 years
BA in Historical Sciences (In German) 3 years
BA in History 3 years
BA in Hungarian Literature and Cultural Studies (In German) 3 years
BA in Islamic Religious Theory 3 years
BA in Islamic Theology (In German) 3 years
BA in Islamic Theory (In German) 3 years
BA in Italian Studies (In German) 3 years
BA in Latin Studies (In German) 3 years
BA in Library and Information Science (In German) 3 years
BA in Musicology (In German) 3 years
BA in Northeast African Archaeology and Cultural Studies (In German) 3 years
BA in Philosophy (In German) 3 years
BA in Protestant Theology (In German) 3 years

Master's (40)

CourseDurationTuition
LLM in Comparative Studies of German, European and Chinese Law 2 years
LLM in European Law and Compartive Law 2 years
LLM in German and European Law and Legal Practice 1 year
M.Sc. Agricultural Economics 2 years
M.Sc. Chemistry 2 years
M.Sc. in Global Change Geography 2 years
M.Sc. in Integrated Natural Resource Management 2 years
M.Sc. Process and Quality Management 2 years
MA Archeology and Cultural History of Northeast Africa (In German) 2 years
MA Gender Studies (In German) 2 years
MA in Adult Education/Lifelong Learning 2 years
MA in African Studies (In German) 2 years
MA in American Studies 2 years
MA in Archaeology and Cultural History of North-East Africa 2 years
MA in Art and Picture History 2 years
MA in Art and Visual History 2 years
MA in Asian and African Studies (In German) 2 years
MA in British Studies 2 years
MA in Central Asian Studies (In German) 2 years
MA in Classical Archaeology (In German) 2 years
MA in Classical Philology (In German) 2 years
MA in Cultural Studies 2 years
MA in Cultural Theory and History (In German) 2 years
MA in Cultures and Literatures of Central and Eastern Europe (In German) 2 years
MA in Digital Data Management (In German) 2 years
MA in Education Studies (In German) 2 years
MA in English Literature 2 years
MA in Ethnography : Theory- Practice- Antique (In German) 2 years
MA in Euromaster in French and Francophone Studies (In German) 2 years
MA in European History 2 years
MA in European Literatures (In German) 2 years
MA in German Literature (In German) 2 years
MA in Global Change Geography 2 years
MA in Global History 2 years
MA in Global Studies Programme 2 years
MA in Historic Linguistics 2 years
MA in Historical Linguistics (In German) 2 years
MA in Islamic Theology 2 years
MA in Library and Information Science (In German) 2 years
MA in Linguistics (In German) 2 years

At a glance

Type
Public
Course duration
2 years
Campuses
1
Student rating
4.3/5 (2 reviews)

Rankings

World rank#107
In Germany#6
Overall gradeA+
SubjectGradeRankOther tables
Mathematics A++ #2 QS #99 · ARWU #51
Politics A #3 QS #72
Physics A #7 QS #98 · ARWU #101
Biology A #7 THE #74 · QS #101
Computer Science Engineering B++ #19 THE #251

Admission requirements

Documents

  • SOPNot required
  • LORNeeded for few courses
  • EssaysNeeded for few courses
  • CVNeeded for few courses
  • Additional documentsRequired

Application fees

  • No Fees

Type of deadline

  • Regular

Intake Season & Deadlines

  • Summer31ˢᵗ Oct 2023 - 15ᵗʰ Feb 2025
  • Winter31ˢᵗ May 2023 - 15ᵗʰ Mar 2025

Placements and recruiters

Internships: Available for some courses.

Careers service ↗

Campuses

Mitte Campus Main

Scholarships at Humboldt University of Berlin

K.C. Mahindra Scholarships For Post-Graduate Studies Abroad merit

Amount: ₹10 L · Deadline: 2026-04-30

Unimoni Student Stars 2023 merit

5 awards

Amount: ₹3 L ·

J.N. Tata Endowment Loan Scholarship merit

Deadline: 2026-03-29

Young Women in Public Affairs Awards merit

37 awards

Amount: ₹4.72 L ·

Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program merit

Amount: ₹42.37 L ·

GlobalScholarships.com $3,000 Scholarship both

1 awards

Amount: ₹2.83 L ·

Amberscholar Scholarship both

Amount: ₹47.13 L · Deadline: 2026-08-31

HEST 2025 - New Study Abroad Scholarship need

Amount: ₹3 L ·

Imported from public sources. Confirm amounts and deadlines with the university.

Why to Choose Humboldt University of Berlin?

Indian students go for Humboldt University of Berlin admissions because it has produced 29 Nobel Prize winners, including Albert Einstein. Also, at HU Berlin, Indian students do not have to pay any tuition fee. Only a mandatory semester fee of around EUR 355 (INR 38.5K) is applicable for them.

The other reasons to choose Humboldt are given below -

  • HU Berlin Scholarship: If you want to study for free at Humboldt and also get living expenses waived? Indian students can apply for the popular Humboldt Scholarships like DAAD (a monthly stipend of EUR 992 or INR 1.07L for PG students) and Deutschlandstipendium (EUR 332 or INR 36K).\
  • HU Berlin Rankings: For the year 2027, the Humboldt University of Berlin Ranking is #140 in the world. It ranks number 1 in Germany for Arts and Humanities on the QS Rankings.
  • Accreditation: The Humboldt University of Berlin is a public research university based in Berlin, Germany. Fully accredited by the German System of Accreditation, it is the oldest university in Berlin. HUB Germany is divided into 9 faculties that deliver more than 170 degrees. Berlin Humboldt also partners with 375 universities.
  • HU Berlin Acceptance Rate: Students interested in higher studies here would have to perform really well in their studies. The Humboldt University of Berlin acceptance rate for Indian students is 18%. This means only 2 in every 10 applications received are accepted by the university.
  • Admissions: It is tough to get into HU Berlin due to the good academic profile this university demands from Indian students. For PG courses at Humboldt School, Indian students need a GMAT score of 590+ and a GRE score of 310+ and for English-taught courses, they need an IELTS or TOEFL score too.
  • Humboldt University of Berlin vs Free University of Berlin: Both universities are public and require no tuition fee from Indian students. For both, a mandatory semester fee is required which is almost the same at both unis. At Humboldt, Indian students have to take the ELP exams like IELTS (5.5+) or TOEFL (72+), but at the Free University of Berlin, an IELTS waiver is possible if the Bachelor's degree was English-taught. Humboldt University of Berlin is known for its strengths in subjects like Law, Economics and Humanities and the Free University of Berlin for courses in Data Science, Computer Science and Political Science. Read the difference in the PDF given here: HU Berlin vs FU Berlin.

Humboldt University of Berlin Facts

The partner universities include Ivy League Universities like Harvard. The University of California and the University of Melbourne are some other prominent partner universities of HU Berlin.

Fact Validation
Address Unter den Linden 6, 10117 Berlin, Germany
Third-Party Funding EUR 129 million
Total Students 37,222
International Students 5,203
Female Students 21,667
Student to Faculty Ratio 19:1
Sporting Affiliation Hochschulsport HU Berlin
Humboldt University of Berlin All Courses Download now

HU Berlin Related Videos -

Humboldt University of Berlin Scholarships for Indian Students 2027

Humboldt University of Berlin provides scholarships to native as well as international students on graduate and undergraduate levels. The Deutschlandstipendium supports students of all nationalities who have a good academic record. One half of the scholarship is funded by the Federal Government and the other half by the private donors. This scholarship is awarded once a year. DAAD scholarships are fully applicable at HU Berlin and it helps students with full tuition coverage, flight tickets and a living stipend.

Scholarship Type Scholarship Name Amount
Merit-based Deutschlandstipendium EUR 300 (INR 32.9K)
Merit-based DAAD EUR 1,300 to EUR 1,400 (INR 1.42L to INR 1.53L)

(EUR 1 = INR 109.91)

How to get scholarship for HU Berlin?

  • Students can apply for Deutschlandstipendium via the online portal and submit the application as per the specified deadline
  • Academic performance is considered but, social commitment or how a student has managed difficult situations in life are also considered

DAAD -

Humboldt University of Berlin Programs and Fees 2027

The university offers over 170 courses across the UG, PG, and doctoral levels. The Universitat Humboldt Berlin Courses can be pursued in both English and German. Most UG courses at the Humboldt University of Berlin have an average duration of 3 years. Most PG courses can be completed within 2 years.

Humboldt University of Berlin Popular Courses

Berlin Humboldt is known for its Law, Arts, Humanities, Engineering, and Social Science courses. Listed below are some of the popular courses for students to pursue at Humboldt Uni Germany.

HU Berlin Fees for Indian Students 2027

HU Berlin charges no tuition fees from Indian students for most courses. However, there are some exceptions. The Humboldt University of Berlin Tuition fees for Indian Students interested in specialized continuing education programs like the Master's in Social Science are EUR 10,000 or INR 11.2 Lakhs. Students should also plan for the cost of living in Germany.

Cost of Living for Indian Students in Germany 2027

Public universities in Germany are mostly free. Students only have to budget for the living costs. It is mandatory to have a minimum blocked account balance of EUR 922 or INR 1.1 Lakhs per month to study in Germany. Given below is a sample budget for Indian students in Germany.

Component

Monthly Cost of Living in EUR

Monthly Cost of Living in INR

Rent

EUR 714 - EUR 1,252

INR 79.8 K - INR 1.4 Lakhs

Food

EUR 250 - EUR 450

INR 27.9 K - INR 50.3 K

Healthcare Plan

EUR 80 - EUR 130

INR 8.9 K - INR 14.5 K

Transportation

EUR 52 - EUR 74

INR 5.8 K - INR 8.3 K

Utilities

EUR 212 - EUR 519

INR 23.7 K - INR 58 K

Mobile and Internet Bills

EUR 48 - EUR 95

INR 5.3 K - INR 10.6 K

Leisure and Entertainment

EUR 50 - EUR 110

INR 5.6 K - INR 12.3 K

Total Estimated Cost

EUR 1,406 - EUR 2,740

INR 1.57 Lakhs - INR 3.05 Lakhs

1 EUR = INR 111.80

Humboldt University of Berlin Notable Alumni

A number of famous celebrities have studied at HU Berlin such as Karl Marx, Max Planck, Angela Davis, Max Weber, Erwin Schrodinger, Georg Simmer, etc. 57 Nobel Prize laureates are also associated with HU Berlin.

Alumni Best Known For Image
Karl Marx German-born philosopher, economist, political theorist, historian, sociologist, journalist, and revolutionary socialist Karl Marx
Arthur Schopenhauer German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer
Max Weber German sociologist, historian, jurist and political economist Max Weber
Angela Davis American Marxist and feminist political activist, philosopher, academic, and author Angela Davis
Erwin Schrödinger Nobel Prize-winning Austrian and naturalized Irish physicist who developed fundamental results in quantum theory Erwin Schrödinger
Sahra Wagenknecht German politician, economist, author, and publicist Sahra Wagenknecht
Felix Mendelssohn German composer, pianist, organist and conductor Felix Mendelssohn

Humboldt Universitat Berlin Graduate Outcomes

In the Global Employability University Ranking and Survey by Emerging, HU Berlin ranks at #68 worldwide and #4 in Germany. The career center offers many career services to its students to help with HU Berlin Placements. This includes workshops, counselling, and networking opportunities.

Humboldt University of Berlin Placement Rate

The university is yet to release the official data for the HU Berlin Placement Rate. Graduates of the university were able to land jobs as part of industries like Business Development. Education, Research, Legal, and Media & Communication. Given below is a breakdown of the best-employing industries of HU Berlin graduates.

Industry Percentage of Graduates Employed
Business Development 11.85%
Education 9.9%
Research 7.6%
Media & Communication 6.8%
Legal 5.75%

ROI After Studies at HU Berlin

The university has not released any official information related to the average salary earned by its graduates. However, the average salary earned by graduates is EUR 57,000 or INR 60 Lakh per year, according to Payscale.

Introduction

  • Major Update on Humboldt Admissions: Indian students applying to PG courses at HU Berlin need to take the dMat (Digital Master Test) to receive their APS Certificate 
  • The dMat Registration Deadline is Sep 26, 2026, and an application fee of EUR 150 (INR 16.2K)

Humboldt University of Berlin Admissions 2027

Indian students seeking admission to HU Berlin Master's programs need to have completed a UG degree or equivalent from an accredited Indian college/university. For entry to Humboldt University of Berlin's UG programs, an HSC with a minimum 70%, equivalent to the higher education entrance qualification (HZB) is required. Students whose high-school qualifications don't meet the HZB level need to have completed the first year of their UG studies in India or enroll in a Studienkolleg in Germany.

Here is more on the Studienkolleg:

Humboldt University of Berlin Application Deadline 2027

Upcoming deadlines for Indian students to complete the HU Berlin Admission Process are mentioned below:

Intake Application Deadline - PG Application Deadline - UG
Summer Jan 15, 2027 Jan 15, 2027
Winter Jun 15, 2027 Jul 15, 2027

HU Berlin Application Checklist for Indian Students

Mentioned below are the documents and test scores Indian students need to submit to study at Humboldt Uni Berlin:

Application Checklist Item Required
Documents Required
English Test Scores Accepted
  • IELTS - 5.5
  • TOEFL - 72
German Proficiency Tests Accepted (C1 Level or Equivalent)
  • TestDAF
  • Goethe C2
  • DSH-1

Indian students are now required to take the dMAT exam for enrolling into certain Master's programs at HU Berlin. Check out the video below to know more:

Humboldt University of Berlin Ranking 2027

Humboldt University of Berlin is one of the top 5 universities in Germany for Indian students. The HU Berlin Ranking in Germany is #6, in the Shiksha Popularity Rankings 2026. It also finds a spot just outside the top 100 universities in the world. According to Shiksha, the Humboldt University of Berlin World Ranking 2026 is #107.

Humboldt University of Berlin Course Name Shiksha Popularity Ranking 2027 (Germany)
MSN #1
MA #1
LLM #2
Others PG #6
MS #9
MIM #13

By Other Ranking Bodies

HU Berlin is also ranked highly by several prominent global platforms like US News and THE. Mentioned below are the rankings attained by the university across these platforms:

  • THE ranks it #89 among colleges and universities globally in 2026
  • As per the QS Rankings 2027, Humboldt University of Berlin is ranked #140 with an overall score of 62.6
  • Humboldt Uni Berlin is ranked #51 in the world as part of the US News World Rankings 2026

HU Berlin University Germany Campus

The main building of Humboldt University is in centre of Berlin, on the Unter den Linden Boulevard. Campus Mitte consists of a number of faculties, institutes and interdisciplinary centres. Also, the library of HU Berlin offers access to millions of books and modern learning spaces.

Campus Location

There are four main campuses of the Humboldt University of Berlin, Campus Mitte, Campus Nord, and Campus Adlershof. Campus Mitte is home to the Arts and Humanities, Law, Economics and Business Studies and Theology. On the Campus Nord, Life Science disciplines are there. Whereas, Mathematics and the Natural Sciences are located on the high-tech campus Adlershof.

Campus Life

  • While studying at Humboldt University, students can check the canteens near the campus. A wide range of balanced catering options to all the campus students of HU Berlin is offered
  • HU Berlin offers 300+ sports for its students ranging from yoga to climbing to volleyball
  • Students can also take part in the Musical opportunities that this university offers. There are four choirs, three orchestras, and a big band.

On Campus vs Off Campus Accommodation

The Humboldt University of Berlin does not operate traditional on-campus dormitories. The housing options are managed externally by Studierendenwerk Berlin (public student dorms). Students can find it via the private off-campus market. The on-campus style student dorms can cost an Indian student anywhere between EUR 250 (INR 27.5K) and EUR 550 (INR 60.5K). And the off-campus shared flats range from EUR 400 (INR 44K) to EUR 900 (INR 99K) per month. So, off campus private housing is more expensive than on-campus. (EUR 1 = INR 110.07)

Type

Cost/Month

Notes

Student Dormitory

€250–€550

Utilities usually included

Shared Flat (WG)

€400–€700

Private room in shared flat

Studio/1-Bed Apartment

€750–€1,500+

Depends on location

Extra Utilities (Kaltmiete)

€50–€100

Electricity + Internet

Warmmiete

Included

Heating, water, internet

Kaltmiete

Excluded

Utilities paid separately

Common questions

Is Humboldt University of Berlin a good university?

Yes, Humboldt University of Berlin is a good university for Indian students. It is a public university in Germany. 

HU Berlin is called the Mother of all modern universities and its famous for its courses in Arts, Humanities, Natural Sciences and Sustainability.

As per the QS World rankings 2027, HU Berlin ranked #140 among the top global universities.

Is it easy to get into Humboldt University of Berlin for Indian students?

Getting a seat at HU Berlin requires an excellent student application, with a strong academic and extracurricular background. The university acceptance rate for Indian students is 18%.

It can be said that Humboldt Uni of Berlin admissions are very competitive for Indian students. However, <a href="https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/topper-counseling-service" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shiksha Topper Counsellors </a>can guide students with their university and visa application, English/German language prep, and overall profile.

Is Humboldt University of Berlin free for Indian students?

The Humboldt Uni of Berlin is generally tuition free for Indian students. As a public university in Germany, it does not charge tuition fee for most courses.

However, some non-consecutive, or continuing education PG programs do require students to pay a tuition fee. This includes the GET MA (Global Studies Programme - Master of Arts) programme that requires a tuition fee worth EUR 10,000 or INR 10.65 Lakhs.

To know which courses require a tuition fee, check the official HU Berlin website.

Can Indian students study at HU Berlin without learning German?

Yes, Indian students can study at the Humboldt Uni of Berlin without learning German. Students can enroll in one of the English-taught courses at HU Berlin. These only require a valid score in language tests like <a href="https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/exams/ielts" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IELTS</a>.

For entry to German-taught programs, a C1 level proficiency is required from Indian students.

Did Max Planck attend HU Berlin?

Yes, Max Planck did attend HU Berlin. He studied at the University for two semesters between 1877 and 1878. Back then, HU Berlin was known as the University of Berlin.

Planck is considered the "Father of Quantum Theory". He also won a Nobel Prize in 1818 and gave the Planck constant that linked energy and frequency.

What benefits do the graduates of Humboldt Uni get?

A few of the alumni benefits that the Humboldt University of Berlin get are: 

  • Individual counselling by HU Berlin's career counselling service 
  • Access to networking events and job exchanges
  • An alumni portal, where students can exchange, job offers, and events
  • Local alumni meetings 
Who went to Humboldt University of Berlin?

Celebrities like Karl Marx, Max Weber, Angela Davis, Erwin Schrodinger, Ivan Turgenev, etc have studied at HU Berlin. A few others are listed below 

  • Philosophers Walter Benjamin and G.W.F. Hegel 
  • Psychoanalyst Karen Horney
  • Theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer
  • Civil rights leader W.E.B Du Bois
What are the best paying jobs in Berlin for Indian students?

IT industries tend to pay students the best salaries in Berlin. Mentioned below are some of the best paying jobs for Indian students in Berlin.

IndustryAverage Salary in EURAverage Salary in INRSenior Software EngineerEUR 76,289INR 80.3 LSoftware EngineerEUR 60,948INR 64.15 LFront End Developer or EngineerEUR 58,067INR 61.1 LData ScientistEUR 57,370INR 60.4 LData AnalystEUR 48,883INR 51.45 L

1 EUR = INR 105.26

Source: Payscale

How can Indian students find a part-time job in Germany?

There are many ways Indian students can find part-time work in Germany. Some popular ways are mentioned below.

  • Check in at the university career centers. They have access to job listings that are reserved exclusively for university students. Since there are less number of applications, this means better chances of landing a job.
  • Indeed Germany, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn also list many part-time work options
  • Students can also share their CVs in person at cafes, retail stores, and restaurants
  • Networking with peers can also help students land a part-time job much more quickly
What are some of the job roles one can get after pursuing MBA from Humboldt University of Berlin?

The University of Humboldt at Berlin doesnot releases its alumni data. However as per some of the unofficial sources, some of the roles for which MBA graduates are hired are

  • Consulting
  • Finance
  • General management
  • Marketing
  • Sales
  • Strategy/ Planning
  • Operations
How can I get admission to Humboldt University of Berlin?

For Humboldt University of Berlin admissions, Indian students are required to meet the entry requirements.

  • UG: The students are required to have a school leaving certificate
  • PG Admissions: A bachelor's degree is required for admission to HU Berlin PG courses. 

Students are also required to meet the English or German language requirements

Also Read: <a href="https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/master-s-degree-in-germany-requirements-articlepage-117187" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Requirements for Master's Degree in Germany </a>

What are the HU Berlin entry requirements for undergraduates?

At the Humboldt University of Berlin, the requirements for different documents depend on the course of choice of students. The requirements may vary from course to course. Docs required are given below - 

  • School leaving certificate
  • Proof of university entrance examination
  • Proof of previous studies
  • Language certificates
What are the entry requirements for Humboldt University of Berlin MA in English Literature?

Humboldt University of Berlin MA in English Literature admission requirements for international students are given below:

  • English language proficiency: C1 level of proficiency / IELTS with 6.5 bands or TOEFL score of 100
  • German language proficiency: B2 level proficiency in German
  • A BA in English Studies or in Comparative Literature is required or an equivalent degree with a minimum of 60 credit points in English studies

Know more:<a href="https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/germany/universities/humboldt-university-of-berlin/ma-in-english-literature" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Humboldt University of Berlin MA in English Literature </a>

What GPA do you need for Humboldt University of Berlin?

For the Humboldt University of Berlin admissions, Indian students are required to have a minimum GPA of around 3.2 or higher on a 4.0 scale which is above 80% in the Indian grading system. 

Some highly competitive courses may also require a 1.5 GPA or higher. The HU Berlin application needs to be sent via the Uni-Assist portal. 

Are Indian students eligible for the Humboldt Research Fellowships?

Yes, Indian students can apply for the research fellowship at Humboldt. It is worth EUR 3,000 (INR 3.35 Lakhs) for post-doctoral researchers and EUR 3,600 (INR 4 Lakhs) plus additional benefits for experienced ones.

The below list of documents can be submitted to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation online to apply for the same:

  • CV (2 pages max)
  • Research Outline (5 pages max)
  • Complete list of publications
  • Key publications
  • German language certificate
  • Detailed statement of host in Germany
  • 2 expert reviews

Upcoming application window are closed now.

What is the deadline to apply for scholarships at the Humboldt University of Berlin for Indian students?

HU Berlin does not have a single, fixed scholarship deadline. Scholarship deadlines vary as per the program. The below table lists the deadline for some popular financial aid options available to Indian students at Humboldt Uni Berlin:

ScholarshipDeadlineDAAD ScholarshipBetween Aug and Dec for the following intake Winter intakeDeutschlandstipendiumLate Nov or Early Dec for Summer intakeDAAD STIBET ProgramAug 15
Do I need to be proficient in German to receive a scholarship at HU Berlin?

Not always. German proficiency requirement depends on the specific scholarship and chosen field of study. For English-taught programs and research scholarships, learning German is usually not required.

However, students interested in Humanities and Social Sciences may require German proficiency to conduct research.  Other scholarships that ask for German proficiency include:

  • DAAD German Language Courses
  • Political Foundation Scholarships
  • Hans-Bockler-Stiftung
  • Humboldt Research Fellowship for Postdocs (Humanities/Social Sciences)
Does Humboldt University of Berlin offer online courses?

Yes, HU Berlin offers online courses. They are offered via the Humboldt Winter and Summer University online platform.

These programs can be pursued at one's own pace. Social Sciences, Metropolitan Studies, Language, Literature, and History are some of the standout courses for students to pursue at the university, among others.

How much is the semester contribution at HU Berlin for Indian students?

Students are not required to pay a tuition fee at HU Berlin. However, each semester they need to pay a semester fee worth EUR 412.90 (INR 45.3K). The fee covers administrative costs, student union services, and public transport ticket costs at the university. 

  • Students need to pay the same by mid-Feb for re-registering for the summer semester
  • By mid-July for re-registration to the winter semester.
What is the blocked account balance I need to study in Germany?

Indian students need a minimum of EUR 11,904 or INR 12.7 Lakhs in their blocked account. The blocked account is to be opened before applying for a German student visa.

The <a href="https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/blocked-accounts-for-germany-what-do-they-mean-applycontent5743" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Blocked account in Germany for Indian students </a>guide will answer all your doubts.

1 EUR = INR 106.89

Which courses are taught in English at Humboldt University Berlin?

Humboldt University of Berlin offers a variety of courses in leading fields to their international students, where the language of instruction is English. Listed below are the HU Berlin courses, which overseas applicants can pursue:

  • History;
  • Philosophy;
  • Sociology;
  • American Studies;
  • Art History;
  • Economics;
  • Business Administration;
  • English Language & Literature;
  • European Anthropology; and
  • African & Asian studies.
Is Humboldt University of Berlin prestigious?

Yes, the Humboldt University of Berlin or HU Berlin, is very well known as it is considered one of the top universities in Germany and Europe.  

As per the Humboldt University of Berlin QS Ranking in 2027,   it is placed at #140 which is a decline of 10 spots from the year 2026.

For employability, this university is often ranked within the top 70 in the world.

What is the Humboldt University QS Ranking 2027?

The Humboldt University of Berlin QS Ranking 2026 is #140 in the world. HU Berlin has consistently ranked among the top 150 universities in the world as part of the recent QS World rankings.

Given below is how HU Berlin has performed in recent years as part of the QS Rankings 2027

Year202720262025QS World Rankings#140#130#126
What is Humboldt University of Berlin ranked in the world?

In the latest world rankings, Humboldt University ranks among the Top 200 Universities in 2026. In Times Higher Education rankings, this university ranks at #89 in the 2026 rankings. In the QS rankings of the world. Humboldt ranks at #130 in 2026. Also, in 2025 U.S. News Global University rankings, Humboldt ranks at #47.

How does Humboldt University of Berlin rank for Computer Science globally?

HU Berlin ranks #251 globally for it's PG Computer Science programme in 2026, as per THE. It has ranked among the top 300 universities globally for its PG Computer Science programme in the last 3 years, as part of THE's Global Subject Rankings.

Check the table below to see how the HU Berlin has performed globally for its PG Computer Science program:

Year202620252024PG Computer Science (THE Subject World Ranking)#251#201#251
Is the Humboldt University of Berlin campus safe for Indian students?

Yes, the Humbolt Uni campus is safe for Indian students. They get all the support they need to related to security and immigration. The campus is patrolled by guards throughout the day.

The CampusFit center also provides students a monitored, training area with a qualified staff. Services related to physical and mental well-being and emergency medical services are also available.

Is Indian food available on campus at HU Berlin Germany?

Indian food is very limited at the HU Berlin Campus. However, there are many food places near the university campus that serve quality Indian food. Some popular are listed below.

Restaurant or Dining HallBest Known ForAddressVedisSahi Puri, Samosa Chaat. Shahi Panner, and Chicken BiryaniSchonhaueser Allee 142, 10437 BerlinRestaurant Meena KumariShahi Panner, Daal Makhani, and Butter ChickenLynchener Street 9k, 10437 BerlinZaikaButter Chicken, Garlic Naan, and Chicken KormaWichestr 57, 10439 Berlin
What are things to do on the weekend at the Humboldt University of Berlin?

There are many things students can do at on the weekend at Humboldt Uni Berlin campus and outside it. Some popular ones are listed below.

  • Take a walk to the East Side Gallery
  • Visit the Mauerpark for karaoke and flea market
  • Cycle, Skate, or Picnic at Tempelhofer Feld
  • Enjoy panoramic views from the TV Tower

Similar universities in Germany

Nearest by ranking, so these are the ones you would realistically compare against.

All in Germany →