Freie University of Berlin: Ranking, Courses, Admission, Fees, Scholarship |Sulekha Study Abroad

Freie University of Berlin Highlights

Freie University of Berlin is one of the top public research universities to study in Germany. The University is widely recognized for its emphasis on the faculty of Humanities, specifically Political Science. The University is spread across four campuses. Among the students enrolled every year, the University accepts 15% international students among the students enrolled every year. This makes entry to the University extremely competitive. The long-term goal of the University is to turn Berlin’s environment towards integrated research and shape it into becoming Europe’s leading research hubs. The University encourages the development and training of scientists and junior scholars.

Freie University of Berlin offers an array of facilities to its students, which makes it one of the most popular universities in the nation. Some of the facilities that the Freie University of Berlin offers are:

The Freie University of Berlin has 16 faculties or academic departments, which are split into around 150 degree programs. These degree programs are further spread across various subjects.
The students at the University come from over 80 countries across the world. This makes the Freie University of Berlin a diversified academic community.
Freie University of Berlin has a Botanical Garden and a Botanical Museum situated in Berlin.
The University also has a sports center, encouraging student-athletes to enjoy their passion.

Freie Universität Berlin Rankings

National Ranking: Freie Universität Berlin is consistently ranked among the top 10 universities in Germany, renowned for its strong emphasis on research and humanities.
World Ranking: Globally, Freie Universität Berlin is ranked within the top 150 universities, with particular recognition in the fields of humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, according to QS World University Rankings and Times Higher Education.

To know more about other universities in the Germany, click here.

Admissions at Freie University of Berlin

UG Admissions

The undergraduate courses at the Freie University of Berlin are primarily taught in German. This requires the students to possess the necessary German language skills.
Interested candidates are required to apply online through the University portal by paying a small application fee.
Students are required to complete 12 years of formal education and submit a certified copy of their high school qualification.
The interested candidates are also required to submit proof of their German language proficiency.
A letter of recommendation and financial guarantee proof are required to be submitted at the time of enrollment.
The Admission Committee will call in some students for an interview based on preliminary selection.

PG Admissions

For admission into the master’s degree at Freie University of Berlin, students are required to apply online through the University portal.
If applying for a master’s degree, students are required to submit their graduation certificates.
The candidates are required to submit official transcripts of their records while applying to the program.
The transcripts and certificates need to be translated into English or German languages if they are in other languages.
The students are also required to submit their statement of purpose and letters of recommendation while enrolling.
The students are further required to provide proof of sufficient funds while enrolling at the University.

Ph.D. Admissions

Candidates who are interested in pursuing a doctoral degree at the University must apply for admission to the department of their choice.
Before applying as a doctoral researcher, the students must receive the confirmation of the departmental supervisor to supervise their projects.
The students will be required to submit official transcripts and certificates of their master’s degree. They would also have to submit their statement of purpose during the application process.
The department faculty will then undertake the admission decision of the candidate based on their applications.
After receiving the admission decision, the students will have to enroll themselves as doctoral researchers at the Registration Office of the University.

Eligibility Criteria

UG Degree

Students are required to possess either a grade 12 qualification or a grade 10 qualification with three years of diploma.
Students are required to score a level 2 on the DSH test and a minimum of 16 points in TestDAF.
If the students are applying for the North American Studies Courses, then they must score 5 in IELTS.

PG Degree

Prospective candidates are required to possess either a Bachelor’s Degree or an equivalent degree from a recognized university.
Admission to the master’s degree varies depending on the programs the students are applying for. Thus, the students are required to obtain a specific credit score in their Bachelor’s degree, depending on the program.
Students are required to score 80 or higher in TOEFL or 5 in IELTS.

Freie University of Berlin Programs

The Freie University of Berlin offers an array of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral degrees to students. Some of the popular programs that the Freie University of Berlin offers are:

UG Programs

B.A in History
B.A in Cultural Studies
B.A in Political Science
B.A in Economics
B.A in Literary Studies
B.A in Economics
B.Sc in Biology
B.Sc in Chemistry
B.Sc in Biochemistry
B.Sc in Computer Science

PG Programs

M.A in Applied Literary Studies
M.A in Film Studies
M.A in History
M.A in General and Comparative Literature
M.A in Political Science
M.A in Philosophy
M.Sc in Physics
M.Sc in Biochemistry
M.Sc in Chemistry
M.Sc in Biology
M.Sc in Computer Science

Freie Universität Berlin Intakes

Freie Universität Berlin offers primary intakes in October for most undergraduate and graduate programs. A few graduate programs may also offer an additional intake in April. Given the high competition for spots, particularly in popular programs like political science and international relations, early application is advisable.

Freie University of Berlin Accommodation

The Freie University of Berlin arranges accommodation or housing options for international and exchange students. Some of the accommodation options available to students are:

Dormitories- The dormitories in the city of Berlin are managed by the independent organization Studierendenwerk. Here, single rooms with different facilities are available, and the students need to share the facilities. Students must share bathrooms, a kitchen, a washing machine, and other facilities.
Rented Apartments- These modern residences offers fully furnished rooms with private bathrooms and kitchen to students. Students do have to pay a higher rent, and the rent is all-inclusive and covers the cost of electricity, heating, and water.

Freie University of Berlin Course Fee

The approximate course fees to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate degrees at Freie University of Berlin are as follows:

The course fee for an undergraduate program at Freie University of Berlin is 1.3 Lakhs INR
The course fee for a postgraduate program at Freie University of Berlin is 1.3 Lakhs INR

The Freie University of Berlin Living Cost

The approximate cost of living in Berlin, near the Freie University of Berlin, to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees is as follows:

Rent- 72000 INR
Travel- 22000 INR
Entertainment- 3900 INR
Utilities- 21800 INR
Food & Drink- 31000 INR

Freie University of Berlin Scholarships

Deutschlandstipendium

This scholarship enables students at the Freie University of Berlin from all nations to fully concentrate on their studies. The scholarship program assists talented students with an amount per month. Half the amount is provided by the Federal Government, and the other half by private sponsors. To receive support for this program, the students have to enroll at the University during the funding period. Applications for this program are invited on the online application system.

Freie Universität Berlin Acceptance Rate

Freie Universität Berlin has a selective acceptance rate, especially for its highly regarded programs in political science, humanities, and social sciences. Admission criteria focus on academic excellence, relevant qualifications, and sometimes additional entrance exams or interviews. The acceptance rate generally falls between 15-25%, highlighting the university's competitive nature.

Cost of Living in Berlin

Berlin, the capital of Germany, is known for its dynamic cultural scene and relatively moderate cost of living compared to other major European capitals. Students should budget for monthly expenses ranging from €900 to €1,400, covering accommodation, food, transportation, and personal expenses. Berlin offers a vibrant student life, rich history, and numerous cultural activities.

Freie University of Berlin Placement

The Freie University of Berlin takes part in various career fairs across Berlin and in the European Career Fair. The University has a job portal where students can look for positions that suit their choices and qualifications. The University also provides International Career Service to sharpen the skills of the students who are willing to work abroad. Some of the most sought-after job roles with approximate average salaries are as follows:

Consultant- 335361 INR
Financial Advisor- 226966 INR
Economist- 231921 INR
Business Analyst- 4456973 INR
Chemist- 397823 INR
Technologist- 442025 INR
Clinical Psychologist- 468547 INR

Freie Universität Berlin FAQs

Q: What are the language requirements for international students at Freie Universität Berlin?
A: Most undergraduate programs at Freie Universität Berlin require proficiency in German, usually demonstrated through exams like TestDaF or DSH. Many master's programs are offered in English, requiring proof of English proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or similar tests.

Q: Can international students work while studying at Freie Universität Berlin?
A: Yes, international students are allowed to work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year. They can also work full-time during university breaks, as long as it does not interfere with their studies.

Q: What scholarships are available for international students at Freie Universität Berlin?
A: Freie Universität Berlin offers several scholarships for international students, including the Deutschlandstipendium and various faculty-specific scholarships. External scholarships, like those from DAAD, are also available.

Q: How do I apply for student housing in Berlin at Freie Universität Berlin?
A: Freie Universität Berlin provides student housing, but demand often exceeds supply, so early application is crucial. Many students find accommodation in private rentals or shared apartments (WG), with the university offering support to help find suitable housing.

Q: What is the average class size at Freie Universität Berlin?
A: Class sizes at Freie Universität Berlin vary depending on the program and level of study. Larger lectures, particularly in popular fields like political science and humanities, may have over 100 students, while seminars and advanced courses typically have smaller, more interactive groups of around 20-30 students.

Other Universities in Germany that you might be interested in,