Quick Summary
Freie Universität Berlin is a public founded in 1948, located in Berlin, Germany. Ranked #97 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 33500 students including 22% from outside Germany. Known for strengths in Philosophy, Archaeology, History, it maintains an acceptance rate of 15%.
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Institutional Profile
Who they are
One of the eleven German Universities of Excellence, located in the cultural hub of Berlin, offering tuition-free world-class education.
Subject Strengths
PhilosophyArchaeologyHistoryModern LanguagesPolitical ScienceSociologyLife Sciences
Founded1948
TypePublic
Total Students33500
Intl Students22%
Faculty Ratio58.4
CampusSuburban/Urban (Dahlem)
Campus Size100 hectares
Affiliated HospitalsCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
AccreditationACQUIN, FIBAA, system-accredited by the German Accreditation Council
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#97
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#102
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#101-150
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's,Master's,PhD,State Examination
Programs
50
PhD Programs
8
Online Programs
Dahlem Humanities Center,Center for Digital Systems,Berlin Center for Caspian Region Studies
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
ACQUIN, FIBAA, system-accredited by the German Accreditation Council
Accreditation
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Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate15%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL90
Min GPA2.5
GREOptional
GMATRequired for certain business programs
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · July 15
SPRINGApplication Deadline · January 15
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Focus on the Numerus Clausus (NC) requirements for specific majors. International students must apply via Uni-assist and provide proof of German proficiency (DSH-2) for most undergraduate courses.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
Living Cost
€11,500/yr
per year · EUR
Application Fee
$82
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
€11,575/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EUR
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$4,000
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's,Master's,PhD,State Examination programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Political Science | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| International Relations | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Physics | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Psychology | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Veterinary Medicine | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$58,000
Average Salary After Graduation
88%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong support through the Career Service and 'Stellenwerk Berlin' portal.
Industry Connections
SiemensBayerMax Planck SocietyLeibniz Association
Notable Alumni
Herta Müller,Gerhard Ertl,Shirin Ebadi,Bernhard Schlink
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
Zentraleinrichtung Hochschulsport,Fitness Studios,Water Sports Center,Tennis Courts
Student Clubs
120
Library Resources
University Library (UB),Philological Library (The Brain),Over 8 million media units
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+,Direct Exchange (over 100 partners),FUBiS
Summer Programs
FUBiS - International Summer and Winter University