Quick Summary
Situated in Berlin, Germany, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin is a public established in 1810. Ranked #126 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 38785 students including 18% from outside Germany. Known for strengths in Arts & Humanities, Philosophy, Classics & Ancient History, it maintains an acceptance rate of 18%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
Steeped in history as the university that pioneered the modern research university model, offering world-class education in the heart of Germany's capital without tuition fees.
Subject Strengths
Arts & HumanitiesPhilosophyClassics & Ancient HistoryHistoryLawLife SciencesPsychology
Founded1810
TypePublic
Total Students38785
Intl Students18%
Faculty Ratio48.5
CampusUrban / Multi-campus
Campus SizeNot Available
Affiliated HospitalsCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
AccreditationGerman Council of Science and Humanities (Wissenschaftsrat)
02
Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#126
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#94
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#101
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Bachelor's,Master's,PhD,State Examination
Programs
Available
PhD Programs
Not Available
Online Programs
Integrative Research Institute on Transformations of Human-Environment Systems (IRI THESys),Berlin Institute for Integration and Migration Research (BIM),Einstein Center Digital Future
Research Centers
Very High
Research Output
German Council of Science and Humanities (Wissenschaftsrat)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate18%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL95
Min GPA2.5
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
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 high German language proficiency (DSH-2 or TestDaF 4) for most undergraduate courses; ensure all documents are certified and submitted via uni-assist early.
05
Cost Ledger
Amounts in Euro
Living Cost
€14,400/yr
per year · EUR
Application Fee
$82
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
€15,100/yr
tuition + living + essentials · EUR
Scholarships AvailableAvailable
Avg Scholarship$4,000
Financial AidAvailable
Work-StudyAvailable
06
Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Bachelor's,Master's,PhD,State Examination programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| Law | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| Physics | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| Biology | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| Social Sciences | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| History | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
07
Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$58,000
Average Salary After Graduation
85%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementStrong connections with Berlin-based startups and government agencies
Industry Connections
SiemensBayerDeutsche BahnAdlershof Science and Technology Park
Notable Alumni
Albert Einstein,Karl Marx,Max Planck,Otto von Bismarck,Angela Merkel (Charité)
08
Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
On-campus available
Sports Facilities
HU Sport - comprehensive university sports program across Berlin
Student Clubs
Over 100 student groups, including 'Refugee Law Clinic' and 'Humboldt Debate Club'
Library Resources
Jacob-und-Wilhelm-Grimm-Zentrum (one of the largest open-stack libraries in Germany)
Exchange Programs
Erasmus+, Circle U. Alliance, and various worldwide partnerships
Summer Programs
Humboldt Winter and Summer University (HUWISU)