Humboldt University of Berlin - A Detailed Overview

Updated on: 05 Sep 2023

The Humboldt University of Berlin is certainly one of the best educational institutions in Germany. The university was established in 1810, and since then, it has been the center of excellence for advanced studies across disciplines. It is the best public institution in Germany that offers more than 180 courses across disciplines and also allows students to pursue interdisciplinary courses. There are three campuses dedicated to different faculties. For instance, the Campus Adlershof houses the natural sciences while the Campus Nord, the institution dedicated to the life sciences, and Campus Mitte, which has arts, humanities, law, economics and business, and theology as core subjects that are taught. So, there is a rainbow of courses available for students from all backgrounds to take specific or hybrid courses. 

One of the best things about Humboldt university, or for that matter any public university in Germany, students have to pay a minimal amount. Tuition fee is waived at the university, and students have to pay a very minimal amount when compared with Private universities in Germany. Also, Students from India are eligible for scholarships and financial aids that are available for meritorious students. 

The Humboldt University of Berlin Ranking - A Testimony of its Credentials 

The Humboldt University of Berlin has for long maintained a top spot among public institutions of Germany and globally. As per the latest QS World University Rankings, it is placed at the 128th spot making it a best-in-class institution that offers students a wide range of programs. Students at all levels of education, be it the bachelor, master’s, or doctorate program, can take up courses. The subject-wise rankings of Humboldt University are among the best in the world, and they are placed at the 20th spot in the QS World University Rankings. They are doing pretty good on the research rankings too, and have successfully placed themselves into the top research institution of the world. In fact, Germany’s most advanced research work happens in the research institutes and centres of excellence in the university campuses. 

The university’s academic credentials are among the highest in the world, and it stood at 90.3 out of 100 in the latest rankings. The qualitative aspect of the teaching is further enriched by bringing in faculties from different countries and has one of the highest numbers of international faculty, and the international faculty ratio stood at 39.8. The faculty-student ratio is also 9.2, which is pretty good compared with the world’s top institutions. 

Courses and Fee at Humboldt University

Humboldt University offers one of the widest possible ranges of courses to students at all levels of education. With more than 180 degree courses, there is a broad spectrum of subjects in which these degrees are awarded. Students can study subjects like Law, Engineering, Medicine, Physics, Chemistry, MBA, Finance, Economics, Agricultural Sciences, Liberal Arts and Humanities, Psychology, History, etc. The best part about the courses is that the university encourages students to take up interdisciplinary courses that enhance the possibility of getting a good job and widen the horizon of learning. There is stiff competition for admission, and it is evident from the Humboldt University of Berlin’s acceptance rate, which stands at 18%. However, the university has no official acceptance, but it varies from one course to another. For some courses like Psychology, the acceptance rate dips to 2%, while for courses like Philosophy and Ethics, it is close to 5%. For other courses, it could be as high as 20%. In a nutshell, the university administration doesn’t focus much on the acceptance rate. Students have to fill the application form and then wait for the university’s response for admission. Several factors are considered for admission, and this too varies from one course to another. 

Here is the list of courses that are taught in English and thus most suitable for international students. 

So, one can see that almost 90% of courses don’t have any tuition fee. So, Humboldt University doesn’t only ensure quality education but also takes care of the tuition fee. The cost of education always forms a substantial part of abroad education, and most of the courses at the university are either free or at a very reasonable cost. Keeping in mind the job prospect after the completion of the course, the overall cost of studying at Humboldt University is truly negligible.

Language Requirement For Studying at Humboldt University 

The language requirement for studying at Humboldt University is pretty much like any other foreign university. Students can take any of the tests mentioned above as per their preference. In some cases, there might be some rules about the test that one has to take for studying a particular course. It’s better to check that with the faculty or school where the student wishes to pursue the course.

Other Eligibility Requirement For Studying at Humboldt University  

Students should see the program they wish to apply to, as the specific requirements are highlighted on the university’s website. Every course has some basic criteria that one must fulfill in order to take admission. For instance, students wanting to study in a bachelor’s course must have passed the 12th board examination. Then other requirements are course-specific. For Humboldt University of Berlin’s master’s courses, one might need to show some work experience, including internships that a student might have done in the undergraduate course. Likewise, the course offered at the doctorate level program might need more expertise, but again this depends on the course for which the student has applied.  

Abroad Education Loans For Studying at Humboldt University 

Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany, happens to be one of the most reputed educational institutions in Europe and across the globe. Indian banks usually put the top institutions in the list of universities for which they readily lend to students. Humboldt University is undoubtedly on the list of every financial institution that lends for abroad education. Owning to the brilliant track record of the university and its broad alumni base working at the top organizations, banks are assured of the loan payback. Since the university has built such a reputation that securing admission is a big deal, students don’t have to worry about getting an education loan. The type of education loan depends on several factors, which include but are not limited to the repayment ability, income of the co-applicants, collateral that one wishes to pledge, the credit score of the borrower or co-applicant, etc. 

As far as secured loans are concerned, mostly public sector banks are the best choice. Also, Indian banks readily sanction the loan as tuition fee for a public university is almost negligible, and the cost of living is the only bone of contention for which most students take the loan. And, if one wishes to go for unsecured loans (when the borrower doesn’t have collateral to pledge), they can go to private banks, NBFCs, and International lenders. So, there is no dearth of financial institutions that give loans to meritorious students. 

Read Also:

• Germany Student Visa Process
• Educational Loan Options for Germany
• Germany Universities Application Deadline
• A Starter Guide for International Students to Study in Germany
• IELTS Exam Overview
• TOEFL Exam Overview

Cost of Living in Berlin 

Since the tuition fee at Humboldt University is almost negligible, it becomes important to focus on the significant expense that a student has to bear in terms of the cost of living in Berlin. The cost of living for an Indian student can be anywhere between 800-1000 euros per month. The monthly cost of accommodation in Berlin is around 250 euro per month in shared apartments. The cost can go as high as 700 euro per month for an individually rented apartment. So, students mostly prefer shared apartments. The cost of food can be a bit pricey for those who are more into an outing and frequent restaurant-goers. The cost of food is generally around 300 euro per month, but it can come down substantially if a student learns to cook on themselves. Other sources of entertainment are a bit costly in most European cities,s and Berlin is no exception to it. 

There are several ways to save money while studying. One is to limit the miscellaneous expenses, and the other is to work part-time. There is a good opportunity for students to work part-time to earn decent money to take care of their expenses. However, there are limitations too, and it includes taking permission from local authorities for the work permits. And, any earning beyond 450 euro per month is taxable. Students are only allowed to work for 120 full days or 240 half days. However, this doesn’t include the time students spend at the time of internship if it is mandatory and part of the curriculum. So, students can get a world-class education with minimum spending at Humboldt University.

COVID Update by the Humboldt University 

As per the latest notification on their official website, the classes in the physical mode have started from 1st October. However, the classes are also happening in the hybrid model. Now students don’t have to seek special permission for research, teaching, studying, or academic self-administration activities. Everything is allowed, but the only thing to take care of is the mask, social distancing, and other COVID protocols. Students should check the university and German embassy websites for regular updates on COVID-related information and travel-related information.

• Education loan 
• Study abroad 

First published date: 12 Aug 2020