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Berlin, Germany

Freie Universität Berlin

#98 QS World RankingPublicEurope

QS World Ranking

#98

Acceptance Rate

24%

Annual Tuition (USD)

$500

On-Campus Housing

Available

QS Best Student City

#16

Berlin

Application Deadline

July 15

via Direct

Student Body

Total Enrollment

35,000

students

International Students

15%

US % data not publicly reported

Figures are approximate based on institutional reports and QS data.

Why This School

One of Germany's Excellence Universities, located in Berlin — Europe's startup and cultural capital.

QS Subject Rankings 2025

Rankings by academic subject — source: QS World University Rankings by Subject

#51–100Social Sciences#51–100Politics & International Studies#51–100History

Notes for US Students

Located in Berlin — one of Europe's most exciting cities. Growing English-language program offering.

Admission Criteria

Key requirements for US students applying to Freie Universität Berlin

Acceptance Rate

24%

Selective

Application System

Direct

Deadline

July 15

Instruction Language

German/English

School Type

Public

Annual Tuition

$500

Requirements Checklist for US Applicants

  • Apply directly via FU Berlin's portal
  • High school diploma + SAT score for Abitur equivalency
  • German B2+ (DSH-2 or TestDaF TDN4) for German-language programs
  • English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90+) for English programs
  • Application deadlines: July 15 (winter semester) / January 15 (summer semester)

Class Size

Avg. Lecture200 students
Avg. Seminar30 students
Student : Faculty20:1

Academic Calendar

SystemSemester (2/yr)
Fall TermMid-OctoberMid-February
Spring TermMid-AprilLate July
BreaksFeb–Apr, Aug–Oct

Requirements may vary by program. Always verify with the university's official admissions page.

Admission Details

Language of Instruction
German/English
Estimated Annual Tuition
~$500 / year
Application Deadline
July 15
Application System
Direct
School Type
Public
Acceptance Rate
24%
QS Best Student City (Berlin)
#16 globally

Programs Offered

Arts & HumanitiesSocial SciencesSciencesLawMedicine

Scholarships to Explore

  • DAAD
  • Erasmus+

Cost of Living — Berlin, Germany

Moderate Cost
Rent (1BR near campus)$850/mo
Groceries & dining$270/mo
Transportation$80/mo
Misc (phone, entertainment)$200/mo

Estimated monthly total

$1,400

vs. avg US college student

26% cheaper

US avg ~$1,900/mo

Berlin remains one of Europe's most affordable capitals, though rents have risen. Rich cultural life on a budget.

Estimates based on 2025–26 student budgets. Actual costs vary by lifestyle and housing choice.

About Studying at Freie Universität Berlin as a US Student

Freie Universität Berlin is located in Berlin, Germany and is ranked #98in the QS World University Rankings. The school offers programs in Arts & Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences, Law, Medicine. Instruction is offered in German/English. The estimated annual tuition for international students is ~$500 / year, with an acceptance rate of approximately 24%. Applications are submitted through Direct with a deadline of July 15. Scholarships available include the DAAD.