Free University of Berlin
Berlin, Germany · Official source information verified 2026-09-26.
How to evaluate Free University of Berlin
Freie Universität Berlin's degree catalogue is the place to distinguish a regular bachelor's or master's degree from continuing-education programmes. It is also where a prospective student must check teaching language and admission conditions; a no-tuition policy for regular degrees does not make every offering English-taught or unrestricted.
Understanding the published tuition & billing basis
The university states that regular degree programmes do not generally charge tuition, while semester fees and contributions remain payable. Continuing-education programmes can charge tuition. Someone comparing Berlin with a tuition-charging destination must include semester contributions and living expenses, and must not apply the regular-degree rule to an executive course.
What to check before submitting your application
Select a named degree in the official catalogue, confirm whether it is a regular degree or continuing education, and follow that programme's language and admission route. The fee policy settles only tuition category; it does not establish eligibility, application timing or a complete Berlin living budget.
Academic structure, faculties and degree selection
Freie Universität Berlin (FU Berlin) is one of Germany's Excellence Universities, offering a wide spectrum of consecutive bachelor's (typically six semesters / 180 ECTS) and master's degrees (typically four semesters / 120 ECTS) alongside state-examination degrees and continuing-education master's routes. A critical distinction for international applicants is language of instruction: while many research-oriented master's degrees in natural sciences, data science, economics, and area studies are taught in English, the majority of undergraduate bachelor's programmes require advanced German language proficiency (such as DSH-2 or TestDaF 4x4). International applicants with non-German credentials normally submit documents through uni-assist for preliminary review (VPD) or directly via FU Berlin's portal depending on the degree.
Editorial source review: 2026-10-12. Official university programme and fee links are provided below.
Published study costs & complete budget breakdown
Published tuition scope: Regular degree tuition €0 per semester; continuing education programmes may charge tuition · 2026/27
How tuition, mandatory campus fees and city living costs work together
Under Berlin state higher-education law, Freie Universität Berlin does not charge tuition fees (€0 per semester) for regular undergraduate bachelor's and consecutive master's degree programmes, regardless of whether the student is an EU or non-EU citizen. However, non-consecutive continuing-education master's programmes (weiterbildende Masterstudiengänge) do charge programme-specific tuition fees. Every enrolled student must also pay a mandatory semester fee and contribution (Semestergebühren und -beiträge, typically around €300–€350 per semester) covering administrative enrollment, student union (studierendenWERK BERLIN) services, and the Berlin public transit ticket. For a German study visa, non-EU applicants must still prove at least €11,904 per year (2026 blocked-account benchmark) for living expenses.
| Budget Category | How It Works at Free University of Berlin | Where to Verify Official Figures |
|---|---|---|
| International Tuition (Free University of Berlin) | Regular degree tuition €0 per semester; continuing education programmes may charge tuition · 2026/27 | Official tuition schedule ↗ |
| Mandatory Campus, Union & Health Fees | Mandatory semester fee and contribution (Semestergebühren und -beiträge, ~€300–€350 per semester) covering enrollment, studierendenWERK BERLIN social contribution, and Berlin semester transit ticket. | Official fee breakdown ↗ |
| Berlin Housing & Visa Maintenance | studierendenWERK BERLIN dormitories and shared flats (WGs) in Berlin; German visa rules require €11,904/year (€992/month in 2026) in a blocked account (Sperrkonto). | Study in Germany Visa & Funds Guide |
Step-by-step pre-application checklist for Free University of Berlin
- Verify in the FU Berlin study catalogue whether your target master's is a tuition-free consecutive degree or a fee-charging continuing-education programme.
- Confirm the exact language of instruction (German vs English) and required language certificates (DSH-2/TestDaF vs IELTS/TOEFL) before applying.
- Check whether your foreign secondary or bachelor's credentials require a uni-assist application and how early the non-EU application window closes.
- Budget for the mandatory semester fee/contribution each term plus statutory German student health insurance (typically required up to age 30).
- Prepare the €11,904 annual blocked-account (Sperrkonto) or equivalent financial proof required by the German mission for a national study visa.
Cost source checked 2026-09-26. Always match the fee schedule to your exact degree level, citizenship/fee status, credit load and entry year.
How to use Free University of Berlin’s official degree catalogue
This guide explains Free University of Berlin’s billing structure, credit system, and admission rules at the university level. Because entry prerequisites and module lists vary by department, open the official degree catalogue below to check your exact major or master’s track.
Scholarships, tuition waivers & financial aid
Funding rules at Free University of Berlin depend on your degree level, nationality, and whether awards are automatic merit discounts or need-assessed packages. Check the official fee and funding pages below to confirm whether a separate scholarship application is required before the admission deadline.
Frequently asked questions about Free University of Berlin
Do non-EU international students pay tuition fees at Freie Universität Berlin?
No tuition fees (€0) are charged for regular undergraduate bachelor’s and consecutive master’s degrees at FU Berlin, though every student pays the ~€300–€350 semester contribution and continuing-education master’s do charge fees.
Can I study at Freie Universität Berlin entirely in English?
Many consecutive master’s programmes in natural sciences, data science, and economics are taught in English, but most undergraduate bachelor’s degrees require advanced German proficiency (DSH-2 or TestDaF).
Even with €0 tuition, how much money do I need for a German student visa in Berlin?
Non-EU applicants must prove at least €11,904 per year (€992/month in 2026) in a German blocked account (Sperrkonto) plus statutory German student health insurance.
Compare related reviewed university & visa guides
Compare Free University of Berlin against other reviewed university profiles and immigration guides on ScholarPath:
- Study in Germany — Student visa & financial evidence guide (National visa for study)
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Official sources and next step
Choose the exact programme in the university directory and check its eligibility and fee schedule. For immigration planning, use our destination guide with the current government source.