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General Questions for Prospective Students
- How and where can I apply as a foreign prospective student?
- In which languages can I submit my application documents?
- Which certificates from international applicants are accepted as proof of German language skills?
- Where can I take German language classes?
- Which certificates are accepted as proof of English language skills?
- Are there tuition fees and if yes, how much are they?
- Where can I find information on study programs at FU Berlin or general information on studying in Germany?
How and where can I apply as a foreign prospective student?
Prospective international students with international higher education entrance qualifications who would like to apply for a program at Freie Universität Berlin need to send their applications to the University Application Service for International Students (uni-assist), which reviews whether applications meet the formal requirements. Freie Universität Berlin decides whether to admit the student. A fee for the preliminary application review is charged by uni-assist.
In which languages can I submit my application documents?
The application documents can be submitted in German or English. Documents in other languages must be handed in as notarized German or English translations.
Further information:
Official certifications (pdf-file; German / English).
Which certificates from international applicants are accepted as proof of German language skills?
If you are applying for professional studies (Fachstudium), you are required to provide proof of a minimum level of German language skills, for example with any of the following certificates:
- TestDaF: Level 3 on all four parts
- Level B2 GER
- Intermediate Level II (Mittelstufe II)
For detailed information on proof certificates, equivalencies, and language tests, please click here.
Where can I take German language classes?
Freie Universität Berlin's Language Center/Sprachenzentrum (in German) offers pre-semester and summer classes for advanced students. It also has an Independent Language Learning Center (pdf-file), which is a useful resource. The academic programs designed for international students, FUBiS and FU-BEST include German language classes at different levels. To prepare for the TestDaF or for the Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH) German classes can be taken at the Goethe-Institut, at private language schools in Germany, or in the student's home country. The DAAD provides further information on German Language.
Several further education institutions in Berlin offer German language courses. Please check the following website of the Berlin Adult Education Center ("Volkshochschule") (in German), which has branches in every Berlin district and offers a wide range of courses besides languages.
German courses can also be downloaded at:
Which certificates are accepted as proof of English language skills?
>>B.A. Media and Communication Studies
The bachelor’s program Media and Communication Studies requires English language skills on level B1 GER (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Proof of these language skills must be provided as part of the application. For detailed information on proof certificates and equivalencies, please click here.
>>M.A. Media and Political Communication
The master’s program Media and Political Communication requires English language skills on level B2 GER (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Proof of these language skills must be provided as part of the application. For detailed information on proof certificates and equivalencies, please click here.
Are there tuition fees and if yes, how much are they?
Freie Universität Berlin does not charge tuition fees for undergraduate programs. Instead, the university charges “semester fees and contributions”.
Where can I find information on study programs at FU Berlin or general information on studying in Germany?
Freie Universität Berlin offers a lot of information for international prospective students on its websites International Students and International Education & Research. Further useful information can be found on the homepages of the German National Association for Student Affairs (Deutsches Studentenwerk) and the Berlin Office for Student Affairs (Studentenwerk Berlin). The Higher Education Compass provides extensive information on Germany's higher education institutions. The German foreign broadcasting service, Deutsche Welle, provides general information on studying in Germany too.
