Erasmus guide Freie Universitaet Berlin
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Freie Universitaet Berlin in Berlin, Germany.
Snapshot
One of Berlin's most exchange-friendly options, especially for students who want a very established incoming ecosystem and strong international support.
Why students shortlist it
Large research university in Berlin-Dahlem with strong humanities, social sciences, political science, life sciences and area-studies options. Good fit for independent students who can navigate German university administration and Berlin commutes.
Teaching languages: German (primary); English in exchange-specific tracks and some master's programmes
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Exchange Basics
Requirements
Incoming students need a valid exchange route such as Erasmus+ or direct exchange, partner nomination, FU application instructions, course or learning-agreement planning, language preparation matched to course language, insurance and enrolment documents.
Nomination Process
Students nominated by partner universities through Erasmus+ or other approved exchange routes.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Follow the incoming timetable sent by the Student Mobility Unit after nomination | Programme-specific instructions are provided directly to nominated students |
Arrival Checklist
- Use the buddy system early rather than waiting until arrival week.
- Do not leave housing to the last minute because Dahlem commutes matter.
- Check course language before you finalize a study plan.
Academics
Course Registration
Prepare alternatives because course choice can vary by department and language, and Berlin commutes make scattered class schedules more tiring than students expect.
Credit System
ECTS
Grading System
German 1.0-5.0 scale: 1.0 is excellent, 4.0 is the minimum pass and 5.0 is fail. Exchange transcripts normally convert grades according to FU or faculty rules.
Exam Culture
Course formats vary by department. Lectures often end in written exams, while seminars may require presentations and term papers; attendance can matter in seminars, labs and language-sensitive courses.
Tuition & Fees
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 tuition + ~EUR 100–300 semester contribution | German public universities waive tuition for exchange. Semester contribution varies: LMU ~€97 (Grundbeitrag from Summer 2026, Semesterticket suspended), TUM … |
| Full degree – international | EUR 0 tuition (all nationalities) | Berlin has NO non-EU state fee — full-degree tuition is free for everyone, unlike Bayern (LMU/TUM). Only cost: semester contribution ~€300 (includes BVG tran… |
EUR 0 tuition + ~EUR 100–300 semester contribution
German public universities waive tuition for exchange. Semester contribution varies: LMU ~€97 (Grundbeitrag from Summer 2026, Semesterticket suspended), TUM …
EUR 0 tuition (all nationalities)
Berlin has NO non-EU state fee — full-degree tuition is free for everyone, unlike Bayern (LMU/TUM). Only cost: semester contribution ~€300 (includes BVG tran…
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Where to Stay
Insurance & Campus Support
Mandatory Insurance
Yes. Valid health coverage is required for the exchange period.
EHIC Accepted
Yes
Campus Clinic
Use university student health/wellbeing services first for local care routing, prevention, counselling, and referrals.
Mental Health
Most universities route students through student health, wellbeing, or counselling services. Ask early, not only during exam stress.
EHIC-compatible public-care route where accepted
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
German public insurer confirmation
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Accepted private insurance for incoming students
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Campus Services
Sports Center (FU Hochschulsport)
300+ sports courses each semester: gym, swimming, yoga, dance, martial arts, team sports. Affordable semester card. Facilities in Dahlem and at external locations in Berlin.
Language Center (Sprachenzentrum)
FU Berlin language center with courses in 15+ languages, UNIcert certificates, tandem language exchange, and academic writing support in German and English.
Career Service
Career advice on internships, job search, application documents, and career entry. Workshops, employer talks, and one-to-one counseling. Specific support for international students.
Counseling & Advising Services
Full counseling network at FU Berlin: psychological counseling, social services, academic advising, and crisis support. Free and confidential for all enrolled students.
Student Life
Student Clubs
- FU works especially well for exchange students because the incoming ecosystem feels more structured than many people expect from Berlin.
Buddy Program
The official Buddy Program is one of FU's clearest practical advantages for exchange students.
Sports & Recreation
- Campus and city sports options across Berlin
Public Groups & Erasmus Communities
FU Buddy Program - the best official peer-support route for incoming students.
Erasmus Incoming Office orientation days - the main campus-linked newcomer structure before classes start.
ESN Berlin - citywide Erasmus network many FU students use once they want a wider Berlin social circle.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Join buddy communication early.
- Test the real Dahlem commute before you call your housing choice final.
- Use orientation to build your first circle before Berlin disperses you.
Key Dates
Orientation days for Erasmus and incoming students
Before semester start
Check the incoming office calendar because these days are a real social and administrative shortcut.
Nomination window (Autumn intake)
April – May
Home university must formally nominate before host opens the application portal.
Application window (Autumn intake)
May – June
Complete host university online application + learning agreement after nomination.
Nomination & application (Spring intake)
October – November
Same flow as autumn but compressed; check with host international office.
Orientation & welcome week
Late August / Early September (autumn) or Late January / Early February (spring)
Mandatory for international students; ESN, buddy programmes, and admin all start here.
Campus events hub: Browse all events