Erasmus guide Humboldt University of Berlin
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Humboldt University of Berlin in Berlin, Germany.
Study abroad at Humboldt University of Berlin: overview
Study abroad at Humboldt University of Berlin means choosing a historic central Berlin research university, strong for humanities, law, social sciences, economics and natural sciences. In practice, the useful context is enrollment: Approx. 37,000 students in recent institutional profiles; international mix: Large international research mix in central Berlin; academically it fits best around Law, Economics, Humanities and Cultural Studies, Social Sciences. The part to check without romanticising it: rules can be faculty-specific, so confirm the host department, seats and course list early.
Enrollment
Approx. 37,000 students in recent institutional profiles
International Mix
Large international research mix in central Berlin
Why students choose it
Best fit: students who want Law, Economics, Humanities and Cultural Studies, Social Sciences in Berlin, with a course list that genuinely matches their home degree. Do not choose it on reputation alone; watch this trade-off: rules can be faculty-specific, so confirm the host department, seats and course list early.
Language of instruction: German (primary); English in some exchange tracks and master's programmes
Exchange & application at Humboldt University of Berlin
Start with home-university nomination, then confirm faculty rules, Learning Agreement, insurance and semester contribution. Do not treat acceptance as the end of the process.
✅Requirements
Partner nomination, Humboldt incoming application, passport or ID copy, learning agreement or course plan, insurance confirmation, semester fee payment, and language readiness for the selected courses.
📨Nomination Process
Your home university nominates first; the German host then opens application or enrolment steps.
🧭Orientation Week
🗓️Deadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | Usually spring; check faculty and partner instructions. | Usually spring/early summer after nomination. |
| 2nd semester | Usually autumn; summer-semester options can be narrower. | Usually autumn after nomination. |
Arrival Checklist
- Sort housing before arrival if possible because Berlin paperwork depends on a real address.
- Join the first Welcome Centre and Global Cafe events early.
- Keep printed insurance and enrolment documents in case admin asks for them again.
Academics & courses at Humboldt University of Berlin
Expect ECTS, direct feedback, faculty-level course rules and a mix of lectures, seminars or projects. German-taught modules can require stronger language skills than the title suggests.
📝Course Registration
Plan alternatives because course access can vary by faculty, language, and timetable overlap.
🎓Credit System
ECTS
💯Grading System
German 1.0-5.0 grading scale with ECTS credits; transcripts normally show local grades that your home university converts according to its rules.
✍️Exam Culture
Expect faculty differences: lectures may end in written exams, seminars often use papers or presentations, and students need to track registration deadlines carefully.
📚Library Access
Library, learning platform and study spaces normally activate after enrolment.
Tuition & fees at Humboldt University of Berlin
Exchange students usually pay no host tuition at German public universities, but semester contribution, insurance, housing and transport still matter. Full-degree tuition differs by state and student status.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | EUR 0 tuition + semester contribution | Partner exchange students normally pay no host tuition, but semester contribution, insurance and living costs still apply. |
| Full degree - EU/EEA | Usually no tuition at public universities; semester contribution applies | Most German public universities charge semester contribution rather than tuition; Bavaria/Munich rules and special programmes can differ. |
| Full degree - non-EU/EEA | Often no tuition in this state; semester contribution applies | Non-EU fees depend on federal state, institution and programme; verify official fee pages before applying. |
EUR 0 tuition + semester contribution
Partner exchange students normally pay no host tuition, but semester contribution, insurance and living costs still apply.
Usually no tuition at public universities; semester contribution applies
Most German public universities charge semester contribution rather than tuition; Bavaria/Munich rules and special programmes can differ.
Often no tuition in this state; semester contribution applies
Non-EU fees depend on federal state, institution and programme; verify official fee pages before applying.
Fees change annually — verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at Humboldt University of Berlin
Berlin housing should move in parallel with the application. Student residences are limited, and private rooms need careful contract checks.
Full housing guide
Find housing in Berlin
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at Humboldt University of Berlin
Use the international office, faculty coordinator, orientation and buddy or student groups early. German systems work well once you know which office owns each question.
🛡️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 access when accepted for enrolment
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 international student insurance
Varies by status / nationality
Confirm exact plan eligibility with the host university International Office before arrival.
Campus services
Welcome Centre
Kick-off sessions, orientation events, and social formats for international students.
Service & Counselling (HU Berlin)
HU Berlin student service hub: academic advising, psychological counselling, social services, career guidance, and study support. Free for enrolled students.
Language Centre (HU Berlin)
Language courses in 14 languages, UNIcert certificates, tandem exchange programme, and free German language support specifically for incoming international students.
Psychological Counselling
Free confidential psychological counseling at HU Berlin for study stress, anxiety, personal difficulties, and mental health support. Individual sessions and group offers.
Counselling & Information
Full HU Berlin counselling network including academic, social, career, and psychological advisory services. Central directory for all types of student support.
Student life at Humboldt University of Berlin
Student life in Berlin depends on repeated routines: Mensa, sports, student associations, language tandems and neighbourhood plans. Waiting passively can make the semester feel colder than it is.
Student Clubs
- Humboldt works best when students combine faculty life with Berlin's wider city ecosystem.
Buddy Program
The Welcome Centre events are the clearest university-level newcomer route if you do not already know people in Berlin.
Sports & Recreation
- University sport and Berlin-wide activity options
Public Groups & Communities
HU Welcome Centre Global Cafe - recurring language and social events for international students in the main building.
HU Kick-off Zoom Sessions and orientation events - the most practical newcomer channel before semester start.
ESN Berlin - citywide Erasmus network that many Humboldt exchange students use for welcome events and trips.
Your First 2 Weeks
- Register for the first Welcome Centre events before you arrive.
- Test your real commute, not just the map view.
- Use one social anchor on campus and one in the wider city.
Key exchange dates at Humboldt University of Berlin
The key dates are nomination, application, semester-fee payment, course registration, housing, arrival and orientation. Keep exam and resit periods visible before booking return travel.
-
1
Nomination and application
Spring for winter semester; autumn for summer semester
Home university nomination comes first; the host application and Learning Agreement follow.
-
2
Housing, insurance and semester fee
As soon as acceptance arrives
Berlin housing and German admin move early. Confirm insurance, semester contribution and arrival documents before travel.
-
3
Arrival and orientation
September/October or March/April
Use orientation for enrolment, campus systems, Anmeldung, Mensa, student groups and course changes.
Campus events hub: Browse all events