Erasmus guide Humboldt University of Berlin
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at Humboldt University of Berlin in Berlin, Germany.
Snapshot
A classic Berlin exchange option for students who want a historic university, a central-city feel, and strong humanities and social-science context.
Why students shortlist it
A central Berlin public research university with strong humanities, law, social-science, economics, and natural-science options. It suits independent exchange students who are comfortable navigating faculty-level rules and German public-university administration.
Teaching languages: German (primary); English in some exchange tracks and 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
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
Students nominated by a partner university for an exchange semester at Humboldt.
| Semester | Nomination | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Follow the current incoming timeline provided by the International Department after nomination | Humboldt sends programme-specific application steps to nominated students |
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
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.
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. Humboldt full-degree: free for all nationalities. Only cost: semester contribution ~€300 (includes Berlin transit ticket). Co… |
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. Humboldt full-degree: free for all nationalities. Only cost: semester contribution ~€300 (includes Berlin transit ticket). Co…
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 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
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 & Erasmus 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 Dates
Orientation and kick-off sessions
Before semester start
Check the Welcome Centre calendar because the social and practical onboarding starts early.
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