Overview
Free University of Berlin (Freie Universität Berlin), founded in 1948, is one of Germany’s leading research universities and a well-known symbol of academic freedom. Based in Berlin, the university is recognized for its international orientation, interdisciplinary research, and strong public engagement.
Free University of Berlin offers programs across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and life sciences, with many departments collaborating with researchers in Europe and worldwide. If you’re comparing universities in Germany, you may also want to explore similar research-focused options such as Heidelberg University or University of Göttingen.
2. General Information
| Name | Free University of Berlin (Freie Universität Berlin) |
| Established | 1948 |
| Type | Public Research University |
| Location | Berlin, Germany |
| Main Campus | Dahlem Campus, Berlin |
| Student Population | Over 31,000 (including thousands of international students) |
| President | Prof. Dr. Günter M. Ziegler |
| Website | www.fu-berlin.de |
3. Fee Structure
| Tuition Fees (EU Students) | No general tuition fees |
| Non-EU Student Fees | No general tuition fees (some exceptions for certain master’s programs) |
| Semester Contribution | Approx. €312 per semester (includes transportation ticket) |
| Estimated Monthly Living Costs | €850 – €1,200 (varies by accommodation and lifestyle; typically includes housing, food, transport, and insurance) |
Because fee rules and semester contributions can change, check the current amount and any program-specific conditions directly on the university’s official pages before applying.
4. Free University Academic Programs
Free University of Berlin is organized into major academic areas and multiple faculties, offering undergraduate and graduate study in both theory and applied research. Depending on your interests, it can also be helpful to compare related institutions in Berlin and beyond, including Humboldt University of Berlin.
- Faculty of Biology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy
- Faculty of Earth Sciences
- Faculty of History and Cultural Studies
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science
- Faculty of Philosophy and Humanities
- Faculty of Political and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
- Faculty of Business and Economics
- Charité – University Medicine Berlin (in collaboration with Humboldt University)
5. Free University Facilities
Free University of Berlin supports academic work with modern learning infrastructure, research facilities, and extensive library resources. Students can access one of Germany’s largest university libraries in addition to specialized research centers and digital platforms for academic discovery.
Beyond academics, the university offers services aimed at helping students succeed. This includes sports and fitness opportunities, counseling support, and student services that help with study administration. For applicants who want to compare campus support systems across Germany, it can be useful to review other student-oriented universities such as University of Tübingen.
- University Library System with digital and print resources
- Language Center and Career Service
- Computer and Media Services for digital learning
- Sports Center with fitness programs and teams
- Student Service Center and International Office
6. Free University Accommodation
Accommodation in Berlin can be competitive, so planning early is important. Free University of Berlin cooperates with Studierendenwerk Berlin, which provides student housing options and guidance for incoming students.
- University cooperates with Studierendenwerk Berlin for student housing
- Options include dormitories, shared flats (WGs), and apartments
- Monthly rent ranges from €250 to €500 depending on location and type
- Private housing is also available, but early application is advised
If you’re comparing living costs across cities, consider checking resources for other public research universities, for example University of Freiburg, where cost-of-living patterns can differ noticeably from Berlin.
7. Contact Information
- Address: Kaiserswerther Str. 16-18, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Phone: +49 30 838 70000
- Website: www.fu-berlin.de
More Universities in Germany
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich
- Technical University of Munich
- Heidelberg University
- Humboldt University of Berlin
- RWTH Aachen University
- University of Freiburg
- University of Tübingen
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