Categories: Study Abroad

Study in Berlin – Complete student Guide

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Ifeoma Chuks
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Table of Contents:

  • INTRODUCTION- Study in Berlin overview
  • What makes Berlin great for study abroad? 
  • What are popular study abroad programs in Berlin?
  • What should I study in Berlin? 
  • What is student life like in Berlin?
  • What are the most popular universities in Berlin for international students? 
  • How much will it cost to study in Berlin? 
  • List of universities in Germany that teach in English
  • conclusion

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INTRODUCTION:

Berlin, capital and the chief urban center of Germany. The city lies in the heart of the north German plain, in a commercial and geographical East-West region, which helped to become the capital of the Kingdom of Prussia and from 1871 the united Germany. The former glory of Berlin ended in 1945, but the city survived the destruction of the Second World War. It has been rebuilt and has shown amazing economic and cultural growth.

Whether you are an artist, a history buff, an aspiring entrepreneur or just looking for an adventure, studying in Berlin is the place for you!

Why? Because Berlin is an affordable European city with a lively young and international culture, a thriving art scene and an impressive transport system.

In the past century, many creative, innovative and economic breakthroughs have transformed the once-destroyed and divided German capital into a hotspot for multi-dimensional culture.

Why you should Study in Berlin

Firstly, the degrees from German universities are recognized all over the world. Germany has one of the best educational systems of the world, and the experience of studying in a strong industrial nation as Germany is necessary and positive for the near future.

Apart from the high quality education, Berlin also has a lot to offer for the personal development.One is very close to politics, history and up-to-date developments as Berlin is the capital city of Germany.

One can easily immerse into the German culture and get to know the about the diversity of the nation.

The Germany of today is formed by Berlin which is a very international city and brings together a lot of different cultures. One can indulge in cultural and traditional events, which take place in Berlin and one is in the heart of it.

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What makes Berlin great for study abroad? 

Berlin’s grungy glamor has fascinated travelers for years. The city was rebuilt and reunited after a bombing raid and today is known for its appeal to young people, freethinkers, entrepreneurs, artists, scientists and academics.

Boredom in Berlin is almost impossible, because there is always something new to discover and experiment with. Berlin is an explosion in simple terms. With its world-famous nightlife, extensive craft breweries, numerous dining halls and colorful Turkish markets, Berlin is blessed with a wonderful variety of cultural offerings.

With more than 170 museums, more than 40 theaters and operas as well as countless galleries, theaters and cinemas, Berlin is characterized by a lively cultural scene. After reunification, the city’s huge space and affordable rents continued to attract young artists and entrepreneurs from around the world.

Former houses became art galleries, interpreters opened studios in abandoned warehouses, and an electrical explosion of graffiti and murals swept the streets of the city.

With one of the most advanced and animated art scenes in the world, it’s no surprise that cultural icons like Iggy Pop and David Bowie are at home in Berlin. Come on, who does not want to live in a place where David Bowie lived?!.

What are popular study abroad programs in Berlin?

You can choose between many study programs abroad, which makes it extremely difficult to find the ideal program, but we are here to help! Most study abroad programs (including those listed below) not only offer courses, but also the opportunity to participate in a variety of cultural activities and group outings in famous places of Berlin.

Here are some of the best study abroad programs in Berlin that student travelers recommend:

While studying at various universities, including Humboldt University and FreieUniversität Berlin, students can improve their German language skills. The programs are available for a semester or a full academic year. Would you like to expand your international work experience abroad? Take an IES internship!

You do not speak German but would like to know more about German culture? Spend the summer in Berlin with AIFS and earn up to 12 credits at Humboldt-Universität!

Classes are held in German or English. German language skills are not required. Choose Session 1 and drive to the colorful Baltic Sea. Choose Session 2 and travel to Dresden, one of Germany’s most historic cities.

There are not only countless courses and cultural activities to choose from, but the AIF staff will be happy to accompany you throughout your summer abroad and is the link between you and the university to meet your needs.

Would you like to further develop your digital design skills? Would you like to learn from experienced consultants?

Would you like to study abroad, gain work experience, and acquire the skills to improve your CV?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, iXperience may be the right choice for you!

This innovative summer program abroad combines two weeks of teaching and a four-week internship in a local company.

Develop your true potential in an unforgettable city with iXperience

A University for the Arts: Looking for courses in English in a small group learning environment? Would you like to study art, humanities or social sciences? Studywith Bard Berlin! In the heart of Pankow, one of Berlin’s most inviting neighborhoods, this prestigious college of liberal arts offers its students a variety of one-month, one-year and summer programs, depending on their academic level.

Pankow, a charming and quiet district of Berlin, offers a quiet environment for students and is only 20 minutes by S-Bahn from the city center.

Bard Berlin students also have the opportunity to complete an optional internship in a variety of fields, including arts, human rights, publishing and education.

Discover philosophical, literary, social, artistic and scientific questions around the world with Bard Berlin!

What should I study in Berlin?

Well, the first huddle of deciding where to study has passed, in which you’ve decided to study in Berlin.

Now you have to decide WHAT to study.

As an international metropolis, a hub for innovation and scientific research, and rich in art and culture, Berlin offers students of all backgrounds and interests the variety of opportunity to study abroad.

The most popular disciplines in Berlin are art history, German, business, international relations, philosophy, engineering, European studies, and the sciences.Although some prior German language is recommended, many programs offer courses taught in English.

Interested in the arts? Berlin is one of the richest cities for contemporary art and houses many art galleries, museums and theaters.

Studios and theaters in Berlin are relatively cheap and the federal government also financially supports the creative industries – an obvious reason why art students should study in Berlin!

If you are interested in technology, entrepreneurship or international business, Berlin is the place for you. Berlin is one of the leading start-up centers in Europe and full of young creative thinkers and entrepreneurs. By offering a variety of co-working spaces and events, students can easily make contacts with like-minded people.

Are classical studies your area of ​​interest? You would also benefit from studying abroad in Berlin! The city is the heart of European intellectual history. Beethoven and Kant are just a few of the famous German pioneers who performed outstanding musical and philosophical achievements in the 19th century.

If you are interested in the Cold War or the Second World War, it is obvious to study history in Berlin. Berlin occupies a very important place in history, making it an unavoidable destination for study abroad. You can study the history of the war-torn city by visiting the many famous historical monuments such as the Holocaust Memorial, the East Side Gallery and the Berlin Wall.

It’s clear that you can study virtually anything in this diverse city. That means there is more to do, and that makes your stay abroad even more interesting and exciting.

25 Expert Advice to Choose the Right Course to Study

How much will it cost to study in Berlin? 

Budgeting can be the most awful part of planning your study trip abroad, but take a deep breath – it’s possible to find a program that’s both affordable and reputable! Luckily, Berlin is one of the cheapest cities to live on!

(Just pay attention to your tuition abroad and you will be good as gold).

Although biennial and annual programs are more expensive than summer programs, they generally include many other accommodations such as housing, cultural activities and health insurance.

One semester in a low-cost program such as IES Berlin – Language and Regional Studies costs approximately $ 18,145, while a high-end program such as the Women and Gender Studies program – Carleton Global Engagement – costs approximately $ 18,145. $ 000.

Although tuition for summer programs usually includes accommodation and the cost of excursions, the main difference is the weather. Less time = less money.

A low-cost program like CIEE Summer in Berlin costs about $ 4,000, while a more expensive program like iXperience Accelerate Berlin costs about $ 9,900.

Your habits will determine your budget in Berlin. It is strongly recommended to go abroad with reasonable savings.

Although this is an extremely affordable city, it is still not a good idea to spend all your money immediately by eating like a king every night.

It is important to indulge yourself abroad but not completely empty your pockets! Please also note our proven strategies for paying for your study abroad.

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What are the most popular universities in Berlin for international students? 

Berlin owns numerous technical colleges and 4 public research universities. The choice is therefore not so easy.

The four public research universities includes

The FreieUniversität Berlin which offers study programs in humanity and social sciences, natural sciences and medicine.

The Humboldt-Universitätzu Berlin also offers study programs in humanity and social sciences as well as cultural sciences, medicine and agriculture.

The TechnischeUniversität Berlin is focused mainly on engineering and natural sciences and also offers programs in planning, humanity social sciences and economics.

The fourth university is the University of the Arts in Berlin which covers   the programs art, design, music and performing arts as the name says.

Cheapest Universities in Berlin for International Students

1.Berlin University of the Arts or UDK

Berlin University of the Arts or UdK, is a public art and design school. It was established in 1696, it is the largest diversified art school in Europe and one of the four research universities in the city.

Their official website is at www.udk-berlin.de. It has four colleges which specialize in architecture, fine arts,  design, and media , music and the performing arts.

No tuition fees are required to study at the UdK Berlin, with an exception of some advanced education master programs. Besides, all students of Berlin universities have to currently  pay a sum of £320 per semester.

2. Humboldt University of Berlin (HU)

The HU Berlin is a public university in the central borough of Mitte in Berlin, Germany. It was established in the year 1809 and opened in 1810, making it the oldest amongst the Berlin’s four universities.

Their official website is www.hu-berlin.de . The university is splitted into nine faculties, including a medical school which they share with the Free University of Berlin and also offers degree programmes in some 189 disciplines from undergraduate to post doctorate level.

The British QS World University Rankings ranked the Humboldt University as the 126th overall in the world in 2016,Its core subject rankings were:  14th in Philosophy and .27th in Arts & Humanities.

The Humboldt University wasalsolisted by The British Times Higher Education World University Ranking in 2016 as the 3rd best in Germany and 49th best university in the world.

They don’t pay tuition fees. Other anticipated costs are outlined below, which include; semester fee of £300 for undergraduate students , application fee of £37 for applicants from EU countries and £250 for exchange students, public transportation fee of £66 for 4 weeks,

Accommodation fee of £162- £255 per month.

3. Charité – Berlin University of Medicine

Charité – Berlin University of Medicine is Europe’s largest University clinic, associated with both FreieUniversität Berlin and Humboldt University. It was established in 1710, Charité is one of Germany’s most research-intensive medical institution, with numerous Collaborative Research Centers (CRC) of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.

Charité has been ranked consecutively from 2012 to 2017, by Focus as the best of over 1000 hospitals in Germany.

More than half of all German Nobel Prize winners in Physiology or Medicine, including Robert Koch, Emil von Behring, and Paul Ehrlich are notable alumni of the Charité. The medical school is one of the most competitive and prestigious in Germany with admission rates lower than 5%.

The university’s official website is www.charite.de/en/.

4.University of Potsdam

The University of Potsdam is Brandenburg’s biggest university and the fourth biggest in Berlin. It is known to be one of the most reputable research and education institutions in Germany and Europe.

The University of Potsdam is a public university, that was established in 1991 and has an official website at www.uni-potsdam.de .

There is no requirement for tuition fees.

5. ESCP Europe

ESCP Europe is an European private business school established in 1819. (Full meaning: French: Écolesupérieure de commerce de Paris)

With campuses in Turin,Paris, London,Berlin,  Warsaw, and Madrid,   ESCP Europe is one of the 76 schools in the world to have obtained the triple accreditation of AMBA , AACSB, and EQUIS  . it has its official website at www.escpeurope.eu and was also accredited by the Paris Chamber of Commerce .

In 2017 the business institution as ranked the 6th in Master of Management, 2nd in Master of Finance. The tuition fee for September 2018 intake is outlined as follows; program fee (EU) of €13,600, application fee of £170, or (Non EU): €18,000 per academic year.

6. Hertie School of Governance

The Hertie School of Governance is a German private independent graduate school that grants doctoral degrees. It is located in Berlin’s Friedrichstraßewas and was established in 2003 .

The school’s official website is at www.hertie-school.org. The Hertie School offers Masters of International Affairs degree, Masters of Public Policy and an Executive Masters of Public Administration.

The Hertie School of Governance also offers a highly selective application process, and a PhD study program in September 2017 a total number of 586 students were enrolled in the school. Tuition for the two-year MIA and MPP program is currently €32,500 (€8,125 per semester).

7. Technical University of Berlin

The Technical University of Berlin (TU Berlin) is a public research university that was established in 1879. It is one of the most prestigious education institutions in Europe.

 The university is known for its highly ranked engineering programmes, especially in mechanical engineering and engineering management and has one of the highest proportions of international students in Germany.The school’s official website is at www.tu-berlin.de.

TU Berlin was ranked in the 2017 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, to be the 82nd globally and 7th in Germany. It was also ranked 4th in Germany in Computer science discipline and 3rd in Germany in the field of Engineering & Technology.

TU Berlin was also ranked 164th overall and 35th in the field of Engineering & Technology according to the British QS World University Rankings in 2016.

The institution is one of Germany’s highest ranked universities in Mathematics according to QS and also in statistics and operations research.

8. Steinbeis-Hochschule Berlin or SHB

Steinbeis-Hochschule Berlin (SHB or Steinbeis University) is a private business school,that was established in 1998.

The German university offers study programs in Bachelor of Engineering,Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA),Bachelor of Science,  Master of Business Administration (MBA) , Master of Science, Master of Arts,  and Master of Business Engineering (MBE).

Tuition Fee for individual applicants is €3,000 per semester (Which is the Total of €9,000 per year).

 The university’s official website is at steinbeis-hochschule.de.

9. International Psychoanalytic University Berlin (IPU)

International Psychoanalytic University Berlin (IPU) is a private non-profit university that was established in the year 2009 by the “GesellschaftzurFörderung der universitärenPsychoanalysembH” (Limited Liability Society to Promote University Psychoanalysis).

Their official website is at www.ipu-berlin.de. The IPU Berlin’s MA Psychology course was ranked first in the 2016 CHE University ranking amongst Germany’s psychology master programs.

The tuition fee at IPU is €1,800 per semester.

10. Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences Berlin(ASH)

The Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences Berlin (ASH) is a vocational institution for early childhood education, social work, and public health in Berlin, Germany.

 The tuition fee for 2018/2020 is €7,920 plus a fee of €500 for the 4th and last semester.

The tuition fee can either be paid at once or in 3 installments, €2,640 each.

11. Bard College Berlin

Bard College Berlin (formerly called ECLA or European College of Liberal Arts) is a private, non-profit university of higher education which was established in the year 1999.

Qualifying students are awarded a German and American B.A., as the instructional language is English. Their official website is  www.berlin.bard.edu.

Students may enroll for a BA degree at Bard College Berlin, also a one-semester or one-year program suitable to their individual aims of study. The college supports internship opportunities and practical training.

The academic programs that is been offered at the moment are Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Bachelor of Arts in Humanities, the Politics, and Social Thought; Arts, and Social Thought;  Project Year;Academy Year;  Arts and Society in Berlin; LAB Berlin; and Begin in Berlin.

Every summer; Berlin Summer Studio, Summer Theater Intensive, and Summer Language Intensive, are offered.

in 2016 ,a program for International Education and Social Change was introduced , it allows students from areas that are experiencing severe social,economic and political crisis to access the liberal arts education proposed by Bard College Berlin.

The total number of ECTS credits earned is 240. Study of the German language is offered and encouraged.

 12. European School of Management and Technology (ESMT Berlin)

The European School of Management and Technology (ESMT Berlin), is a private non-profit business university that was established in the year 2002.

The university offers a Postgraduate Diploma and a master’s degree in Management, a PhD program, a Full-time and an Executive MBA, as well as open enrollment and customized programs. ESMT Berlin is one of the four business schools in Germany with Triple accreditation. It has its official website at esmt.org.

In 2017 the university was ranked 18th by Financial Times European Business School Rankings, 15th by Bloomberg BusinessWeek Full-Time MBA International 2017, 11th by Financial Times Executive Education Customized 2017, 14th by The Economist Masters in Management Ranking 2017 and 8th by Financial Times Executive Education Open 2017 . MBA tuition fees at ESMT total is €43,500.

13. Berlin School of Economics and Law (BSEL)

The Berlin School of Economics and Law (BSEL) or German: HochschulefürWirtschaft und Recht (HWR) is a German business school that was established in 1971.

BSEL is specialized for business and administration in the public security,public and private sector,  law and engineering.

Their official website is at www.hwr-berlin.de. The Semester fees ,Tuition Fee and semester ticket fee amounts to approximately. €500 altogether. A limited number of scholarships will be awarded/given to students.

14. CODE University of Applied Sciences

The CODE University of Applied Sciences is a private, state-recognized University of Applied Sciences for digital product development, it was established in 2017. Their official website iswww.code.berlin .

The university offers three international English-language Bachelor’s degree courses which includes Interaction Design (B.A.), Product Management (B.A.) and Software Engineering (B.A.). Each of the courses are six semesters long and are accredited by the German state and match the European Bologna process.

All potential applicants have to go through a four-step admission process which consists of a video interview, a written online motivation letter, an exemplary project “challenge” and finally join an Assessment day.

Tuition fees can be paid through a socially responsible, subsequent income-adjusted tuition-fee model. This means that studies are free of charge for all student and after their course of study the students repay the university a certain percentage of their income for many years.

15. Free University of Berlin (FU Berlin)

The Free University of Berlin (FU Berlin or simply FU) is a research university that was established in 1948. Its official website is at www.fu-berlin.de .

Admissions at Free University of Berlin is highly competitive as the university only offers about 4,300 slots of admission each year and due to the high number of applicants, most undergraduate programs have limitations determined through the NC.

The Free University of Berlin is one of the eleven German elite universities in the German Universities Excellence Initiative.

Free University of Berlin is constantly ranked among Germany’s top ten universities globally, with particularly strengths in the arts & humanities.

Free University of Berlin ranked top in the fields of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Political science in the 2013 German “excellence ranking” of the CHE (Center for Higher Education Development).

Free University of Berlin was placed at the 81–90 slot In the QS WUR 2014,  being the 5th German university ranked in the list. . The Tuition Fee amounts to a total of € 3,600.

16. Ernst Busch Academy of Dramatic Arts

The Ernst Busch Academy of Dramatic Arts (HochschulefürSchauspielkunst „Ernst Busch“, HFS), was established in the year 1951 and was granted the university status in 1981.

It’s location is at the Niederschöneweide district of Berlin, Germany.The university won the Berlin Art Prize In 2004 and was awarded the 2010 “Film Culture Award in Mannheim-Heidelberg”. An application fee of €30 is required to enroll for study into the university.

17. SRH Hochschule Berlin

SRH Hochschule Berlin (formerly named OTA Hochschule) is a private university that was established in 2002.

SRH Hochschule Berlin offers a variety of Bachelor, business studies and Master and MBA programmes in management in German and English Language. The tuition fee is like €700 per month.

18. HTW Berlin

HTW berlin was established in the year 1994 and has over 70 programs in areas of engineering, computer science, business and graphic arts. Their official website is at www.htw-berlin.de . The total enrollment fee amounts to €306,890.

The HTW Berlin currently has two campuses located in the eastern part of Berlin: Campus Wilhelminenhof, Wilhelminenhofstraße 75A, 12459 Berlin-Oberschöneweide and Campus Treskowallee, Treskowallee 8, 10318 Berlin-Karlshorst.

19. Teikyo University, Berlin Campus (teikyōdaigaku)

Teikyo University (teikyōdaigaku) is a private university, that was established in 1931 and obtained its university status in 1966.

Teikyo University, Berlin Campus is part of Teikyo Group, a multinational educational foundation that operates cultural exchange facilities and language at pre-university levels in various countries. Their official website is at http://www.teikyo-u.ac.jp/

20. Deutsche Film- und Fernsehakademie Berlin (dffb)

The Deutsche Film- und Fefilmschoolmie Berlin (dffb) or German Film and Television Academy Berlin is a film school that was established in 1966.

Their official website is at www.dffb.de . The dffb was ranked 2nd,In the German film school ranking of FOCUS (Issue 22/2006)  together with the Academy of Media Arts Cologne and the international film school, Cologne. The tuition fee amounts to €4,500.

Universities in Germany that teach with English

Here is a list of some of the best universities in Germany that teach with English:

1. Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen

2. Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet Freiburg

3. Albert-Ludwigs-Universitaet Freiburg

4. The University of Bremen

5. Hasso-Plattner-Inst. Potsdam

6. ULM University

7. Passau University

8. TU Kaiserslautern

9. Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg (Heidelberg University)

10. Humboldt University of Berlin

11. Freie Universität Berlin (Free University of Berlin)

12. Georg-August-Universität Göttingen (University of Göttingen)

13. University of Hamburg

14. University of Stuttgart

15. Technische Universität München

16. TU CLAUSTHAL

17. TU BRAUNSCHWEIG

18. BTU COTTBUS – SENFFENBERG

19. MAGDEBURG UNIVERSITY

20. Technische Universität Dresden

21. Goethe University Frankfurt

22. Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster

23. University of Cologne

24. Universität Jena

25. Kit, Karlsruher Institut Für Technologie

26. RWTH Aachen University

27. Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin)

conclusion

Berlin is fun, cheap and packed full of students,just some of the reasons why Berlin has become such a popular student city.

Author

  • Ifeoma Chuks is a naturally-skilled writer. She has written and contributed to more than 6000 articles all over the internet that have formed solid experiences for particularly aspiring, young people around the globe.

    Content Manager

This post was last modified on February 14, 2024 10:53 am

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