Whether you’re an art and history geek or a nature enthusiast or even a party freak, Berlin could very quickly become your second home. The culture out here has so many dimensions to it, adjusting is hardly ever a task. You might know of Berlin only as Germany’s capital and  it’s largest city but it is also one of its best when it comes to education. Infact, it's officially the 5th best student city in the world! There are many reasons why so many international students flock to Berlin every year and over 15% of Berlin’s student population comes from abroad. In this blog, we provide you an overview of why you should study in Berlin and what are your best study options.

 

Table of Contents: Why Study in Berlin? What Are the Different Types of Universities in Berlin? 6 Top Universities in Berlin Life in Berlin as an International Student

Why Study in Berlin?

 

Let us first begin by understanding the main benefits of studying in Berlin:

 

• Affordability: The best reason to study here is that most universities offer English degree programs with no tuition fee at all for international students! It ranks 16th globally in terms of affordability in general, accounting for cost of living in Berlin for students along with cost of studying in Berlin.

• Work while you study: International students are allowed to hold part time jobs while they study. There are official authorities like the DAAD or university run career services that help students find jobs like waiting tables, assisting professors, supervising at libraries and more.

• Choice of language for courses: Germany caters to its international students courteously. Students can either study courses in German or do courses in English along with the option to study German on the side.

 

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Having discussed the benefits of choosing to study in Berlin, let us take a look at the type of institutions, the city has to offer -

 

What Are the Different Types of Universities in Berlin, Germany?

 

The two broad categories for universities are-

 

Public Universities in Berlin

 

Some of the best universities in Berlin are public universities. Being state run, they are quite affordable especially for international students. Whether you know German or not  you can access most courses in English and at no tuition cost at all. The students might have to pay a semester fee of around 300 EUR. There are 5 major public universities in Berlin.

 

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Private Universities in Berlin

 

Though the choice and options of the type of courses at private universities in Berlin Germany  are the same as public universities, the tuition costs at private colleges in Berlin hike up by a lot. This does not dilute the quality of education by any margin though. Additionally, students can choose from over 20 private universities.

 

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In Berlin, there are also other kinds of universities like technical universities and universities of Applied sciences that focus on the practical training aspect more. Let us now take a look at the top universities in Berlin-

 

6 Top Universities in Berlin, Germany

 

Universities in Berlin Germany are some of the best in the country. Here is the list of universities in Berlin that are considered the best:

 

1. Freie Universität Berlin

 

Freie is among the world’s best universities at the #127th rank. Being in Berlin, it is part of one of the largest research sites in Europe. More so, it has partnerships with approximately 180 scholarly institutions worldwide and over 22% of the students here come from abroad.

 

Type of University	Public University
Country rank	2
German Proficiency	Required with proof of german language entrance examination for higher studies
Tuition Fee	No tuition fee
Popular Programs	Humanities and Political science
Study benefit	Large number of unique subjects such as Ancient Eastern studies and Jewish studies. Hosts one of the 5 veterinary schools in Berlin.

 

Now let us talk about Humboldt University of Berlin -

 

2.  Humboldt University of Berlin

 

Also called Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, this is one of the best universities in Berlin. It holds research in high regard and therefore has 15 research centres 5  out of which are interdisciplinary. The Language Centre is a big attraction as it offers a broad range of courses like Arabic,  sign languages.

 

Type of University	Public University
Country rank	8
German Proficiency	Mandatory to take the German language test for admission
Tuition Fee	No tuition fee
Popular Programs	Business, Economics, Sports and Agriculture
Study benefit	Students can undertake parliamentary and other research internships.

 

Next is Berlin Institute of Technology -

 

3. Technical University of Berlin

 

Berlin Institute of Technology or Technische Universität Berlin has retained its place in the top 15 percent of universities worldwide, holding the #159th position as of 2021. It is among the best technical universities in Berlin for international students.

 

Type of University	Public University
Country rank	11
German Proficiency	Required for courses taught in German
Tuition Fee	No tuition fee
Popular Programs	Engineering, Math and Science
Study benefit	Students will feel absolutely spoiled with the endless number of facilities for each subject.

 

Now let us talk about Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin -

 

4. Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin

 

Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin is another university that holds top ranks in Berlin universities ranking. Specifically caters to health and medicine courses. Excellence in the sphere of international research and science based courses exemplify the Charité.

 

Type of University	Public University
Country rank	39
German Proficiency	Required for most courses since they are in German
Tuition Fee	3000 - 5000 EUR per semester
Popular Programs	Health science and Mathematics
Study benefit	Entrepreneurial attempts and innovation are encouraged from the get go.

 

Next we have  the Beuth Hochschule für Technik Berlin -

 

5. Beuth Hochschule für Technik Berlin

 

If you are looking for universities in Berlin for masters, Beuth is a good choice. The university is known for its research-led programs and  has a legacy for or promoting innovations in the fields of sciences and engineering. The institute offers a free of cost intensive German course for international students after which they are required to take the language test for admission.

 

Type of University	Public University
Country rank	75
German Proficiency	Required for most courses
Tuition Fee	No Tuition Fee
Popular Programs	Sciences, Engineering and Business
Study benefit	Interdisciplinary collaborative research units

 

Last university on our list is Berlin University of the Arts -

 

6. Berlin University of the Arts

 

Called the Universität der Künste, the University is one of the  best art universities in Berlin for international students. It also happens to be the biggest and most diversified arts universities in Europe. It offers more than 70 study programs across different forms of arts that are highly regarded across the globe.

 

Type of University	Public University
Country rank	71
German Proficiency	Required for most courses
Tuition Fee	No Tuition fees
Popular Programs	Fine Arts, Architecture, media and Design, Music, Performing Arts
Study benefit	It is recognised worldwide for its high standard of artistic and art-theoretical education.

 

Life in Berlin as an International Student

 

With all undergraduate courses in Berlin being free of tuition cost, the cost of studying in Berlin for international students is quite affordable.

 

When it comes to the cost of living in Berlin for international students can amount to around 1000-1200 EUR a month. Food can cost 300 EUR on average, housing around 400 EUR and transport approximately 300 EUR.

 

For housing, you can stay on campus or in student residences. They are affordable, easy to apply for and located really close to campus.

 

Cost of living in Berlin for students is also on the lower side as Berlin offers great healthcare facilities and affordable travel options. The semester transport ticket provided by colleges in Berlin for international students make s travelling and it includes all forms of transport cheaper.

 

The overall student life in Berlin gives you access to both a party culture and spaces to escape by yourself, at arm’s length. There is a vibrant art, history, music and fashion culture widespread here that could easily be a match to the New Yorker lifestyle.  

 

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As someone interested to study in Germany, Berlin should be among your top choices. However, before you consider picking  a university, make sure you acquaint yourself with all the Germany admission requirements.