International

Wel­come Cen­tre

Photo: Lucas Adrian

There are lots of questions to be answered before a stay abroad. Whether it's funding, visas, housing, language, health insurance or how you get to know people – there's a lot to consider. We have put together important information for you here.

    • Visa and res­i­dence

      Welcome Centre

      Are you going to travel to Berlin and are wondering whether you need a visa and how to apply for one? Are you in Berlin and wondering what a residence permit is and what the conditions are? Then this page is the right place for you.

      A sign of the Federal Republic of Germany in front of a few trees.

    • Fi­nances

      Welcome Centre

      Would you like to come to Humboldt-Universität to study, do a doctorate or research and are wondering how to fund this? On this page, you will find tips and useful resources for financial support.

    • Ac­com­mo­da­tion

      Philosophische Fakultät

      How do you find a place to live in Berlin? What search options are there, what costs should you expect, and what should you bear in mind? Here you will find information and tips on how to find what you are looking for.

      Many buildings in Berlin, photographed from above, with streets visible between them.

    • Lan­guage

      Welcome Centre

      Language is one of the most important elements of well-being and success when entering a new culture. If you come to Berlin, we recommend that you improve your German skills before you leave. Humboldt-Universität can help you with this.

      A woman talking to two other people.

    • Health in­sur­ance

      Welcome Centre

      In Germany, it is generally mandatory to have health insurance. To enrol, sign an employment contract or apply for a residence permit, you must provide proof of valid health insurance. Find out how this works here.

    • Su­per­vi­sion pro­gramme

      Welcome Centre

      HU’s Welcome Centre supports students and doctoral students from abroad. It offers workshops free of charge on various topics and events to meet new people and to network.

      A large number of people standing in front of a large grassy area surrounded by a walkway.

Personal consultation for students

The Welcome Centre and the Student Service Centre provide weekly consultations on general questions regarding studying at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin:

Tuesday 01.00 pm – 03.00 pm

Thursday 12.00 am – 02.00 pm

At the International Service Centre (room 1068) in the main building (Unter den Linden 6). This is an open consultation hour, no appointment is necessary.

Phone: +49 30 2093 46747 (only during consultation hours)

Email: welcome-centre@hu-berlin.de

    • 22.10.2025

      12:00 — 13:30 ​

      Room 1066e, main building, Unter den Linden 6

      Lunchtalk: Men­tal health – tips for han­dling stress in uni life

      Studying abroad can be stressful – balancing exams, deadlines, and adjusting to a new environment can feel overwhelming. This session will provide useful tools and resources to help you navigate life at university while abroad.

      Go to event page

    • 23.10.2025

      09:00 — 15:00 ​

      International Service Centre, Hauptgebäude

      Welcome Centre

      Lo­cal Reg­is­tra­tion Of­fice at HU’s main build­ing

      When you move into a new apartment, you need to register at the Local Registration Office "Bürgeramt". Appointments for this are hard to get. In October and November, the Local Registration Office will be at Humboldt- Universität on four dates. Book an appointment!

      Go to event page

    • 06.11.2025

      12:30 — 14:00 ​

      International Service Centre

      Welcome Centre

      Lunch & Learn @ HU: How to thrive as an in­ter­na­tion­al stu­dent

      Are you an international student at Humboldt-Universität? Here you’ll find tools and resources to help you navigate your new environment, make connections, and just thrive. Shared lunch and Berlin tips included!

      Go to event page