Services & information
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.
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Visa and residence
Services & information
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.
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Finances
Services & information
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.
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Accommodation
Services & information
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.
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Language
Services & information
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.
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Health insurance
Services & information
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.
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Supervision programme
Supervision programme HUGS
HU GO STUDY, abbreviated HUGS, is a University support programme for students and doctoral students from abroad. It offers workshops free of charge on various topics and events to meet new people and to network.
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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 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm
Wednesday 10.00 am – 1.00 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
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DAAD Prize for outstanding achievements of international students 2025
Call for applications
The DAAD Prize, endowed with 1,000 euros per university, has been awarded for more than ten years. It recognizes outstanding international students or doctoral candidates.
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Student survey 2025 live – please participate!
News
The university is surveying students on topics such as study workload and experiences abroad, digital tools and participation in courses. The anonymous data collection will be used to improve study conditions.
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Long guest list at Welcome Reception for international researchers
Welcome Centre
The beginning of the winter semester marked the return of the Welcome Reception for international researchers. It is organised annually by HU's International Scholar Services, which also offer advice on residence issues for the target group.
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04.07.2025
14:00 — 16:00
onlineWelcome Centre
Writing workshop for international PhD candidates
Go to event pageWriting your dissertation or finalizing a research article? Book a free-of-charge one-on-one meeting to get clear, constructive feedback on your research and writing process! Sessions last 30 minutes, take place online and are meant for PhD candidates at HU.
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07.07.2025
14:00 — 17:30
Unter den Linden 6, Room 2249aWelcome Centre
Diversity training
Go to event pageJoin this interactive diversity training to sharpen your understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion – both in theory and with practical everyday examples. Become an inclusive academic player and help foster respectful dialogue and diverse learning environments!
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10.07.2025
14:00 — 17:00
Unter den Linden 6, Room 2070AWelcome Centre
Germany's academic landscape explained
Go to event pageThe academic landscape in Germany comes with a set of culture-specific particularities, which can easily seem confusing to international scholars. This workshop equips PhD candidates with a good overview and acquaints them with relevant structures and stakeholders.
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