International

Ser­vices & in­for­ma­tion

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

      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.

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

    • 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.

    • 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.

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

    • 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.

      A woman talking to two other people.

    • 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.

    • 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.

      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 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

    • 24.06.2025

      16:00 — 17:00 ​

      Welcome Centre

      Ger­man tax law ex­plained

      Kevin Helmboldt, our expert for tax returns, gives an overview of the German income tax system and explains for whom a tax return is useful or even mandatory and what you need to be aware of. Afterwards, he'll be available to answer individual questions.

      Go to event page

    • 04.07.2025

      14:00 — 16:00 ​

      online

      Welcome Centre

      Writ­ing work­shop for in­ter­na­tion­al PhD can­di­dates

      Writing 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.

      Go to event page

    • 21.07.2025

      13:00 — 17:15 ​

      International Service Centre, main building (Room 1068)

      Welcome Centre

      Work­shop: “How to get in­to the Ger­man job mar­ket!”

      This workshop is tailored specifically for the needs of international scholars in Germany – and will encourage participants to create an action plan which can be implemented.

      Go to event page