University Partnerships
Partner Universities outside the European Union
Interested in studying abroad at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin? Find out more about the exchange program, our academic offer, admission requirements and helpful resources for international students.
► Check your eligibility for the study abroad program
- Your current home university must be a partner university of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Please contact the international office of your home university to find out if it has a current partnership agreement with HU Berlin.
- For students from partner universities in EU countries: most study abroad stays take place within the ERASMUS+ Program. Please contact the ERASMUS coordinator at your home university.
- You must be selected and nominated by your home university to participate in the student exchange program at HU Berlin.
- You must meet the language requirements for our exchange program (German or English).
► Explore our study program & academic offer
Term Dates
Winter Term: October 1 – March 31
Summer Term: April 1 – September 30
More detailed information on lecture periods and semester breaks
Available exchange period: One term or one year
Degree level: Undergraduate and Graduate Studies
Study Options:
- Undergraduate students are free to take courses at a maximum of two departments
- Graduate students can choose courses from one department
- Additional options: language courses and the Berlin Perspectives program
Available disciplines for exchange students:
All disciplines EXCEPT
- Medicine
- M.A. Global Studies
- M.A. Global History
Further Restrictions may apply to:
- Law
- M.A. Mind and Brain
Online Course Catalogue & Course Search Engine
► Check the admission requirements & apply
Minimum GPA (or equivalent): No minimum GPA required.
German Language requirements: The required level of German language skills is B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and can be proven by submitting a Goethe-Zertifikat B2/C1, DSH or TestDaF. Alternatively students can do an online language placement test (C-Test); required score: 60 points. If students fail to achieve the required score, they have the option to enroll in an Intensive Language Course (600 €) prior to the start of the semester. To apply for that Course the result of the C-Test requires a minimum score of 45 points. Please visit the HU Language Centre's website for more information.
Englisch Language requirements: Applicants (non-native speakers) who plan to participate in English speaking courses only, are required to prove their language skills by: TOEFL: minimum 80, IELTS: minimum 6.0. Please note that not all departments at HU Berlin offer courses in English, especially on the Undergraduate level.
Special language requirements:
Faculty of Language, Literature and Humanities / Department of English and American Studies
Undergraduate students need to prove English language proficiency at B2 level or higher. Graduate students need to prove English language proficiency at C1 level or higher.
Special language and math requirements:
School of Business and Economics
The language of instruction of all the department's Master programs is English. The courses at the School of Business and Economics have a strong emphasis on imparting rigorous and quantitative methods of economic analysis and management science. A strong background in Mathematics is essential.
Student Application
Please contact the international office of your home university and inquire about the possibility to be nominated for a study abroad stay at HU Berlin. Once you have been nominated for the exchange program at HU Berlin, we will send you detailed information about the application process.
Online application window for the winter term:
April 15 - May 31
Online application window for the summer term:
October 15 - November 30
► Prepare for your study abroad stay at HU Berlin
Accomodation: On-campus accommodation is NOT available. Accommodation in student housing: Student dormitories (Wohnheime) vary in standard and price, and are not located in the city center. Travel time to the main campus is about 50 minutes. Available student dorms are limited and assigned by lottery principle. Please refer to our accommodation guide for more information on housing in Berlin.
Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance is mandatory for enrollment. Students* are eligible to obtain health insurance coverage from a German statutory health insurance provider at a special student rate (approx. 130 €/month). Students can also apply for exemption/recognition of their foreign health insurance, if it meets the minimum criteria of a German statutory health insurance plan. Our information page for health questions provides more detailed insight to the German health care system.
*(enrolled up to the 14th semester or up to the age of 30)
Semester Fee: Payment of the semester fee is mandatory for enrollment. The semester fee consists of the public transportation ticket for the duration of the semester (6 months), as well as a contribution to the student welfare organization, the student union, and a solidarity contribution. The matriculation fee is waived for exchange students. The semester fee is not a tuition fee.
Available scholarships for exchange students: None available directly through Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, possible scholarship opportunities through the German Academic Exchange Service.
Resources and facilities for
International Students at HU Berlin
► Read our Guide for International Students for helpful information on living and studying in Berlin.
► Connect with our International Service Center for guidance and information on services offered at HU for international students.
► Check out our HU GO STUDY (HUGS) Program - HUGS offeres orientation events such as Kick Off Sessions as well as Intercultural Trainings, Qualification Workshops, Wellbeing Workshops and Cultural/Networking Events.