Free University Berlin

Excellence in Freedom Since 1948

#117 World RankingFounded 1948Berlin12 Faculties

Abitur Grade

1.0-2.6

Program dependent

International GPA

3.2-4.0/4.0

Country specific

World Ranking

#117

QS World Universities

Total Students

36,000+

Including 7,000+ international

About Free University Berlin

Freie Universität Berlin (FU Berlin) stands as one of Germany's most prestigious and internationally recognized comprehensive universities, established in 1948 with over 77 years of continuous academic excellence, scholarly innovation, and educational leadership that has fundamentally shaped higher education, social sciences research, and intellectual discourse throughout Germany, Europe, and the global community while maintaining its position as one of Germany's most distinguished and internationally acclaimed universities consistently ranking among the world's top institutions for humanities, social sciences, and interdisciplinary research. Located in Berlin, Germany's vibrant capital and one of Europe's most dynamic metropolitan centers known for its rich history, cultural diversity, political significance, artistic innovation, and cosmopolitan atmosphere, FU Berlin has evolved into one of Germany's most influential academic institutions, serving 36,000+ students from over 150 countries who benefit from exceptional academic programs, world-class research opportunities, distinguished faculty, and the extraordinary advantages of studying in one of Europe's most intellectually stimulating, culturally rich, and internationally connected cities that offers unparalleled opportunities for academic growth, cultural exploration, research collaboration, and personal development while experiencing the perfect blend of historical significance, modern innovation, and metropolitan sophistication that creates an ideal environment for higher education and scholarly pursuits.

Distinguished for its world-renowned humanities programs that have shaped philosophical thought, literary criticism, and cultural understanding throughout Europe and beyond, exceptional social sciences departments that lead global research in political science, sociology, and international relations, comprehensive academic offerings spanning 12 faculties with deep roots in German intellectual tradition and strong connections to international research networks, and strategic partnerships with leading universities, research institutions, and cultural organizations worldwide, FU Berlin maintains its position as a premier center for comprehensive education and interdisciplinary research while serving as a vital hub for humanities scholarship, social sciences research, and intellectual discourse throughout Europe and beyond. The university's unique location in Berlin provides students with exceptional access to political institutions, cultural centers, and international organizations while its commitment to academic freedom and critical inquiry ensures that students receive comprehensive education grounded in rigorous scholarship, analytical thinking, and ethical reflection. Berlin's holistic approach emphasizes excellence in teaching and research, international collaboration, and student-centered learning, creating graduates who are exceptionally well-prepared for leadership roles in academia, politics, media, culture, and international relations while contributing meaningfully to scholarly advancement, social understanding, and cultural development through innovative research, critical analysis, and commitment to advancing knowledge and human understanding in the tradition of German academic excellence, Berlin intellectual heritage, and European scholarly cooperation that has made FU Berlin a cornerstone of modern comprehensive university education.

FU Berlin Excellence Indicators

#117
QS World University Rankings
#3
German Humanities Rankings
5
Nobel Prize Laureates
77
Years of Excellence
€500M
Annual Research Budget

Academic & Research Excellence

  • Humanities: World-leading programs in philosophy, literature, and history
  • Social Sciences: Exceptional political science, sociology, and international relations
  • Medicine: Distinguished medical school with research excellence
  • Natural Sciences: Strong programs in biology, chemistry, and physics
  • Law & Economics: Comprehensive programs with European focus
  • Cultural Studies: Leading programs in art history and cultural analysis

Berlin & Metropolitan Advantages

  • Capital City: Access to government, embassies, and international organizations
  • Cultural Center: World-class museums, theaters, and artistic venues
  • Historical Significance: Living history and political transformation
  • International Hub: Gateway to Eastern Europe and global connections
  • Dynamic Economy: Growing tech sector and creative industries
  • Affordable Living: Reasonable costs compared to other European capitals

FU Berlin's Distinguished Academic Network

Berlin's alumni network represents one of the world's most accomplished groups in humanities, social sciences, politics, media, and international relations, including 5 Nobel Prize laureates, numerous political leaders, cultural figures, and academic pioneers who continue to shape global understanding, political discourse, cultural development, and scholarly advancement through their groundbreaking research, political contributions, cultural innovations, and commitment to advancing human knowledge and social progress through excellence, critical thinking, and ethical leadership in the tradition of German academic freedom and Berlin intellectual heritage.

Political & Diplomatic Leaders

  • German chancellors and federal ministers
  • European Union commissioners and officials
  • International diplomats and ambassadors
  • Political scientists and policy experts

Academic & Research Leaders

  • University rectors and humanities deans
  • Max Planck Institute directors
  • International research collaboration leaders
  • Nobel Prize winners and distinguished scholars

Media & Cultural Leaders

  • Media executives and journalists
  • Museum directors and cultural institution heads
  • Authors, critics, and intellectual figures
  • Film directors and artistic innovators

International Organization Leaders

  • United Nations officials and experts
  • International NGO directors and advocates
  • Development cooperation and human rights leaders
  • Global think tank directors and policy analysts

Abitur & German Requirements 2025

Detailed Abitur Requirements by Faculty

Study ProgramAbitur Grade (NC)Waiting SemestersAdditional Requirements
Medicine (Humanmedizin)1.015+ semestersTMS, Interview
Psychology1.0-1.112+ semestersMathematics, Statistics
Political Science1.1-1.46-10 semestersSocial Sciences, History LKs
International Relations1.2-1.64-8 semestersLanguages, Social Sciences
Sociology1.3-1.72-6 semestersSocial Sciences LK
Philosophy1.4-1.91-4 semestersPhilosophy, German LKs
History1.6-2.10-2 semestersHistory, German LKs
Literature & Languages1.7-2.20-1 semestersLanguage proficiency
Art History & Cultural Studies1.9-2.40-1 semestersArt, History LKs
Educational SciencesFree AdmissionNo waitingEducation experience preferred

FU Berlin Excellence Standard: Free University Berlin maintains high admission standards reflecting its tradition of academic excellence and research leadership in humanities and social sciences. Numerus Clausus (NC) grades from 1.0 (excellent) to 4.0 (sufficient). Medicine, psychology, and political science programs are particularly competitive due to exceptional reputation and Berlin location advantages. LK = Leistungskurs (Advanced Course). Always verify current requirements on FU Berlin's official website.

Berlin Academic Excellence & Metropolitan Advantages

Academic & Research Excellence

  • Humanities Leadership: World-class programs in philosophy, literature, history
  • Social Sciences Excellence: Leading research in politics, sociology, international relations
  • Research Integration: Strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration
  • International Focus: Global partnerships and exchange programs
  • Critical Thinking: Emphasis on analytical skills and intellectual freedom
  • Cultural Studies: Rich programs in art history and cultural analysis

Berlin & Metropolitan Advantages

  • Capital City Access: Government institutions and international organizations
  • Cultural Capital: World-class museums, theaters, and artistic venues
  • Historical Legacy: Living history and transformation center
  • International Hub: Gateway to Eastern Europe and global connections
  • Innovation Ecosystem: Growing tech and creative industries
  • Affordable Excellence: High quality education with reasonable living costs

Your Gateway to Berlin Academic Excellence

Free University Berlin represents the perfect combination of academic excellence, intellectual freedom, and metropolitan sophistication that defines one of Germany's most prestigious and internationally acclaimed universities, where students gain access to unparalleled educational opportunities, world-class humanities programs, distinguished social sciences departments, and over 77 years of continuous excellence while experiencing the extraordinary advantages of studying in Berlin, Europe's most dynamic capital city known for its rich history, cultural diversity, political significance, and cosmopolitan atmosphere. With exceptional programs across 12 faculties including humanities, social sciences, medicine, and natural sciences, FU Berlin empowers students from around the world to pursue their academic passions while contributing meaningfully to scholarly advancement, social understanding, and cultural development through rigorous education, critical research, and commitment to excellence in the tradition of German academic freedom and Berlin intellectual heritage.

Ready to Join Berlin's Academic Elite?

Take the first step toward an extraordinary academic journey at one of Germany's most prestigious universities, where academic freedom meets metropolitan sophistication in Europe's most dynamic capital city.

Academic Freedom
Excellence in freedom since 1948
Capital Advantages
Berlin's political and cultural center
Global Recognition
#117 world ranking excellence

Berlin Success Formula: The university seeks students who combine exceptional academic achievement with intellectual curiosity, critical thinking abilities, and commitment to academic freedom. Your journey to Berlin begins with outstanding academic performance, strong foundation in humanities or social sciences, demonstrated analytical and writing skills, and clear understanding of how FU Berlin's unique combination of academic excellence, intellectual freedom, metropolitan location, and international perspective will enhance your education and prepare you for significant contributions to scholarly advancement through rigorous research, critical analysis, interdisciplinary collaboration, and lifelong commitment to advancing knowledge and social understanding in the tradition of German academic freedom, Berlin intellectual heritage, and European scholarly cooperation that has made FU Berlin a cornerstone of modern humanities and social sciences education.