FU Berlin: Tuition, English Programs & How to Apply (2027/28 Guide)

Freie Universität Berlin does not charge tuition fees, except for continuing-education programs. For the winter semester 2026/27 you pay semester fees of €376.80, which include a semester ticket contribution of €226.80 for eligible students.

FU Berlin is a large public research university in Germany's capital, with English master's programs in data science, physics, neuroscience, economics and Middle Eastern and Asian studies. Here is what non-EU students pay, what they need and when to apply.

Why FU Berlin is good value

• No tuition for regular bachelor's and master's programs.
• Semester fees under €400, including a public transport ticket.
• An English-taught bachelor's: North American Studies (B.A.), which is rare in Germany.
• Summer intake for several master's, including Physics, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Mathematics and Iranian Studies.
• Joint programs with other Berlin universities, such as the Polymer Science master's.

FU Berlin tuition fees and semester fees

The winter 2026/27 fee is made up of €85 for the Studierendenwerk, €50 administration, €10 student government, €226.80 semester ticket and €5 social fund. A late re-registration fee of €19.94 applies if you miss the payment deadline.

Other costs: the uni-assist handling fee (€75 for the first program, €30 for each additional one) and proof of funds of €11,904 per year for the visa (€992 per month, in force since 1 January 2025). The DAAD puts living costs at €900 to €1,200 per month depending on the city. See cost of studying in Germany.

English-taught programs at FU Berlin

Bachelor's

North American Studies (B.A., mono bachelor) requires English at C1 level.

Master's (examples)

• Data and computing: Data Science, Bioinformatics, Computational Sciences
• Natural sciences: Physics, Planetary Sciences and Space Exploration, Polymer Science (joint with HU Berlin, TU Berlin and University of Potsdam), Biochemistry and Chemistry (can be completed in English)
• Brain and society: Cognitive Neuroscience, Sociology – European Societies, Economic Systems, Geographies of Global Inequalities
• History and area studies: Global History, Global East Asia, Iranian Studies, Interdisciplinary Studies of the Middle East, History and Societies of the Islamic World

See the national picture in English-taught programs in Germany.

Admission requirements

• Master's: a relevant bachelor's; each program has its own admission regulations, and restricted (NC) programs select by grade and other criteria.
• English: most humanities and social science master's require C1; some science programs B2; Biochemistry, Chemistry and Mathematics list IELTS 5.0 or TOEFL iBT 80.
• uni-assist VPD: applicants with non-German degrees need a preliminary review documentation from uni-assist before or alongside the FU application.
• Program documents: often a CV and motivation letter.
• Bachelor's: a recognised school-leaving certificate; otherwise FU's Studienkolleg with an assessment exam.

Read Germany university admission requirements for how certificates are rated.

FU Berlin deadlines

Scholarships

FU's fees and funding page lists scholarship options for international students. Most funding comes from the DAAD and foundations, and competition is strong. See scholarships in Germany for international students.

Working while you study and after graduation

Non-EU students may work 140 full days or 280 half days per year. After graduation you can apply for a job-seeker residence permit for up to 18 months. Read work and stay in Germany after graduation.

Mistakes to avoid when applying to FU Berlin

• Applying without a VPD. If your degree is not German, the FU application is incomplete without the uni-assist VPD, and uni-assist needs time to process it.
• Using last year's dates. The 2026/27 windows are a guide only; wait for the official March announcement for 2027/28.
• Underestimating the English level. Most humanities and social science master's ask for C1, not B2.
• Choosing a continuing-education program by mistake. These charge tuition, unlike the consecutive master's.
• Paying the semester fee late. A late fee of €19.94 is added if you miss the re-registration deadline.

Who FU Berlin suits best

FU Berlin is a strong fit if you want a tuition-free master's in data science, natural sciences, neuroscience or Middle Eastern, Iranian and East Asian studies, or an English bachelor's in North American Studies. It suits applicants who can plan ahead for the two-step uni-assist and FU process and who meet a C1 English level.

How to apply to FU Berlin step by step

1. 1

   Choose a program

   Check its language level, whether it is restricted (NC) and whether it has a summer intake.

2. 2

   Request a uni-assist VPD

   Submit your foreign degree to uni-assist early and pay €75 for the first program.

3. 3

   Watch for the March announcement

   FU publishes the winter 2027/28 windows each March.

4. 4

   Apply in the FU portal

   Upload the VPD, English certificate, CV and motivation letter if required.

5. 5

   Prove funds and apply for the visa

   Arrange €11,904 per year and book your appointment; see our documents and legalization guide.

6. 6

   Enrol and pay €376.80

   Pay semester fees on time to avoid the €19.94 late fee.

Get an alert when FU publishes new dates: track deadlines for free on FindUniPath, or browse more universities in Germany.