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Higher education in Berlin 2025

This content was developed and approved with active participation of Sam Jones.

In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources:

  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Universities_and_research_institutions_in_Berlin
  • https://themunicheye.com/munich-and-berlin%3A-among-the-top-10-best-student-cities-in-the-world-5383
Current page last update date: 2025-07-15
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Higher education in Berlin is a unique opportunity for young people from all over the world to receive quality education in the German capital. Berlin is a cultural and educational center where many well-known universities are located. They provide extensive undergraduate and postgraduate programs which allow students to pursue higher education in a wide variety of fields of knowledge. 

German universities are deservedly considered one of the best in the world due to their high academic reputation and quality education. Students have the opportunity to communicate with leading scientists and experts in various fields, participate in scientific conferences, seminars and take part in internships and projects together with international companies and organizations.

Berlin attracts creative and talented people from all over the world, and education here will serve as the key to success and personal development. Berlin student life is full of various activities and opportunities for social activity: students can visit museums, theaters and concerts, participate in clubs and organizations, travel and get acquainted with the culture of Germany.

Sam Jones
Sam Jones
Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

What firstly should be considered when choosing a university?

It depends on the student - everyone determines the most important criteria for himself. I would advise you to take several rankings and compare them with each other, plus take into account the cost of the course, the location of the university and its scale, the percentage of graduates' employment. See where graduates continue their studies or where they go to work.

Alternative destinations

Higher Education in Berlin. Guide for Foreign Students

Berlin's universities align with the Bologna Process, organizing higher education into three levels: Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D. programs. Foreign students seeking admission to higher education institutions in Berlin must have an Abitur degree from local Studienkollegs or a certificate proving the completion of university courses.

Bachelor's Degree in Berlin

The undergraduate program is the foundational phase of higher education in Berlin. Notably, it is free for all students, local and international. These programs usually consist of a two-year basic theory, followed by 1-2 years of specialized courses. An examination is held after the first phase to progress to the specialization stage with the requisite practical training. 

Master's Degree in Berlin

The Master's level in Berlin focuses on expanding theoretical knowledge from the Bachelor's phase and enhancing research skills. These programs, often in line with industry demands, last 1-2 years and are necessary for pursuing Ph.D. studies.

Ph.D. Studies: The Apex of Academic Pursuits

Ph.D. programs in Berlin's universities, the highest education level, involve independent research and a dissertation. These 2-4 year programs culminate in a defense or specialized oral exam.

Modular Course Structure in Berlin's Higher Education

Bachelor's and Master's courses in Berlin are modular and consist of lectures, seminars, and labs. Modules thus assessed by the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) evaluate these modules, with students earning credits each semester.

Higher Education in Berlin: Types of Institutions and Specializations

Berlin has a combination of different specializations offered by universities. Traditional universities in Berlin are known for their prestigious faculties and research opportunities. Technical universities are mostly focused on STEM, whereas the universities of applied sciences offer practical training in the areas like engineering or economics. Universities of Arts cater to arts and design, and there are other specialized institutions for fields like medicine and veterinary studies. 

Rankings in Berlin's Higher Education

Self-study is a key component in Berlin's higher education, with significant emphasis on independent learning. Regarding rankings, several Berlin institutions feature in the top 500 global universities list.

Application Process for Higher Education in Berlin

The centralized application system, Uni-Assist, manages applications to Berlin's universities. The initial application fee is €75, with each additional application costing €15. Required documents include language proficiency certificates, a high school diploma, completion certificates for university courses, and a motivation letter.

Higher Education in Berlin. Cost and Fees for foreign students

Public universities in Berlin charge nominal annual fees, typically between €280 and €500. These cover auxiliary study costs. Language test fees and additional tuition at private universities are extra expenses to consider.

By understanding the structure, types, and costs of higher education in Berlin, international students can effectively plan their academic journey in this culturally and educationally vibrant city.

Learning programs-summary information

Name Meaning Equivalent Min. age Duration,
years		 Next stage Cost
GCSE General certificate of secondary education secondary education (non-accomplished) 14 1–2 A-Levels 15,000 USD+
A-Levels Advanced level secondary education (accomplished) 16 2 University 15,000 USD+
BTEC Business and Technology Education Board secondary special education 14 2–3 University/ work 15,000 USD+
Oxbridge Preparation Preparing for Oxford and Cambridge secondary education (accomplished) 17 1 University 15,000 USD+
International Baccalaureate International baccalaureate secondary education (accomplished) 16 2 University 18,000 USD+
Foundation/ Pathway Year Preparatory year admission to the 1st year of university 17 1 University 14,000 USD+
NCUK The Northern consortium 2 year university 17,5 1 2 year University of NCUK 13,000 USD+
Special Preparation (Medics/Math/Business) Specialized training - 14 optional optional 4,000 USD+
Academic English Academic English Language school 8 + 6–12 months School or University 8,000 USD+

Top 14 best universities in Switzerland 2025

1 Glion Institute of Higher Education Switzerland
2 Les Roches International School Montana
3 César Ritz Colleges Switzerland
4 IHTTI School of Hotel Management
5 Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne
6 Geneva Business School
7 HIM Hotel Institute Montreux
8 Swiss Hotel Management School
9 Webster University Geneva
10 Business and Hotel Management School
11 Luzern IMI
12 Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) Caux
13 International University in Geneva
14 Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland

Top 10 best universities in Netherlands 2025

1 University of Amsterdam
2 Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences ONCAMPUS
3 Webster University Leiden
4 Holland International Study Center
5 Erasmus University Rotterdam
6 The Hague University of Applied Sciences
7 University of Twente
8 Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences
9 VU University Amsterdam
10 Delft University of Technology

Literature and references

References
  1. Universities and research institutions in Berlin — Wiki item link icon
  2. Munich and Berlin: Among the Top 10 Best Student Cities in the World item link icon
  3. Number of students at universities in Berlin in Germany in the winter semesters from 1998/1999 to 2022/2023 item link icon
  4. Universities and other institutions of higher education in Berlin, Germany item link icon
  5. Nachfrage nach Hochschulbildung stagniert — Forschung und Lehre item link icon
  6. Die besten Hochschulen Deutschlands aus Arbeitgebersicht: TU München liegt vor TU Berlin item link icon
  7. Bildungsbericht 2016: Jeder vierte Student mit Migrationshintergrund - dennoch geringere Beteiligung an Hochschulbildung item link icon
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Sam Jones
Sam Jones
Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

Sam is the Regional Director of Student Admissions at INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia). Sam has nearly 20 years' experience in international education. Also, he has experience in student recruitment for institutions in the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand and is a qualified EFL teacher with many years of experience teaching abroad. He understands the challenges faced by international students and is aware of all these difficulties and have vast experience in helping foreign students.
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