Englisch 
Deutsch What kind of provider is Humboldt University of Berlin — and who are its programs for?
Humboldt University of Berlin is a public research university, state-recognized (staatlich anerkannt) since its founding in 1810. It is one of Germany’s oldest and most respected universities, known for its historic contributions to science, philosophy, and the humanities. The university welcomes students from around the world, with a particular focus on research-driven academic training. While it serves a diverse student body, international students—both undergraduate and graduate—make up a significant portion and benefit from a wide array of support services aimed at easing integration and academic success in Berlin.
What can you study at Humboldt University of Berlin?
As of now, there are no fully online or distance degree programs in English listed for international students. The university primarily offers on-campus Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees across a wide range of subjects. However, English-taught programs and courses are available in select fields, especially at the postgraduate level. Short-term and exchange programs, such as the Humboldt International Campus (HIC), offer English-language courses, internships, and study-abroad opportunities. The main academic subject areas include:
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Life Sciences and Medicine
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Law and Economics
The university’s executive master’s in Library and Information Science combines occasional in-person sessions in Berlin with some digital learning, but the primary language of instruction remains German.
Accreditations and institutional recognition
- State-recognized (staatlich anerkannt): Humboldt University operates as a public institution under German law and its degrees are officially recognized in Germany and across Europe.
- Quality assurance: Programs are subject to regular review by the Stiftung Akkreditierungsrat (German Accreditation Council), ensuring compliance with European transparency and quality standards.
- FIBAA/EQAR relevance: While the university and most German public universities do not usually seek additional program-level accreditations like FIBAA (Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation) or explicit EQAR (European Quality Assurance Register) listing, its state recognition fulfills key standards for international academic and professional mobility.
How does studying at Humboldt University of Berlin actually work?
The university combines classic in-person teaching with strong research-led learning. Degree-seeking students are typically based in Berlin, attending lectures, seminars, labs, and exams on site. For international students, some courses and seminars are taught and assessed in English, mainly at the graduate level. Humboldt fosters independent learning and interdisciplinary collaboration, supported by initiatives like the bologna.lab and centralized spaces for innovative teaching formats. While online elements exist—such as digital resources and online components in specific courses—fully online degree paths are not part of the standard offer.
Access for international students
- Visa requirements: Non-EU/EEA nationals typically need a student visa to attend on-campus programs.
- Application portal: International applicants apply directly or via uni-assist for degree programs; specific requirements depend on previous qualifications.
- English proficiency: English-taught coursework may require standardized test results (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS) for admission; exact thresholds depend on faculty and course.
- Support services: Dedicated offices assist with admission, residence, and language integration for all international students.
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