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Study Guide in Berlin, Germany

Study Abroad Consultant

August 7, 2025

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About the City – Why You’ll Fall in Love When You Study in Berlin

To study in Berlin is to plant yourself in one of the most vibrant, gritty, and inspiring cities in Europe. It’s not just Germany’s capital. Berlin is a cultural melting pot, a tech hub, and a city that never really sleeps, probably because there’s always something happening.

It’s a place where history is alive (literally, it’s on every street corner), yet creativity and modernity pulse through the city’s veins. Street art wraps buildings like murals with a cause, while rooftop cafés and open-air music venues keep city energy humming from dawn to… well, never-ending.

And for students? It’s paradise. With over 180,000 students, including tens of thousands of internationals, Berlin is built for the globally-minded. Public universities charge no tuition for most programs, even for non-EU students, and the cost of living, while rising, is still better than many other Western European capitals. Oh, and classes in English? Plenty.

Education meets experimentation in Berlin. You’ll learn. You’ll live. You might even find yourself.

Why Berlin is a No-Brainer for International Students

1. Free Education, Yes, Really

Public universities in Berlin charge no tuition fees for most courses, even for international students. You’ll only pay a semester fee (around €300) that often covers public transport for six months. That alone makes Berlin one of the most affordable capital cities in Europe to get a highly respected degree.

2. English-Taught Programs Galore

Whether you’re eyeing a bachelor’s in international business or a master’s in artificial intelligence, you’ll find more than 180 English-taught programs across Berlin institutions. Especially at the graduate level, English is common, and spoken everywhere around the city too.

3. Career Opportunities After Graduation

Berlin is a tech, art, startup, and research hub. Companies like Zalando, Delivery Hero, and N26 are headquartered here. Add countless research institutions, global NGOs, and its growing biotech and AI scene, and you’ve got real post-study career paths.

4. Culture. Everywhere. All the Time.

Hardcore nightlife, indie bookstores, world-class museums, public philosophy talks. You name it. This city feeds the brain, heart, and soul. And it doesn’t stop for weather.

5. A Truly International Scene

With 20% of Berlin’s population being non-German nationals, you’ll fit right in. It’s inclusive. It’s open-minded. And the city thrives on difference.

If you’re looking for an academic experience that expands far beyond the lecture hall, studying in Berlin delivers the education, and the evolution.

Top 10 Universities or Colleges in Berlin

1. Freie Universität Berlin (Free University of Berlin)
   Highly ranked worldwide. Strong in humanities, political science, business, and biosciences. Large international student population and many programs in English.
2. Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU Berlin)
   One of Germany’s oldest and most respected universities. Known for law, philosophy, natural sciences, and math. Offers several master’s programs taught in English.
3. Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin)
   Engineering powerhouse. Top programs in IT, architecture, and innovation. A go-to for students in STEM fields.
4. Berlin University of the Arts (UdK)
   Europe’s largest art school. BFA, MFA, and music degree programs. Entry is competitive but top-tier facilities and global collaboration are huge draws.
5. Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
   One of the world’s largest university hospitals. Partnered with HU and FU. Offers medical degrees and research-focused master’s courses.
6. Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR Berlin)
   Best known for business, law, and management programs. Hosts robust English-taught MBA and MIM programs.
7. HTW Berlin – University of Applied Sciences
   Larger than it sounds. Focused on practical programs: engineering, design, media, economics. Industry partnerships are strong.
8. ESCP Business School – Berlin Campus
   Triple-accredited school with a flexible international curriculum. Great for global business + fast-track careers.
9. Berlin International University of Applied Sciences
   Private, English-only curriculum. Diverse student base, strong design and business programs.
10. CODE University of Applied Sciences
    Tech-focused English institution. Real-world programming, UX design, and digital product development taught via project-based learning.

Top 10 Student Accommodation Properties in Berlin

• The Fizz Berlin Mitte
• BaseCamp Berlin
• Studentendorf Adlershof
• StudiNest Berlin Prenzlauer Berg
• JOYN Berlin Mitte
• YOUNIQ Berlin
• Nido Living Berlin
• Goettinger27 Student Apartments
• Uniplaces Berlin Flats (Private Market)
• Bauhaus Campus Berlin

These properties range from all-inclusive student dorms with community kitchens and co-working spaces to private studios and shared flats. Apply early. Berlin housing can be competitive.

Top 10 Student Areas in Berlin

1. Mitte

• Universities nearby: Humboldt, HWR, UdK
• Vibe: Central, cultural, expensive
  Walking distance from museums, libraries, clubs, and city life. Pricy but prime.

2. Kreuzberg

• Universities nearby: UdK, HU, ESCP
• Vibe: Artsy, edgy
  Vegan cafés, canal views, and street art galore. Affordable(ish) and vibrant.

3. Neukölln

• Universities nearby: TU, HTW
• Vibe: Boho, underground
  Multicultural and full of character. Rent is lower, creativity is high.

4. Charlottenburg

• Universities nearby: TU Berlin, UdK
• Vibe: Quiet, upscale
  Close to technical campuses. Ideal for focus and leafy strolls.

5. Friedrichshain

• Universities nearby: HTW, HWR
• Vibe: Party + chill
  Home to nightclubs and chilled-out parks. Rents are rising, but it still draws students.

6. Prenzlauer Berg

• Universities nearby: HU Berlin
• Vibe: Trendy, family-friendly
  Great food, quiet streets, and Sunday flea markets. More postgrad than undergrad.

7. Wedding

• Universities nearby: Beuth University
• Vibe: Affordable, up-and-coming
  Multicultural, student-heavy, and a rising favorite for housing deals.

8. Lichtenberg

• Universities nearby: HTW Berlin
• Vibe: Suburban but affordable
  Less nightlife, more housing stability. Ideal for internationals prioritizing peace.

9. Schöneberg

• Universities nearby: FU Berlin
• Vibe: LGBTQ+ inclusive, central
  Charming cafés, buzzing streets. Strong links to international student life.

10. Adlershof

• Universities nearby: Humboldt Science Campus
• Vibe: Tech and practicality
  Home to science parks and research hubs. Efficient. Connected. A bit far-out but calm.

Cost of Living in Berlin – Student Snapshot

Let’s break it down. Because budgeting is half the battle.

➡️ Total monthly spend: €800 – €1,200

Tips to stretch your euros:

• Cook at home (discount stores like Lidl & Netto are clutch)
• Apply early for Studierendenwerk Berlin housing
• Use semester pass for free metro + buses
• Get that Mensa card, meals in university canteens cost around €3.50

Berlin isn’t dirt cheap, but it offers real bang for your budget.

Local Transport – The Best Friend of Every Berlin Student

1. BVG (Public Transport)

Get ready for U-Bahn, S-Bahn, trams, and buses. With your semester fee paid, you get full access with your student card.

2. Biking

Berlin loves bikes. Cycle paths are everywhere. Rent, buy second-hand, or join shared bike schemes like Nextbike.

3. Walking

You’ll walk a lot in Berlin. Because honestly, the streets, even the graffiti, teach you things too.

4. Ride-Sharing & Car-Sharing

Use apps like FreeNow, Tier, Voi for electric scooters and cars. Affordable within student budgets.

5. Intercity Options

Train or FlixBus to Poland, the Netherlands, France, most Berlin students spend weekends on the move.

Summary – Why You Should Study in Berlin

To study in Berlin is to get the full package: education, expression, and evolution. It’s a place where lectures lead to debates in beer gardens, where missed assignments can still turn into midnight eureka moments, and where cultures collide, in the best possible way.

Here, school isn’t just about degrees. It’s about discovering who you are, what you want, and how many currywursts one person can realistically eat in a semester.

If you’re ready for affordable, accessible, and absolutely unforgettable, Berlin is waiting.

Top 10 FAQs About Studying in Berlin

1. Is studying in Berlin really free?

Yes! Most public universities charge zero tuition, even for international students. You’ll just pay a small semester fee.

2. Are classes taught in English?

Yes, especially at master’s level. Many universities offer full English-taught programs.

3. How do I find student accommodation in Berlin?

Check Studierendenwerk, private dorms, and shared apartments (WGs). Apply early!

4. How much should I budget monthly?

Between €800 and €1,200, depending on your lifestyle and housing.

5. Can I work part-time while studying?

Yes! Up to 120 full or 240 half days per year. Plenty of English-speaking jobs in hospitality, retail, and tech.

6. Do I need to know German?

Not for survival, especially in education. But learning the basics is extremely helpful.

7. Is Berlin safe for students?

Very. Just be city-smart. Student areas are friendly and well lit.

8. Are there student discounts in Berlin?

Tons. Use your student ID or ISIC card for cinema, concerts, travel, and museums.

9. What’s the student culture like?

Diverse, open, socially active, and full of creative energy. Something always happening.

10. Why is Berlin better than other EU study cities?

Low cost, no tuition, high quality, open society, and a cultural vibe few other cities can match.