Free University of Berlin (Freie Universität Berlin) was founded on December 4, 1948, and has since welcomed students and scholars from around the world. Today, people from more than 150 countries work and study at Freie Universität Berlin, making it an important option for international students who want to study in Berlin.
Before you consider studying at Free University Berlin, there are important details you need to know, such as the admission process and, of course, the cost of studying at this school. This article covers the crucial details on the cost of studying at Free University Berlin. Be sure to read to the end to find out how much the application process costs and what other expenses you may need to cover.
Study Costs at Free University Berlin
Free University Berlin does not charge tuition fees for most degree programs, except for continuing education programs and some special offerings. However, students must pay semester fees and contributions each semester.
Application Costs
International applicants with non-German educational qualifications generally need to work with uni-assist to obtain a preliminary review documentation, known as a VPD. The VPD does not replace the admission application to Freie Universität Berlin. Applicants must still submit the required documents through the appropriate Freie Universität Berlin application portal within the university’s application period.
Uni-assist currently charges a handling fee of €75 for the first chosen course of study in one semester and €30 for each additional chosen course of study in the same semester. These fees apply to both standard and VPD procedures and must be paid regardless of the result of the review.
Uni-assist reviews educational certificates and issues the VPD. It does not carry out Freie Universität Berlin’s admission procedures, does not determine who is admitted, and, in the VPD process, does not replace the university application.
Application deadlines vary by semester and program. Some programs, such as pharmacy, veterinary medicine, and continuing education master’s programs, may follow separate rules or deadlines, so applicants should always check the current program page before applying.
Tuition Fee Costs
Before applying to Free University Berlin, you should know that most degree programs do not charge tuition fees. The main required study-related charges are semester fees and contributions, which are updated by the university each semester.
Bachelor’s Tuition Costs
Most bachelor’s programs at Free University Berlin do not charge tuition fees for either domestic or international students.
Newly enrolled and re-registering students pay semester fees and contributions totaling €358.80. This total consists of a €50 administration fee, an €85 Studierendenwerk/student union social contribution, a €10 student government contribution, and €213.80 for the Deutschlandsemesterticket, including the social fund, for eligible students. These amounts can change each semester.
Master’s Tuition Costs
Most master’s programs at Free University Berlin do not charge tuition fees for either domestic or international students. Continuing education master’s programs and special programs may have different fee rules.
Master’s students must still pay the applicable semester fees and contributions. For summer semester 2026, the current total is €358.80, including the €50 administration fee, €85 Studierendenwerk/student union social contribution, €10 student government contribution, and €213.80 Deutschlandsemesterticket contribution, including the social fund, for eligible students.
Ph.D. Tuition Costs
Doctoral students at Free University Berlin are generally not charged tuition fees. However, enrolled doctoral students must pay the applicable semester fees and contributions.
The current semester fees and contributions total €358.80. This includes the €50 administration fee, €85 Studierendenwerk/student union social contribution, €10 student government contribution, and €213.80 Deutschlandsemesterticket contribution, including the social fund, for eligible students.
Other Academic Costs at Free University Berlin
Although Free University Berlin offers many tuition-free degree programs, there are other academic and living costs you should plan for, such as the following:
Books and Miscellaneous Expenses
The cost of books, course materials, and other study supplies depends on your course and program. One way to reduce these costs is to use the university library system. Freie Universität Berlin students can use their student ID to borrow books and access online resources and databases through the university network.
Accommodation and Transportation
Free University Berlin’s accommodation service has limited places, and rooms are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. When all options are fully booked, registration closes. The accommodation service is mainly intended for exchange and program students, so degree-seeking students should also prepare for an independent housing search in Berlin.
Accommodation costs vary by provider and room type. As current examples, Studierendenwerk Berlin dormitory rooms listed through the university’s accommodation service cost about €339.50 to €364.50 per month or €359.50 per month, depending on the dormitory, with a €775 reservation fee that includes a €700 deposit and a €75 service fee. Studentendorf Schlachtensee private rooms are listed at about €577.01 to €593.07 per month, with a €575 reservation fee and a security deposit that can total up to €1,275 including the service fee. Private partner options can be much higher; for example, THE FIZZ lists studio prices from €1,105 to €1,331 per month. Always check the current accommodation page because prices, eligibility, deposits, and availability can change.
For transportation, eligible students pay for the Deutschlandsemesterticket as part of their semester fees. The ticket is not simply the student ID card. It is issued digitally through the S-Bahn Berlin app and must be shown with a valid official photo ID during ticket checks. The ticket allows students to use public transportation in Berlin and throughout Germany under the Deutschlandsemesterticket rules.
Living Expenses
Your lifestyle and housing situation will ultimately determine your exact living expenses. As a general planning range, students in Germany should budget around €900 to €1,200 per month for living costs, although costs can be higher depending on housing, insurance, food, personal expenses, and lifestyle. For visa purposes, students may also need to prove sufficient financial resources. Proof of funds can be shown through a blocked account of at least €11,904, a scholarship, or a declaration of commitment.
FAQS About Studying at the Free University of Berlin
How Much Does it Cost for a Full Academic Year at the Free University of Berlin?
The Free University Berlin does not impose tuition fees for most undergraduate and graduate degree programs, except for continuing education programs and some special offerings. Students are expected to cover semester fees and contributions each semester, including the administration fee, Studierendenwerk/student union contribution, student government contribution, and Deutschlandsemesterticket contribution. For summer semester 2026, these fees total €358.80 per semester. If the same amount applied for two semesters, this would equal about €717.60 for one academic year, excluding living costs, housing deposits, books, insurance, visa or residence permit costs, and personal expenses. The exact amount can change each semester.
International students do not pay a separate international registration fee of €312.89. They pay the applicable semester fees and contributions, as well as any personal costs related to travel, housing, insurance, and visa or residence permit requirements. Students who need a residence permit in Berlin should also budget for the permit fee. The Berlin immigration service currently lists €100 for the initial issue of an electronic residence permit and €93 for renewal, with different fees for sticker-label permits and some Turkish nationals.
Free tuition at Free University Berlin makes the school an attractive choice for international students looking for tuition-free universities in Germany. However, students should still plan carefully for semester fees, housing, living expenses, insurance, and visa or residence permit costs.
Hopefully, this article has provided the information you are looking for. To explore the diverse program opportunities available for international students, visit our Available Courses in Germany for International Students! You can also visit our Study in Germany Page to find more relevant insights and practical tips!
