Berlin for students
Germany has been growing steadily in popularity as a study abroad destination, its capital Berlin. It’s growing appeal as an international study destination is also partly due to having a large number of courses in English, particularly at postgraduate level.
While the German capital is not an academic hub on the scale of cities like London, Paris or Boston. The highest-ranked of these is Freie Universitäet Berlin, ranking joint 118th in the world.
Is Berlin your ideal student city? Tell us why.
Best universities in Berlin
| World ranking | Institution |
| =118th | Freie Universitäet Berlin |
| =131st | Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin |
| 158th | Technische Universität Berlin |
More about Berlin
This year, Berlin earns its highest score in the student view indicator, ranking within the global top five.
| Number of universities ranked by QS | 3 |
| Highest-ranked institution | Freie Universitäet Berlin (118th in the world) |
| Population | 3,562,000 |
| Average international fees (at ranked unis) | US$200 |
| Desirability rank | 8th |
| Employer Activity rank | =16th |
| Affordability rank | 44th |
| Student Mix rank | 38th |
| Student Voice rank | 1st |
Why study in Berlin?
Student diversity
20 percent of the students in Berlin come from outside Germany, meaning it’s easy to make friends from all around the world.
Affordable
All undergraduate fees are free at public universities in Germany for both domestic and international students.
High quality of living
Berlin is known for its high quality of living, with affordable housing and travel and excellent healthcare.
Good job prospects
Graduates enjoy great job prospects as international firms want to hire graduates from German universities.
Cost of studying in Berlin
Berlin ranks 44th for affordability this year. This is mostly because all undergraduate degrees (and some postgraduate programs) are free at public universities in Germany, even for international students.
Numbeo estimates that a single person living in Berlin would need around £685 per month for general living expenses, plus an additional £800 per month for rent.
Life and culture in Berlin
Having flourished into one of the world’s coolest urban hubs – a major centre of design, fashion, music and art to rival even New York or London – Berlin offers both unbeatable culture and a hot financial market, making it as perfect for history buffs and art aficionados as it is for budding financiers.
Berlin has moved up four places this year in the student view indicator to fourth place. With a high quality of living, affordable costs, a liberal atmosphere and a happening party and music scene, the German capital has a huge amount to offer international students of all backgrounds and interests.
Careers in Berlin
Students from countries outside the EU and EEA who hold a residence permit can extend it for another 18 months after graduating while they search for a job in Germany.
Job prospects are good for graduates in Berlin. The most in demand roles are health care practitioners, engineers and IT specialists. For this reason, Berlin ranks joint 16th for employer activity.
Source: QS
