Humboldt University Berlin (HU Berlin) — Complete Guide for Indian Students 2026

About Humboldt University Berlin (HU Berlin)

Humboldt University Berlin (HU Berlin) is located in Berlin, Berlin. It holds a QS World University Rank of #120 (2026) and is classified as a Excellence Initiative / U15 institution — placing it among Germany's most prestigious public universities. German public universities charge zero tuition fees; students pay only a semester contribution of €329 which typically includes a free public transport pass.

Apply through Glovels: Study in Germany → Our Mumbai-based and Munich-based advisers specialise in German university applications.

Fast Facts

Category	Details
City & State	Berlin, Berlin, Germany
QS Rank 2026	#120 Globally
University Type	Excellence Initiative / U15
Semester Fee	€329 per semester — ZERO tuition fee
Core Strengths	Sciences, Medicine, Law, Humanities, Economics
Languages	German + English
Intakes	Winter (Oct), Summer (Apr)
Key Industry Partners	Charité Hospital, BVG, Berlin Institute of Health (BIH)
Why Choose	Founded by Wilhelm von Humboldt 1810; invented the modern research university model; Charité hospital affiliation — one of Europe's top 3 medical centres

Top Programs at Humboldt University Berlin (HU Berlin) for Indian Students

•       Master's programs in English — no German language required for admission

•       Research programs with direct access to Fraunhofer, Max Planck, Helmholtz research networks

•       Industry-integrated programs: Thesis and internship projects at partner companies

•       Exchange opportunities with IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, IISc through DAAD bilateral agreements

•       Dual-degree options with partner European universities

Browse all programs: Study in Germany and filter by your subject area.

Admission Requirements

•       Bachelor's degree equivalent to German 'Gut' (Good) — typically 60–70%+ aggregate

•       APS Certificate: Mandatory for all Indian students applying to German universities

•       English: IELTS 6.0–6.5 / TOEFL 80–100 for English-taught programs

•       SOP (Statement of Purpose), LOR (Letters of Recommendation), and CV in German or English

•       Uni-Assist or direct application (varies by university) — Glovels advises on which route

Language prep: IELTS / TOEFL / TestDaF Coaching |

German Language A1–C1.

Cost of Living in Berlin

•       Accommodation: Studentenwerk dorms €200–€450/month | Shared apartment (WG) €380–620/month

•       Food: €200–€350/month cooking at home; Mensa (canteen) lunch €3.30–€5

•       Transport: Included in semester contribution (€329) — Semesterticket covers buses, trams, S-Bahn

•       Health Insurance: ~€122/month (TK / AOK / Barmer — mandatory for all students)

•       Total estimated monthly budget: €720–1,100

Career After Graduation

•       18-month job-seeker residence permit — no job offer needed to stay after graduation

•       EU Blue Card: For salaries ≥ €45,300/year — fastest path to German permanent residency

•       Key employers in Berlin: Charité Hospital, BVG, Berlin Institute of Health (BIH)

•       Average starting salary for Indian graduates: €45,000–€65,000/year (varies by field)

•       German citizenship: possible after 6 years (reduced to 5 with strong integration)

Post-study options: Germany Opportunity Card |

Medical PG in Germany |

Nursing Jobs in Germany.

How Glovels Helps You Apply

•       Free profile evaluation within 48 hours — check your eligibility instantly

•       APS Certificate documentation, mock interview preparation

•       SOP writing tailored to the university's selection criteria

•       Blocked account (Sperrkonto) setup: Fintiba / Expatrio coordination

•       German National Visa (Type D) application support

•       Pre-departure briefing: Anmeldung, health insurance, bank account, accommodation