13 Best Public Universities in Berlin for International Students

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Berlin is one of the cities in Germany you should look into if you want to study in a public university. Besides providing a path towards your academic goals, studying in Berlin can give you valuable insights into its people and the local culture. You can also enjoy various activities here to make your studies abroad all worth it.

There are 32 universities you can find in Berlin, and 13 of them are public universities. Having these many choices makes Berlin a great place for international students.

In this article, you’ll find out the public universities in Berlin, with some added information on programs, tuition, and how many international students you’ll be studying with. Let’s get started!

Public Universities in Berlin

1. Humboldt University of Berlin

  • Humboldt University of Berlin Page
  • Humboldt University of Berlin is one of the most renowned universities in the world. Since its establishment in 1810, the institution has undergone several redevelopments and improvements that have led them to become a world-class university widely known to students and professionals across the globe. More so, the university is the home of several elite individuals and Nobel laureates such as Albert Einstein, Karl Marx, and Max Planck. A truly exceptional institution that provides the highest standards of education.

    2. Free University of Berlin

  • Free University of Berlin Page
  • Free University of Berlin (FU) is a quintessential example of an institution founded on the principles of liberty and equity. The university was established in 1948 with support from The US to promote the values of individual expression and free speech. Since its inauguration, FU has developed into an excellent institution of higher learning, focusing primarily on research and technological innovation. The university also places great emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and collaboration which is notable through its numerous cooperation agreements with multitudinous institutions and industries around the globe.

    3. Technical University of Berlin

  • Technical University of Berlin Page
  • Located in the nation’s capital, the Technical University of Berlin is a public university known for its world-class quality of education and research in various fields. The university aims to impart not only academic expertise to its students but also independence, creativity, social awareness, critical thinking, and other skills that would make them highly adaptable, competent, and socially responsible individuals. TU Berlin is also dedicated to conducting innovative research to help make society better.

    4. Charity-University Medicine Berlin

  • Charity-University Medicine Berlin Page
  • The Charity-University Medicine Berlin, founded in 1710, offers an extensive academic and research history in Medicine. Since its inception as a quarantine facility for the bubonic plague, the university has undergone significant improvements. At present, the university has over 9,000 students, 4 campuses, and 17 clinical centers.

    5. HTW Berlin-University of Applied Sciences

  • HTW Berlin-University of Applied Sciences Page
  • University of Applied Sciences for Engineering and Economics, often known as HTW Berlin, has over 20 program offerings for students worldwide. It is considered the largest university of applied sciences in Berlin, covering the areas of business, design, technology, and computing, among others. The university actively participates in various research activities and allows students to enhance their skills through international collaboration.

    6. Berliner Hochschule für Technik

  • Berliner Hochschule für Technik Page
  • Until 2021, the Berliner Hochschule für Technik was known as the Beuth Hochschule für Technik Berlin. Both names were abbreviated as BHT. BHT is one of Germany’s most prominent universities for applied sciences. Its history in the field is also rich and substantial, with a background that goes back to 1823. Students have a broad range of majors to choose from, such as business, science, and media.

    7. Berlin University of the Arts

  • Berlin University of the Arts Page
  • Berlin University of the Arts is a world-renowned center of excellence. Having been established in 1696, it undeniably has a rich historical background. In line with that, it has produced loads of popular and successful artists.

    8. Berlin School of Economics and Law

  • Berlin School of Economics and Law Page
  • The Berlin School of Economics and Law, founded in 1971, is one of the public universities in Berlin, Germany. With over 11,000 students, it is also one of the largest in the city. The university offers over 50 degree programs in Business and Economics, Law, Public Administration, and Engineering.

    9. Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences Berlin

  • Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences Berlin Page
  • Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences Berlin is considered the largest and oldest training institution for tertiary education in social work degree programs. The university is research-intensive, putting heavy emphasis on actual industry experience and training among its students. At present, ASH Berlin is already a prominent association in Berlin, drawing in more international students and partners to the university.

    10. Berlin-Weissensee Art Academy

  • Berlin-Weissensee Art Academy Page
  • The Berlin-Weissensee Art Academy offers students a wide range of courses that instill in them a strong foundation in the arts. It also offers outstanding research programs that focus on sustainable design and media technology. Multiple facilities are also available on-campus, such as numerous studio workshops where students can hone their skills.

    11. Hanns Eisler School of Music Berlin

  • Hanns Eisler School of Music Berlin Page
  • The Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler or Hanns Eisler School of Music Berlin in English is a specialized public institution established in 1950 in Berlin, Germany. It is one of the most prominent music schools worldwide, ranking 28th in the performing arts by the QS World Rankings. A relatively small school of less than a thousand students, its events aren’t all exclusive – they host numerous public events to showcase students’ talents and skills.

    12. Ernst Busch Academy of Dramatic Arts

  • Ernst Busch Academy of Dramatic Arts Page
  • The Ernst Busch Academy of Dramatic Arts is a public university in Berlin, Germany, that offers courses in acting and puppetry. It also has Directing, Dramaturgy, Choreography, and Stage Dance courses. The university was founded in 1951, although its history can be traced back to 1905.

    13. Catholic University of Applied Social Sciences Berlin

  • Catholic University of Applied Social Sciences Berlin Page
  • Since its establishment in 1991, the Catholic University of Applied Social Sciences Berlin (KHSB) has been offering students excellent quality of education in social sciences. The university promotes a positive learning environment, and students are encouraged to work as a team to develop interpersonal skills. Also, in KHSB, lectures are held in small groups, as student-teacher relationships are highly prioritized. It can be assured that studying at the university will be quite reassuring and interactive.


    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Can International Students Study in Public Universities in Berlin?

    Absolutely! International students in public universities in Berlin can pursue different program levels, but the most popular ones are bachelor’s and master’s programs.


    I hope this article can help you in your search for public universities in Berlin. Feel free to check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more about studying abroad.