Humboldt University of Berlin

About: 

Established in 1809, Humboldt University of Berlin, or HU Berlin, is the oldest of Berlin's four universities. The university is divided into nine faculties, has a student enrollment of around 32,000 students, and offers degree programmes in some 189 disciplines from undergraduate to post-doctorate level. The main campus is located in central Berlin. 

Highlights: 

HU Berlin has 57 Nobel prize laureates among its alumni, the most of any German university, as well as many notable academics,  politicians and writers including Albert Einstein, Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, W.E.B. Du Bois and Angela Davis. As one of Germany's most prestigious universities, it has been awarded the title "University of Excellence". Located in the centre of Germany's capital, HU Berlin is at the heart of German culture, politics and events.   

Location: 

Berlin, Germany

Courses / Modules: 

To find out about the courses on offer, please take a look at the course catalogue.

Credit (Full-time Load per semester): 

You must take a full credit load while on exchange.  Humboldt University of Berlin uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) to show credit values.  30 ECTS is the equivalent to 60 York credits, and 60 ECTS is the equivalent to 120 York credits.  

Teaching Periods: 

The year is split into two semesters. Teaching in the winter semester takes place from the start of November until mid-February with a Christmas break. Teaching in the summer semester takes place from mid-April until mid-July with a two week break between May and June. 

There are orientation sessions at the start of each semester.

For more information on teaching periods, take a look over the academic calendars.

Language: 

B2 German is required. There may be opportunities for exchange students to take part in German classes - check with your department if you are able to take such courses for credit. 

Accommodation: 

Finding private, affordable accommodation in Berlin is hard, and so HU Berlin have student residences specific for international students. They are private rooms with a shower and a shared kitchen without 8-12 other students. The rent ranges from 250-400 EUR depending on the residence 

Please note that international students cannot apply for rooms in student residences directly through the university organisation, but must apply through the International Office at Humboldt. 

Orientation / Welcome week:  

The university puts on welcome weeks at the start of each semester for incoming international exchange students. This is a great opportunity to meet other international students, find out more about the campus and your studies, and ask any questions. 

The International Office also organises studis4studis, a mentoring programme for international students in which experienced HU students help the incoming international students settle into life on campus and in Berlin. 

Support Services: 

The International Team at HU Berlin is the main point of call for all international students and can help with any academic or administrative questions or concerns. 

Visas: 

You may need a visa to study in Germany.  If you are a UK National you must refer to the  Travel Advice page for Germany and its Living in Germany guide to check on any visa requirements, and raise any queries directly with the relevant embassy/consulate.   If you are not a UK national you should check equivalent advice for your home country.

HU Berlin recommends students arrive two-weeks in advance of their studies so they can organise all their documentation, matriculate and settle into rooms.

Travel insurance:  

If you complete the Travel Authorisation process and are approved by the University of York to participate in this programme, you will be covered by the University's Travel Insurance Policy. This is a complimentary policy to cover you for the duration of your University of York mobility experience. Please refer to the Insurance website for all travel insurance queries.  You may be required to obtain health insurance valid during your exchange. 

Health insurance: 

Students travelling to Europe may be able to apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or in some circumstances a new UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU. You are strongly recommended to obtain a GHIC / EHIC if eligible. To check your eligibility and find out how to apply if you are eligible, go to the NHS page on Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC).

Proof of health insurance is mandatory for enrollment at Humboldt University.  Information about health insurance for international students is provided by HU Berlin.

Alice, Year Abroad at Humboldt University of Berlin, 2019/20

'I think my experience abroad in Berlin was an overwhelmingly positive one. At first, I struggled to settle in and make friends, but once I did, I had a really great time. I think my time abroad and especially the struggles I faced abroad, have made me a much more confident and independent person. I was certainly in more than a few situations that were out my comfort zone, whether it was to do with the work or to do with the social aspect of my life abroad, but I think these were key moments that helped me grow as a person.'

Have a look at some more student stories on the Global Opportunities website. 

• International Exchanges at Humboldt University of Berlin

• Guide for International Students at HU Berlin

• Global Graduates

• Numbeo - cost of living comparison site

• Expatistan - cost of living comparison site

If you find any broken links, please email us at global-opportunities@york.ac.uk

Global Opportunities - Drop in and see us at Derwent College D/A/023, Tuesdays-Thursdays 11-1pm

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter :@GoGlobalUOY

Book a virtual appointment with one of our advisors: Emily or Stephanie, or email global-opportunities@york.ac.uk for further support.