Humboldt University of Berlin admissions may require Indian students to apply through uni-assist and submit an APS certificate before their application is processed. Entry requirements and deadlines vary by programme, so check the official course page before applying.
- Intake: Winter Semester 2027/28; the stated deadline for admission-restricted master’s programmes is 14 June 2027.
- Fees: No tuition for most programmes; semester contribution EUR 355 (INR 38,762) and application fee EUR 75 (INR 8,189), subject to confirmation.
- Eligibility: Class XII results for bachelor’s applicants; a relevant bachelor’s degree for master’s applicants. The stated 75% and 60% thresholds and IELTS 6.5 should be checked against the specific programme.
- Acceptance rate: Estimated 20 - 30% for admission-restricted master’s programmes; Humboldt does not publish an official overall rate.
Popular options for Indian students include MSc Psychology, MSc Economics, and MSc Computer Science. Humboldt is known for its research focus, and most programmes do not charge tuition, although students still need to budget for living costs in Berlin.

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Table of Contents
- Humboldt University of Berlin Application Deadlines
- HU Berlin Eligibility for Indian Students
- Humboldt Master’s Programs and English Scores
- HU Berlin Bachelor’s Programs for Indians
- Humboldt University of Berlin PhD Application
- HU Berlin Application Process on uni-assist
- Documents Required for Humboldt Berlin
- HU Berlin Acceptance Rate for Indian Students
- Germany Student Visa for Humboldt Applicants
- FAQs
Humboldt University of Berlin Application Deadlines for Indian Students
Humboldt University of Berlin has two intakes, but Winter Semester (October start) is the main option for Indian students, as most Bachelor’s and many Master’s programmes open then. International applicants may need to apply through uni-assist, which checks their academic documents before forwarding the application or issuing a VPD (preliminary review document), depending on the programme. Summer Semester offers fewer options, so check the course-specific deadlines on Humboldt’s official website and uni-assist.
| Intake | Level | Deadline | App Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Semester 2027/28 (Primary intake) | Master’s, admission-restricted | 14 June 2027 | EUR 75 (INR 8,189) |
| Winter Semester 2027/28 | Master’s, admission-free | 28 June 2027 | EUR 75 (INR 8,189) |
| Winter Semester 2027/28 | Bachelor’s, admission-restricted | 15 July 2027 | EUR 75 (INR 8,189) |
| Winter Semester 2027/28 | Bachelor’s, admission-free | 31 August 2027 | EUR 75 (INR 8,189) |
| Summer Semester 2027 | Master’s, admission-restricted | 15 January 2027 | EUR 75 (INR 8,189) |
| Summer Semester 2027 | Bachelor’s, admission-restricted | 15 January 2027 | EUR 75 (INR 8,189) |
| Summer Semester 2027 | Bachelor’s, admission-free | 28 February 2027 | EUR 75 (INR 8,189) |
Planning note: Uni-assist recommends submitting the full application at least 4 to 6 weeks before the stated deadline, so Indian applicants targeting the 14 June 2027 Master’s window should aim to upload by early May 2027.
- Application Deadlines for German Universities in 2027
- Germany Winter Intake 2026 Deadlines for Indian Students
Humboldt University of Berlin Eligibility for Indian Students
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin sets separate academic and language floors for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD applicants from India, and every applicant must also clear the mandatory APS pre-verification. The academic floor is university-wide, but competitive Master’s programs like Psychology, Economics, and Statistics run their own Numerus Clausus (NC, a cut-off percentage set each year based on the number of applicants).
- UG general entry: Class XII from CBSE, ICSE, or a recognised state board at 75 percent or higher, or one year of successful Bachelor’s study in India.
- PG general entry: Recognised Bachelor’s degree with 60 percent in a subject related to the Master’s applied for.
- English proficiency: IELTS 6.5 overall (no band under 6.0), TOEFL iBT 90, or PTE Academic 62 for English-taught programs.
- German proficiency: DSH-2 or TestDaF 4 in all four sections for German-taught programs.
- APS certificate: Mandatory pre-verification from the German embassy in New Delhi before uni-assist forwards the file.
Humboldt University of Berlin Master’s Programs and English Requirements
Humboldt University of Berlin offers 90+ Master’s programmes, including a growing number taught in English. Tuition is EUR 0 for international students, but a semester contribution of EUR 355 (INR 38,762) is payable each term. For a course-wise fee breakdown, visit the Humboldt programmes page.
| Programme | Duration | Minimum Eligibility | English Req. Min. |
|---|---|---|---|
| MA English Literatures | 4 semesters | Bachelor’s in English or related literary studies, 60 percent | IELTS 6.5 |
| MA American Studies | 4 semesters | Bachelor’s in a related humanities subject, 60 percent | IELTS 6.5 |
| MSc Statistics | 4 semesters | Bachelor’s with strong Mathematics or Statistics, 60 percent | IELTS 6.5 |
| MSc Economics | 4 semesters | Bachelor’s in Economics or related, 65 percent | IELTS 6.5 |
| MA Global History | 4 semesters | Bachelor’s in History or Social Sciences, 60 percent | IELTS 6.5 |
Insider note: A recognised Bachelor’s in India means a three-year or four-year degree from a UGC-recognised university, and uni-assist maps three-year Indian Bachelor’s degrees to German Bachelor’s for most Master’s courses.
Humboldt University of Berlin Bachelor’s Programs for Indian Students
Humboldt University of Berlin offers around 60 bachelor’s programmes, most taught in German. Indian students usually need to meet Germany’s Higher Education Entrance Qualification (HZB) requirements, as Class XII alone may not qualify them for direct entry. Depending on their qualifications, they may need to complete a Studienkolleg and pass the Feststellungsprüfung, or meet the required German-language level, often C1.
| Programme | Duration | Minimum Eligibility | English Req. Min. |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSc Computer Science | 6 semesters | Class XII with Mathematics, 75 percent, plus 1 year Indian UG or Studienkolleg | Not required (German-taught) |
| BSc Psychology | 6 semesters | Class XII, 80 percent, plus 1 year Indian UG or Studienkolleg | Not required (German-taught) |
| BA Social Sciences | 6 semesters | Class XII, 75 percent, plus 1 year Indian UG or Studienkolleg | Not required (German-taught) |
| BA English Studies | 6 semesters | Class XII, 75 percent, English-language Bachelor’s readiness | IELTS 6.0 |
| BSc Business Administration | 6 semesters | Class XII with Mathematics, 75 percent, plus 1 year Indian UG or Studienkolleg | Not required (German-taught) |
Planning note: Indian applicants who have completed one year of a UGC-recognised Bachelor’s programme with good grades can generally skip the Studienkolleg and apply directly for Humboldt’s Bachelor’s admission.
Humboldt University of Berlin PhD Programs and Application Steps
Humboldt University of Berlin offers two PhD routes: an individual doctorate under a faculty supervisor or a structured doctoral programme, such as the Berlin Mathematical School. For individual PhDs, Indian applicants should contact a suitable professor with a 5–10-page research proposal, CV and Master’s transcripts. If the professor agrees to supervise, applicants complete registration through the relevant faculty’s PhD office. Deadlines vary, while structured programmes usually have fixed deadlines between January and March.
PhD candidates generally pay a semester contribution of EUR 355 (INR 38,762) rather than tuition fees. Funding may be available through schemes such as DAAD or Humboldt-related doctoral scholarships, depending on eligibility and the specific programme.
Insider note: Berlin has a coordinated PhD framework across Humboldt, Freie Universität, Technische Universität, and Charité, so an Indian PhD candidate at Humboldt can access lab and library resources across all four institutions.
Humboldt University of Berlin Application Process on uni-assist
Every Indian applicant for a Bachelor’s or Master’s programme at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin applies through uni-assist, the German central application service for international credentials. Uni-assist takes 4 to 6 weeks to review a complete file, so the practical submission deadline is at least a month earlier than the stated closing date.
- Register on the uni-assist portal at my.uni-assist.de and select Humboldt University of Berlin as your target university.
- Pay the application fee of EUR 75 (around INR 8,189) for the first course choice on my.uni-assist.de, plus EUR 30 (around INR 3,276) for each additional course.
- Upload certified copies of Class XII marksheet, Bachelor’s transcripts and degree, English or German test score, CV, statement of purpose, and APS certificate.
- Wait for uni-assist to issue the Vorprüfungsdokumentation (VPD, a preliminary review confirming your credentials meet German standards), which is forwarded to Humboldt.
- Track the decision status inside my.uni-assist.de and on Humboldt’s applicant portal once the file is forwarded.
Admission Decisions and Offer Timeline
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin releases decisions in waves between mid-July and early September for Winter Semester and between mid-February and mid-March for Summer Semester. Offers are conditional on the applicant enrolling in person and paying the semester contribution, and the acceptance window is typically 2 to 3 weeks from the offer date. Deferrals are allowed on a case-by-case basis and must be requested through the faculty office.
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Documents Required for Humboldt University of Berlin
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin uses uni-assist’s standard checklist, plus a small set of Indian-specific documents. Everything is uploaded to my.uni-assist.de as scanned PDFs, with certified translations for any non-English or non-German original.
- Passport: Bio-data page, valid for at least 18 months beyond the intended start of studies.
- APS certificate: Mandatory academic evaluation from the German embassy in New Delhi, issued in your name.
- Class XII marksheet and certificate: Attested copy from CBSE, ICSE, or state board.
- Bachelor’s transcripts and degree: Semester-wise marksheets and degree certificate for PG applicants.
- English test score report: IELTS, TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic sent directly to Humboldt or uni-assist.
- German test score report: DSH, TestDaF, Goethe, or telc score if applying for a German-taught programme.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP): One page tailored to the specific Humboldt programme.
- Letters of Recommendation: Two academic references on university or workplace letterhead.
- CV: Europass or standard chronological format, in English.
- Work experience letters: Only where the programme lists relevant experience as a requirement.
Before you apply: Book your APS interview at the German embassy in New Delhi at least 8 weeks before the uni-assist deadline, as APS certificates take 4 to 6 weeks to issue and cannot be expedited.
Also check:
Germany Student Visa Process for Humboldt University of Berlin Applicants
Indian students admitted to Humboldt University of Berlin need a German National Visa (Type D), which is usually issued for up to six months and followed by a study residence permit after arrival. The visa fee is EUR 75 (around INR 8,189). Students generally need their admission letter, APS certificate, valid passport, health insurance, motivation letter and proof of EUR 11,904 (around INR 12.99 Lakhs) for one year, usually through a blocked account.
After arriving in Berlin, students must complete local address registration (Anmeldung) and arrange the required health insurance. Check the latest deadlines and document requirements with the relevant German mission and Humboldt before applying.
2026 update: The German federal blocked account minimum stands at EUR 11,904 for the 2026 to 2027 academic year, and this amount is reviewed by the German finance ministry each January.
- German Student Visa 2026: Requirements and Fee
- Germany Study Visa Requirements 2026 for Indian Students
Indian students applying to Humboldt University of Berlin should plan their APS, uni-assist and visa steps early to avoid last-minute delays. Aim to start the APS process by March, submit documents through uni-assist by early May and book a visa appointment by April. Students with an English-medium degree can check whether a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter is accepted.
Popular programmes such as MSc Psychology and MSc Economics may have restricted admission (NC), so check each course’s deadlines and requirements. Review Humboldt University of Berlin’s profile and Fees page to plan your budget.
FAQs
Ques. When does Humboldt University of Berlin’s Winter Semester 2027/28 application window open for Indian students?
Ans. The uni-assist portal typically opens in early April 2027 for Winter Semester 2027/28. Master’s admission-restricted deadline is 14 June 2027, admission-free is 28 June 2027. Bachelor’s deadlines run to 15 July and 31 August 2027 respectively. All applications go through my.uni-assist.de rather than a direct Humboldt portal.
Ques. Is the APS certificate mandatory for Indian applicants to Humboldt University of Berlin?
Ans. Yes. Every Indian applicant to Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin must submit the APS certificate from the German embassy in New Delhi before uni-assist forwards the file to Humboldt. Applications without a valid APS certificate are treated as incomplete and are not reviewed by the university.
Ques. What is the minimum IELTS score for a Master’s programme at Humboldt University of Berlin?
Ans. Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin requires IELTS 6.5 overall with no band under 6.0 for English-taught Master’s programmes. TOEFL iBT 90 and PTE Academic 62 are accepted equivalents. German-taught Master’s such as Psychology and Chemistry ask for DSH-2 or TestDaF 4 in all four sections instead.
Ques. Does Humboldt University of Berlin charge tuition fees for international students?
Ans. No. Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin charges zero tuition for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students, including international applicants from India. The only mandatory payment is the semester contribution of EUR 355 (around INR 38,762) per term, which covers administrative fees and the Berlin public transport semester ticket.
Ques. How much does the uni-assist application to Humboldt University of Berlin cost?
Ans. Uni-assist charges an application fee of EUR 75 (around INR 8,189) for the first course choice and EUR 30 (around INR 3,276) for each additional course applied to in the same cycle. The fee covers the credential evaluation and issuance of the Vorprüfungsdokumentation forwarded to Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.
Ques. Are all Humboldt University of Berlin Master’s programmes taught in English?
Ans. No. Only a subset of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin’s Master’s catalogue runs fully in English, including MA English Literatures, MA American Studies, MSc Statistics, MSc Economics, MA Global History, MA International Relations, and MSc Integrated Life Sciences. Most Bachelor’s programmes and around half of Master’s programmes are taught in German.
College Student Profiles
Humboldt University of Berlin Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Application Fees | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application deadline for 2027 Intake (31st Mar 2027) | USD 16,800 /Yr EUR 15,000 /Yr | 75 | Level C1 English Language Proficiency |
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- Working environment and the independence to work is the main advantage of the university. In addition, Humboldt has 56 and counting Noble prizes to its credit, which shows the quality of research.
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When looking for a PhD position, I looked for the research group with similar interests, its quality and reputation (publications), scientific standing of supervisor in the community, etc. The aspect of university was by a happenstance.
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I had no scholarship, but my research was sponsored by Helmholtz Research Center Berlin, where my supervisor used to conduct his research work. My yearly salary was ~25000?/year (Gross).










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For admission to a Master's program at Humboldt-University, Berlin, you need a bachelor's degree with at least 180 ECTS credits. Language requirements vary by program; check the specific admission regulations. Typically, a German language certificate or IELTS might be required, depending on the course.
You need the support of a Humboldt University of Berlin professor to act as your PhD supervisor. It is important that you find a suitable professor of your interest in which you want to do a PhD. If the professor is interested to supervise you, he or she will mail you.