Germany City guide
Study in Berlin
If Germany is on your shortlist, Berlin keeps campuses, housing and academic options in one place. A BVG Semesterticket bundled with public-university fees covers U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram and bus citywide; the Free University, Humboldt and TU Berlin together enrol over 100,000 students. Berlin charges some of the lowest public university fees among major Western European cities.
A BVG Semesterticket bundled with public-university fees covers U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram and bus citywide; the Free University, Humboldt and TU Berlin together enrol over 100,000 students.
Mid-range costs
National student visa (Type D)
Up to 120 full days per year
You pay the institution directly — ApplySite adds no hidden student fees.
Berlin combines Humboldt, FU, TU and a dense scene of private universities and vocational schools. Low tuition at public universities still pairs with rising rents in Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg — students often live in Wedding or Neukölln with a semester ticket for BVG.
Blocked account (Sperrkonto) proof, health insurance and university admission letter feed into the national visa/residence permit process. Many masters are English-taught; check language requirements per program.
ApplySite helps you apply directly to verified institutions. You pay the school directly — ApplySite adds no hidden charges. See our Germany country guide for national visa steps.
City guide
Why students choose Berlin
- A BVG Semesterticket bundled with public-university fees covers U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram and bus citywide; the Free University, Humboldt and TU Berlin together enrol over 100,000 students. Berlin charges some of the lowest public university fees among major Western European cities.
- Mixed academic routes: languages, diplomas and degrees in Berlin
- Side-by-side comparison with other Germany cities on ApplySite
- Program catalog in Berlin expanding at launch
Education
Types of institutions
Universities and higher education
Institutions with their own admissions in Berlin; check language of instruction and intake dates.
Colleges and vocational training
Applied one- to three-year diplomas, often with local placements.
Language schools
Intensive courses before academic study or to raise language scores.
Programs
What you can study in Berlin
Programs are published in stages at launch. Use the links below to explore the country catalog or speak with an advisor.
Catalog expanding at launch
Languages in Berlin
Language schools and intensive courses in Berlin to level up before college or university in Germany.
See programs →Catalog expanding at launch
Undergraduate study in Berlin
Diplomas, technical degrees and pathways with Berlin institutions focused on local employability.
See programs →Catalog expanding at launch
Postgraduate programs in Berlin
MBAs, master's and specializations on campus or hybrid with networking in Berlin's ecosystem.
See programs →Student life
International student associations, country meetups and campus sports fill out your network in Berlin during term one. Ask admissions about orientation — it often covers a local SIM, banking basics and library access.
Visa and paperwork
To study in Berlin you will typically need the National student visa (Type D). Allow several weeks for documents, biometrics and any health checks required for your nationality. While enrolled, up to 120 full days per year Immigration rules change — confirm on the official government site before you travel.
Guide to Germany →Immigration rules change. Information last updated May 2026 — check the official embassy or government site for your nationality.
Planning your budget
Cost of living in Berlin
Indicative monthly ranges for one person; rent varies sharply by neighbourhood.
Indicative figures only — not a quote from institutions. Last reviewed in May 2026. Verify rent, tuition and visa fees on official sources before you budget or apply.
Germany
Other cities in Germany
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can I work while studying in Berlin?
In Germany, the usual rule is: Up to 120 full days per year. Confirm limits on your offer letter and the official immigration site.
How much does it cost to live in Berlin?
Housing is usually the largest expense. Use the cost table on this page as a guide; it varies by area and housing type in Berlin.
How do I apply to a program in Berlin?
On ApplySite you compare programs in Berlin, save favorites and submit your application directly to the institution with admissions tracking.
Are programs already listed for Berlin?
The catalog rolls out in phases at launch. Until then use this guide and contact our team if you already have an institution in mind.
Do I pay ApplySite?
No. ApplySite does not charge tuition or hidden student fees. Official costs (application, tuition, insurance if required) are paid directly to the institution under their published terms.
Are there hidden fees when I apply?
Browsing, comparing and submitting your application on ApplySite is free for students. Each school lists its fees; what you pay goes to the institution. We do not add undisclosed charges on top of those amounts.
Planning your move to Berlin?
Create your account, save institutions you like and send your application when programs go live. You pay the school directly — ApplySite does not charge tuition or hidden fees.