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Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin brand identity

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Berlin, Germany • Founded 1809 • QS 2027 #140 =

Updated May 2026 · Source: hu-berlin.de

Overview

English Name: Humboldt University Berlin
Local Name: Humboldt University of Berlin
Acronyms: HU Berlin
Founded: 1809
Institution Type: University
Control Type: Public
Entity Type: Non-profit
Rankings:
QS World University Rankings 2027 #140 = Times Higher Education 2026 #89 ARWU (Shanghai) 2004 #95 CWTS Leiden 2025 #272 SCImago 2026 #313
Motto: Universitas litterarum
Colours: Blue and white
Students at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
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Established in 1809, the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (Humboldt University of Berlin) is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the urban setting of the metropolis of Berlin (population range of 1,000,000-5,000,000 inhabitants).

Officially recognized by the Senatsverwaltung für Wissenschaft, Gesundheit, Pflege und Gleichstellung, Berlin (Senate Department for Science, Health, Nursing and Gender Equality of Berlin), Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU Berlin) is a very large-sized coeducational German higher education institution. Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU Berlin) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.

This 214-year-old German higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. International applicants are eligible to apply for enrollment.

HU Berlin also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.

Location & Contact

Below are Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin's address, location, and primary contact channels.

Address: Unter den Linden 6
Postal Code: 10099
Other Sites: Also German language courses for foreign students; Natural History Museum; Great Britain Central Institute - Centre
Phone: +49 (30) 2093 0
Fax: +49 (30) 2093 2770
Social Media:

Academic Details

Scale, staffing, and recognition figures for Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin are listed below.

Academic Year: October to September (October-March; April-September)
Recognition: Senatsverwaltung für Wissenschaft, Gesundheit, Pflege und Gleichstellung, Berlin
Admission Requirements: Secondary school certificate (Abitur)
Total Students: 35,800
Academic Staff Range: 600-699
Full-Time Academic Staff: 1,933
Academic Staff with Doctorate: 416
Campus Setting: Urban
Memberships & Networks
European University Association (EUA)

Academic Structures

The academic units of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin are listed below.

Unit 11 items
  • Charité - Berlin University Medicine
  • Faculty of Agriculture and Horticulture
  • Faculty of Economics and Business Administration
  • Faculty of Law
  • Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences I
  • Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences II
  • Faculty of Philosophy I
  • Faculty of Philosophy II
  • Faculty of Philosophy III
  • Faculty of Philosophy IV
  • Faculty of Theology

Degrees

Also Combined Bachelor's degrees; Also State Examination Certificate (Staatsexam) in Law and Psychotherapy. Certificates (Zertifikat) in German Law and International Development Studies.

Bachelor's 59 programs
  • Administration
  • African Studies
  • Agriculture
  • American Studies
  • Archaeology
  • Art History
  • Biology
  • Biophysics
  • Business Administration
  • Business Education
  • Catholic Theology
  • Chemistry
  • Communication Studies
  • Computer Science
  • Cultural Studies
  • Eastern European Studies
  • Economics
  • Educational Sciences
  • English
  • Ethnology
  • European Studies
  • French
  • Gender Studies
  • Geography
  • German
  • Greek (Classical)
  • Health Education
  • History
  • Horticulture
  • Hungarian
  • Information Management
  • Information Sciences
  • Information Technology
  • Islamic Theology
  • Italian
  • Latin
  • Library Science
  • Linguistics
  • Literature
  • Mathematics
  • Media Studies
  • Modern Languages
  • Music
  • North African Studies
  • Philosophy
  • Physics
  • Political Sciences
  • Protestant Theology
  • Psychology
  • Regional Studies
  • Rehabilitation and Therapy
  • Russian
  • Scandinavian Languages
  • Slavic Languages
  • Social Sciences
  • Spanish
  • Special Education
  • Sports
  • Teacher Training
Master's 89 programs
  • Adult Education
  • African Studies
  • Agricultural Economics
  • Agricultural Education
  • Agriculture
  • American Studies
  • Ancient Civilizations
  • Aquaculture
  • Archaeology
  • Art History
  • Asian Studies
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Biology
  • Biophysics
  • Business Administration
  • Business Computing
  • Business Education
  • Central European Studies
  • Chemistry
  • Classical Languages
  • Comparative Law
  • Computer Education
  • Computer Science
  • Continuing Education
  • Cultural Studies
  • Eastern European Studies
  • Economics
  • Educational Sciences
  • English
  • English Studies
  • Ethnology
  • European Studies
  • Fishery
  • Foreign Languages Education
  • French
  • French Studies
  • Gender Studies
  • Geography
  • Geography (Human)
  • German
  • Greek (Classical)
  • Health Education
  • History
  • Horticulture
  • Humanities and Social Science Education
  • Industrial Management
  • Information Sciences
  • International Relations and Diplomacy
  • International Studies
  • Latin
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Literature
  • Management
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematics Education
  • Media Studies
  • Modern Languages
  • Molecular Biology
  • Music
  • Native Language Education
  • Natural Resources
  • Neurosciences
  • North African Studies
  • Optics
  • Philology
  • Philosophy
  • Physical Education
  • Physics
  • Polymer and Plastics Technology
  • Production Engineering
  • Psychology
  • Rehabilitation and Therapy
  • Religion
  • Religious Education
  • Rural Studies
  • Safety Engineering
  • Scandinavian Languages
  • Science Education
  • Slavic Languages
  • Social Sciences
  • South Asian Studies
  • Southeast Asian Studies
  • Special Education
  • Sports
  • Statistics
  • Theology
  • Translation and Interpretation
  • Urban Studies
Doctoral 41 programs
  • African Studies
  • Agriculture
  • Archaeology
  • Asian Studies
  • Biological and Life Sciences
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Cultural Studies
  • Dentistry
  • East Asian Studies
  • Economics
  • Educational Sciences
  • English
  • Ethnology
  • Gender Studies
  • Geography
  • German
  • History
  • Horticulture
  • Information Sciences
  • Law
  • Linguistics
  • Literature
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematics Education
  • Media Studies
  • Medicine
  • Natural Sciences
  • Philosophy
  • Physics
  • Political Sciences
  • Psychology
  • Public Health
  • Rehabilitation and Therapy
  • Romance Languages
  • Science Education
  • Slavic Languages
  • Sociology
  • Southeast Asian Studies
  • Sports
  • Theology
Other 1 program
  • Protestant Theology

Faculties & Divisions

All faculties operate under Senatsverwaltung für Wissenschaft, Gesundheit, Pflege und Gleichstellung, Berlin.

Agriculture and Horticulture (Faculty) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Agriculture
  • Horticulture
Arts and Humanities I (Faculty) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Ethnology
  • European Studies
  • History
  • Library Science
  • Philosophy
Arts and Humanities II (Faculty) 6 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • American Studies
  • English Studies
  • Linguistics
  • Philology
  • Romance Languages
  • Slavic Languages
Arts and Humanities III (Faculty) 9 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • African Studies
  • Archaeology
  • Art History
  • Asian Studies
  • Cultural Studies
  • Gender Studies
  • Media Studies
  • Musicology
  • Social Sciences
Arts and Humanities IV (Faculty) 3 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Educational Sciences
  • Rehabilitation and Therapy
  • Sports
Economics and Business Administration (Faculty) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Business Administration
  • Economics
Law (Faculty) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Law
Mathematics and Natural Sciences I (Faculty) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Natural Sciences
  • Physics
Mathematics and Natural Sciences II (Faculty) 5 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Computer Science
  • Geography
  • Mathematics
  • Natural Sciences
  • Psychology
Theology (Faculty) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Theology
Humboldt (Graduate School) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Safety Engineering
  • Service Trades
International Humboldt (Graduate School) 4 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Electronic Engineering
  • Materials Engineering
  • Mathematics
  • Natural Sciences
Mathematics (Graduate School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Berlin
Mind and Brain (Graduate School) 2 subjects offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Behavioural Sciences
  • Neurosciences
Social Sciences (Graduate School) 1 subject offered

Specialisations & Subjects

  • Berlin

Programs Offered

Every programme Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin currently runs, grouped by degree level and searchable.

340 programmes on record. Each level below shows a sample. Compare these on the programs page All programs in Germany

Bachelor's Degree 167 programmes

Bachelor's Degree in Amerikanistik (Zweitfach)
English Language Studies · 6 semesters

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Angewandte Hebammenwissenschaft
Health Sciences
Arbeitslehre (Lehramt Zweitfach, B.A.)
Education & Teaching · 6 semesters

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Arbeitslehre (Lehramt Zweitfach, B.Sc.)
Education & Teaching · 6 semesters

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Archäologie und Kulturgeschichte Nordostafrikas (Zweitfach)
Classical Studies & Ancient History · 6 semesters

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Bachelor's Degree in Betriebswirtschaftslehre (Monobachelor)
Business Administration · 6 semesters

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Showing 10 of 167.

Master's Degree 170 programmes

Master's Degree in Altgriechisch (ISG 2. Fach)
Classical Studies & Ancient History · 4 semesters

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Applied Epidemiology
Health Sciences
Master's Degree in Arbeitslehre (ISG 2. Fach)
Education & Teaching · 4 semesters

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Beratung und Beratungswissenschaft
Social Work · 4 semesters

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Master's Degree in Beratung und Beratungswissenschaft - Systemisches Coaching, Mediation, Moderation, Human-centred Design
Social Work

Showing 10 of 170.

Certificate 3 programmes

Certificate in Deutsch im Mehrsprachigkeitskontext
Linguistics & Language Studies

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate in Deutsch, Mathematik, Sachunterricht an Grundschulen
Education & Teaching

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

Certificate in International Cooperation for Sustainable Development
Sustainable Development

Programme website (opens in a new tab)

How to apply to Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Five steps that capture how applications to Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin flow.

  1. 1
    Browse the programme catalogue

    Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin's catalogue includes 340 programmes. Browse by level, identify candidates matching your prior qualifications, and note their entry requirements for the next step.

  2. 2
    Check eligibility for your chosen programme

    Entry requirements vary by programme and degree level. Verify academic minimums, language tests (if international), and any additional documents required for Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin's admissions process.

  3. 3
    Get your documents ready

    Typical documents include academic transcripts, identity proof (passport or national ID), language proficiency test scores, a personal statement or motivation letter, and recommendation letters. International applicants should account for translation and notarisation time.

  4. 4
    Apply through the official channel

    Submit your completed application through Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin's official website at www.hu-berlin.de. Most institutions use an online portal — register an account, complete the application form, and upload your prepared documents. Keep copies of all submissions and confirmation receipts.

  5. 5
    Reach out and track your application

    Follow up to confirm your application was received and is being processed. Reach the institution by phone at +49 (30) 2093 0. Admissions teams may request interviews or additional documents — respond promptly to keep your application active.

Frequently Asked Questions about Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Common questions about Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, answered from data on record.

When was Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin founded?

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin was established in 1809 (approximately 217 years ago).

Where can I find Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin?

The institution is located in Berlin, Germany.

What is Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin's control type?

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin operates as a public institution.

How many students does Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin have?

The institution has a student body of 35,800.

How is Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin ranked?

It ranks QS 2027 #140 =.

What programmes are available at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin?

Programmes at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin cover bachelor's, master's and doctoral programmes.

How many faculties does Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin have?

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin has 11 academic units.

Who recognises Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin?

The institution holds recognition from Senatsverwaltung für Wissenschaft, Gesundheit, Pflege und Gleichstellung, Berlin.

Where can I learn more about Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin?

The institution's website is www.hu-berlin.de.

Top-Ranked Universities in Germany

Germany's leading universities appear below, useful for benchmarking Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin's academic standing. Use this list as the upper-bound reference for academic prestige within Germany.

Members of European University Association (EUA)

These universities are also members of European University Association (EUA).

Faculties at nearby universities

Also in Berlin: universities located close to Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.

Where Else to Study Linguistics & Language Studies

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