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Top Reasons to Study in Berlin

Berlin is the capital and largest city of Germany. It is a popular choice for international students who are looking for a high-quality university education. Germany boasts many world-class universities, and offers incredibly affordable tuition, and Berlin also has a vibrant cultural scene, meaning that you get a unique and enriching study abroad experience.

World-Class Education

The city of Berlin is home to a range of prestigious and world renowned universities. These include Freie Universitaet Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin), all of which are ranked in the top 200 in the world for the QS World University Rankings 2023.

These universities, as well as the many other universities in the city, offer a wide variety of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across various disciplines. Berlin also hosts research institutions and specialised schools, that will offer different learning opportunities for graduate students.

READ MORE: Full list of universities in Berlin

Affordable Tuition

One of the most appealing aspects of studying in Berlin for international students is the affordability of university tuition. Most German public universities do not charge tuition fees for domestic or international students, you normally pay a small semester fee of around €250-€350. Even at private universities, where tuition fees are not subsidised by the government, you will find that your education is more affordable when compared to other popular international study destinations. This affordability is great for international students, as it means that you can access a high-quality education without building up a large amount of debt.

READ MORE: Funding and Scholarships for International Students

Vibrant Culture and History

Berlin has a rich cultural history, and boasts countless museums, art galleries, and historical landmarks. International students can take the chance to immerse themselves in the city’s unique past at the same time as enjoying the more modern urban life it also offers.

Multicultural Environment

The city of Berlin is known for its diversity and openness. There are people from various cultural backgrounds that call Berlin home. This multicultural community creates an environment that feels inclusive and welcoming to international students from all over the world. Studying in Berlin as an international student provides you with the opportunity to make friends from different cultures and backgrounds, which will expand your personal and professional network, as well as your worldview.

Language Opportunities

Whilst studying in Berlin is a great opportunity to learn or improve your German language skills, international students can also study in Berlin in English. Many universities offer English-taught programs, meaning you can enjoy the study abroad experience while still studying in a language you are familiar with.

Job Prospects

Berlin is a thriving and modern society, and the job market reflects that. There are many opportunities in sectors such as technology, the sciences, and creative industries. You could find an internship or part-time work during your studies, which will allow you to gain valuable work experience and build your connections within your chosen field. Once you have completed your degree or masters, international students are able to extend their residence permit and seek employment in Berlin or another city in Germany.

READ MORE: How will studying abroad help your career prospects?

Student Life and Social Scene

There is a thriving student community in Berlin, and the social scene is young and active. The city is home to various clubs, societies and events, catering to diverse interests and passions. Berlin has a legendary reputation when it comes to nightlife and cultural events, and there is always something interesting happening for you to enjoy outside of the classroom.

Excellent Public Transport

Berlin’s efficient and extensive public transportation system makes it incredibly easy for students to get around the city and explore. Public transport works together seamlessly in Germany, and there are various discounts for students, making travel affordable and realistic. A student ticket (Semesterticket) covers unlimited travel around Berlin and the surrounding areas for the entire semester, allowing you to experience the whole city.

Top Tourist Destinations to Visit in Berlin

During your time in Berlin, there are many iconic tourist destinations that reflect the city’s rich and varied history, culture and architecture. Here are some of the top attractions to visit when in Berlin:

• Brandenburg Gate: this gate is a symbol of German reunification, and is often used as a backdrop for various events and celebrations throughout the year. It is an 18th Century neoclassical monument, and is considered not only a symbol of the historically tumultuous relationship between Germany and Europe, but also of unity and peace.
• Reichstag Building: this impressive building is home to the German Parliament. It features a glass dome that offers beautiful panoramic views of the entire city. Visitors can take guided tours of this attraction, or book to visit the dome and enjoy the city from a different perspective.
• East Side Gallery: located at the longest remaining section of the Berlin Wall, the East Side Gallery displays more than 100 murals that have been painted by artists from all over the world. The gallery showcases a variety of images that provide social and political commentary of the Berlin Wall, and its ramifications.
• Museum Island: there are five world renowned museums located on the island, including the Pergamon Museum, the Bode Museum, and the Neues Museum. The island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and displays various different architectural styles that have been popular in Berlin throughout the years. Visitors can explore exhibitions that include art, history, and cultural treasures from all over the world. Students can normally take advantage of generous discounts for cultural destinations, so keep an eye out for information about how to get your student discount.
• Checkpoint Charlie: this was the most famous crossing point between East and West Berlin during the Cold War, and is now an important historical site. You will also find a museum, Haus am Checkpoint Charlie, which provides information and context about the city’s history and how it became divided.
• Tiergarten: this is Berlin’s largest and most popular park. As well as being able to relax, enjoy nature and make the most of the green space, you can also see various monuments throughout the park, such as the Soviet War Memorial and the Victory Column (Siegessäule).
• Holocaust Memorial: this memorial, officially known as the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, is comprised of 2,711 concrete slabs that create a maze. These slabs symbolise the experience of the Jewish victims of the Holocaust, and there is an underground information centre that provides more information.
• Charlottenburg Palace: the largest palace in Berlin, Charlottenburg showcases Baroque and Rococo architectural styles. It was built in the 17th Century, and extended in the 18th Century. It boasts a large formal garden, a surrounding woodland, a theatre, and a pavilion. It was badly damaged during World War Two, but has since been reconstructed and repaired.

Berlin offers international students a combination of high quality universities, affordable tuition fees, cultural diversity, and attractive job prospects. This combination of factors makes it an incredibly appealing study destination. If you choose Berlin as your student city, you can gain a world class education, broaden your horizons, and gain a cultural and academic experience in Germany’s dynamic and bustling capital city.

See all universities in Germany.