Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin is the German capital’s oldest and most central university, situated at the heart of Europe. Since 1810, this institution has been a major player in shaping the higher education sector, drawing from the ideas of its namesakes, Wilhelm and Alexander von Humboldt. Wilhelm von Humboldt’s revolutionary model of education combines research and teaching, academic freedom and broad, cross-disciplinary learning. This ideal changed how modern universities educate and inspire their students, making Humboldt-Universität a global role-model.
At Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, students and scientists benefit not only from the outstanding research infrastructure and intellectual vibrancy of this city. They also get to take advantage of an abundance of international networks and partnerships, allowing them to follow in the footsteps of quintessential travelling researcher Alexander von Humboldt.
Cutting-edge research
Counting 30 Nobel laureates to date, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin is committed to academic excellence. As part of Humboldt’s recipe for success, junior academics are involved and supported in designing and conducting innovative research.
The university’s scientific profile encompasses a broad range of disciplines, with outstanding research in core areas such as application-oriented mathematics, cultural studies, integrative natural sciences, law and social sciences as well as sustainability research.
Doing research at Humboldt means being part of a dynamic international and interdisciplinary community. Humboldt-Universität is a member of the Berlin University Alliance which is part of Germany’s federal excellence strategy and home to high-profile Clusters of Excellence, Collaborative Research Centres and Research Training Groups – all funded by the German Research Foundation. In this network, Humboldt-Universität cooperates closely with Freie Universität, Technische Universität and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Its affiliation to numerous prolific national and global research networks makes it the ideal place for building international academic careers in a truly diverse environment.
Studying at HU
Pursuing a degree at Humboldt-Universität makes for a unique student experience as well as the perfect stepping stone for careers in academia and beyond. Here, students can choose from more than 160 degree programmes across a variety of disciplines, from the humanities and social sciences to the natural sciences, information sciences and mathematics, all taught by leading experts in their fields. In the spirit of the Humboldt brothers, students are encouraged to think outside the box and cross borders – between academic fields, cultural contexts and continents.
The main campus is located at the very centre of Berlin, a European capital steeped in history and with a cultural scene that is second to none. Facilities available to Humboldt students include a vast network of excellently stocked research libraries and state-of-the-art laboratories.
Catering to their physical and mental wellbeing, students will also find a wide range of sports classes and counselling offers at their disposal. The HU Language Centre teaches 14 languages at various levels, while Berlin’s Studierendenwerk runs affordable all-vegetarian student cafeterias and offers convenient accommodation.
