Technische Universität Berlin
About
TU Berlin in Berlin offers engineering, IT, STEM, economics and more programmes — tuition-free for non-EU students, with an IELTS 6.5 entry bar. Berlin's hundreds of tech firms and start-ups give engineering and IT students strong internship access. The degree is EU-recognised, and Germany's 18-month post-study job-seeker visa gives graduates real time to convert study into a career.
Berlin is Europe's startup capital — 3.5 million people, hundreds of tech companies, constant cultural energy, and a student population of 180,000+. It's expensive by German standards but cheap compared to London or Paris. There's no other German city with this much creative and professional opportunity. The tech scene is real: jobs are plentiful after graduation, and during studies, part-time work is easy to find.
Application deadlines
- WiSe (Bachelor NC-restricted)Jul 15
Direct TU Berlin portal. Window: Jun 1 – Jul 15. VPD from uni-assist required for foreign degrees — apply for VPD 4–6 weeks before.
- WiSe (Bachelor open)Aug 31
Direct portal. Window: Jun 1 – Aug 31.
- WiSe (Master NC-restricted)Jun 15
Direct portal. Window: Apr 1 – Jun 15. VPD required.
- WiSe (Master open)Aug 31
Direct portal. Window: Jun 1 – Aug 31. VPD required.
- SoSe (Bachelor NC)Jan 15
Window: Dec 1 – Jan 15.
- SoSe (Master NC)Jan 15
Window: Dec 1 – Jan 15.
Accommodation
Studierendenwerk Berlin: 9,500 rooms in 33 dormitories citywide. Range €390–520/mo. CRITICAL: Waiting list 12+ months — do NOT rely on dorm for first semester. Arrange private WG or interim housing before arrival. Private market Berlin: €600–900/mo for a room.
Scholarships
- 🏛DAAD
- 🏛Deutschlandstipendium
DAAD: Master's/PhD, merit-based (RU/BY de-facto restricted post-2022). Deutschlandstipendium: €300/mo, all nationalities, merit + social commitment. Apply via university portal (Apr–Jun).
National funding for this destination
Honestly
Why this works
- Zero tuition for international students makes TU Berlin one of the most affordable top technical universities in Europe.
- Public university status means no hidden private-institution fees — only a small per-semester administrative charge.
- Berlin's economy hosts hundreds of tech companies, start-ups, and multinationals, giving engineering and IT students strong internship access.
- An EU degree from a German public university is recognised across all Schengen countries and opens pan-European job markets.
- Germany's 18-month post-study job-seeker visa lets graduates stay and convert their degree into a work permit.
- Wide field coverage — engineering, IT, economics, and social sciences — suits students who want flexibility across STEM and business.
What to check
- Non-EU students must prove roughly €11,904 per year in a blocked Sperrkonto account before receiving a student visa — a significant upfront cash requirement.
- Many bachelor programmes at German public universities are taught in German; confirm English-taught availability for your specific programme before applying.
- Admission is competitive and non-EU school-leaving certificates often require a Studienkolleg foundation year or equivalency recognition, adding one year to your timeline.
- Berlin's housing market is extremely tight; finding affordable student accommodation can take months and costs have risen sharply in recent years.
- Daily life in Berlin requires functional German for bureaucracy, healthcare, and social integration, even if your academic programme is in English.
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Figures are indicative and change by academic year. Always confirm tuition, deadlines and visa requirements on the official institution and government sources before applying.