The Freie Universität Berlin
Berlin, Germany
Option 1: Direct Exchange
Students must be nominated by the IPO director. ºìÌÒÊÓƵ students with at least 2 years of college-level German language can participate in a direct exchange that enables students from both institutions to exchange places for a semester or full year. ºìÌÒÊÓƵ participants receive general orientation and academic advising, and they can enroll in courses taught in German at Freie Universität alongside regular students. Students without 2 years of college-level German can also apply to this exchange program with special permission from the IPO director and take classes taught in English at FUB.
Housing is provided in student residences throughout the city. ºìÌÒÊÓƵ exchange students receive a grant from FUB to cover room and board (1,200€/month)
FU Berlin Academic Calendar:
Winter semester: October–March; Summer semester: April–July.
Important: Students can apply for the entire academic year (Winter and Summer semesters) or for ºìÌÒÊÓƵ's Spring term (FU-Berlin Summer term).
Flyer: Become an Exchange Student at The Freie Universität Berlin (PDF)
Option 2:
ºìÌÒÊÓƵ students without prior German language experience or less than 2 years of college-level German language are welcome to study in this program. After a placement test, students take a German language course at their level, as well as 4 courses taught in English or German that cover a . Unlike the other Direct Exchange program at FUB, this program runs on the traditional U.S. semester calendar, allowing students to study either the fall or spring semester. Students with at least 2 years of college-level German can also opt to participate in the program.
Program Information
Terms Available: year, semester, summer
Type of Program: Exchange
Languages of Instruction: English, German
Language Prerequisite: It is recommended to have a B1 German level for the exchange program.
- Credit Transfer System
- Typical course load: 3-4 courses per semester (FU-BEST: 3-5 courses)
- Units recorded in: ECTS
- Conversion to ºìÌÒÊÓƵ units: 6 ECTS = 1 unit
- Grading system: 1-6
- GPA Requirement: 3.0
- Credits: 24-30 ECTS
- Other requirements: FUB Exchange Program: Exchange Institution. ºìÌÒÊÓƵ students must be nominated by the International Programs Office (IPO). Sophomores and Juniors are eligible.
Application
Application Deadline: FU/BEST: Fall: April 1; Spring: Nov 1
Housing:
Residence Dorm, Shared Apartment, Host Family
FU/BEST: Students may live with German host families or in housing arranged by the program. BCGS: Students begin with a "Guest Stay" housing program with German hosts followed by shared apartments or residences.
Immigration
Visa Deadlines and Requirements:
New EU Travel Requirements: Expected to start in 2026, US citizens and those of many other countries are required to get the Electronic Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) travel authorization before entering 30 different European countries. This is a quick process that will stay valid for three years, or until the person's passport expires.
Financial
Cost to attend:
ºìÌÒÊÓƵ charges the same tuition fees for a semester or year off-campus as for a semester or year spent on campus, plus the off-campus program's actual room and board fees. Students are encouraged to choose programs based on their academic, rather than financial needs, to reflect ºìÌÒÊÓƵ's belief that all students regardless of financial circumstances should have the opportunity to study abroad.
Financial aid continues for eligible students during their participation in an off-campus program. Students should discuss how other outside aid may impact their existing aid package with the Financial Aid Office. More details are available here.