Technische Universität Berlin

Public University Berlin · Berlin

1879

Founded

34.550

Student count

Public University

Type

NC-free programs ↗

Located in Berlin, Germany's capital, Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin) is a well-established educational institution globally recognized for its programs in engineering, natural sciences, and technology. Continuing the tradition of the Royal Technical University (Königlich Technische Hochschule zu Berlin), founded in 1879, TU Berlin is one of Germany's largest and most prestigious technical universities, boasting over 32,000 students and more than 100 different programs. For students looking to study in Germany, especially those seeking university education in Berlin, TU Berlin offers an attractive option, standing out with its innovative research and strong industry connections.

If you're considering a master's or PhD in a technical field in Germany, TU Berlin could be the right place for you, offering a broad academic spectrum and an international student-friendly environment. This page covers everything you need to know about studying at TU Berlin and student life in Berlin.

Quick Facts

University Name: Technische Universität Berlin
City: Berlin
State: Berlin
Type: Public University
Founded Year: 1879
Student Count: 32.000+
Number of Programs: 23 (Bachelor's: 0, Master's: 12, PhD: 3)
HRK Member: No
Uni-Assist Member: No

Academics and Student Life at Technische Universität Berlin

Technische Universität Berlin is renowned for its high-quality education, particularly in engineering, computer science, economics, and social sciences. The university's academic staff consists of professors specialized in their fields, focusing on equipping students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. TU Berlin is a research-oriented university, offering students opportunities to participate in various research projects and contribute to innovative work.

The university campus is equipped with modern laboratories, libraries, and study areas. Especially for master's and PhD programs, TU Berlin offers extensive opportunities for international students, providing education with a global perspective. A common question among students is about conditional admission at universities like TU Berlin.

Many public universities, including TU Berlin, expect you to fully meet language proficiency requirements at the time of application and generally do not offer conditional admission. This means you'll need to have your German or English language proficiency certificates (like TestDaF, DSH, IELTS, TOEFL) ready before you apply.

Estimated Monthly Cost of Living

Rent (shared WG room)

400-700 EUR

Rent prices in Berlin vary significantly.

Food

250-400 EUR

Groceries and occasional dining out

Transportation (Semesterticket)

0-60 EUR

Student fees often include public transport within Berlin, but there's a semester contribution.

Health Insurance

110-120 EUR

Mandatory student health insurance

Other (leisure, personal)

100-200 EUR

Average total 860-1500 EUR / mo

Accommodation and Residence Permit in Berlin

Finding accommodation in Berlin can be tough, especially for students, as it's one of Germany's most popular cities. Topics like 'I'm looking for a WG/dorm in Berlin' getting thousands of views in our forums and Telegram groups really highlight how serious this issue is. Students frequently ask questions like 'I'm going to Berlin in November for a year of preparation, looking for a house or dorm, can anyone with information or help please write?' or 'Can anyone arrange a private dorm for Berlin?', emphasizing the importance of planning early.

Student dorms (Studentenwerk, the student services organization), private dorms, or shared apartments (WG - Wohngemeinschaft, a shared living arrangement) are the most common accommodation options. It's highly recommended to apply months before you arrive in Germany and consider multiple options. Another crucial topic, just as important as accommodation, is your residence permit.

The high view count on our 'Berlin - Residence Permit Application Guide' topic shows just how complex this process can be. One of the first things you need to do after arriving in Germany is register your address (Anmeldung). We often see questions like 'If I register my Anmeldung from Brandenburg, will there be a problem later?' Remember, it's a legal requirement to complete your Anmeldung in the city where you actually live, which is Berlin.

Registering from another state could lead to serious issues down the line. For your residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) application, you'll also need to book an appointment with the Berlin Foreigners' Office (Ausländerbehörde).

Places to Visit and Student Hangouts

TU Berlin Campus

Landmark

The main campus, located in the Charlottenburg district, filled with modern and historic buildings.

Tiergarten

Park

A large city park in the heart of Berlin, perfect for relaxing between classes or on weekends.

Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor)

Landmark

A historic gate that has become a symbol of Berlin and Germany.

Reichstag Building (Reichstagsgebäude)

Landmark

One of the city's important political structures, offering panoramic city views from its glass dome.

Museum Island (Museumsinsel)

Museum

A cultural hub on the UNESCO World Heritage list, home to five internationally renowned museums.

East Side Gallery

Landmark

An open-air gallery where remnants of the Berlin Wall are adorned with artworks.

Student Life and Culture

Technische Universität Berlin boasts a vibrant and multicultural student environment. Berlin's dynamic atmosphere offers students rich experiences, not just academically, but also socially and culturally. You'll find many student clubs and societies within the university; whether your interests lie in sports, arts, technology, or social responsibility, you're sure to find one that fits.

As one of Europe's most exciting cities, Berlin offers students endless opportunities for entertainment and discovery with its concerts, exhibitions, festivals, and nightlife. Thanks to the Semesterticket (a student public transport pass), students can use public transport within Berlin and the Brandenburg state for free or at a heavily discounted rate, significantly cutting down on transportation costs. The international student community in the city is quite large, creating opportunities to meet people from different cultures and build a global network. Berlin's startup ecosystem is also highly developed, providing significant advantages for students in technical fields when it comes to internships and career opportunities.

Multicultural and international student environment
Wide range of student clubs and societies
Public transport benefits within Berlin with the Semesterticket
Vibrant art, culture, and nightlife
Developed startup ecosystem and career opportunities

Frequently Asked Questions

I selected Technische Universität Chemnitz (TU) and chose Informatics. It showed me the semesters, and since I'm starting from the 1st semester, I selected '1', but the screen froze. When I checked my cart, it was added. Just in case, I tried to remove it from the cart and add it again, but now I can't add it back and I'm getting an error. Has anyone else experienced this issue? ▼

These kinds of technical issues usually stem from high traffic on the application portal or a temporary glitch. First, try clearing your browser's cache or using a different browser. If the problem persists, the best solution is to contact the university's student affairs or admissions office directly. Don't hesitate to seek support during the application period.

My visa has been issued, and I'm in Germany. I'm going to do a Master's, but first, I'll attend a language course. My language course is in Heidelberg, but I want to do a language course in Berlin. Will the Foreigners' Office (Ausländerbehörde) cause problems for this? ▼

If your visa was issued specifically for a language course or university in a particular city (Heidelberg), moving to Berlin to continue your language course there could be an issue for the Foreigners' Office (Ausländerbehörde). You absolutely must inform the Foreigners' Office in Berlin about this situation and get their approval. Otherwise, you might face problems with extending your residence permit or other bureaucratic processes. It's crucial to act in accordance with the purpose and conditions of your visa.

I'm going to Berlin in November for a year of preparation and I'm constantly looking for a house and dorm. If anyone has information or can help, please write? ▼

Finding accommodation in Berlin can be challenging, especially for short-term stays or preparatory periods. You should apply for student dorms (Studentenwerk), private dorms, or shared apartments (WG) as early as possible. You can follow listings on Facebook groups (like 'Wohnung in Berlin', 'WG Zimmer Berlin'), WG-Gesucht.de, and Immobilienscout24. Be cautious of unreliable offers and never send a deposit for a place you haven't seen.

Are there any relatively affordable language courses you can recommend in Berlin? ▼

For students looking for affordable language courses in Berlin, Volkshochschule (VHS, a public adult education center) can be a good option. VHS is government-subsidized, making it more economical than private language schools. However, registrations can fill up quickly. There are also many private language schools, but their prices might be higher. It's beneficial to compare prices and course content before registering, and also to ask about student discounts.

I heard Berlin universities don't accept conditional admission, meaning you have to sort out the language first and then continue. Are there any universities in Berlin that offer conditional admission for software engineering? ▼

Yes, generally, many public universities like TU Berlin expect you to fully meet the language proficiency requirements at the time of application and do not offer conditional admission. This means you need to have reached the required German or English language level before starting university. This rule also applies to programs like software engineering at public universities in Berlin. Universities that offer conditional admission are usually private universities, but their tuition fees are much higher than those of public universities.

To get more information about Technische Universität Berlin, ask questions about application processes, or student life in Berlin, join our AlmanyaUni community. Get support from experienced students and our experts to make your study in Germany journey easier!