Exchange in Germany: Freie Universität Berlin

Europe

Exchange

University Study

Study at Freie Universität Berlin, one of Germany’s leading research universities in one of the most exciting cities in Europe.

Apply to Program

Program Details

Location

Berlin, Germany

Term

Academic Year

Spring Semester

Housing

Apartment

Homestay

Languages Taught In

German

Program Eligibility

Student Type

UofM Students

Student Year

Sophomores

Juniors

Seniors

GPA

3.0

Language Prerequisite

German language background preferred

About

Established in 1948, Freie Universität Berlin has a rich history rooted in international connections. Choose from nearly 170 different degree programs, and study with over 35,000 other students. Most of the university's facilities are located in the Dahlem district of southwest Berlin, surrounded by wonderful green gardens and lakes. A vibrant and constantly changing city, it is a center of cultural, political, and economic life.

Learn more about being an exchange student at Freie Universität Berlin's website.

Program Model

Exchange

University Study

Housing & Meals

You can either organize your own private accommodation (such as shared student apartments) or use the university’s housing service, ERG. The housing service offers a variety of accommodation options, including dorms (Schlactensee), shared flats, and fully furnished single apartments. The number of placements available through ERG accommodations are limited, and distribution is based on a first-come-first-served principle. When all options are fully booked, the registration closes. If you want to reserve accommodations through ERG, do so as soon as possible after completing Freie Universität's application.

Excursions

Freie Universität is located in the capital city of Berlin and provides easy access to all the city has to offer. Previous exchange students have traveled throughout Germany and Europe while abroad.

Accessibility

If you have a disability and plan to study abroad, visit our Accessibility Abroad page to learn about considerations, answer questions, and request accommodations before you go abroad.

Learning Outcomes

Participating in a bilateral exchange program will help you:

Develop a stronger sense of confidence by engaging in a highly independent study abroad program, and foster second language acquisition whenever possible
Learn to appreciate diverse world views, accept complexity, and embrace ambiguity; added benefit of reciprocity to foster mutual respect and understanding
Experience a new culturally specific academic system and incorporate different academic perspectives
Develop awareness of and challenge assumptions about your host culture, your own culture, and how your culture is viewed by others
Identify and communicate how your experience abroad has impacted you personally, academically, and professionally

Faculty & Staff

Instruction is in German by German faculty at the Freie Universität Berlin.

Program Structure

Program Level

Upper and lower division coursework available.

Courseload

You are required to maintain a minimum of 12 credits (18 ECTS credits) per semester.

Coursework

Grade & Credit Conversion Scale (PDF)

You receive resident credit for the courses you take. Your grades factor into your University of Minnesota GPA and each course appears on your transcript with an A/F grade. Consult the Learning Abroad Center's Academic Policies page for more information.

You can browse the courses offered in the current semester online in the course catalogue. For detailed instruction on how to search for courses at Freie U, check out their Guide for Course Search.

The course catalogue is published online approximately 6 weeks before the start of the respective semester. It is sectioned into departments, degree programs, and modules. You can search for courses that are taught in English by using the “advanced search” option.

For a more detailed overview of the content and workload for each module (often only in German), refer to the archived degree program and examination regulations (Studien- und Prüfungsordnungen).

Subjects taught in English will mostly be offered by the Institute for English Language and Literature and the John F. Kennedy Institute for North American Studies. An overview of subjects offered in English is available at https://www.fu-berlin.de/vv/en/fb. Please use the “advanced search option” to find courses in English.

Courses for International Exchange Students Only

Each semester, FU Berlin offers special courses in German (level B1) and English specifically for exchange students on topics such as German-European history, politics, and culture. These courses will be automatically available to you once the course registration period starts. Learn more about the courses and a list of courses currently on offer.

German Language Courses

FU Berlin offers a range of free German language courses during the Vorlesungszeit (period when classes are in session). If you wish to participate in a German language course, you must first take a placement test to determine your language level. This test takes place during the orientation period, shortly before the semester starts. Without this test, you are not eligible to take language classes.

Every semester, direct exchange students may decide to take a preparatory 6-week German course at the Language Center of the FU Berlin. This German course takes place before classes are in session (starting in March for the summer semester and in September for the winter semester). In addition to registration and payment, participation in a placement test is a prerequisite.

Restricted Faculties/Courses

The departments of Human Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, and Pharmacy are not open to exchange students.
Enrollment in biochemistry, bioinformatics, and biology courses is subject to availability of lab classes and prior approval by the institute/department
Restrictions also apply in the Department of Law and the School of Business and Economics.
- The School of Business and Economics requires excellent German language skills (B2 level or above) for classes taught in German. There is a very limited number of classes in English, and they are not always offered regularly.

Global Identity

Global Identity: Connecting Your International Experience with Your Future is an optional 1-credit online course that helps you process your international experience and apply what you've learned upon your return. Global Identity gives you the opportunity to work individually with a trained cultural mentor, helping you articulate your newly acquired skills and differentiating you from your peers.

To access more information about the course, visit the Global Identity Course Information page.

Program Dates

Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:

Spring 2027
Academic Year 2026–27

Orientation Dates & Locations

The Learning Abroad Center provides pre-departure orientation in preparation for your time abroad. It is your responsibility to know the information shared at these orientations.

Orientation consists of several sessions, all of which are created to support your preparation to go abroad:

Online Health & Safety Orientation: This asynchronous module can be accessed in your LAC checklist and is mandatory.
LAC Program Orientation: Program-specific and important UofM registration information will be covered (academic registration, finances, arrival, housing etc.). Details will be sent to you via email.

The Learning Abroad Center also offers 2 optional orientations:

Spring 2027

Application Open Date: April 1, 2026
Application Deadline: October 1, 2026

Schedule	Date
Program Start	Early April
Program End	Late July

Academic Year 2026–27

Application Open Date: August 1, 2025
Application Deadline: April 15, 2026

Schedule	Date
Program Start	Early October
Program End	Late July

Fees

University of Minnesota participants pay the program fee instead of on-campus tuition and fees for the term they are abroad.

If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation, and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.

Fees or tuition from home institutions may be added to or differ from the University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center fees listed on this page.

Academic Yr Fall 2026/Spring 2027
Spring Semester 2027
Spring Semester 2026

Billing & Payments

Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.

Bridging Loan

Bridging Loan, a no-interest/no-fees loan that funds the confirmation deposit and/or flights cost, is available for this program for eligible students going abroad during an eligible term.

Cancellation Policy

Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.

Academic Yr Fall 2026/Spring 2027

Exchange in Germany: Freie U Berlin

Program Housing

Program Fee UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit	$400
Tuition and educational costs	$12,980
International health insurance	$900
Housing and/or meals Housing is paid directly to onsite managing organization	$0
Transportation (if required and included in program fee)	$0
Total Program Fee	$14,280
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable	$0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable	$14,280

Estimated Additional Expenses Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program site	$2,000
Passport/photos	$175
Visa/required documents FU Student/Social Fees (420/semester), German National Insurance (750/semester), Residence Permit (120)	$2,460
Travel clinic/immunizations^*	$0
Housing deposit	$500
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure	$5,135
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials	$400
Housing and/or meals not included in program fee Housing (5000/semester), Meals (3000/semester)	$16,000
Essential daily living expenses	$4,000
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country	$20,400

Total Estimated Cost of Participation UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation	$39,815
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation	$4,000
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Spring Semester 2027

Exchange in Germany: Freie U Berlin

Program Housing

Program Fee UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit	$400
Tuition and educational costs	$6,975
International health insurance	$450
Housing and/or meals Housing is paid directly to onsite managing organization	$0
Transportation (if required and included in program fee)	$0
Total Program Fee	$7,825
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable	$0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable	$7,825

Estimated Additional Expenses Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program site	$2,000
Passport/photos	$175
Visa/required documents FU Student/Social Fees (420), German National Insurance (750), Residence Permit (120)	$1,290
Travel clinic/immunizations^*	$0
Housing deposit	$500
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure	$3,965
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials	$200
Housing and/or meals not included in program fee Housing (5000), Meals (3000)	$8,000
Essential daily living expenses	$2,000
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country	$10,200

Total Estimated Cost of Participation UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation	$21,990
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation	$2,000
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Spring Semester 2026

Exchange in Germany: Freie U Berlin

Program Housing

Program Fee UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit	$400
Tuition and educational costs	$7,050
International health insurance	$375
Housing and/or meals Housing is paid directly to onsite managing organization	$0
Transportation (if required and included in program fee)	$0
Total Program Fee	$7,825
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable	$0
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable	$7,825

Estimated Additional Expenses Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program site	$2,000
Passport/photos	$175
Visa/required documents FU Social Fees (300), German National Insurance (600), Residence Permit (80)	$980
Travel clinic/immunizations^*	$0
Housing deposit	$500
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure	$3,655
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials	$200
Housing and/or meals not included in program fee Housing (5000), Meals (2800)	$7,800
Essential daily living expenses	$2,000
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country	$10,000

Total Estimated Cost of Participation UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation	$21,480
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation	$2,000
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Prepare

Complete pre-application advising.

Apply

You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.

Apply Now

Complete

After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:

Submit to the Learning Abroad Center:

Exchange in Germany personal essay
Letter of Recommendation
Complete an Exchange Program Advising Meeting

Once the application deadline has passed, the Exchange Program Team will review applications and select the students to be nominated to Freie University. If you are selected for nomination, you will then have to apply to Freie University directly, through their online system (instructions will be provided). Freie University will review the application and send out an admissions decision via email.

Next Steps

Upon submitting the online application, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application was received.
Follow the instructions on your application checklist to submit all of the items. Your application is not considered complete until all items on your application checklist are either received or waived.
You will have applications with both the Learning Abroad Center and Freie University—make sure to follow instructions for both applications when they're sent to you.
You will be notified of an acceptance decision by email. If accepted, you will be assigned a confirmation checklist. Log in to the online application to review the confirmation checklist and submit the required items.

After You Apply

Before your program begins, review these resources.

Health & Safety

Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.

Power of Attorney

Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.

Student Identity

Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.

Travel Resources

Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.

Program Contact

For further information or questions about this program, send an email to

Christina Dunbar at [email protected], or call at 612.624.3949.