Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin)

Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany

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Overview

Technische Universität Berlin is a renowned institution of higher education located in the city of Berlin, Germany. As one of the oldest research institutions in the country, it has provided the framework for many other German Technical Universities. More than 35,000 students are enrolled at TU Berlin, of whom nearly a third are from outside Germany, creating a diverse, cosmopolitan, and vibrant atmosphere.

Academic and research activities at TU Berlin are divided into 7 Faculties (Humanities & Educational Sciences, Mathematics & Natural Scien...

University Highlight

Establishment year1770 (earliest precursor)
Total Students35,470
International Students10,169
QS World University Rankings 2024=154
Campus Size149 acres
Total Number of Campuses4
University Websitehttps://www.tu.berlin/en/ 
No. of Schools and Divisions7 Faculties
Nobel Prize Winner Alumni10
No. of Education Programs50 (undergraduate), 90 (Master’s)
Student to Faculty ratio11:1

Course Highlight

TU Berlin offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses through 7 Faculties, which are further subdivided into Departments, Centers, and Institutes.

  • The Faculty of Humanities and Educational Sciences provides UG and PG taught and research programs through five Institutes: History & Philosophy of Science, Technology & Literature, Art History & Historical Urban Studies, Education, Language & Communication, and Vocational Education and Work Studies.
  • The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences conducts undergraduate and postgraduate programs through three Institutes: Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry.
  • The Faculty of Process Sciences teaches UG and PG courses, and carries out research via its six Institutes: Biotechnology, Energy Technology, Food Technology & Food Chemistry, Chemical & Process Engineering, Environmental Technology, and Material Sciences & Technology.
  • The Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science provides UG and PG taught and research programs through six Institutes: Energy & Automation Technology, High Frequency & Semiconductor System Technologies, Telecommunication Systems, Computer Engineering & Microelectronics, Software Engineering & Theoretical Computer Science, and Commercial Information Technology.
  • The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Transport Systems conducts undergraduate and postgraduate programs through seven Institutes: Fluid Dynamics & Technical Acoustics, Psychology & Ergonomics, Land & Sea Transport Systems, Aeronautics & Astronautics, Machine Design & System Technology, Machine Tools & Factory Management, and Mechanics.
  • The Faculty of Planning and Building Environment provides UG and PG taught and research programs through eight Institutes: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Applied Geosciences, Geodesy & Geoinformation Science, Landscape Architecture & Environmental Planning, Ecology, Sociology, and Urban & Regional Planning.
  • The Faculty of Economics and Management conducts undergraduate and postgraduate programs through three Institutes: Economics & Law, Business Administration, and Technology & Management.

Eligibility Criteria

International applicants to undergraduate programs at TU Berlin must satisfy the following requirements:

  • Possession of a high school secondary certificate (either interim or final; the full certificate must be presented for verification at the time of admission).
  • Minimum performance levels in certain prerequisite subjects (this is a course specific requirement). This can be done by submitting detailed academic transcripts.
  • Proof of Language Proficiency: If the medium of instruction of the chosen course is German, B2 or C1 level scores are needed in a recognized language test. If the program is taught in English, TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge, or Pearson test scores can be submitted.
  • Possession of an international passport, with a validity period of at least one year from the expected date of arrival in Germany.
  • Ability to finance oneself during the period of stay in Berlin; this can be done by providing details of a bank account with a balance of at least 10,000 Euros, sufficient to pay living costs for one year.

Applicants to postgraduate programs must satisfy similar eligibility criteria. However, detailed academic transcripts from a recognized undergraduate degree must be submitted. Every Master’s program has specific requirements. For example, the Faculty of Economics and Management mandates professional experience for students applying for the Master of Business Administration program. Some programs in the Faculty of Humanities and Educational Sciences may require the submission of a creative portfolio.

Admission

International applicants (from outside the European Union) to undergraduate programs at TU Berlin fall in Applicant Group C. The following steps are involved in the process:

  • Creation of an account on the uni-assist website. This is mandatory for online submission of the application to TU Berlin.
  • Selection of the program in which the applicant is interested. Separate applications must be submitted if the candidate wishes to apply to multiple programs. A maximum of three applications may be submitted.
  • The application form has several detailed questions that must be answered in text format. Many of them deal with the same subject matter as that covered in the attached documents. Therefore, the application must be filled out very carefully.
  • All the required documents must be uploaded, including:
    • Proof of high school degree (certificate) and transcripts.
    • Proof of language proficiency.
    • Identity Proof (Passport ID pages).
  • The application fee of 75 Euros must be paid while submitting the application. The uni-assist portal sends all documents to TU Berlin. The University contacts all students within a few weeks of their application, with either an acceptance letter or a rejection letter.

Applicants to Master’s courses must follow a similar procedure. However, a maximum of one application can be submitted. In addition, applicants from certain countries, including India, must submit additional documents. A mandatory feature of the admissions process at TU Berlin is enrollment. After the University sends an offer of admission, successful candidates must pay the fees for their first semester, and select the courses that make up the credit requirement. The confirmation of enrollment is an essential step in applying for a German student visa. After arriving in Berlin, students must present original documents to the University International Office in order to confirm their admission to TU Berlin.

Fees

Most students at TU Berlin do not have to pay tuition fees, except for those enrolled in continuing education postgraduate programs. The only fees payable to the University are semester fees, which have the following components. They must be paid twice a year.

  • Administrative Fee: 50 Euros. This is used by the University to process registrations and provide clerical support for academic activities.
  • Student Body Contribution: 9 Euros. This finances the operations of the Student Union, primarily to set up events.
  • Berlin Student Office Fee: 54.09 Euros. This amount accrues towards the salaries of local government officials in the Education Department.
  • Semester Ticket Contribution: 193.80 Euros. This is a further administrative amount charged in lieu of a full tuition fee. Certain students from disadvantaged or refugee backgrounds can apply for a waiver of this amount.
  • Subsidy: The State of Berlin provides a 75 Euro subsidy on the overall semester fees, thereby reducing the amount payable.

Living costs in Berlin are among the highest in Germany. Low cost student housing is available, with a monthly rent of 300 to 400 Euros; however, most students enrolled in TU Berlin opt for private housing, where the rent can exceed 600 Euros per month. Food costs range from 200 to 300 Euros per month. Students must also budget for other living costs, including phone and internet charges, transportation passes, shopping costs, and the cost of study materials. The total living expenses are approximately 100 Euros per month, on average.

Campus facilities

The main campus of TU Berlin is located in the Charlottenburg Wilmersdorf region of the city. All seven academic Faculties have buildings in this campus, which is located near one of the most prominent streets of the city. The other three campus locations are in Wedding, Tempelhof, and Dahlem, and house various research and recreation facilities. All campuses are well connected via public transport, and University students can purchase a low cost pass to easily travel through the city by bus or metro. The campuses are sustainable and green, with almost 1,600 trees spread across the different locations.

Sports courses are an important feature of campus life at TU Berlin. TU Sport organizes regular training sessions for students and staff members, with over 1,150 different classes. The most skilled athletes represent the University at intercollegiate competitions, national and international levels. All four campuses are well equipped with gyms, track and field venues, outdoor grounds, and indoor venues. These allow students to pursue their sport or fitness activity of interest, from football to yoga.

Cultural events are an integral part of the TU Berlin fabric. The Language and Culture Exchange allows students of all nationalities to immerse themselves in foreign cultures, thereby gaining a deeper insight into diversity. Collegium Musicum is the umbrella organization under which music enthusiasts in the TU Berlin community come together in choir and symphony orchestra ensembles. There is also a Campus Film club that screens a critically acclaimed movie every week. The Campus in Transition initiative celebrates the sustainable nature of all TU Berlin locations, and spearheads initiatives such as rooftop solar energy installations.

Scholarship

There are several scholarships for international students enrolled at TU Berlin. The DAAD Scholarships are provided by Germany’s Academic Exchange Service. Students must apply via the German Embassy or Consulate in their home country before arriving in Berlin. While applying, candidates must submit proof of enrollment in an undergraduate or postgraduate program. Previous academic records must also be submitted, and the amount awarded is variable, depending on the duration of the scholarship.

The most prestigious scholarship (open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students) is the Deutschland Stipendium. This awards students 300 Euros per month during the duration of the academic year, which amounts to approximately 30% of the average living cost. It is awarded based on academic merit and future potential, with consideration given to a good social work record and students with societal or physical disadvantages. There is no limit on the total number of awardees.

The Friedrich Ebert Foundation awards scholarships to domestic and international students based on financial need. It was originally founded to allow candidates from working class backgrounds to access high quality education. Chosen students are supported throughout the duration of their UG or PG degree program on two dimensions: registration fees and living costs. Students who have a history of working towards social equality and justice are also strongly considered for this scholarship.