About Free University of Berlin
Overview and Contact Information
The Free University of Berlin was established in 1948 amidst post-war Germany, at a time when students from the former Universität Unter den Linden, located in the Soviet-controlled part of the city, faced persecution due to their beliefs. With support from the international community, the university was founded to provide scholars a space for academic pursuits free from political influence.
The university’s guiding principles—truth, justice, and freedom—are still integral today, symbolized by these words on the university’s seal.
During the 1960s, the university became a hub for student protests and activism. The reunification of Germany in 1990 brought about significant changes in its leadership, which also marked a stronger emphasis on research. Today, the Free University of Berlin is recognized as one of Germany’s eleven “Universities of Excellence.”
Located in the peaceful Dahlem district of southwest Berlin, the university serves over 32,000 students and offers more than 150 academic programs. It houses 17 collaborative research centers and nearly 5,000 academic staff. The university also boasts a global presence, with international partnerships and seven liaison offices in cities such as Beijing, Brussels, Cairo, Moscow, New Delhi, New York, and Sao Paulo.
Notable achievements include five Nobel Prize winners among its faculty and 17 Leibniz Prize laureates. With 30% of its professorships held by women, the university is also a leader in gender representation in higher education.
Over the years, many prominent figures have visited the university, including President John F. Kennedy, who delivered his famous “Ich bin ein Berliner” speech there in 1963.
Rankings
The Free University of Berlin ranks as follows:
- World University Ranking (2025): 104th
- Arts and Humanities (2025): 29th
- Business and Economics (2025): 151-175th
- Computer Science (2025): 151-175th
- Education Studies (2025): 126-150th
- Law (2025): 70th
- Life Sciences (2025): 80th
- Physical Sciences (2025): 101-125th
- Psychology (2025): 72nd
- Social Sciences (2025): 42nd
In terms of overall scores for 2025, the Free University of Berlin has a ranking of 65.8, with a teaching score of 49.9 and research quality at 82.7. Its international outlook stands at 81.7.
Impact Rankings
The university’s impact rankings include:
- Overall Impact (2025): 101-200th
- Quality Education (SDG 4, 2025): 301-400th
- Gender Equality (SDG 5, 2025): 50th
- Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7, 2025): 201-300th
- Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8, 2025): 101-200th
- Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9, 2025): 201-300th
- Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12, 2025): 101-200th
- Climate Action (SDG 13, 2025): 101-200th
- Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16, 2025): 201-300th
- Partnership for the Goals (SDG 17, 2025): 201-300th
Key Student Statistics
- Gender Ratio: 63% female, 37% male
- International Students: 22%
- Student-to-Staff Ratio: 42.5 students per staff member
- Total Students: 24,727
Similar Universities
If you’re interested in other similar institutions, here are a few options:
- Constructor University, Bremen, Germany
- LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Paderborn University, Paderborn, Germany
Subjects Offered at Free University of Berlin
The university offers a broad range of subjects, including:
- Arts and Humanities: History, Philosophy, Theology, Languages, Literature, and Linguistics
- Business and Economics: Accounting, Finance, Business Management, Economics, Econometrics
- Computer Science
- Education Studies
- Law
- Life Sciences: Biological Sciences, Veterinary Science
- Physical Sciences: Chemistry, Geology, Environmental, Earth, and Marine Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, Astronomy
- Psychology
- Social Sciences: Communication, Media Studies, Geography, Politics, International Studies, Sociology
Student Opportunities and Jobs
The Free University of Berlin regularly posts student internships and job opportunities. For example:
- Student Intern at KIIT University, India
- Postdoctoral Researcher at Aalto University, Finland
- Assistant Professor in Living State Physics at Aalto University, Finland
- Assistant Professor/Lecturer in German Studies at Maynooth University, Ireland
- Postdoctoral Research Associate at Durham University, UK