TU Berlin

Global rankings show consistent recognition for the university’s research, academic reputation and international outlook. Its strogest performance is visible in technical subjects such as architecture, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science and electrical engineering.

The overall TU Berlin ranking remains within the world’s top 200 in QS and Times Higher Education.

Global and National Rankings

The table below compares the university’s position across QS, Times Higher Education and U.S. News:

• TU Berlin QS Ranking: The university improved from #147 in 2025 to #145 in 2026 before moving to =158 in 2027. It remains #8 in Germany and #4 among Germany’s major technical universities in QS 2027. 
• THE Rankings: Its position changed from #140 in 2025 to #=160 in 2026. The THE World University Rankings 2027 had not been released at the time of writing. 
• U.S. News Rankings: Rankings improved steadily from #292 in 2025 to #270 in 2026 and #252 in 2027, reflecting stronger research performance across the three editions.  

Ranking bodies use different indicators, including academic reputation, citations, research output, international outlook and employer recognition. Students should therefore consider these positions alongside course structure, fees, admission criteria and career opportunities.

TU Berlin QS Subject Rankings 2026

The following table presents the latest available TU Berlin QS ranking by subject:

Architecture and Built Environment is the university’s highest-ranked subject at #24 worldwide and #1 in Germany. Chemical Engineering, Engineering and Technology, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering are also positioned within the global top 50.

For a more detailed view of its performance across ranking bodies, years and academic subjects, read our TU Berlin Rankings page.

The university offers winter and summer intakes, but most programs begin in the winter semester. 

Admission Types Overview

• Restricted admission: Limited seats; admission is competitive and based on selection criteria.
• Unrestricted admission: No fixed seat limit; eligible applicants are generally admitted if they meet the requirements.

International applicants who need preliminary review documentation should request their VPD through uni-assist at least four to six weeks before the deadline.

Bachelor’s Application Dates

Most undergraduate programs are available during the winter intake. Only a limited selection accepts first-semester applications for summer.

Applicants with an international university entrance qualification may need to obtain a VPD from uni-assist before completing their application through the university portal.

Postgraduate Application Dates

Applicants targeting TU Berlin masters should check whether their chosen program is restricted or unrestricted, as the application window differs between the two categories. 

International students should also allow additional time for uni-assist document verification.

Some courses set independent deadlines. For example, the MSc Civil Systems Engineering used a 15 May deadline for the winter 2026–27 intake

Applications submitted after a cut-off deadline are not considered. Students should also allow additional time for VPD processing, document certification, translations and APS verification.

Admission requirements depend on the applicant’s qualification, study level, teaching language and chosen program. Some courses have restricted admission, while others require academic credits, aptitude assessments or additional supporting documents.

Students should prepare carefully because satisfying the minimum criteria does not guarantee a place. The TU Berlin acceptance rate is commonly estimated at around 20–30%, although actual competition varies considerably by program and available capacity.

Academic Qualification Requirements

The following table summarises the general requirements for each study level:

Applicants to restricted programs are usually selected according to academic performance and available seats. 

Some master’s courses also assess whether the previous degree contains sufficient credits in mathematics, programming, engineering or another relevant subject.

Language Proficiency Requirements

Most bachelor’s programs and several master’s courses are taught in German. English-taught programs set their own proficiency requirements.

The exact English score is program-specific. For example, the MSc Computer Science requires English proficiency at B2 level, while other postgraduate courses may set different standards.

Documents Required

International applicants should generally prepare:

• School or university certificates 
• Complete academic transcripts 
• Certified copies and translations 
• Proof of German or English proficiency 
• Passport copy 
• Curriculum vitae, if requested 
• Program-specific module descriptions 
• Preliminary review documentation through uni-assist, where applicable 
• APS certificate for applicants with Indian academic qualifications, where required 
• Motivation letter or additional departmental documents for selected programs 

Visa Requirements for Indian Students

After receiving admission, Indian students applying for a German student visa generally need:

• Valid passport 
• TU Berlin admission letter 
• APS certificate 
• Proof of sufficient funds 
• Blocked account with approximately EUR 11,904 (INR 12.98L), subject to the amount applicable during the visa application 
• Valid health insurance 
• Academic certificates and transcripts 
• Proof of accommodation, if requested 
• Completed visa application and biometric photographs 

Students should verify the latest financial and document requirements through the German mission in India before submitting their visa application.

Planning your application? Visit our TU Berlin Admissions page for course-specific eligibility, required documents, selection procedures and application guidance. 

The university offers 50 bachelor’s and 92 master’s programs across engineering, computer science, natural sciences, architecture, planning, management and the humanities. 

Its academic catalogue combines technical specialisation with interdisciplinary learning and research.

Undergraduate Courses

Most bachelor’s programs take 6 semesters or 3 years and are taught primarily in German. 

Applicants should therefore check the German-language requirements for their selected course before applying.

Popular Undergraduate Programs

Some bachelor’s programs may take seven semesters depending on their curriculum and required practical components.

Postgraduate Courses

Most master’s programs take four semesters or two years. While German remains the main teaching language for many courses, students researching TU Berlin masters can also find several programs taught entirely or partly in English.

Popular Postgraduate Programs

Regular consecutive master’s programs are tuition-free, but specialised continuing-education programs may charge separate tuition. Students should confirm the fee, duration and teaching language on the individual program page.

Research and Doctoral Courses

Doctoral candidates can pursue an individual doctorate under a professor or join a structured doctoral program with defined research training and supervision. The usual duration is around three to five years, depending on the project and faculty.

Need help selecting the right program? Read our TU Berlin Courses page to compare degrees, teaching languages & duration.

Studying at a public university in Germany can be comparatively affordable, as regular degree programs at TU Berlin generally do not charge tuition fees. However, students must pay a semester contribution and arrange sufficient funds for living in Berlin.

The university commends budgeting at least €1,200 (approx. INR 1.31 lakh) per month for accommodation, food, health insurance, study materials and other personal expenses.

Tuition Fees by Program

The fee structure depends on whether students choose a regular degree or a specialised continuing-education program: 

Students considering specialised or professional programs should check the individual course page, as these programs may charge separate tuition fees.

Semester Fee and Additional Expenses

Even though regular programs are tuition-free, enrolled students must pay a semester contribution. 

For the Summer Semester 2026, the total contribution is €360.49 (approx. INR 39,300).

The semester contribution can change, so students should confirm the amount before re-registration or enrolment.

Estimated Living Costs in Berlin

International students should plan their monthly expenses carefully, particularly because accommodation costs can vary significantly across Berlin.

Here is a breakdown: 

This estimate covers essential expenses such as accommodation, food, health insurance, books and personal costs. Students may spend more depending on their housing choice and lifestyle.

Average Annual Budget

The following estimate can help students understand the approximate cost of completing one academic year in a regular tuition-free program:

This budget does not include airfare, visa charges, housing deposits or tuition charged by specialised professional programs.

Technical University Berlin provides a vibrant campus in the heart of Germany's capital city, Berlin. Its modern facilities blend seamlessly with historic buildings, creating an inspiring academic environment. The campus offers cutting-edge laboratories, extensive libraries, and collaborative spaces that encourage innovation and research.

Accommodation options at Technical University Berlin cater to the diverse needs of its international student community. Below is a table summarizing the accommodation types and their estimated costs:

The costs mentioned can vary based on factors such as location, amenities, and the number of roommates. TU Berlin supports students in finding suitable housing options to ensure a comfortable and enriching experience while studying in Berlin.

Undergraduate Course Fees at Technical University Berlin (TU Berlin):

TU Berlin is a public university in Germany, and as such, tuition fees for undergraduate programs are generally quite low for international students, especially for students from non-European Union (EU) countries. Many undergraduate programs have no tuition fees at all, or students pay a small semester contribution of around €300-400, which covers various university services and a public transportation ticket.

Postgraduate Course Fees at Technical University Berlin (TU Berlin):

Similarly, for postgraduate programs at TU Berlin, tuition fees are often very affordable. Most master's programs for international students from non-EU countries charge low semester fees, typically ranging from €300-500 per semester.

Cost of Living at Technical University Berlin (TU Berlin):

Students can explore a combination of university-specific and externally funded scholarships to manage their study and living expenses. Most awards consider academic performance, social involvement, financial circumstances or the applicant’s chosen field.

Here are some scholarships that may be available to Indian students: 

University-Specific Scholarships

TU Berlin offers a limited number of scholarships and financial aid programs for enrolled students. Most awards are merit-based or need-based and are highly competitive. 

The following university-administered scholarships can help international students manage their study and living expenses while pursuing a degree:

Government-Funded and External Scholarships

In addition to university-based funding, international students at TU Berlin can apply for several prestigious scholarships funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and leading German foundations. 

Here are some of the most popular government-funded and external scholarships available to international students in Germany:

Note: Scholarship eligibility requirements, funding amounts, and application deadlines may change each year.

TU Berlin and its predecessor institution, Technische Hochschule zu Berlin, have educated several influential scientists, engineers and innovators. Their work has contributed to major developments in computing, physics and modern engineering.

Some prominent former students associated with the university are listed below: 

These alumni reflect the university’s long-standing contribution to scientific research and technological development. TU Berlin also maintains an international alumni network with approximately 35,000 members across 139 countries.