Berlin, Germany
Freie Universität Berlin was founded in 1948 by professors and students as a reaction to political oppression against students and faculty at the main university in Berlin, which happened to be located in the Soviet sector of the occupied city. The idea of founding a free university received widespread international support and financial backing, ultimately paving the way for Freie Universität to become a university of international standing.
Today, FUB is a leading, internationally oriented research institution in the southwestern part of the German capital. Approximately 33,500 students study there, and roughly 4,000 doctoral candidates conduct research. About 460 professors teach and conduct research in a broad range of disciplines in the humanities and social sciences, as well as the natural and life sciences.
Direct Exchange Program
Students must be nominated by the IPO director. ÈËÆÞÓÕ»ó students with at least 2 years of college-level German language can participate in a direct exchange that enables students from both institutions to exchange places for a semester (spring term) or a full year. ÈËÆÞÓÕ»ó participants receive general orientation and academic advising, and they can enroll in courses taught in German at Freie Universität alongside regular students.
ÈËÆÞÓÕ»ó students without prior German language experience or less than 2 years of college-level German language can also apply to this exchange program with special permission from the IPO director and take classes taught in English at FUB. Students can also opt to participate in the
Housing is provided in student residences throughout the city. Reed-nominated exchange students receive a grant from FUB to cover room and board (1,200€/month)
FU-Berlin Direct Exchange Academic Calendar:
Winter semester: October–March; Summer semester: April–July.
Important: Students can apply for the entire academic year (Winter and Summer semesters) or for ÈËÆÞÓÕ»ó's Spring term (FU-Berlin Summer term)
Program Information
Terms Available: year, semester, summer
Type of Program: Exchange
Languages of Instruction: English, German
Language Prerequisite: N/A
- Credit Transfer System
- Typical course load: 3-4 courses per semester
- Units recorded in: ECTS
- Conversion to ÈËÆÞÓÕ»ó units: 6 ECTS = 1 unit
- Grading system: 1-6
- GPA Requirement: 3.0
- Credits: 24-30 ECTS
- Other requirements: FUB Exchange Program: Exchange Institution. ÈËÆÞÓÕ»ó students must be nominated by the International Programs Office (IPO). Sophomores and Juniors are eligible.
Application
Application Deadline: AY: April 1; Spring: Nov 1
Housing: Residence Dorm, Shared Apartment, Host Family
Course Information
To see pre-approved transfer courses for this program and the ÈËÆÞÓÕ»ó requirements they fulfill, click the link below.
Submit the if you want to take a course that:
- Is not on the list of pre-approved transfer courses
- Is listed, but you want it to fulfill a different requirement
Please be aware that some departments have specific policies regarding how transfer courses fulfill major/minor requirements. Check in with your academic advisor to review any department-specific information.
See course information for Freie Universität Berlin (FUB)
Areas of Study
Division of the Arts
Division of History and Social Sciences
Division of Literature and Languages
Division of Mathematical and Natural Sciences
Division of Philosophy, Religion, Psychology, and Linguistics
Financial
Cost to attend
ÈËÆÞÓÕ»ó College charges the same tuition fees for a semester or year off-campus as for a semester or year spent on campus, plus the off-campus program's actual room and board fees. Students are encouraged to choose programs based on their academic, rather than financial needs, to reflect ÈËÆÞÓÕ»ó College's belief that all students regardless of financial circumstances should have the opportunity to study abroad.
Financial aid continues for eligible students during their participation in an off-campus program. Students should discuss how other outside aid may impact their existing aid package with the Financial Aid Office. More details are available here.
Immigration
Visa Deadlines and Requirements
New EU Travel Requirements: Expected to start in 2026, US citizens and those of many other countries are required to get the Electronic Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) travel authorization before entering 30 different European countries. This is a quick process that will stay valid for three years, or until the person's passport expires.