Overview
Unfortunately, Humboldt-Universität is not fully accessible at all its sites. However, we are constantly improving our buildings, rooms and central areas to ensure that routes and access points are as barrier-free as possible, and we will inform you of any existing barriers.
Students with health-related difficulties (disabilities and/or chronic illnesses) and/or family responsibilities should apply for reasonable adjustments of these disadvantages. These may, for example, allow for extended deadlines or the submission of alternative work.
Equal opportunities require targeted support. Supporting women from all members groups and at all career stages is a key focus of the Centre for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging.
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin has signed a cooperation agreement with the non-profit organisation CLAIM for the year 2026. CLAIM works nationwide to combat anti-Muslim racism and Islamophobia. The cooperation agreement covers counselling services and workshops, which are offered through the Centre for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging.
The counselling service is aimed at members of the HU who are affected by anti-Muslim racism. In addition, workshops are offered to raise awareness among HU staff and students regarding hostility towards Muslims.
For most people, studying whilst caring for relatives who need support places a significant organisational and emotional burden on them.
Good, reliable childcare is a key factor in balancing study, work and family life. Berlin offers a wide range of options in this regard, and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin is also striving to meet the needs of parents at the university through specific services.
Bringing your child to campus – Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin offers a range of facilities designed with parents and children in mind, from dedicated spaces ('family rooms') to items available for loan.
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin offers its staff a wide range of flexible working arrangements regarding working hours and location. Based on the relevant service agreements, line managers are encouraged to find flexible solutions on a case-by-case basis to help staff balance work and family life.
Further information for staff can be found on the intranet under the ‘Family’ and “Caring for Relatives” sections.
Gender-based discrimination refers to the disadvantage faced by individuals on the basis of their sex, gender identity or gender expression. It is rooted in social power dynamics and gender stereotypes and takes many forms – ranging from overt unequal treatment and structural disadvantage to harassment and violence. Women and girls, as well as trans, intersex and non-binary people, are disproportionately affected in all areas of life: in everyday life, at work, in educational institutions and in the private sphere.
At the Centre for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, we are committed to gender justice and equality for all genders. Our understanding of equality goes beyond the legal focus on women. We support all people who face discrimination on the basis of their gender or sexual identity.
The services and events in the area of gender justice & equality are therefore aimed at women, lesbians, intersex, non-binary, trans and asexual people – and anyone who identifies with the term.
Name change
We are happy to advise you on how to officially change your name in Humboldt-Universitäts internal systems or request certificates with your new name.
Gender equality is enshrined in both the appointment regulations and the staff development strategy at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. The Women’s Representative and Equal Opportunities Officers are involved in recruitment and appointment procedures, advocating for the selection of the best candidates on the basis of gender equality – free from discrimination and unconscious bias.
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin sees itself as a place where gender equality is put into practice and diversity is valued. The use of gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory language in text and images is part of this understanding.
According to the Federal Statistical Office, the gender pay gap - the difference in hourly earnings between women and men - stood around 37 per cent in 2025 and has a direct impact on universities.
In exceptional cases, prospective students who have not been offered a place at university may submit an application on grounds of hardship. On this page, you will find the legal basis for such applications, possible grounds for submitting an application on grounds of hardship, and contact details for staff at Humboldt-Universität who can advise you on the application process.
Staying healthy whilst studying is key to a fulfilling and successful time at university. Humboldt-Universität offers a wide range of activities in the areas of exercise, relaxation, nutrition, counselling and social interaction to help you make your daily student life more colourful, varied and, above all, healthier.
Working healthily involves more than just having the right chair or good lighting. Deadlines, blurred boundaries between work and private life, and a lack of exercise – all of these take their toll. On the intranet, staff can find an overview of the health services offered by Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, as well as practical tips to help them build resilience and reduce stress. Because we want you to get through your working day feeling motivated and healthy!
Pregnant and breastfeeding students are protected under the German Maternity Protection Act. The need to balance health protection with the right to participate in academic life has led to particularly flexible arrangements regarding the organisation of studies for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
What constitutes sexual harassment, discrimination and violence? Where can you find support if you have experienced sexual harassment? What options does Humboldt-Universität have for taking legal action? These and many other important questions are addressed in HU’s protection policy.
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin supports students with disabilities by providing advice and personalised support measures. We can help you find assistive technology, funding options and accessible access to courses.
Studying whilst raising children presents many challenges for most people in this situation and requires excellent organisational skills. To help students cope with these additional demands, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin offers a wide range of options for adapting their studies to suit their family commitments.
The term ‘unconscious bias’ refers to unconscious prejudices that stem from stereotypical patterns of perception. These cognitive biases often influence our judgements and decisions without us realising it – and can lead to structural discrimination in the context of recruitment processes.