HUMBOLDT-UNIVERSITÄT ZU BERLIN
International
Logo der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Zur Startseite

Welcome Centre

Two people sitting on a lawn, one holding a tote bag with the logo of Humboldt University in Berlin.
You are coming to Berlin or already living in the city? The Welcome Centre supports you with services and information. Photo: Lucas Adrian

Visa and res­i­dence

Are you going to travel to Berlin and are wondering whether you need a visa and how to apply for one? Are you in Berlin and wondering what a residence permit is and what the conditions are? Then this page is the right place for you.

Fi­nances

Would you like to come to Humboldt-Universität to study, do a doctorate or research and are wondering how to fund this? On this page, you will find tips and useful resources for financial support.

Ac­com­mo­da­tion

How do you find a place to live in Berlin? What search options are there, what costs should you expect, and what should you bear in mind? Here you will find information and tips on how to find what you are looking for.

Lan­guage

Language is one of the most important elements of well-being and success when entering a new culture. If you come to Berlin, we recommend that you improve your German skills before you leave. Humboldt-Universität can help you with this.

Health in­sur­ance

In Germany, it is generally mandatory to have health insurance. To enrol, sign an employment contract or apply for a residence permit, you must provide proof of valid health insurance. Find out how this works here.

Su­per­vi­sion pro­gramme

HU’s Welcome Centre supports students and doctoral students from abroad. It offers workshops free of charge on various topics and events to meet new people and to network.

Refugee students and at-risk scholars

Ukrainian refugee students

Humboldt-Universität has launched a programme allowing Ukrainian refugee students to enroll as exchange students. With this status, students become part of our university and can accumulate ECTS points.

At-risk schol­ars

Recognising our historical responsibility, we are deeply committed to academic freedom. Thus, we contribute to several initiatives and networks designed to safeguard scholars and research from persecution.

Personal consultation for students

The Welcome Centre and the Student Service Centre provide weekly consultations on general questions regarding studying at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin:

  • Tuesday 1 – 3pm
  • Thursday 12am – 2pm

There will be no consultation from 22 December 2025 to 2 January 2026. We will be back on 6 January.

Location: International Service Centre (room 1068) in the main building (Unter den Linden 6)

This is an open consultation hour, no appointment is necessary.

Phone: +49 30 2093 46747 (only during consultation hours)

External counselling services

Berlin offers numerous opportunities, and sometimes you need help finding them. Here you will find information and links to external services, including various advice centers, housing platforms, self-help groups, and many other resources

Two people sit at a table in a counselling session
There are many general and specialised counselling services available in Berlin Photo: Andreas [FranzXaver] Süß

News

|
International

At the annual Welcome Reception for international researchers, the DAAD Prize was once again awarded. The prize honours outstanding international students and doctoral candidates who are committed to volunteer work at HU and beyond.

|
International

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation has announced the call for applications for the 17th round of the Philipp Schwartz Initiative to support at-risk and displaced researchers. Nominations are accepted until 25 January.

 

The world clock and the television tower behind it.
|
International
Research
Berlin University Alliance

The Berlin University Alliance's new Global Scholars Gateway Berlin offers international researchers the ideal starting point for pursuing an academic career in the German capital.

Close up of Radio Button Marking Survey
|
International
Study

The university is surveying students on topics such as study workload and experiences abroad, digital tools and participation in courses. The anonymous data collection will be used to improve study conditions.

More articles

Events

Abteilung Internationales (VI)

Address

Abteilung Internationales (VI)
Unter den Linden 6
10099 Berlin

Contact

Phone : 030 2093-46703