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Germany · Berlin · Historic University of Excellence · Reviewed 14 October 2026

Humboldt University of Berlin (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin)

Founded in 1810 by Wilhelm von Humboldt, Humboldt University of Berlin is the mother of modern universities, originating the Humboldtian ideal of integrating teaching and research. Alma mater of 57 Nobel laureates including Albert Einstein, Max Planck, and Erwin Schrödinger, Humboldt is a certified University of Excellence within the Berlin University Alliance. Located across Mitte and the Adlershof science campus, Humboldt excels in Computer Science, Quantum Optics, Complex Systems, and Materials Science. Review verified Master's curricula, salaried doctoral contracts, and faculty profiles.

Official university portal ↗Graduate Funding & FacultyResearch checked, not sponsored

Verified degree programs and opportunities

Review checked academic pathways and funding options below:

Humboldt Master of Science in Optical Sciences / Physics

English-taught two-year interdisciplinary Master's program (120 ECTS) in Adlershof, partnering with the Max Born Institute and Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin to train experts in Quantum Optics, Ultrafast Lasers, and Nanophotonics.

Admissions, language requirements & application process

Master's admission eligibility
Accredited Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, or closely related discipline (minimum 180 ECTS credits) satisfying subject-specific curriculum prerequisite tables.
Doctoral admission eligibility
Completed Master of Science degree (120 ECTS) with high academic distinction, written supervisory commitment (Betreuungszusage) from a Humboldt full professor, and admission to the doctoral committee.
Language proficiency
Demonstrated English proficiency: Academic IELTS 6.5 overall or TOEFL iBT 90 for English-taught graduate curricula; German proficiency (CEFR C1) required for German-taught programs.
Research statement / Proposal
Detailed research statement (Exposé) of 3 to 5 pages outlining the planned doctoral research problem, methodology, and work plan.
Application fee
Zero application fee via university portal; €75 uni-assist preliminary review documentation (VPD) fee for international degree holders.
Required documentation
University diploma, complete official transcripts with grading scale, CV in tabular format, motivation letter, and uni-assist VPD certificate.

Tuition fees and verified scholarship systems

Under German public higher education regulations, tuition at Humboldt University of Berlin is zero for both domestic and international students. All students pay only a mandatory semester fee of approximately €315, which includes the Berlin public transportation semester ticket. Salaried doctoral researchers (Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiter) are paid university employees under the TV-L HU collective agreement.

Verified faculty profiles and research leaders

Distinguished researchers and laboratory heads at Humboldt University of Berlin:

Prof. Dr. Verena Hafner

Professor of Adaptive Systems / Department of Computer Science; specializing in Cognitive Robotics, Adaptive Systems, Human-Robot Interaction.

Prof. Dr. Oliver Benson

Professor of Nano-Optics / Department of Physics, Adlershof; specializing in Quantum Optics, Nano-Optics, Single Photon Sources.

Prof. Dr. Stefan Hecht

Professor of Organic Chemistry and Functional Materials; specializing in Photoswitches, Macromolecular Chemistry, Optoelectronic Materials.

Important verification note

Facts reflect official Humboldt University of Berlin documentation reviewed 2026-10-14. Degree admissions, scholarship awards, and employment positions are subject to formal university review. OpenField does not charge students application fees.

Reviewed 2026-10-14 · Editorial standards · Report an issue