Application period for the 2026/27 winter semester: 15^th of April, 2026, to 31^st of May, 2026

1. How to apply with an international degree:

Step 1: Apply for a VPD (“Vorprüfungsdokument” = preliminary review documentation) from uni-assist. For information and step-by-step instructions on how to do this, please see here and here. Important: Please make sure to apply for the VPD well ahead of time to account for processing, at least 6-8 weeks before our program's official deadline of 31 May.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A VPD (IMPORTANT DETAILS HERE: PLEASE READ)

Please note: You do not need to select an individual course to receive a VPD on the uni-assist website. 

Instead, you should need to use the 'Alle Fächer' option, which means' all subjects;, and apply for a VPD through this route - it is not subject specific as it merely converts your BA grade for the German system. 

The easiest way to do this is to simply leave the other options blank on the search portal, but search for Freie Universität Berlin. When you scroll down, Alle Fächer at FU Berlin should be the only option available to click on - select this option. (see screenshots below.) 

Step 2: Please upload all required documents to FU’s online application portal within the application period.

Document checklist:

• VPD (preliminary review documentation) from uni-assist
• An electronic copy of your bachelor’s degree certificate
• An electronic copy of your bachelor’s degree transcript 
• Proof of English Knowledge (if applicable). See our requirements here. 
• If your documents are not in English or German, you must provide translated copies issued by sworn translators only or by an institution being entitled to translations for official purposes. Uni-Asisst provide country specific information on their website about this.
• Applicants with certificates from China, India or Vietnam have to submit a certification from an Academic Evaluation Centre (Akademische Prüfstelle - APS) in addition to the required documents.

 

2. How to apply with a German degree:

For instructions on how to apply with a German undergraduate degree, please see here.

Please upload all required documents to FU’s online application portal within the application period.

Document checklist:

• An electronic copy of your bachelor’s degree certificate
• An electronic copy of your bachelor’s degree transcript 
• Proof of English Knowledge (if applicable). See our requirements here. 

What is NOT considered for the application: CVs, cover letters, letters of motivation, letter of recommendation or references, degree certificates or transcripts of MA degrees already taken.

 

3. Notification of acceptance:

You should expect to find out a decision for your application by the end of February for the summer semester, or by the end of July for the winter semester. You will receive a notification in the application portal.