Humboldt-Universit?t zu Berlin
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The Humboldt-Universit?t

The Humboldt-Universit?t combines academic excellence with social responsibility. Guided by Humboldt's legacy, it stands for free, independent research, research-based learning and an open exchange of knowledge with society. It offers space for diversity, critical debate and new perspectives – right in the heart of Berlin, with a global network. As a vibrant community, it actively shapes a sustainable, just and knowledge-based future.

The HU in figures

  • 7

    Institutes
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  • 24

    BA degree programmes
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  • 12

    MA degree programmes
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  • 2,356

    Students
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We are the modern original

Founded in 1810, Humboldt-Universit?t is the oldest university in Berlin and is one of the most important academic institutions in Germany. The university was founded by Wilhelm von Humboldt, who, together with other scholars, developed the idea of a new type of university. His vision was the unity of teaching and research, the freedom of science and the comprehensive education of students. This concept of the modern university spread worldwide and still characterises the self-image of Humboldt-Universit?t today.

The foundation of the HU

At the time Humboldt-Universit?t was founded, Prussia was in the midst of a political crisis. The endeavour for financial independence also met with resistance from the government - nevertheless, Wilhelm von Humboldt succeeded in founding the…

We learn from our history

Despite its rich history, the university did not resist the Nazi regime and after 1945 tended to adapt to the expectations of the SED and the state. Since 1990, we have been working on living up to the claim of our namesake and taking responsibility for the history of the HU. We deal with our past and advocate a reflective culture of remembrance. We promote social dialogue about responsibility, ethics and the role of science. We actively oppose discrimination, intolerance and abuse of power.

Our values

Against the background of our history, we take particular care to act freely and independently of political and economic influence in our research. We combine research and teaching by giving our students the opportunity to carry out independent academic work at an early stage through various formats. We encourage our students and researchers to think freely, question things critically and engage in open dialogue. These are our central principles that make the HU a place of innovation and reflection.

Eine schwarz-wei?-Aufnahme von der Statue Wilhelm von Humboldts, der auf einem Stuhl sitzt. Die Aufnahme ist frontal, im Hintergrund ist das Hauptgeb?ude der Humboldt-Universit?t zu sehen.
Photo: Matthias Heyde

Mission statement of the Humboldt-Universit?t zu Berlin

In line with our mission statement, we act in a value-based and future-orientated manner: We live, promote, protect and defend freedom, truth, equality, diversity as well as pluralism and democracy - in teaching, research and in our social commitment. Sustainability is a particular concern of ours. We see ourselves as role models in this area and want to set an example.

Equal opportunities

We want to create a place free of discrimination.

Respectful

Discrimination, bullying, stalking and violence have no place with us.

Inclusive

We create tools for inclusive teaching and break down barriers.

Sustainable

We want to make the university climate-neutral by 2030.

Bright minds are our wealth

Our scientists continue the tradition of academic excellence of great thinkers such as Alexander von Humboldt, Lise Meitner and Max Planck at HU. The HU's research excellence is reflected in numerous cutting-edge research projects, networks and collaborations with Berlin universities and non-university research institutions. The quality of our university is reflected in high positions in national and international rankings.

HU has been recognised as one of eleven Universities of Excellence since 2012 and as a member of the Berlin University Alliance since 2019.

We train and qualify people for their future

Humboldt-Universit?t qualifies people for a changing world of work. We not only impart knowledge, but also values, critical reflection and social responsibility.

Our students receive an excellent education that imparts both theoretical foundations and practice-orientated knowledge and interdisciplinary skills. The HU's diverse and forward-looking teaching and research programme covers all fundamental academic disciplines from the humanities, social and cultural sciences, law, life sciences and natural sciences to medicine, agricultural science and sustainability research.

Scientific career

We support and qualify academics from doctorate to professorship and offer academic training programmes.

We promote dialogue with society

Our science does not end in the laboratory or lecture theatre. Under the motto Open Humboldt, we share our knowledge, expertise and infrastructures beyond the campus boundaries, want to inform and inspire people and promote and enable participation.

This is why we actively share our research findings with society. We open up the university to a wide audience through public lectures, exhibitions and discussion formats. We invite citizens to participate in scientific debates and benefit from the knowledge of our researchers.

Ein Mann mit Brille steht an einem wei?en Podium und h?lt eine Rede. Er tr?gt einen dunkelblauen Pullover und h?lt ein Mikrofon in der rechten Hand. Mit der linken Hand gestikuliert er in Richtung eines gro?en Bildschirms, auf dem eine Fotografie einer natürlichen Landschaft mit Gras, einem umgestürzten Baumstamm und B?umen zu sehen ist. Auf dem Podium steht die Aufschrift ?MEET THE SCIENTIST“ und zwei Wasserflaschen. Die Szene wirkt wie ein Vortrag oder eine Pr?sentation.

Open Humboldt

Humboldt-Universit?t sees dialogue with society as an integral part of its work. It conducts dialogues between science and society, business and research and puts research into practical contexts.

The HU combines excellent research with ethical responsibility. Science not only serves knowledge, but also social progress. That is why we are actively committed to social change and work together with society to develop solutions for the global challenges of tomorrow.

The HU's research focuses on the pressing issues of our time: democracy, social justice, climate change, migration, digitalisation and health. Through research, knowledge transfer and exchange, we make a direct contribution to social development and sustainable solutions for a just future.

We educate through science

Knowledge is the central mission of Humboldt-Universit?t zu Berlin. We preserve, produce, communicate and share it. We understand science as education, as a source of new knowledge and as a social good. That is why we make knowledge accessible to students, researchers and society. For us, education is not a privilege, but a fundamental human right that must be open to all. At Humboldt-Universit?t, education does not end when you graduate - it lasts a lifetime. With a wide range of programmes for students, professionals and academically interested people of all ages, HU is a place of lifelong learning.

Educational offers

Our educational programmes range from scientific training courses and freely accessible lecture series to events and formats for students, educators and stakeholders from the business world.

HU-Hauptgeb?ude, davor die Stra?e Unter den Linden, links das Reiterdenkmal von Friedrich dem Gro?en, rechts der Fehrnsehturm
Das Hauptgeb?ude der HU liegt direkt im Herzen Berlins an der Stra?e Unter den Linden. Links das Reiterdenkmal von Friedrich dem Gro?en und rechts im Hintergrund Berliner Dom und Fernsehturm. Das Brandenburger Tor ist nur zehn Fu?minuten entfernt. Photo: Stefan Klenke

We are in the centre of Berlin

Humboldt-Universit?t and Berlin are inextricably linked. As a cosmopolitan, diverse and internationally networked university, we shape the city - and are shaped by it. Berlin is not only our location, but also our field of research, archive and source of inspiration. With 174 locations, we are present throughout the city. We enrich Berlin with our historically unique buildings, cultural offerings, our freely accessible knowledge centres and events. Whether political debates, cultural diversity or green oases - Berlin characterises the HU, and the HU characterises Berlin.

Campus & university life

Four campuses - Adlershof, Dahlem, Mitte and Nord - form the heart of the HU. Each campus has its own profile and a special atmosphere. Together they stand for diversity, exchange and a vibrant university.

Special places

With its historic buildings, monuments, laboratories and exhibition centres, Humboldt-Universit?t shapes the image of the capital as well as its cultural life. We would like to share these places and the knowledge associated with them.

Libraries

At 12 locations, the University Library offers specialist literature, webinars and training courses on researching and acquiring information as well as expertise in various areas, such as Open Access.

Events

Our events offer exciting insights into current research and invite you to join in. Whether discussions, lecture series or major events - we open our doors to society.

We think and act cosmopolitan

The HU is globally networked, promotes international exchange and welcomes people from all over the world. Through our cooperation with international universities, research institutes and organisations, we participate in the global exchange of knowledge. International co-operation promotes mutual understanding of cultures and religions and contributes to the development of innovative solutions to global challenges. Our international networks are geared towards the needs of our students and academics and support them in their studies, teaching and research.

Berlin: Zahlreiche Flaggen aus L?ndern weltweit liegen auf dem Boden. Eine Menschenmenge steht drum herum, eine Person kniet und schaut sie sich an, eine andere fotografiert sie.

International

Whether in studies, research, teaching or everyday working life - HU offers numerous opportunities to gain experience abroad. At the same time, we support international students and employees on their way to the HU.

How we are organised

Our university is subject to academic self-administration. Our constitution lays down the legal and organisational foundations of the university. It defines its goals, structures and decision-making processes.

Organisation

Humboldt-Universit?t is developed and organised by the university management and by committed staff and students in various committees and offices. The aim is to achieve high quality in teaching, study, research and administration.

We are Humboldt - are you too?

Become part of the Humboldt family. Shape and mould the HU together with us - in research, teaching and in the further development of the university. HU offers excellent research and working conditions. We live respectful and appreciative cooperation and are committed to the health and development of our employees with numerous offers and benefits.