Studying in Germany is a rewarding and fulfilling experience, which may open many doors to professional opportunities in Germany and abroad. Like any capital city, Berlin offers an abundance of options to students in higher education, and that's why it is a top destination for thousands of international students. Berlin has over 30 universities, ranking differently depending on the quality of research, alumni's employability, and delivery of education (i.e., traditional lectures, project-based learning, distance learning). Some of Berlin's top universities are Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, and Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Most universities in Germany are governmentally-run, meaning that tuition fees are minimum and target enrolment costs per semester and other administration costs. Nevertheless, there are private universities as well, whose operating costs are covered mostly by tuition fees. Therefore, students who wish to enroll in a private university should expect to pay up to 20,000 euros per year, depending on the level of the degree (i.e., Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate) and the reputation of the university. However, most top universities in Berlin are public institutions, meaning that the competition to enter is high, entry requirements strict, and applications are thoroughly scanned by experienced staff members before a decision is made. Once admitted to the university, international students study under the same conditions as German citizens and are free to immerse themselves in the German way of student life. Freie Universität Berlin (Free University of Berlin) ranks 55th on the Global List by the Center for World University Rankings (2021). On the same list, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin ranks 60th in the world. Depending on your level of education and type of studies, you may be part of a group that follows the same schedule, or you may choose your courses individually. You'll attend reading lectures (Vorlesungen), where the professor covers the theory at a rather quick pace, and you will have access to more hands-on seminars (Seminare) in smaller groups, where you'll have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss topics to apply your newly acquired knowledge. Lectures tend to be non-compulsory and are often evaluated by an exam at the end of the semester, while seminars are mandatory and require submitting a paper (Hausarbeit) or a presentation (Referat) to pass the course. Some programs may include practices (Ãbung) that go along with the lectures and offer a practical revision of what you've learned in the corresponding lectures. Some classes are held in English, but for most programs, students need to have an acceptable level of fluency in German in order to enroll at public universities. Specifically, you should hold one of the following German language certifications: DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang), which is usually taken at the local university; TestDaF (Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache), which can be taken in the student's home country; ZOP (Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung); KDS (Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom), and GDS (Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom), which is the most difficult exam of all. Berlin has a lot to offer to international students with residents from all walks of life. According to the study.eu website, Berlin hosts about 160,000 students, of which 15 percent are expatriates. Hence, in Berlin, you won't only engage in a rewarding academic environment, but you will meet people from different backgrounds and with different experiences, who will help you expand your personal and professional network in Berlin. At the same time, the cost of living in Berlin is more affordable than in most northern and western European cities, even now that the whole world is witnessing prices of goods and energy climbing. For example, you can rent a room for 300 euros per month and get around Berlin with reduced ticket prices as a result of your student ID card. In the same way, you can make the most of the numerous museums, theatres, and social events. Overall, Berlin is known for its great nightlife and laid-back, bohemian, and non-conformist lifestyle. Most people cycle to get around town and there's no typical commuter crowd, unlike in Paris, London, and New York City.