Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin for Kenyan Students
Entry Requirements by Level
Academic Requirements
See official university website for current requirements.
Fees & Deadline
Application deadline: July 15 for winter semester.
Academic Requirements
Minimum GPA: 3/4 (2:1 UK equivalent). Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required. English-taught programmes available in Social Sciences, Cultural Studies, Life Sciences, and Economics.
English Language
IELTS: 6.5+ overall. TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic also accepted — contact admissions for equivalencies.
Fees & Deadline
Annual tuition: €600–€800. Application deadline: May 31 for winter semester. Decision time: 8–16 weeks.
Academic Requirements
Minimum GPA: 3.5/4. Master's degree required (or Bachelor's with First Class Honours for some programmes). Fully funded positions available. DAAD scholarships and DFG-funded positions available for Kenyan PhD students.
Specific Requirements
Research proposal required. Identify and contact a potential supervisor before applying. References from two academic supervisors.
Deadline
Rolling — contact supervisor directly
Documents Required
Available Scholarships
DAAD Scholarship (Development-Related Programs)
by German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) · Masters, Phd
Learn more →Deutschlandstipendium
by Federal Government + Private sponsors · Undergraduate, Masters
Learn more →Berlin State Scholarship / HU Excellence Fellowships
by Humboldt University Berlin / Berlin State · Masters
Learn more →Frequently Asked Questions
Can Kenyan students apply to Humboldt University Berlin with KCSE?
KCSE is accepted as your secondary school qualification. Kenyan students with strong KCSE grades may qualify for direct undergraduate entry at some German universities; otherwise a Studienkolleg (foundation year) is required. For Masters programmes, a Kenyan bachelor's degree qualifies you for direct application.
Is tuition really free at HU Berlin for Kenyan students?
Yes — there are no tuition fees at Humboldt University Berlin for any student, regardless of nationality. Kenyan students pay only the semester administrative fee of ~€330 per semester (~€660/year). Combined with DAAD scholarships, a degree from one of Europe's most historic universities is genuinely within reach.
What happens after I graduate from HU Berlin as a Kenyan?
After completing your degree, you can apply for the 18-month Job-Seeker Visa, which lets you remain in Germany to find employment matching your qualification. Berlin's dynamic economy in technology, policy, and creative industries offers strong opportunities for internationally trained graduates from Kenya.
Tips for Applying to HU Berlin
Humboldt University Berlin is one of Germany's oldest and most prestigious universities (QS #126), renowned for its research excellence in Social Sciences, Life Sciences, and Cultural Studies. For Kenyan students, the combination of zero tuition fees and Berlin's status as a global hub for tech, culture, and policy makes HU Berlin an exceptional choice. The 18-month job-seeker visa after graduation opens doors to Germany's thriving labour market, and DAAD scholarships can cover all living costs.
Official source: Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin ↗Plan Your Germany Student Visa
Check visa requirements, documents and costs for Kenyan passport holders applying to Germany.
Cost of Living in Berlin
Student halls available but demand is high. Apply early through Studentenwerk Berlin.
Semester ticket covers Berlin public transport zones A and B.