What are your summer and winter schools all about?
Our summer and winter schools are intensive study programs with fixed syllabi, offering a range of courses all specifically developed for the TU Berlin Summer & Winter University. All teaching takes place online or on campus at the Technische Universität Berlin, and all courses are accredited with European Credit Points (ECTS). The summer and winter schools are very international, attracting students from over 60+ different countries each year. See our full list of two to four-week courses on our course pages: summer courses, winter courses. 

How many summer or winter school courses can I enroll in?
Within any summer term or winter school, participants may choose only one course from the program per term, as all courses are scheduled simultaneously. However, you can take multiple courses across our four terms. 

What is my schedule?
The TU Berlin Summer University online and on-campus programs take place from June to August each year, with courses held over three or four terms.
The TU Berlin Winter University 2023, both the online and on-campus program, run four weeks in January. 
On each of our course pages, you can find a course description overviewing the goals and structure of the course. Further details are contained within the course syllabus, available upon registration. The cultural program is built around academic classes, and gives participants the opportunity to experience or learn about Berlin and to interact with classmates.

The cultural activities that make up the cultural program are included in the tuition fee but we also offer additional tours and trips during on-campus programs.

Below is an example timetable:

Who are my lecturers?
All lecturers are introduced in the detailed information page for each summer and winter school course. Our lecturers have been handpicked for the TU Berlin Summer & Winter School. Most of the lecturers are professors or academic associates of TU Berlin. However, we also draw on the expertise of external professionals to run our courses. For example, some lecturers are entrepreneurs active in the Startup scene in Berlin, while others are professional management coaches for large companies etc. 

All lessons (on campus program) will be held at the main campus of TU Berlin, located in the middle of City West near the zoo and Tiergarten park.

How can I register?
Click here to register.

What extracurricular activities are on offer?
Our extracurricular activities of the on-campus programs are included in the course fee and introduce you to the history and culture of Berlin.

The basic Cultural Program includes:

• A sightseeing boat tour and/or a guided walking tour of Berlin
• A visit to the German Parliament
• A visit to Potsdam: city center, Sanssouci Park, Dutch Quarter 
• Free evening activities
• Museums (entry paid)
• Socials (first drink included)
• Sporting activities (costs paid)

In addition, we offer day trips to Dresden and Leipzig for which incur an additional cost of €70, which covers transportation, a guided city tour and entrance fee & guided museum tour.

To take part in the cultural program is of course completely optional, but we recommend you to join the activities to get the most out of your stay in Berlin. It is also a great chance to get to know people from all over the world and find new friends.

To find out more about our cultural programs, click here.

What is ECTS?
ECTS is a point system and European standard developed by the Commission of the European Community. ECTS stands for European Credit Transfer System. The aim is to provide common procedures and guarantee academic recognition of studies abroad. The credit system is based on student workload. All lectures, seminars, excursions and homework count towards the workload. One point is awarded for the equivalent of 25-30 hours of workload.

It is recommended that you check in advance as to whether your home institution will accept the ECTS credits from the TU Berlin Summer & Winter School. Speak to your faculty, or with your supervisor, to find out.

How many ECTS points can I earn?
Each complete participation (at least 80% attendance) in a summer or winter school course is awarded 3 or 6 ECTS credits, depending on the course duration - see the course details on the relevant course page for the exact number. 

It is recommended that you check in advance as to whether your home institution will accept the ECTS credits from the TU Berlin Summer & Winter University. Speak to your faculty, or with your supervisor, to find out.

Credit approval for TU Berlin students
Current TU Berlin students need to do a few things before they can get their Summer and Winter University credits listed on their transcript. Please read our guide to this process. 

Where can I find further information about Berlin?
As the capital of Germany, Berlin is a cultural metropolis filled with exciting entertainment and a creative pulse which is constantly evolving. The official website provides visitors with a wide variety of search categories and criteria for finding concerts, parties (including the famous all-nighters), museums, films, and theater events. Experience the Berlin vibe and become inspired.

• Additional information: http://www.visitberlin.de/en
• Note: Public Wi-Fi is available: http://www.visitberlin.de/en/article/w-lan-for-all-public-wi-fi-berlin

Is Berlin a safe place for students?
Although Berlin is generally safe, as in many big cities, pickpocketing is not uncommon in crowded, touristy areas. In addition to standard phone numbers (110 in Germany), emergency assistance and information is available via an intercom at every U-Bahn and S-Bahn station in Berlin. The intercom is located in a column with a red button that can be pressed in the event of an emergency.  You may also use the intercom to request information concerning public transportation, or for example, to contact lost and found (via the yellow button).

Is it common to find English-speaking people in Berlin?
An internationally well-known cultural center, Berlin boasts a high non-German-speaking population. Because of Berlin’s three main universities and various universities of applied sciences, the number of students and people under 40 living here is also very high. In general, English can be used easily all over the city.

What is the weather like in Berlin during the summer months?
Summer months in Berlin are pleasantly warm with average high temperatures between 22° and 30° Celsius (72° and 86° Fahrenheit).

What is the weather like in Berlin during the winter months?
Winter months are cool with average temperatures between −2° and 3 °C (28° and 37 °F).

How easily can I get to other destinations in Europe from Berlin?
As a world top ten destination, Berlin has two airports that serve a wide variety of destinations both within and outside of Europe. If you prefer to travel by train, the national railway company (Deutsche Bahn) is well connected to every country on the continent.

How do I get around at night?
Berlin’s public transportation system is excellent. Its network is extensive and reliable and can take you wherever you want to go. During the week, night buses replace the U-Bahn and S-Bahn routes after midnight and on Friday and Saturday nights, public transportation runs 24 hours.

What do the courses cost?
For course fees, check out the summary here, or the individual course pages for details.

What is the registration fee for?
The sixty Euro (€60,00) registration fee covers administration and registration costs, and is payable by Flywire during the registration process. Please note that this fee is not refundable. Participants who register for two courses, will only be charged the registration fee of 60 Euros once.

What is included in the course fee?
The course fee for a course can be found at each course page on the website.
The course fee covers both tuition and learning materials for a course.

For on-campus programs also class excursions as well as the cultural program (incl. orientation, farewell event, entrance fees to museums, social activities etc.), a public transportation ticket for Berlin, Wi-Fi access on the TU Berlin Campus and library access are included.

The transport ticket issued to students will cover all Berlin public transportation networks (subway, fast train, trams and buses), and will be organized by the TU Berlin Summer University, and given to students on their first day of study.

Participants of the TU Berlin Summer/Winter University will receive a student ID number and ID card. This student number will be used in conjunction with the transportation ticket and also for Wi-Fi access on campus.

Please note: accommodation is NOT included in the course fee. However, it is possible to book your accommodation through us during registration. Please see our accommodation page.

Who receives the early-bird discount?
The early-bird discount is a €50,00 discount, which applies to all participants who register before a set deadline (see courses for details). The discount applies to all courses separately, meaning if a participant takes two courses, the discount will be applied twice (once to each course).

What is the deadline for registrations?
Registrations deadlines are one month before the start of your course.
Applications after then will be considered but not guaranteed.

What are the Terms and Conditions of registering?
Please read our Fees and Conditions information here. 

What are the requirements for taking part in the Summer & Winter University?
We invite everyone to take part in our Summer University, whether you are a current student, a graduate, a mature student or a working professional.

The minimum age for participation in the TU Berlin Summer and Winter University is 18. The requirements for all applicants are proficiency in English (B2) and to have at least one year of university experience. You will be asked to upload your verification once you register.

Why do I need to prove English proficiency?
All classes at the TU Berlin Summer & Winter University are held in English.
In order to ensure that participants have adequate language skills to understand the classes and to actively participate in group work and final projects, proof of English skills is required.

Please see more details of the documents we accept for proof of English proficiency on our Requirements page. 

Native English speakers are not required to upload proof of language skills.

What can I use as proof of university experience?
For the proof of university experience you could send us one of the following, for example: a transcript from your first year, a degree certificate for an already completed degree, an enrollment certificate for a course you are currently enrolled in.

Course-specific prerequisites
Please note that each course has its own prerequisites. Don't forget to check the course description before registering.

Why do I need valid health insurance in Germany?
It`s highly recommended that international students have health insurance whilst they are studying in Germany in a short time program. All participants should to take out a health insurance policy that covers them from their first day in Germany. 

European students should bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), and should keep these with them for the duration of the TU Berlin Summer University program. ​

International students should buy a health insurance that covers their study period and bring a copy with them. Students can freely chose a insurance company or take insurance out with us.

To find out more about what health insurance you will need, please see our page on Health Insurance.

Do I need liability insurance?
Liability insurance is another type of insurance which is common in Germany. It protects people from rigorous lawsuits if accidents occur. Liability insurance is not obligatory for TU Berlin Summer University participants.

Please note that the TU Berlin Summer University is not responsible for providing health or liability insurance to the students admitted to the program. All participants must organize their own insurance.

All participants of the TU Berlin Summer & Winter School will receive a certificate with a grade under the German grading system. The following table provides an overview of the grading system and equivalent scores for international credit transfers:

Do you offer scholarships?
Please see our scholarships page for up-to-date information.

When do I have to arrive?
You should aim to arrive on the Saturday or Sunday before your course starts.

Do you offer accommodation?
Yes! Details regarding the current accommodation options, as well as pricing can be found on our accommodation page.

Can I organize accommodation myself?
Yes, you are welcome to organize your own accommodation independently. Just select the option to do so when you register. Please make sure your arrival and leaving dates correspond to the dates of your course.  More information is available on the accommodation page. 

What if I need a Visa to enter Germany?
To check whether you need a visa to enter Germany, you can refer to this list: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/einreiseundaufenthalt/visabestimmungen-node/staatenlistevisumpflicht-node 

You should refer to your local German embassy for further information about your visa requirements and to arrange an appointment for the visa, if necessary. Here's a list of German embassies/consulates/missions abroad: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/aussenpolitik/laenderinformationen

During the registration process for the TU Berlin Summer or Winter University, you will be asked to let us know if you need a letter of invitation (you can do this via the drop-down menu option in the registration process).

Once you have successfully registered and secured a place on a course, we will send you a letter of invitation for your visa, if you requested one.

You should then book an appointment with the German embassy in your country immediately - and be sure to take your letter of invitation with you (plus any other relevant information such as flight and/or accommodation confirmations). Some visas can take up to three months to be granted, and embassies in many countries have a high number of applications and long delays in appointments, so please book as early as possible!

Where is the TU located?
The TU Berlin is centrally located in the district of Charlottenburg in the heart of City West. Since Berlin’s public transport system is known to be one of the best in the world, the main campus can be easily reached from every corner of the city.

What is special about the Technische Universität Berlin?
Contrary to what you might expect from the name, TU Berlin does not only offer courses in technology, engineering, and the natural sciences; TU students can also study the humanities, social sciences, culture and technology, and economics. With its 33,631 students, TU Berlin is one of the largest technical universities in Germany. TU also has a high proportion of foreign students.

How large is the TU Berlin?
TU Berlin is spread across various locations in the city, which together amount to a total area of some 604,000 sq.m. Around 33,600 students are enrolled in around 100 degree programs within seven faculties (September 2021). The university employs a staff of around 7,810 including professors, postgraduate researchers, employees in administration, trainees and student assistants.

When was the TU Berlin established?
The TU Berlin was established under its present name in 1946. However, its history reaches much further into the past to institutions such as the Mining Academy, the Building Academy, and the Vocational Academy, which were founded in 1770, 1799, and 1821, respectively. In 1879, the latter two united to form the Royal Technical College and were joined later by the Mining Academy. In 1946 the former Technical College Berlin-Charlottenburg in the British Military Sector of Berlin was reestablished as the Technische Universität Berlin.