Computer Science (Informatik) is one of the most sought-after bachelor's programmes at TU Berlin, and it is the programme most international applicants look at first. It is a German-taught bachelor's degree, and unlike many of the university's other programmes, it is admission-restricted. That means the question is not only whether you meet the entry requirements, but whether your grades meet the current cut-off.
This guide covers the acceptance picture, the semester contribution, admission requirements, the German test you need, and what the German post-study permit means for graduates.
TU Berlin Computer Science Acceptance Rate
TU Berlin does not publish an acceptance rate for the Informatik B.Sc., and we did not find an official figure. The more useful signal is its admission status. Recent admission information lists Informatik as admission-restricted (zulassungsbeschränkt), with a grade cut-off reported around 2.1 in recent cycles. Restricted programmes can also use other selection criteria alongside grades, so check the current admission rules rather than relying on the grade alone.
Because the cut-off moves from year to year, treat the figure above as a recent reference point and confirm the current value in TU Berlin's published admission limits before you plan around it.
Tuition and Cost of Attendance
Like other TU Berlin bachelor's programmes, Computer Science charges no tuition fee, including for non-EU international students. You pay a semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) each term instead.
- Semester contribution: TU Berlin's semester fee page lists EUR 360.49 for the 2026 summer semester. It includes a Semesterticket for Berlin public transport, so most students do not need a separate transit pass.
- Proof of funds: A non-EU student applying for a German study visa must show funds. The 2026 blocked account requirement is EUR 11,904 per year (about EUR 992 per month), per German Federal Foreign Office and DAAD guidance. A blocked account typically costs EUR 70 to EUR 150 to set up.
- Living costs in Berlin: Rent is the largest variable. We could not verify a current city-specific figure from an official source, so check current rent estimates for the district you are considering.
Admission Requirements
For international applicants to the Informatik B.Sc., the core requirements are:
- A higher education entrance qualification recognised as equivalent to the German Abitur, with official transcripts and certified translations
- German language proof at C1 level, required for all undergraduate teaching
- A qualifying grade result for the restricted programme, checked against the current cut-off
- Application through TU Berlin's application portal by the deadline for restricted programmes
- Proof of funds for the student visa, if you are applying from outside the EU or EEA
English proficiency does not gate this bachelor's degree. The German certificate does.
How to Get Into TU Berlin's Informatik B.Sc.
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Start German early. Informatik is German-taught, so a recognised C1 certificate is the gate. A strong IELTS or TOEFL score will not replace it.
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Book a recognised German certificate. TestDaF with TDN 4 in all four sections is the most common route, and DSH-2 or DSH-3 is also accepted. Give yourself time for at least one retake.
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Check your grade against the current cut-off. Because Informatik is restricted, your school-leaving grade equivalent matters. Calculate your grade on the German scale using the university's conversion guidance, then compare it to the most recent published cut-off.
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Apply by the deadline for restricted programmes. These are typically earlier than the deadlines for admission-free programmes, so confirm the date for your intake.
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Prepare your blocked account early. The blocked account is needed for the student visa, and it takes time to set up.
English Proficiency and German Language Requirements
The Informatik B.Sc. is taught in German, so IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo are not the tests that gate admission. The accepted German certificates include:
| German test | Accepted level |
|---|---|
| TestDaF | TDN 4 in all four sections (4-4-4-4) |
| DSH | DSH-2 or DSH-3 |
If you want an English-taught computer science degree, look at TU Berlin's master's programmes instead. Those have their own English requirements, usually IELTS or TOEFL, and are set programme by programme.
For context on the wider university, see the TU Berlin guide.
Career Outcomes and Post-Study Relevance
Germany's main post-study route is the job-seeker residence permit under Section 20 of the Residence Act. After completing a degree in Germany, you can receive a residence permit of up to 18 months to look for qualified work, provided your livelihood is secured during that time. The permit is not extendable, and during it you may take up employment of any type. Before it expires, you need to move into a qualifying job or another eligible residence title. Apply at the local immigration office before your student status ends, and confirm current rules on make-it-in-germany.com or the BAMF website.
TU Berlin does not publish a computer-science-specific employment rate or starting salary in the sources we reviewed, so we have not quoted one. Your German level will still affect the range of roles open to you in Germany, since many employers outside international tech teams work in German.
FAQ
Is TU Berlin's Computer Science bachelor's taught in English? No. The B.Sc. is taught in German, so you need C1 German. English-taught computer science options are mainly at master's level.
What IELTS score do I need for TU Berlin Computer Science? You do not need IELTS for the bachelor's degree. You need a recognised German certificate at C1 level, such as TestDaF TDN 4 in all sections or DSH-2 or DSH-3.
Is Computer Science at TU Berlin competitive? Yes. Informatik is admission-restricted and uses a grade cut-off, which was reported around 2.1 in recent cycles. Confirm the current value for your intake.
Does TU Berlin charge tuition for international students? No tuition for this bachelor's programme, including for non-EU students. You pay a semester contribution each term, which was EUR 360.49 for the 2026 summer semester.
Can I stay in Germany after graduating? Yes. Under Section 20 of the Residence Act, graduates can receive a job-seeker residence permit of up to 18 months. It is not extendable, so plan to move into a qualifying job or another residence title before it expires.