Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin) is one of Germany's largest technical universities, with a strong reputation in engineering, computer science, and natural sciences. For international students it has one defining feature that shapes everything else: almost all bachelor's degrees are taught in German. If you are planning around an IELTS or TOEFL score, the first thing to know is that those tests do not open the door to a TU Berlin bachelor's degree. German does.
This guide covers what matters before you apply: the acceptance picture, the semester contribution and cost of living, the German language requirement, which bachelor's programmes are admission-restricted, and what the German post-study permit means for graduates.
TU Berlin Acceptance Rate
TU Berlin does not publish a single university-wide acceptance rate, and we did not find an official figure for international applicants. Admission works programme by programme in Germany, so the more useful question is whether a given bachelor's degree is admission-restricted (zulassungsbeschränkt, NC) or admission-free (zulassungsfrei).
Recent admission information suggests that a large share of TU Berlin's programmes are admission-free, while many popular programmes, including Computer Science (Informatik), are restricted. Admission rules change from year to year, so check the current lists on TU Berlin's admissions pages before you plan around them.
Tuition and Cost of Attendance
Regular bachelor's programmes at TU Berlin charge 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 student body contribution, a contribution to the studierendenWERK Berlin, an administrative fee, a social fund contribution, and a Semesterticket for Berlin public transport. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount on the university's page each semester.
- 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: Berlin rents are a large part of the budget and vary widely by district. We could not verify a current city-specific rent figure from an official source, so use the blocked account amount as your minimum and check current rent estimates before you commit to a flat.
Admission Requirements
For international applicants to a TU Berlin bachelor's programme, 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, which TU Berlin requires for bachelor's programmes
- An application through TU Berlin's application portal by the published deadline for your intake
- Proof of funds for the student visa, if you are applying from outside the EU or EEA
- For admission-restricted programmes, a qualifying grade result as set by the current cut-off rules
Because most undergraduate teaching is in German, the language requirement is the one that decides whether you can apply at all. See the German proficiency section below.
How to Get Into TU Berlin
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Plan around German first. Bachelor's teaching is in German, so a strong IELTS or TOEFL score will not replace the German certificate.
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Book a recognised C1 German certificate early. TU Berlin accepts certificates such as TestDaF with TDN 4 in all four sections, and DSH-2 or DSH-3 from the list recognised by the German Rectors' Conference. Build time for preparation and retakes into your timeline.
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Check whether your programme is admission-restricted. Computer Science (Informatik) is restricted and uses a grade cut-off, which has been reported around grade 2.1 in recent cycles. Mechanical Engineering (Maschinenbau) is listed as admission-free. Confirm the current status for your intake, because the cut-off changes from year to year.
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Apply before the deadline for your programme type. Restricted programmes and admission-free programmes often have different deadlines. Confirm the dates for the intake you want.
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Arrange your blocked account and semester contribution together. Both are part of your first-year budget, and the blocked account is needed for the visa application.
English Proficiency and German Language Requirements
Bachelor's programmes at TU Berlin are taught in German, so IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo are not the tests that gate admission to them. 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 |
Some English-taught options exist, but they are mainly at master's level. If you want an English-taught degree, look at TU Berlin's master's programmes, which have their own English requirements, usually IELTS or TOEFL. Check the current language page on TU Berlin's site, because the list of accepted certificates is updated from time to time.
For how this compares with other German universities, see the TU Munich and RWTH Aachen 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 single, citable employment rate for all graduates in the sources we reviewed, so we have not quoted one. Outcomes depend heavily on your field and on your German level, since most professional roles in Germany require German for day-to-day work.
FAQ
Is TU Berlin taught in English? Most bachelor's programmes are taught in German. English-taught options are mainly at master's level.
What IELTS score do I need for TU Berlin? For bachelor's programmes you need C1 German rather than IELTS. For English-taught master's programmes, the English requirement is set by each programme.
Does TU Berlin charge tuition for international students? Regular bachelor's programmes do not charge tuition, including for non-EU students. You pay a semester contribution each term, which was EUR 360.49 for the 2026 summer semester.
Is Computer Science at TU Berlin easy to get into? Informatik is admission-restricted and uses a grade cut-off, so it is more competitive than admission-free programmes. Check the current cut-off for your intake.
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.