Freie Universität Berlin (FU Berlin) is one of the largest, most comprehensive, and most respected universities in Germany. Students with a focus on European politics, EU integration, Eastern Europe, and security in Europe, maybe particularly interested in the courses of the Fachbereich Politik- und Sozialwissenschaften (FB Politik). Check out their Exchange Program 2025-2026 Fact Sheet.
Curriculum: Students take classes with the Fachbereich Politik- und Sozialwissenschaften (FB Politik) and focus on international relations, security, comparative politics, policy analysis, political theory, and media and communications. Information on the upcoming semester is available at the Archives of the Online Lecture and Course Catalogs. Elliott School students are also able to take courses at Humboldt Universität zu Berlin and the Universität Potsdam as part of a consortium of universities in Berlin.
Enrollment and Transfer of Credit: Students may earn up to 10 transfer credits from the partner for the Elliott School M.A. program. Students must earn the equivalent of a B grade or higher in a given course to be eligible for transfer credit.
- 6 ECTS credits at FU Berlin = 3 GW credits
- FU Berlin Grade 3.0 Gut = GW Grade B
- The FU Berlin grade range is from 1 = A to 5 =F
Academic Calendar:
- The "winter" term runs from mid-October through mid-February.
- The "summer" term runs from mid-April through the end of July. Courses are held during the day.
- Given the mismatch of FU winter term dates with the GW fall semester, the Elliott School recommends studying abroad at FU during their summer term. You may review their academic calendar here.
Language of Instruction: Courses are conducted in German or in English. A proficient level of German is required for taking courses taught in German. Most professors of the German-taught courses, however, will allow written assignments to be done in English.
Housing: International exchange students may apply for a student residence through FU Berlin, but availability is limited. Students are ultimately responsible for securing their own housing and often sublet rooms or rent apartments. Additional housing information is available from the FU Berlin International Students office.
Tuition and Fees: Students pay regular GW and Elliott School graduate tuition and fees for their participation in exchange programs, based upon 9 or 10 GW credit hours.
