Freie Universität Berlin is a leading public research university located in the Dahlem district of Berlin, Germany. Founded on December 4, 1948, by students and professors with the support of American allies and Berlin politicians, the university was established in response to the persecution of students at the Soviet-controlled Universität Unter den Linden. Its name — meaning 'Free University' — symbolized West Berlin's commitment to intellectual freedom during the Cold War.

Today, Freie Universität Berlin is one of only eleven designated German Universities of Excellence and a founding member of the Berlin University Alliance alongside Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. The university is internationally recognized for its strength in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and life sciences, offering over 150 degree programs across all academic levels.

With a strong international outlook, Freie Universität maintains approximately 100 university-wide partnerships and about 330 Erasmus exchange agreements worldwide. The university operates seven international liaison offices in Beijing, Brussels, Cairo, Moscow, New Delhi, New York, and São Paulo, reinforcing its position as a globally connected research institution. Its academic ethos is guided by three founding values: Veritas, Justitia, Libertas — truth, justice, and freedom.

Freie Universität Berlin is a comprehensive university with twelve academic departments and three interdisciplinary central institutes, offering more than 150 degree programs across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and life sciences. The university also shares the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin as a joint medical faculty with Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, one of the largest university hospitals in Europe.

Freie Universität Berlin does not charge tuition fees for most undergraduate and graduate programs, including for international students. Students are required to pay a semester contribution that covers administrative fees, student services, and a public transit ticket. This makes FU Berlin one of the most affordable top-ranked universities in the world.

The main campus of Freie Universität Berlin is located in the leafy, residential Dahlem district in southwest Berlin, offering a peaceful academic environment surrounded by green spaces. The campus is well connected to central Berlin via the U3 metro line (Dahlem Dorf and Freie Universität stations) and the S1 S-Bahn line. Additional campuses include the GeoCampus Lankwitz for earth sciences and the Düppel campus for veterinary medicine.

Philological Library (The Berlin Brain)

Designed by Lord Norman Foster and completed in 2005, this iconic brain-shaped library is the architectural centerpiece of the Dahlem campus.

Henry Ford Building

The historic Henry Ford Building houses the main auditorium, conference halls, and serves as the administrative heart of the university.

Berlin Botanical Garden and Museum

One of the largest botanical gardens in the world with 43 hectares and around 22,000 plant species, located adjacent to the main campus.

Freie Universität Berlin offers a vibrant and diverse student life, enriched by Berlin's dynamic cultural scene and the university's strong tradition of student engagement. With students from over 80 countries, the campus is a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and perspectives. From academic clubs and cultural associations to sports programs and festivals, there is something for every interest.

Freie Universität Berlin consistently ranks among the top universities in Germany and worldwide, reflecting its strong academic reputation, research excellence, and international orientation. The university has been designated a University of Excellence three times under Germany's Excellence Strategy.