International Student Support (ISS) supports international prospective students and students at Freie Universität Berlin during various stages of their studies. Accompanying the academic advising services for international students provided by the General Academic Advising, ISS provides a wide range of additional support and information services.
Since September 2023, ISS has been offering various programs and services designed to support international students as they begin their studies, navigate daily campus life, and build a network, while also facilitating access to existing services at Freie Universität Berlin.
Throughout the semester as well as during the semester breaks, ISS offers a wide range of events for prospective and current international students. As part of our information sessions for prospective students in German and English, we regularly offer online events on applying to Freie Universität Berlin, which provide general information about studying in Germany, moving to Berlin, and life in the city. In addition to these information sessions, we offer events specifically designed for new students to help them prepare for their first semester. The majority of the events takes place online in German and English.
Since the 2024–25 winter semester, the ISS has been offering a peer mentoring program for students at Freie Universität Berlin. Experienced international students mentor newly admitted and currently enrolled students, share their experiences, and foster exchange. The program includes numerous social events, such as excursions in Berlin, workshops, writing groups, and other opportunities for coming together. The social events are open to all students at Freie Universität and create spaces for meeting, exchanging ideas, and networking.
The online guide brings together key information and support services for international students pursuing a degree at Freie Universität Berlin. The content is organized according to the different stages of the academic journey:
As a result, the guide serves as a central resource and facilitates access to relevant information and services.
The monthly ISS Newsletter provides international students with information in German and English about events, workshops, important announcements, and support services offered by Freie Universität Berlin. It regularly offers a concise overview of current opportunities on and off campus.
The existing ISFU mailing list has been revamped, so that since October 2023, subscribers have been receiving a monthly newsletter with event listings and useful information.