The Freie Universität Berlin, commonly referred to as FU Berlin, is a highly regarded public research university established in 1948. It is a distinctive institution with a rich history, originally founded in response to repression in the Soviet-occupied part of the city and embodying the principles of freedom in teaching and research. Today it educates over 30,000 students, making it one of the largest universities in Germany. The university is situated in a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, offering a dynamic urban campus environment in the suburb of Dahlem. The campus is conveniently located near several historical and cultural landmarks, including the Botanical Garden and Museum, providing students with a stimulating mix of academic and recreational activities.

The university offers a wide range of academic programmes in a variety of disciplines, with particular strengths in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences and medicine. The university is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach and international outlook, with a significant number of courses taught in English to cater for its large international student body. It also has specialised research centres and institutes focusing on Eastern European studies, social research and bioinformatics, underlining its commitment to addressing global challenges through research and education. FU Berlin is consistently ranked among the world's top universities in prestigious rankings such as the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the QS World University Rankings. It is particularly noted for its arts and humanities programmes. The German government has recognised FU Berlin as a University of Excellence, a testament to its outstanding research and teaching capabilities.

The notable alumni and faculty of FU Berlin include Nobel laureates and influential figures in politics, science and the arts, demonstrating the university's profound impact on diverse fields. Its distinguished alumni include politicians, scholars and leaders of international organisations, reflecting the university's role in shaping thought leaders and innovators. The university has a strong commitment to social responsibility, sustainability and global engagement, and offers students many opportunities to participate in international programmes and research collaborations. This commitment, combined with its rich history and location in one of Europe's most vibrant cities, makes FU Berlin a unique place for students from around the world to study, research and develop their careers.