Freie Universität Berlin was founded in 1948 by professors and students, in response to the persecution faced by students who took a critical eye of the system at Universität Unter den Linden, at that time located in the Soviet sector of the divided city. The idea of founding a free university found widespread support in the international community, including financial support. This outpouring of aid helped pave the way for Freie Universität to become a university with an outstanding international reputation. The principles of freedom and internationality have guided the university’s development ever since. Since the university’s founding, the academic ethos of Freie Universität Berlin has always been defined by three values: truth, justice, and freedom.

Freie Universität Berlin is a full-spectrum university and a leading research institution, comprising twelve departments and three Central Institutes that together offer more than 180 different academic programs in a broad range of disciplines.