Fre­quent­ly Asked Ques­tions

Source: https://humboldt-llm.hu-berlin.de/faq Parent: https://humboldt-llm.hu-berlin.de/

Photo: S. Klenke

Find answers to the most common questions about our programme's, admissions, fees, and more. This section is designed to help you with essential information quickly and easily.

Can my previous practical experience be counted towards the admission requirements?

• • Professional experience can be gained through various practical activities, such as internships or trainee positions. However, if a practical activity was a mandatory part of your bachelor’s programme, it cannot be counted as professional experience. If you are unsure whether your studies or practical experience meet the programme’s admission requirements, please contact our team before submitting your formal application.

Do I need to know German to participate in the programme?

• • Knowledge of German is not a requirement for admission, but it can be helpful for managing daily life and studies in Germany. Therefore, we encourage international students to learn some German before starting the programme and to make use of the many language learning opportunities offered by the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin during their studies.

Am I required to have health insurance while studying in Germany?

• • Yes, everyone living in Germany, even temporarily, must have valid health insurance. For students, the cost typically ranges from 30 € to 150 € per month, depending on factors like provider, age, and coverage. Standard coverage is required, but some packages may offer additional benefits, such as private hospital rooms.

  EU/EEA students can often use their home insurance via the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but should verify if it covers their entire stay. If not, they’ll need German insurance. EU students may also need to register with a German provider, usually free of charge.

  Non-EU students typically need German or EU health insurance. Students under 30 can choose between private and public insurance, but must request exemption from public insurance within 3 months if they choose private. This exemption isn't needed for students over 30.

How can I obtain a student visa?

• • If accepted into the LL.M. programme, you’ll receive an admission letter, which you can use to apply for a student visa at a German consulate in your country. Along with this letter, you’ll need to show proof of financial resources—such as a scholarship certificate, bank statement with at least 11,904 € or a guarantee letter from your parents. You’ll also need a copy of your health insurance policy (either travel insurance or German insurance, which can sometimes be purchased online in advance). This website, run by the German government, provides an initial overview. Additional documents may be required, so check the German embassy website in your country for exact requirements. Allow at least two months for visa processing.

  Upon arriving in Berlin, you’ll need to obtain a student residence permit at the local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde).

Are foreign students allowed to work in Germany while studying?

• • Yes, students with a residence permit can work part-time, up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per year. While working within these limits is allowed, LL.M. students may have limited time for employment during the semester. However, winter and summer breaks might provide opportunities to work or undertake (paid) internships. It is important to note that the university does not offer internships or job placements to support students’ living expenses. Students are responsible for securing such opportunities on their own.

  Further information on what international students need to bear in mind when working alongside their studies can be found on the website of Berlin's student union ('Studierendenwerk Berlin').

  Job advertisements at the Faculty of Law can be found here or on the websites of the individual chairs.

  Various collections of student job offers are available on HU's Career Centre website under the 'Stellenticket (job portal)' section.

  Furthermore, Berlin's student union ('Studierendenwerk Berlin') offers a website with student job vacancies called Stellenwerk.

Is it possible to gain practical experience in Germany after completing my LL.M. degree?

• • Yes, graduates of German degree programmes can apply for a residence permit to work in Germany if they secure a job relevant to their qualification. While searching for a suitable position, graduates receive a temporary residence permit, allowing them to stay in Germany for up to 18 months and take on any job to support themselves during this period. This website, run by the German government, provides additional information.

  With the Humboldt Master of Laws (HU LL.M.) degree you can work in legal professions which do not require a bar admission ("Zulassung zur Rechtsanwaltschaft"). This applies f.e. to an in-house lawyer. Other employment opportunities for lawyers without a licence to practise law can be found in industry, at clerk level in some law firms ("Anwaltskanzleien") or in public authorities. It is important to note that the HU LL.M. programme does not qualify graduates to practice as licensed attorneys ("zugelassene/r Rechtsanwalt/Rechtsanwältin") in regulated legal professions in Germany. This means with the HU LL.M. you cannot become a judge, a public prosecutor or lawyer, appear in court or become a lawyer in a law firm ("Anwaltssozietät"). Exceptions may apply to European lawyers, and we are happy to provide guidance on these cases upon request.