Freie Universität Berlin Summer
Freie Universität Berlin International Summer University is an intensive short-term program for international students offered by Freie Universität Berlin. During three terms per year, FUBiS offers subject courses in English and German language courses at all proficiency levels.
All courses make use of the city and its manifold resources (extended classroom principle). FUBiS also arranges for housing, extra-curricular activities and other services. Freie Universität Berlin International Summer University is an intensive short-term program for international students offered by Freie Universität Berlin. During three terms per year, FUBiS offers subject courses in English and German language courses at all proficiency levels. All courses make use of the city and its manifold resources (extended classroom principle). FUBiS also arranges for housing, extra-curricular activities and other services.
Key information
Application information
Student experience
Useful links
FUBiS 2020 Digital Lecture Series (Youtube playlist)
Have questions?
For general inquiries: study.abroad@ucalgary.ca
For questions about the courses or program details: fubis@fubis.org
Program details
The information below was last updated in 2025
The FUBiS program offers German intensive and semi-intensive language courses at all levels, as well as various academic subjects under the general umbrella of European studies (history, business, art, economics, etc.).
Program structure:
- An A-Track language course can only be combined with a B-Track subject course.
- An A-Track subject course can only be combined with a B-Track subject course.
- C- and D-Track courses cannot be combined with other courses.
Visit the FUBiS website to browse courses offered in Term 2 (June/July) and courses offered in Term 3 (July/August).
6 ECTS = 1 UCalgary half course (3 units). Please check with your UCalgary academic advisor to ensure that the course(s) you are interested in taking will transfer back to your degree.
Students can select courses offered in one or both summer terms:
- Term 2: early June to mid July
- Term 3: late July to late August
Note, there is also a Term 1, which is held in January. Attending this term would mean that you are not able to attend the UCalgary winter semester.
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Costs
This is a Fee-Paying program, which means that you will pay tuition fees to FUBiS directly as well as any other required program fees such as housing, social events, etc.
You will pay a $150 placement fee to UCalgary, but otherwise you will not owe any fees to UCalgary for this program.
As long as your total stay in Europe is less than 90 days, a visa is usually not required for students travelling on a Canadian passport.
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Funding
Although FUBiS does not offer any funding, there is an "early bird" discount available if students apply for the program by the earlier deadline.
Fee-paying programs might be able to obtain additional funding. Students are responsible for verifying eligibility for any funding you wish to pursue at UCalgary. If you wish to apply for student loans, please confirm eligibility with Alberta Student Aid or your responsible loans provider. If you wish to apply for our office's awards, such as the Global Learning Award, note that your program must receive at least 3 units of academic credit at UCalgary to qualify.
There is no housing available on-campus. As an optional service, students can request the FUBiS team to support them in securing appropriate off-campus housing. Various accommodation preferences can be indicated during the registration process. See housing info on the FUBiS website.
The FUBiS eligibility requirements include being at least 18 years of age, having previously completed at least one year of university, with a recommended cumulative 2.8 GPA.
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Application to UCalgary
Please submit an applicaton in the UCalgary application system, RAISA. Your application must be submitted by the UCalgary deadline, which is advertised in the yellow banner at the top of this page. (This program typically re-opens applications past the priority deadline until mid-March.)
In RAISA, you will be asked some basic questions about your interest in studying abroad, and confirm that you understand this is a Fee-Paying program.
By applying in RAISA, the UCalgary Global Learning office will better be able to support your preparation to travel, including providing resources for your safety abroad and guidance on the academic transfer credit process.
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Application to FUBiS
Independent of your UCalgary RAISA application, you must also submit an application to FUBiS. Your Global Learning Advisor will send you a reminder to apply, but it is your responsibility to gather the necessary documents and submit them to FUBiS following their provided instructions and deadlines.
Have questions?
The Global Learning Advisor for this program is: Sydney Guthrie
How to Apply
Identify your programs of interest
We recommend applying for your top three programs by the priority deadline. If you are applying to a mixture of fee-paying and exchange or research programs, please consult with a Global Learning Advisor. Fee-paying programs often have different timelines; we can help identify if your desired programs are competitive or any other unique considerations.
Check requirements and deadlines
Please review the "Eligibility and application requirements" section above. Some fee-paying programs require students to apply both to UCalgary and to the host university, while others may have different instructions. If you are uncertain about application procedures, you are welcome to contact a Global Learning Advisor and/or the host university for guidance.
Start your application
Be mindful that if your desired program requires applying both to UCalgary and to the host university, there may be different timelines for each application. Make note of the requirements for each application, prepare in advance when possible, and ensure you don't miss the deadline!
International travel presents challenges that may not be found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, emergency services, hospitals, accessibility issues and/or demands on the physical and the mental self, all of which can challenge individuals when away from their usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative that you evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual condition against the rigors of the particular global learning program you are selecting. If you are unsure of whether or not this program is a good fit for you and/or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment of the program, please contact us. Our Global Learning Advisors will be happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arrange any supports or accommodations necessary to ensure your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your Global Learning Advisor to ensure that the option that you are seeking can support your needs.
Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.