Berlin University Alliance

Many postdocs come to Berlin from abroad to pursue their research, develop their careers, and connect with an international academic community. Starting a postdoctoral position in a new country, however, often involves adapting to unfamiliar administrative processes, institutional structures, and everyday challenges alongside academic work.

The Postdoc Academy of the Berlin University Alliance (BUA) aims to international postdocs during this transition. It brings together information and community-building opportunities that help postdocs orient themselves within Berlin’s research landscape and connect across institutions. Most programs are offered in English, ensuring accessible and inclusive participation for an international audience.

Internationalization at BUA

Internationalization is a priority of the Berlin University Alliance. As one of Germany’s most international research hubs, Berlin attracts a growing number of researchers from around the world. At the strategic level, the BUA’s internationalization framework focuses on strengthening global cooperation, expanding joint partnerships with leading universities worldwide, promoting collaborative research initiatives with partners in the Global South, and coordinating joint engagement in Brussels.

BUA Global Scholars’ Gateway Berlin

The BUA Global Scholars’ Gateway Berlin serves as a point of orientation for international researchers. It brings together key information on researching and working in Berlin and directs users to relevant services at Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin.

For postdocs, the Global Scholars’ Gateway offers a practical starting point to explore administrative guidance, institutional contact points, and career-relevant opportunities across the BUA, helping them identify the right services quickly and efficiently.

BUA Fellows Club

The Fellows Club offers international researchers a space for networking and exchange during (and after) their BUA research. Its events bring together scholars from different disciplines and career stages, providing opportunities to connect, share experiences, and build cross-institutional peer networks across the Alliance, Berlin, and the world.

Support at the Partner Institutions

Each partner university offers support structures for international researchers. These services typically cover administrative orientation, visa and residence questions, employment matters, and opportunities for integration into academic and social life.

Freie Universität Berlin
The Division of International Affairs supports international researchers with information on institutional procedures, administrative requirements, and orientation within the university. It also serves as a central point of contact for questions related to working and researching at Freie Universität Berlin. The Division of International Affairs also provides updates and information on current international activities at the university.

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
The HU International Department offers guidance for researchers coming from abroad, covering topics such as employment, residence matters, and institutional orientation. Its services help international postdocs navigate the academic environment at Humboldt-Universität and connect with relevant support units.

Technische Universität Berlin
Technische Universität Berlin provides dedicated information and services for international researchers and staff. These include guidance on administrative procedures, funding opportunities, and integration into the university’s research landscape.

Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
The Charité International Office supports international researchers with arrival-related questions, administrative processes, and orientation within the institution. It provides tailored guidance for researchers working in Charité’s clinical and biomedical research environment.