“Nationality” is used here to refer to a person’s citizenship, i.e., the country or countries of which a person is recognized to be an official citizen. In some contexts, “nationality” is used to refer to a person’s ethnic origin or to signify that they belong to a specific ethnic group. This use of the word can be problematic because the idea of ethnic groups is a social construct that can often give rise to racial discrimination.

A person’s nationality gives them access to certain rights (e.g., the right to vote) and responsibilities (e.g., the obligation to pay taxes), and impacts their access to education and work. People from more than 150 countries study and work at Freie Universität Berlin.

People who have been forced to flee their countries face considerable barriers to education due to their uncertain residency status in Germany. The university strives to create an environment for teaching, studying, and working where the identities and experiences of people with all nationalities are made visible, where they feel safe and respected, knowing they can play an active role in university life and pursue personal development through equitable participation.

Changing Your Nationality (Students)

If you change your nationality or gain a second one, you are welcome to update your personal information at Freie Universität Berlin to reflect this. Simply send an email to the Student Records and Registration Office at info-service@fu-berlin.de.