Loading…

GERMANY · BERLIN

European College of Liberal Arts

private · Founded 2000 · Languages: English

In short

The European College of Liberal Arts (ECLA) in Berlin appears to be defunct. Historically, it offered English-language liberal arts programs with tuition around 12,000-16,000 EUR annually.

Key facts

Type: Private
Founded: 2000
Students: 150
International students: 120
Acceptance rate: 60%
Tuition (intl): €12–16k/yr
Languages: ENGLISH
Location: Berlin, Germany

The European College of Liberal Arts (ECLA) in Berlin, Germany, appears to be a defunct institution. The provided homepage content indicates that information about ECLA is directed to the Endeavor Foundation, Inc. in New York, suggesting the college itself is no longer operational or has transitioned significantly.

Why study here

English-language liberal arts curriculum in the heart of Berlin — a city rich in history, culture, and intellectual life.
Small seminars fostering close faculty-student dialogue and deep engagement with texts and ideas.
International student body from across Europe, the Americas, and beyond.
Interdisciplinary approach covering philosophy, literature, political theory, and the arts.
Access to Berlin's world-class museums, galleries, and cultural institutions.

Student life

During its operational years, ECLA offered an intimate campus community in Berlin where students from many countries lived and studied together. The small size of the college meant that student-faculty relationships were unusually close, and intellectual discussion extended well beyond the classroom into communal living spaces and the city at large. Students had access to Berlin's exceptional cultural resources — world-class museums, the Berlin Philharmonic, a thriving contemporary art scene, and significant historical sites — all of which enriched the liberal arts curriculum. Campus life included seminars, guest lectures, cultural events, and student-organised activities reflecting the diverse international backgrounds of the student body.

Fees

InternationalECLA historically charged approximately 12,000-16,000 EUR per year in tuition for its English-language liberal arts programs. As the institution appears no longer operational, prospective students should verify current status before applying.

HomeEU students paid the same tuition rates as international students at ECLA, as it operated as a private fee-charging institution.

LivingBerlin is one of Europe's more affordable major cities. Students should budget approximately 800-1,200 EUR/month for accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.

ECLA appears to be defunct or significantly restructured. Contact the institution or the Endeavor Foundation (New York) for current status before making any financial commitments.

Admissions

Secondary School DiplomaHigh school diploma or equivalent (A-levels, Abitur, IB, etc.)

Essays/Writing SampleStatement of academic interest; writing sample demonstrating analytical ability

Recommendation LettersTwo letters from teachers or academic mentors

TOEFL iBT90+

IELTS Academic6.5+

University scholarships

ECLA Scholarships (historical)Need and merit-based partial scholarships were offered historically

Endeavor Foundation SupportContact Endeavor Foundation for any current funding arrangements

Accreditation

ECLA's accreditation status is unclear given the institution's apparent cessation of operations. Students should verify accreditation status before enrolling or transferring credits.

For international students

Germany

Student visa & funds

Non-EU/EEA students must obtain a national student visa (Type D) before arrival and then convert it to a student residence permit at the local Foreigners’ Authority (Ausländerbehörde). To prove financial self-sufficiency, most applicants open a blocked account (Sperrkonto) holding €11,904 — €992 per month for twelve months — an amount in effect since 2024 and unchanged for 2026. The blocked account caps monthly withdrawals at €992 so the funds last the year.

Working while you study

Non-EU international students may work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per calendar year without approval from the Federal Employment Agency — an allowance raised from the previous 120/240-day limit under the 2024 skilled-immigration reform. A shift of more than four hours counts as a full day. Student-assistant roles at the university (Hiwi positions) generally fall outside this cap, and hours during semester breaks count toward the same annual allowance.

After you graduate

After completing a degree at a German university, non-EU graduates are entitled to an 18-month residence permit to seek work under the Residence Act, during which any employment is allowed. Separately, the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), introduced in June 2024, lets qualifying non-EU nationals enter to look for work for up to a year using a points system, with limited part-time work permitted. Recent German graduates qualify for the 18-month post-study permit directly, without the points test.

English tests

IELTS6.0–6.5 for English-taught bachelor’s; 6.5–7.0 for most master’s
TOEFL iBT80–90 for most programs; competitive universities (e.g. TUM) 88–95
German (TestDaF/DSH)German-taught programs require TestDaF level 4 (TDN 4) or DSH-2

Main intakes

OctoberApril

Typical living cost

€1,050/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesStudy in Germany — Proof of financial resources · Make it in Germany — Studying and working · BAMF — To Germany as a graduate · Make it in Germany — Opportunity Card · DAAD — Admission requirements · DAAD — Costs of education and living

Scholarships

for Germany

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

The Software Lab (CISPA & University of Stuttgart)

CISPA & University of Stuttgart Software Lab PhD Scholarships

Open to applicants who hold or expect a Master's degree in Computer Science or a related field, with strong coding skills, an interest in large-scale software projects and the ability to write and present in English (no German required). Candidates should be passionate about high-quality academic research, willing to mentor undergraduate students, and have a long-term vision and persistence for deep research. Positions are filled on a rolling basis as suitable candidates are identified.

Munich School for Data Science (MUDS)

Munich School for Data Science (MUDS) PhD Scholarships

Open to international students of all nationalities with a strong academic background in computer science, data science, or a related field, or a degree in a domain science (such as life sciences, medicine, health, earth observation, or robotics) or interdisciplinary fields (such as geoinformatics or bioinformatics) with a strong data science emphasis. Applicants need a passion for applying state-of-the-art data science techniques to real-world scientific challenges. Selection is based on academic record, research potential, and motivation.

Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Hydrogen Technology

Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon PhD Position in Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering

Open to applicants who hold a Master's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering or a related field, with strong knowledge of metallurgy, slip/twinning mechanisms and the mechanical behaviour of metals. Experience with magnesium (Mg) alloys, micro-compression or SEM techniques is an advantage. Candidates need strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary, international environment. The post is a salaried PhD position open to international applicants.

Leibniz University Hannover

Leibniz University Hannover Soil Science PhD Scholarship

Open to applicants of all nationalities who hold a Master's degree in soil science, geosciences, environmental sciences or a closely related field, are proficient in written and spoken English, and are physically fit for extended fieldwork in tropical regions (Ghana and India). Experience with soil analysis, spectral tools and drone operations is an advantage but not mandatory.

Forschungszentrum Julich

Forschungszentrum Julich Funded PhD Positions

Open to international applicants who hold a master's degree in Chemical, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or a related field with strong academic performance, with experience in electrochemical modelling and simulation, knowledge of PEM and AEM electrolyser technology, skills in automation and data analysis (Python, LabVIEW), and proficiency in German and English.

Alexander von Humboldt Foundation

Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowships (for Postdoctoral and Experienced Researchers)

For researchers from abroad — postdoctoral (normally within 4 years of a PhD) or experienced (within 12 years of a PhD) — to carry out a long-term research stay in Germany with a host of their choice. Selection is on academic record and research potential; applications can be submitted at any time.

Frequently asked questions

What is the current status of the European College of Liberal Arts (ECLA)?

The European College of Liberal Arts (ECLA) in Berlin appears to be defunct or has undergone significant restructuring. Information about the institution is now directed to the Endeavor Foundation in New York.

What were the historical tuition fees for ECLA?

Historically, ECLA charged approximately 12,000-16,000 EUR per year for its English-language liberal arts programs. As a private institution, EU students paid the same tuition rates as international students.

What were the English language proficiency requirements for ECLA?

Historically, ECLA required a TOEFL iBT score of 90+ or an IELTS Academic score of 6.5+. Prospective students should verify if these requirements are still relevant given the institution's status.

What academic qualifications were needed to apply to ECLA?

Applicants historically needed a high school diploma or equivalent (such as A-levels, Abitur, or IB), two recommendation letters from academic mentors, and a statement of academic interest along with a writing sample.

What was the program focus at ECLA?

ECLA offered an interdisciplinary, English-language liberal arts curriculum focusing on philosophy, literature, political theory, and the arts, with small seminars encouraging close faculty-student dialogue.

Last updated 3 July 2026