AKAD Hochschule Stuttgart - staatlich anerkannt
Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
- Founded
- 1959
- Students
- 6,000
- Programmes
- 88
- Taught in English
- 17
About AKAD Hochschule Stuttgart - staatlich anerkannt
AKAD University (formerly AKAD Hochschule Stuttgart) is Germany's first state-recognised private distance-learning university, founded in 1959 and headquartered in Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg. The institution holds institutional accreditation from the Wissenschaftsrat (2023) and system accreditation from the Akkreditierungsrat (2021), and all programmes are approved by the Zentralstelle für Fernunterricht (ZFU).
The university offers more than 65 Bologna-compliant distance-learning degree programmes (Bachelor, Master, MBA) and over 120 continuing-education courses across four subject areas: Business & Management, Technology & IT, Health & Social Sciences, and International Communication & Culture. With approximately 6,000 active students and more than 72,000 alumni, AKAD is one of the largest providers of part-time distance learning in the German-speaking world.
Study at AKAD is designed around part-time, work-accompanying enrolment: students self-pace their learning online via the AKAD Campus platform, supported by 350 faculty members (full- and part-time). The model suits working professionals and career changers; a daily study-start option (rather than fixed semester intakes) is offered for most programmes.
Germany's first state-recognised private distance-learning university, founded 1959
Institutional accreditation by the Wissenschaftsrat (2023); system accreditation by the Akkreditierungsrat (2021)
65+ Bologna-compliant degree programmes (Bachelor, Master, MBA) fully deliverable online
Flexible daily study-start - no fixed semester intake windows
Probationary study pathway available for applicants with unrecognised foreign qualifications
72,000+ alumni; 96% exam-success rate cited by the university
Key facts
- Type
- Fachhochschulen / HAW
- Founded
- 1959
- Students
- 6,000
- International
- Not published by AKAD. Context: German-taught distance-learning university for working professionals; German C1 is required of non-native speakers and degree programmes are not offered in English, which limits degree-seeking international enrolment; neither the university nor its 2023 Wissenschaftsrat institutional re-accreditation summary publishes an international-student percentage.
- Faculties
- 4
- Programmes
- 88
Study programmes
88 accredited degrees at AKAD Hochschule Stuttgart - staatlich anerkannt, 17 of them taught in English.
Showing 25–48 of 88 programmes
Admissions & fees
What it costs
AKAD is a private distance-learning university and charges monthly tuition fees - it is not tuition-free. Fees vary by programme and chosen model. For a sample Bachelor of Arts (BWL), monthly fees range from approximately €219-€229 (Stretch, 72 months) to €369-€389 (Sprint, 36 months). A one-time examination fee of €960 applies. No separate semester administration fee (Semesterbeitrag) on the public-university model is charged. As a private institution, AKAD's fees apply equally to EU and non-EU students; the Baden-Württemberg non-EU tuition surcharge (€1,500/semester) does not apply because AKAD is private. Exact costs for each programme are published on individual programme pages at akad.de.
Admission requirements
For bachelor's programmes, applicants need a German Abitur, Fachabitur, or an equivalent higher-education entrance qualification. Applicants with vocational training plus three years of professional experience may sit a university entrance examination. Holders of unrecognised foreign qualifications or insufficient German proficiency may enter via a probationary study period (Probestudium), transitioning to regular status after earning at least 40 ECTS in the first two performance semesters. For master's programmes, a recognised first degree (bachelor's, diploma, or state examination; minimum 210 ECTS for 90-ECTS master's variants, or 240 ECTS for 60-ECTS variants) is required. German language proficiency of at least C1 is required for non-native speakers; AKAD offers Goethe-Institut preparatory courses at a discount. APS certificate is required for applicants whose prior qualification is from India, China, or Vietnam before the German student-visa application.
Application deadlines
Daily enrolment start is available for most programmes - there are no fixed semester intake deadlines. Students may begin at any time of year. Promotional discount codes with short-term registration deadlines are offered periodically (e.g. code CHANCE26 valid until 28 June 2026 for a €2,333 reduction). International students should factor in German student-visa processing time (typically 4-10 weeks from India) when planning their start date.
How international applicants apply
Direct online enrolment via akad.de - no uni-assist, no hochschulstart. Flexible daily study start instead of fixed semester intakes for most programmes. Foreign entrance qualifications are handled individually (recognition or probationary study path with 40+ ECTS); German C1 certificate required for non-native speakers; APS certificate needed for applicants from China, India and Vietnam before the visa stage.
Languages of instruction
German is the primary language of instruction across all programmes. Good English proficiency is required for most programmes. German C1 level is required for non-native speakers. Some preparatory German-language courses are available via partnership with the Goethe-Institut.
Entry requirements, intake dates and language levels differ for every degree.
Scholarships at AKAD Hochschule Stuttgart - staatlich anerkannt
6 schemes run or administered by the university. Always confirm current amounts and deadlines on the official page.
AKAD + Goethe-Institut studienvorbereitender Deutschkurs: discount and tuition credit
10% discount on selected Goethe-Institut German online courses (A2-C1) for future AKAD students; after proven C1 attainment throug...
Amount: 10% course discount + up to EUR 350 tuition credit
bachelor, master
AKAD Sportstipendium
Scholarship for competitive athletes (national squad, paralympic athletes, top placements at national/international events) studyi...
Amount: up to 30% tuition discount (Basic), further individual support
bachelor, master, mba
AKAD Stipendium
AKAD's own scholarship for new students (not yet enrolled) regardless of age or life situation. Covers 50% of regular tuition fees...
Amount: 50% tuition fee waiver for Regelstudienzeit
Deadline: Multiple calls per year (check website)
bachelor, master, mba
Aufstiegsstipendium (via SBB, promoted by AKAD)
Federal scholarship for working professionals with vocational qualifications pursuing a first degree (including part-time/distance...
Amount: up to EUR 2,700/year
Deadline: Ongoing (apply before end of 2nd semester)
bachelor
Stipendien von Stiftungen (external foundations listed by AKAD)
AKAD provides an overview of major external foundations awarding scholarships for distance/online studies (e.g., Studienstiftung,...
Amount: varies by foundation
Deadline: varies by foundation
bachelor, master, mba
Weiterbildungsstipendium (via SBB, promoted by AKAD)
Federal scholarship for young professionals with vocational qualification pursuing further vocational training (including part-tim...
Amount: up to EUR 7,200 over 3 years
bachelor, master, mba
Campuses & locations
Heilbronner Strasse 86, 70191 Stuttgart - administrative and academic centre; distance-learning model means no traditional residential campus
Living in Stuttgart
Stuttgart is the capital of Baden-Württemberg and one of Germany's leading industrial and technology hubs, home to the headquarters of Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. With a population of roughly 630,000, it offers a dense ecosystem of engineering firms, automotive suppliers, and Mittelstand companies - directly relevant to AKAD's technology and business programmes. The city has strong public transport links, a lively cultural scene, and a sizeable international community. Cost of living is moderate by German standards, and the surrounding Swabian region is known for its quality of life.
Student life & support
AKAD's distance-learning model means there is no traditional on-campus student life. Students interact primarily through the AKAD Campus online platform, virtual seminars, and study-group forums. The Stuttgart headquarters hosts occasional in-person events and advisory sessions. Students living in or near Stuttgart can access local study groups and the broader student scene of the city, which includes several other universities (Universität Stuttgart, Hochschule für Technik Stuttgart). Advisory and support staff are reachable by phone and email during business hours.
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