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Fachhochschulen / HAW

AKAD Hochschule Stuttgart - staatlich anerkannt

Baden-Württemberg, Germany

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.

Key facts

Founded
1959
Students
6,000
Faculties
4

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

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

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.

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.

Campuses & locations

Stuttgart (Headquarters)

Heilbronner Strasse 86, 70191 Stuttgart — administrative and academic centre; distance-learning model means no traditional residential campus

Living in Baden-Württemberg

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.

88

Accredited Programmes

39

Master

47

Bachelor/Bakkalaureus

2

Other

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