Akkon Hochschule für Humanwissenschaften

Berlin, Germany

About Akkon Hochschule

Akkon Hochschule für Humanwissenschaften is a private, non-profit university of applied sciences in Berlin, founded in 2009 by the Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe (Johanniter Accident Aid), making it the first major European relief organisation to establish its own university. The institution focuses exclusively on three professional fields: nursing and medicine, humanitarian aid and civil protection, and pedagogy and social services. It holds state accreditation and was re-accredited by the German Science Council (Wissenschaftsrat) in 2025.

The university enrols approximately 1,400 students and offers 13 degree programmes — seven bachelor's and four master's — spanning full-time, part-time, and dual-study formats. Two research institutes are embedded in the institution: the Institute for Research in International Assistance (IRIA, founded 2018) and the Institute for Applied Innovation in Healthcare (ITAC), both closely connected to the professional practice orientation of the programmes.

As a private university, Akkon charges programme-specific tuition fees (structured as monthly contributions); tuition is not free of charge. The institution operates two Berlin campuses: the primary administrative campus in Tempelhof (Colditzstraße) and a teaching-focused campus in Mitte (Zinnowitzer Straße, opened February 2026).

Key facts

Founded: 2009
Students: 1,400
Faculties: 3

Founded by Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe in 2009 — the first major European relief organisation to establish its own university

Three specialist subject areas: nursing and medicine, humanitarian aid and civil protection, pedagogy and social services

Re-accredited by the German Science Council (Wissenschaftsrat) in 2025

Two embedded research institutes: IRIA (international humanitarian assistance) and ITAC (applied healthcare innovation)

Two Berlin campuses: Tempelhof (main) and Mitte (opened 2026)

Rolling admissions with no numerus clausus on most programmes; international office provides dedicated support

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

Akkon Hochschule is a private non-profit university and charges programme-specific tuition fees. Fees are structured as monthly contributions; the Global Health M.Sc. charges €560 per month. Full fee schedules by programme are published in the university's Gebührenordnung. An early-bird discount of 10% on fees for the first three months is available to new students. Discounts also apply for Akkon alumni and Johanniter organisation employees. No additional costs apply within the standard completion period. Tuition is not state-subsidised and applies equally to EU and non-EU students.

Admission requirements

International applicants require a recognised higher education entrance qualification equivalent to the German Hochschulreife. A minimum German language level of C1 is required for enrolment in all programmes. Depending on the country of origin, a credential assessment (Zeugnisbewertung) via anabin or the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) may be required. Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants subject to APS certification requirements should verify with the university whether the APS certificate is needed for their specific programme. No numerus clausus (NC) applies to most programmes. Applications are accepted year-round; enrolment deadlines are 15 September for the winter semester and 15 March for the summer semester.

Application deadlines

Winter semester (October start): enrolment deadline 15 September. Summer semester (April start): enrolment deadline 15 March. Applications are accepted year-round on a rolling basis; late enrolment may be possible if places remain available.

Languages of instruction

Primarily German-taught. Most bachelor's and master's programmes are conducted in German. The Global Health M.Sc. is taught in German with an English proficiency requirement (B2). English language proficiency (B2) is required for some programmes.

Campuses & locations

Campus Berlin-Tempelhof

Main campus and administrative hub at Colditzstraße 34–36, 12099 Berlin. Houses examination office, student advising, faculty offices, and hybrid-enabled seminar rooms.

Campus Berlin-Mitte

Teaching-focused campus at Zinnowitzer Straße 8, 10115 Berlin, opened February 2026. Centrally located near Berlin Hauptbahnhof with modern seminar and conference facilities.

Living in Berlin

Berlin is Germany's capital and largest city, with approximately 3.7 million inhabitants. It is a major hub for healthcare, social services, international NGOs, and civil protection organisations — all directly relevant to Akkon's programme focus. The city has an extensive public transport network (U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tram, bus) connecting both campuses. Berlin is generally considered affordable relative to other Western European capitals, with student living costs (excluding tuition) of approximately €900–€1,200 per month. A large international student community and strong English-language environment make integration straightforward for non-German speakers.

Student life & support

The university's small size (approximately 1,400 students) and specialist focus create a close-knit academic community. Both Berlin campuses offer modern seminar rooms with hybrid teaching technology and free Wi-Fi. The Tempelhof campus provides limited on-site parking (€5/day). Students benefit from Berlin's rich cultural and social life, and the university's Johanniter affiliation offers practical volunteer and professional networking opportunities in emergency services and humanitarian work.

International Office: [email protected] International students page →

Accredited Programmes

Bachelor/Bakkalaureus

Master