Deutsche Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften - German University of Applied Sciences

About Deutsche Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften

The Deutsche Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften (DHAW) is a state-recognised private university of applied sciences headquartered in Potsdam, Brandenburg. Founded in 2023 and holding initial state recognition from the state of Brandenburg until October 2027, it operates exclusively as a distance-learning institution with programmes accredited by ACQUIN on behalf of the German Accreditation Council.

DHAW offers 100% online bachelor's degrees (B.A./B.Sc.) across business management, computer science, sustainability management, psychology, tax studies, and business informatics — with fifteen specialisation tracks within the management degree alone — plus a suite of MBA programmes (60 or 90 ECTS) and short professional certificates. All study is fully asynchronous via the eCampus platform, with flexible durations from 12 to 72 months. Monthly tuition starts at €179, making it one of the more affordable private distance universities in Germany.

DHAW grew from 131 enrolled students at end-2023 to over 1,000 by October 2025, describing itself as one of the fastest-growing private distance universities in Germany. Its administrative and student-services office is located at the Kreativquartier Potsdam (Langer Stall), though all instruction is delivered online.

Key facts

Founded: 2023
Students: 1,000

100% online distance learning — study from anywhere, fully asynchronous

Open enrolment year-round with a 4-week tuition-free trial period

State-recognised private Fachhochschule in Brandenburg with ACQUIN-accredited programmes

Over 1,000 students within two years of founding (one of Germany's fastest-growing private distance universities)

Bachelor tuition from €9,900 total (€179/month), among the more affordable private distance options in Germany

MBA programmes available with 60 or 90 ECTS; 15 specialisation tracks within the Business & Management bachelor's

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

DHAW is a private institution and charges tuition. Bachelor's programmes: total cost €9,900 (36-month full-time) to €12,900 (72-month part-time), paid as monthly instalments of €179–€275. MBA programmes: monthly instalments over the chosen duration; individual extra modules cost €420 each. There is no semester contribution (Semesterbeitrag) for public-university services as DHAW is fully private. Baden-Württemberg non-EU surcharge and Bavaria WS2025/26 non-EU fee do not apply (DHAW is in Brandenburg and is private). A 4-week tuition-free trial period is offered before financial commitment begins.

Admission requirements

Bachelor's entry requires a German Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (Abitur, Fachhochschulreife) or equivalent foreign university-entrance qualification, or completed vocational training with at least two years of relevant work experience. No numerus clausus (NC) applies. Applicants upload proof of qualification, a copy of ID, and a CV; certified paper copies are required within eight weeks of study commencement. MBA admission requires a first professional university degree (bachelor's, Diplom, or Staatsexamen) plus at least one year of relevant professional experience. Because DHAW teaches exclusively in German, international students from non-German-speaking countries will need to demonstrate sufficient German proficiency (level not formally published on the official site — contact Studienberatung to confirm). APS certificate requirements follow general German rules: mandatory for Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants before the student-visa application, but DHAW itself does not publish a separate APS policy. No admission restriction (NC) applies to any programme.

Application deadlines

No fixed application deadlines — enrolment is open year-round (365 days per year). Admission review typically takes no more than five business days after document submission.

Languages of instruction

All programmes are taught in German. The online library offers resources in German and English.

Campuses & locations

Kreativquartier Potsdam (Langer Stall)

Administrative and student-services office only; all instruction is delivered online via eCampus. Address: Jägerallee 26, 14469 Potsdam. Relocated here May 2026.

Living in Brandenburg

Potsdam is the state capital of Brandenburg and borders Berlin to the southwest. Known for its UNESCO-listed Sanssouci Palace and park landscape, Potsdam has a population of around 185,000 and offers a compact, walkable city centre with strong cultural and academic infrastructure. It hosts the University of Potsdam, several Fraunhofer and Max Planck institutes, and a growing tech and creative economy. Berlin is reachable by S-Bahn in approximately 30–45 minutes, giving Potsdam-based students access to one of Europe's largest metropolitan student cities.

Student life & support

Because DHAW is a 100% online institution, campus-based student life as found at traditional universities does not apply. Student community is maintained through the eCampus platform via StudiTalk forums, chats, and virtual events. The university also organises in-person networking events. Students receive a Microsoft 365 account (Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and access to an online library of approximately 100,000 digital media units. Study Coaches provide personalised guidance throughout enrolment, and professors hold weekly live seminars and office hours via video.

International Office: [email protected] International students page →

Accredited Programmes

Bachelor/Bakkalaureus

Master