About Digital Business University of Applied Sciences
DBU Digital Business University of Applied Sciences is a private, state-recognised Fachhochschule located in Berlin-Kreuzberg. It is affiliated with the Kienbaum Group ('A Kienbaum University') and focuses exclusively on programmes at the intersection of digital transformation, management, and data science.
The university offers two Bachelor of Science programmes (Digital Business Management; Data Science & Management) and three Master of Science programmes (Digital Business Management; Data Science & Management; Cyber- & IT-Security), all accredited by the German Akkreditierungsrat. All programmes are delivered via a semi-virtual model combining asynchronous online content with mandatory blocked on-campus sessions in Berlin.
The learning concept is designed to accommodate both full-time students and working professionals. Bachelor programmes run 36 months full-time or 72 months part-time; Master programmes run 24 months full-time or 48 months part-time. Tuition fees apply as this is a private institution — no semester-contribution-only model.
Key facts
- Founded
- 2018
Private, state-recognised Fachhochschule in Berlin-Kreuzberg, affiliated with the Kienbaum Group
Programmes fully accredited by the German Akkreditierungsrat
Semi-virtual learning model — study from anywhere, with blocked Berlin campus phases
Specialist focus: Digital Business Management, Data Science & Management, Cyber- & IT-Security
Flexible study pace: full-time (2–3 years) or part-time (4–6 years) options for all programmes
Suits working professionals — no daily campus attendance required
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
Private institution — tuition fees apply. Bachelor full-time: €520/month (36 months); Bachelor part-time: €290/month (72 months). Master full-time: €620/month (24 months); Master part-time: €350/month (48 months). No distinction between EU and non-EU students is published on the official site. Financing options include BAföG, KfW study loans, the DBU Education Fund (income-share via Brain Capital), and external scholarships (Aufstiegsstipendium, talent-promotion foundations).
Admission requirements
Bachelor admission requires a German Abitur (or recognised equivalent international qualification). Applicants without Abitur may qualify via completed vocational training (berufliche Qualifikation). Prior university credits may be recognised and reduce programme duration. No APS certificate requirement is mentioned on the official site; however, Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants applying to any German university are generally required to hold an APS certificate — verify directly with the admissions office. Language of instruction is German; applicants should have sufficient German proficiency. A three-step process applies: online application form, document submission (entrance qualification, transcripts, ID), and signing of the study contract.
Application deadlines
Intake start dates are 1 April and 1 October each year. Specific application deadlines are not published on the official website; applicants should contact [email protected] directly.
Languages of instruction
German. All current Bachelor and Master programmes are taught in German. A semi-virtual delivery model means most content is consumed online; blocked campus phases are also conducted in German.
Campuses & locations
Main and only campus. Oranienstraße 185, 10999 Berlin. Includes atelier rooms, collaborative study zones, and a 250 m² event space. Altbau (loft-style historic building).
Living in Berlin
Berlin is Germany's capital and largest city, with a population of approximately 3.7 million. Kreuzberg, where DBU is located, is one of Berlin's most culturally diverse and startup-dense districts, making it a natural fit for a digital-economy university. The city has an extensive public transport network (BVG), a very large international student population, and a cost of living that — while rising — remains lower than Munich or Hamburg.
Student life & support
DBU's semi-virtual model means most students study remotely for the majority of their programme. Blocked on-campus phases at the Kreuzberg location provide in-person peer interaction, workshops, and networking events. The 250 m² DBU Eventspace hosts industry conferences and campus events open to students. The university emphasises small cohorts and individual mentoring over large lecture-hall anonymity.
12
Accredited Programmes
9
Master
3
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
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