About Gisma University of Applied Sciences
Gisma University of Applied Sciences is a state-recognised private Fachhochschule located in Potsdam (Brandenburg) and Berlin, Germany. It was established as a business school in 1999 and received full university of applied sciences status from the state of Brandenburg in 2020, which also granted it degree-awarding powers. The university is part of the GUS Germany GmbH network and holds AMBA and FIBAA accreditation.
The institution is practice-oriented and English-taught, with programmes spanning business, technology, data science, artificial intelligence, software engineering, and supply chain management at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. Its flagship Potsdam campus is housed within SAP's Think Campus — a smart building at Konrad-Zuse-Ring 11 — while the Berlin city-centre campus serves students preferring an urban setting.
All programmes are delivered entirely in English, and intakes run four times per year (January, April, July, October). As a private university, Gisma charges tuition fees for all students regardless of nationality.
Key facts
- Founded
- 1999
State-recognised Fachhochschule (University of Applied Sciences) since 2020, with full degree-awarding powers
AMBA- and FIBAA-accredited programmes
100% English-taught portfolio — no German language requirement for admission
Four annual intakes (January, April, July, October) for flexible start dates
SAP Think Campus in Potsdam — smart building with direct SAP University Alliance membership
Rolling admissions with APS support team for Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
Gisma is a private university and charges tuition fees for all students (no tuition-free public status; no EU/non-EU fee distinction stated). 2026 published fees: BSc programmes €13,825/year (3-year programme); MSc 60 ECTS €16,250 total; MSc 90 ECTS €19,200 total; MSc 120 ECTS €25,100 total; Global MBA €22,500 total; Pre-master's €6,920 total. A €1,500 deposit is required on acceptance (€3,000 for select postgraduate programmes/countries). Payment in up to 10 instalments is available. Scholarships include Women in Tech (up to 100% tuition for data science/CS programmes), Think Digital Scholarship (€1,000 discount at Potsdam), and sibling/spouse 35% discount.
Admission requirements
Undergraduate entry requires a general university entrance qualification (Abitur or equivalent). Postgraduate entry requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline; the Global MBA additionally requires a minimum 3 years of professional work experience plus a personal interview and job reference. English proficiency required for all programmes: IELTS 6.0 overall (min 5.5 per band) for bachelor's and most master's; IELTS 6.5 overall (min 6.0 per band) for the Global MBA. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Duolingo equivalents are accepted; Gisma also offers a free in-house English assessment. Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants require an APS certificate — Gisma states it has a dedicated APS team to assist students who have received an unconditional offer and paid the deposit. A foundation/pre-master's pathway is available for applicants not meeting direct entry requirements.
Application deadlines
Rolling admissions with four intakes per year: January, April, July, and October. No fixed published cut-off dates; applicants are advised to apply as early as possible via the online portal at apply.gisma.com.
Languages of instruction
All programmes taught entirely in English. A German language add-on course is available for students wishing to develop practical German skills.
Campuses & locations
Konrad-Zuse-Ring 11, 14469 Potsdam; located within SAP Think Campus, adjacent to Jungfernsee Lake
City-centre campus; Edge Student Hub residence nearby
Living in Brandenburg
Potsdam is the capital of Brandenburg state and sits approximately 20 minutes by train from central Berlin. The city is home to UNESCO World Heritage palaces and gardens (including Sanssouci), a growing tech and innovation ecosystem anchored by SAP and Tesla, and a film and media industry. The broader Berlin-Brandenburg region hosts over 3.9 million residents and more than 200,000 students, 15% of whom are international.
Student life & support
The Potsdam campus offers outdoor recreation on nearby Jungfernsee Lake (kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, cycling). Student clubs include football teams open to all levels. The Career Centre runs networking events, guest speaker series, and company visits. Psychological support and wellness workshops are available. Erasmus+ mobility partnerships allow exchange semesters at partner institutions. An International Student Affairs team assists with visa applications and arrival logistics, including airport pickup and accommodation advisory. Skills Sprint Week provides immersive training in emerging topics such as AI and sustainability.
11
Accredited Programmes
6
Master
5
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
More universities in Brandenburg
View all in Brandenburg →Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus-Senftenberg
Universitäten · 85 programmes
Deutsche Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften - German University of Applied Sciences
Hochschulen eigenen Typs · 6 programmes
Fachhochschule für Sport und Management Potsdam
Fachhochschulen / HAW · 40 programmes
Fachhochschule Potsdam
Fachhochschulen / HAW · 29 programmes
Filmuniversität Babelsberg Konrad Wolf
Kunst- und Musikhochschulen · 22 programmes
German University of Digital Science i.Gr.
sonstige · 7 programmes
Interested in Studying at
Gisma University of Applied Sciences?
Our team can help you with the application process, documentation, and everything you need to get started.