Hochschule für Soziale Arbeit und Pädagogik (HSAP) gemeinnützige Betriebsgesellschaft mbH

Berlin, Germany

About Hochschule für Soziale Arbeit und Pädagogik (HSAP)

Hochschule für Soziale Arbeit und Pädagogik (HSAP) is a state-recognised, non-profit private university in Berlin, established in 2013 under the name Hochschule für angewandte Pädagogik. It specialises exclusively in social work, pedagogy, and related applied social sciences, and holds the distinction of being the first German university to offer a dual bachelor's programme in Social Work with a focus on all-day schools.

The institution offers practice-integrated (dual) and work-alongside (berufsbegleitend) bachelor's programmes as well as two master's programmes. Teaching takes place in small seminar groups with a strong emphasis on direct connection to professional practice through compulsory employment contracts with partner organisations. All programmes are taught in German.

HSAP operates from a single campus in Berlin's Treptow district, relocated in winter semester 2024/25 to the historic Schuckert Höfe/TrepTown complex at Am Treptower Park. The institution holds the audit familiengerechte hochschule certification since 2018 and is accredited by AHPGS.

Key facts

Founded: 2013

First German university to offer a dual B.A. Social Work programme with an all-day school specialisation

State-recognised non-profit institution (staatlich anerkannt, Berlin Senate, 2013)

AHPGS-accredited programmes (bachelor's accreditation valid through September 2026)

All bachelor's programmes available in dual or work-integrated (berufsbegleitend) formats

Two master's programmes: M.A. Inklusive Bildung (since 2022) and M.A. Schulsozialarbeit (since 2023)

Audit familiengerechte hochschule certified since 2018; seminar ship on the Spree river

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

HSAP is a private non-profit university and charges tuition fees. The dual bachelor's formats cost approximately €275 per month in tuition. Additional costs include a semester contribution, matriculation fee, examination fee, and student services fee. Four payment arrangements are available. There is no published distinction between domestic and non-EU student fee rates. The university is NOT tuition-free.

Admission requirements

Entry qualifications accepted: (1) General or subject-specific Hochschulreife (Abitur / Fachabitur) under § 10 BerlHG; (2) Vocational access qualification under § 11 BerlHG — via advanced vocational training/master craftsperson exam, or a recognised minimum two-year vocational qualification in a relevant field (e.g. Erzieher/in), or any two-year vocational training plus HSAP entrance examination; (3) equivalent qualifications acquired abroad. For the dual bachelor's formats, applicants must additionally hold an employment or apprenticeship contract with a suitable practice partner (20–24 hours/week across three days). Language: formal proof of German proficiency at the level prescribed by HRK/KMK is mandatory for applicants whose prior education was not conducted in German. APS certificate required for applicants from India, China, or Vietnam before applying. Applications are processed on a rolling basis; no fixed public deadline is stated.

Languages of instruction

German only. All bachelor's and master's programmes are taught in German. International applicants must provide formal proof of German language proficiency (HRK/KMK-recognised certificate); self-declarations are not accepted.

Campuses & locations

Schuckert Höfe / TrepTown Campus

Am Treptower Park 28-30, Haus A, 12435 Berlin. Near S-Bahn Treptower Park. Relocated here from winter semester 2024/25. Largely barrier-free.

Living in Berlin

Berlin's Treptow district, where HSAP is located, sits on the Spree river in the south-east of the city. The campus is a short walk from S-Bahn Treptower Park station, with good connections to the city centre. Treptow is known for the Treptower Park riverside area and the former industrial Schuckert Höfe complex that now hosts creative and educational uses.

Student life & support

Students have access to a self-managed student lounge, a designated family room, and counselling facilities on campus. A seminar ship moored on the Spree river is available for teaching from March to October. The university holds the audit familiengerechte hochschule certification and is designated a breastfeeding-friendly location in Berlin Treptow-Köpenick. The dual study format means students split their week between coursework at HSAP and practical work at a partner organisation, giving strong professional integration from day one.

International Office: [email protected] International students page →

Accredited Programmes

Bachelor/Bakkalaureus

Master