Katholische Hochschule für Sozialwesen Berlin (KHSB) - Staatlich anerkannte Fachhochschule für Sozialwesen
Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Founded
- 1991
- Students
- 1,341
- International
- 6.5%
- Programmes
- 11
About Katholische Hochschule für Sozialwesen Berlin (KHSB) - Staat
Katholische Hochschule für Sozialwesen Berlin (KHSB) is a state-recognised University of Applied Sciences specialising in social professions, founded in 1991 on a Bauhaus-era campus in Berlin-Karlshorst. The institution operates under Catholic values with a clear commitment to social justice and diversity, offering Bachelor's and Master's programmes across social work, early childhood education, therapeutic pedagogy, and religious education.
KHSB emphasises small study groups, close lecturer mentorship, and a strong link between theory and professional practice. All degree programmes are taught in German; no English-taught degree programmes are currently offered. Entry to bachelor's programmes is NC-free (no Numerus Clausus), with places awarded via a points-based system that considers academic grades alongside relevant social and professional experience.
The campus is located at Köpenicker Allee 39-57, 10318 Berlin, in the Karlshorst district, served by S-Bahn line S3 and tram lines M17, 27, and 37. Since 2025, the Edith Stein Catholic Vocational School has joined the site, forming a unified "Social Education Campus."
Founded in 1991 on a protected Bauhaus-era building in Berlin-Karlshorst with a history dating to 1928
NC-free admission for bachelor's programmes - selection based on grades plus social/professional experience points
German C1 language level required for all programmes; no English-taught degrees available
5% of places per programme reserved for applicants with foreign qualifications
Erasmus+ member institution supporting student mobility across Europe
Part of the "Social Education Campus" since 2025, sharing grounds with the Edith Stein Catholic Vocational School
Key facts
- Type
- Fachhochschulen / HAW
- Founded
- 1991
- Students
- 1,341
- International
- 6.5%
- Programmes
- 11
Study programmes
11 accredited degrees at Katholische Hochschule für Sozialwesen Berlin (KHSB) - Staat.
Showing 1–11 of 11 programmes
Admissions & fees
What it costs
No tuition fees for bachelor's programmes. Students pay a semester contribution covering the student union fee, Studierendenwerk social contribution, and the Berlin/Brandenburg semester transport ticket (Deutschlandticket component). As of winter semester 2026/27, the transport ticket component increases to €226.80 per semester. No additional non-EU surcharge is indicated on the official fees page.
Admission requirements
International applicants must hold a foreign higher education entrance qualification recognised under German standards (verified via anabin). German language proficiency at C1 level (Hochschule) is required and must be documented. Foreign credentials are assessed on an individual basis through the anabin database. Only 5% of places per programme are reserved for applicants with foreign qualifications. For Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants, the APS certificate (Akademische Prüfstelle) is required before the visa and admission process - this is not stated on the KHSB site itself but is a mandatory German-wide requirement for these nationalities. Applications are submitted through the OpenCampus portal with CV, diplomas, work experience certificates, and a motivation letter (for bachelor's). Applicants without a direct qualification may sit an entrance exam (Zugangsprüfung).
Application deadlines
Bachelor's programmes (winter semester): 1 May - 15 July. Master's programmes and part-time bachelor's (summer semester): 1 November - 15 January. Shortened deadlines apply for applicants required to sit an entrance exam.
How international applicants apply
Direct application - no uni-assist. Official FAQ on the foreign-school-certificate page: 'Sie bewerben sich ausschließlich online über unser Bewerbungstool. Eine Bewerbung über Uni Assist ist an der KHSB nicht erforderlich.' Applications run through the OpenCampus portal (the dual Soziale Arbeit programme is excluded - it goes via the Berlin Landesverwaltungsamt career portal). Applicants with a foreign HZB must additionally upload: certified passport/residence permit, German C1 proof, anabin printout, certified translations, and a Bescheinigung über die Anerkennung ihrer Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (recognition certificate from a German Zeugnisanerkennungsstelle) or Feststellungspruefung certificate. KHSB is not on the uni-assist member list (checked 2026-08-25).
Languages of instruction
All programmes are taught in German. German language proficiency at C1 university level is required for admission. No English-taught degree programmes are offered.
Entry requirements, intake dates and language levels differ for every degree.
Student accommodation
What Katholische Hochschule für Sozialwesen Berlin (KHSB) - Staat publishes about housing. German universities do not allocate rooms themselves, so the links below are where applications actually go.
Rooms are allocated by
Studierendenwerk Berlin
Not by the university. Apply to them directly, and expect a waiting list.
From the university
The Studierendenwerk Berlin manages student housing across the city; KHSB students are eligible for Studierendenwerk accommodation and services.
Campuses & locations
Köpenicker Allee 39-57, 10318 Berlin; single campus; S-Bahn S3 (Karlshorst), tram M17/27/37 (Marksburgstraße)
Living in Berlin
Berlin is Germany's capital and largest city, with approximately 3.7 million inhabitants. It is a major centre for culture, politics, and technology, with a large and well-established international student community. The cost of living is higher than many German cities but lower than Munich or Frankfurt. Public transport is extensive; a semester ticket covers most of the city network.
Student life & support
The International Office, led by Dr. Marion Bonillo, supports both outgoing and incoming students. Consultation hours are Tuesday and Thursday 11:00-13:00 and 14:30-16:30 (Monday by appointment via email). KHSB participates in the Erasmus+ programme for student mobility and offers PROMOS scholarships for international study and internship periods. The Studierendenwerk Berlin manages student housing across the city; KHSB students are eligible for Studierendenwerk accommodation and services. The campus includes a library and recently renovated welfare facilities.
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