Mediadesign Hochschule für Design und Informatik

Berlin, Germany

About Mediadesign Hochschule für Design und Informatik

Mediadesign Hochschule für Design und Informatik (mdh) is a private, state-recognised university of applied sciences operating at three campuses in Berlin, Düsseldorf, and Munich. It received state recognition under the Berlin Higher Education Act on 1 April 2004 and has been active in the creative and media sector for over 35 years. The institution is accredited by ZEvA and focuses on programmes at the intersection of design, media, information technology, business, and law.

mdh offers Bachelor's, Master's, and Micro Degree programmes as well as vocational training and continuing education. English-taught Bachelor's and Master's programmes are available at the Berlin campus, making it accessible to international students without German language proficiency. The university reports over 50,000 graduates across its history and maintains a student body drawn from approximately 50 nationalities.

As a private institution, mdh charges tuition fees for all students. Fees differ between EU and non-EU applicants. All accredited on-campus programmes are eligible for German student visa sponsorship, and non-EU graduates receive an 18-month job-seeker residence permit after successful completion of their degree.

Key facts

Founded: 2004
International: ~50 nationalities represented in the student body

Private, state-recognised university of applied sciences with campuses in Berlin, Düsseldorf, and Munich

English-taught Bachelor's and Master's programmes available at the Berlin campus

Over 50,000 graduates since founding; students from approximately 50 nationalities

Accredited by ZEvA; state recognition under Berlin Higher Education Act (1 April 2004)

Non-EU tuition approximately €6,300/semester for on-campus programmes; fees apply to all students

Non-EU graduates receive an 18-month job-seeker residence permit (post-study work right) after degree completion

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

mdh is a private university and charges tuition fees for all students regardless of nationality. There is no tuition-free public-university model here. For on-campus Bachelor's programmes: EU students pay approximately €590/month (≈ €3,540/semester); non-EU students pay approximately €6,300/semester. A one-time registration fee (€490) and examination fee (€1,050) apply, though these are included in the non-EU total package price. On-campus Master's programmes: approximately €6,300/semester for both EU and non-EU students (total programme cost €12,190–€26,740 depending on EU/non-EU status and programme duration). Online programmes are significantly cheaper (from €89/month). Monthly, semester, and annual payment plans are available; advance payment discounts of 1–5% apply. BAföG and KfW student loan eligibility may apply for eligible students.

Admission requirements

Applicants must hold a higher education entrance qualification equivalent to the German Abitur (e.g. Indian Class XII, International Baccalaureate, A-Levels, or a recognised bachelor's degree for Master's programmes). Portfolios or work samples are required for design-related programmes. Language requirements for English-taught programmes: CEFR B2, IELTS 5.5, TOEFL iBT 60, PTE 52, or Duolingo 95. No APS certificate requirement is stated on the official site; however, Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants should note that the German student visa application independently requires an APS certificate from the German Embassy. Applications may be submitted during the school year, including before secondary school graduation. Rolling admissions are indicated; no fixed semester deadlines are published on the official site.

Languages of instruction

German is the primary language of instruction across all campuses. English-taught programmes (Bachelor's and Master's) are available exclusively at the Berlin campus. Students on German-taught programmes must demonstrate adequate German proficiency; students applying for English-taught programmes require at least CEFR B2 in English.

Campuses & locations

Berlin

Main campus; English-taught programmes available

Düsseldorf

German-taught programmes

Munich

German-taught programmes

Living in Berlin

Berlin is Germany's capital and largest city, with a population of approximately 3.7 million. It is a major hub for the creative industries, technology start-ups, gaming, film, and digital media — directly relevant to mdh's programme focus. The cost of living is lower than Munich or Hamburg, though rising. Berlin hosts a large international student community and offers extensive English-language services. Public transport (BVG) is comprehensive. Berlin has two major airports (BER) with strong connections to India, Southeast Asia, and West Africa.

Student life & support

mdh offers a student advisory service with named advisors reachable by email and phone. International relations are handled through the office of the CEO/Cooperations contact. The university maintains partnerships with institutions in China (Hunan Normal University, Guangdong University of Technology), the UK (Imperial College London), and the USA (Parsons School of Design), enabling exchange and double-degree pathways. A career network and alumni community are available. The university does not publish on-campus housing; students are expected to arrange private accommodation in Berlin, Düsseldorf, or Munich. German language support and preparatory/Studienkolleg pathways are referenced on the site.

International Office: [email protected] International students page →

Accredited Programmes

Master

Bachelor/Bakkalaureus