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Fachhochschulen / HAW

NORDAKADEMIE Hochschule der Wirtschaft

Hamburg, Germany

About NORDAKADEMIE Hochschule der Wirtschaft

NORDAKADEMIE Hochschule der Wirtschaft is a state-recognised private university of applied sciences (Hochschule) in Elmshorn, Schleswig-Holstein, founded in 1992 and operational from 1993. It is organised as a non-profit public limited company (gemeinnützige AG) and focuses on dual bachelor's and part-time master's programmes in business, engineering, and computer science, delivered in close cooperation with more than 900 partner companies.

The university operates two campuses: the main campus in Elmshorn (dual bachelor programmes) and a second location in Hamburg (part-time master programmes). Total study capacity is reported as more than 2,000 places. NORDAKADEMIE was the first university in northern Germany to receive system accreditation (2012) and the first in Germany to achieve system re-accreditation (2018).

All programmes are taught exclusively in German; the university explicitly states that no English-taught programmes are currently offered. A C1 level of German proficiency is required for all degree programmes, and the application process is conducted in German.

Key facts

Founded
1992
Students
2,000
Faculties
3

Founded 1992; first university in northern Germany to receive system accreditation (2012) and first in Germany to achieve system re-accreditation (2018)

Dual bachelor's model: theory at university alternates with paid practical phases at 900+ partner companies including Airbus, Lufthansa, and Accenture

No English-taught programmes — C1 German is a prerequisite for all degree programmes

Two campuses: Elmshorn (bachelor's) and Hamburg (master's); Hamburg site relocating to Zürichhaus city centre in September 2026

Non-profit (gemeinnützige AG) status; master's MBA costs ~€830/month, positioned as lower cost than comparable private providers

More than 7,500 alumni and over 400 bachelor graduates annually; 30+ international partner universities for semester-abroad exchanges

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

NORDAKADEMIE is a private university and charges tuition fees. For the dual bachelor's programmes, tuition is typically paid by the partner company rather than the student directly, as the employer sponsors the student. For part-time master's programmes, fees are charged monthly: the MBA costs approximately €830 per month (totalling ~€19,920 for the standard 24-month programme), with all study materials and examination fees included. The institution positions itself as more affordable than comparable private providers, citing its non-profit status. A full fee schedule (Gebührenordnung) is published as a PDF on the official website.

Admission requirements

For the dual bachelor's programmes, applicants need a German Hochschulreife (Abitur) or equivalent qualification and must be contracted with one of NORDAKADEMIE's 900+ partner companies — the company sponsors the student and alternates between theory phases at the university and practical phases at the workplace. German proficiency at C1 level is required; the application and enrolment process is conducted entirely in German. An online aptitude test (Auswahltest) is mandatory. For part-time master's programmes, a recognised first university degree with at least 210 ECTS credits is required, along with C1 German and English at B2 level (or passing an internal English test); the MBA additionally requires one year of post-graduation professional experience. No APS certificate is mentioned on the official website; as programmes are German-taught and entry requires C1 German, prospective applicants from India, China, or Vietnam should verify APS requirements with the German embassy independently.

Application deadlines

Start dates for master's programmes are 1 April and 1 October each year. Specific application deadline dates are not published on the official website; prospective applicants are directed to contact the admissions office or apply via the online portal (masterbewerbung.nordakademie.de for master's; bachelorbewerbung.nordakademie.de for bachelor's).

Languages of instruction

All programmes are taught in German. A C1 level of German proficiency is required for enrolment in all bachelor's and master's programmes. The institution explicitly states that no programmes in English are currently offered. During the dual bachelor's, students receive intensive foreign language training in English plus one elective language (Spanish or French).

Campuses & locations

Elmshorn Campus

Main campus (~18,000 m²), Köllner Chaussee 11, 25337 Elmshorn; hosts dual bachelor programmes, library, canteen, research labs, and on-campus student dormitory; ~30 min by train to Hamburg

Hamburg Campus

Located at Dockland, Van-der-Smissen-Straße 9, 22767 Hamburg (relocating to Zürichhaus in Hamburg city centre in September 2026); hosts part-time master programmes, MBA, and continuing education

Living in Hamburg

The main campus is located in Elmshorn, a city of approximately 50,000 residents and the sixth-largest city in Schleswig-Holstein. Elmshorn is one of the busiest train stations in the state, with direct connections to Hamburg (~30 minutes), Kiel, Flensburg, and Sylt, making it practical for students commuting from Hamburg. The city offers theatres, galleries, music schools, and hosts events such as the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival.

Student life & support

NORDAKADEMIE operates an on-campus student dormitory in Elmshorn with up to 100 single rooms across three buildings; room sizes range from under 15 m² to over 19 m², with semester rents between €765 and €870 (utilities and Wi-Fi included). An additional private dormitory with 40 single rooms is available nearby at €250 per month year-round. The campus features a canteen with roof terrace, a student lounge with fitness equipment and games, a library, and sports facilities. Student associations and working groups are active on campus. The international office ([email protected]) can be contacted for information; however, no dedicated German language course programme for international students is described on the official site, reflecting that C1 German is a prerequisite rather than something taught on arrival.

14

Accredited Programmes

8

Master

6

Bachelor/Bakkalaureus

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