Berlin International University of Applied Sciences

What Berlin International University of Applied Sciences does

Berlin International University of Applied Sciences is a private for-profit university operated by Whitecliffe Higher Education Service GmbH and headquartered at Salzufer 6, 10587 Berlin, Germany. The institution, previously operating as BAU Higher Education Services gGmbH, offers English-taught Bachelor and Master degree programs across three instructional areas — Architecture, Interior Architecture/Interior Design, and Graphic Design (Faculty of Architecture and Design); Business Administration with concentrations in International Management & Marketing and Data Science & Business, plus an MBA (Faculty of Business Administration); and an English Preparatory Year that prepares non-native speakers to CEFR B2 for degree entry. It also runs a Summer School and an International Year One foundation program.

The delivery model is web-centric: an online application portal (apply.berlin-international.de) for EU/domestic applicants, an LMS for coursework, MailChimp for prospect and student communications, Chat Board by Eduhub Solutions for live chat, and Google Analytics for traffic analysis. Revenue is tuition-driven across the three program families with no publicly disclosed pricing; non-EU international prospect acquisition is being transitioned (from October 2026) to Oxford International, which provides recruitment, marketing, admissions, compliance, and student support across a network serving ~80,000 students per year. The institution is part of BAU Global Network (5 universities, 6 liaison offices, 2 language schools) and has joined the Whitecliffe Global Network, operating as the Berlin campus of Whitecliffe University of Applied Sciences; it holds ACQUIN program accreditation, Wissenschaftsrat recognition, and VPH/AWS Academy/CHE memberships.

Name

Berlin International University of Applied Sciences

Legal name

Whitecliffe Higher Education Service GmbH

Website

https://berlin-international.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Berlin International University of Applied Sciences is a private English-language university in Berlin, Germany, offering Bachelor and Master programs in architecture, design, and business to international and EU students, recently integrated into the Whitecliffe Global Network and partnering with Oxford International for non-EU recruitment.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Private Higher Education (University of Applied Sciences)

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Polytechnic & Applied Sciences Universities (EDAHAEAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Technical Universities with Architecture, Built Environment & Design Engineering (EDAHAEAJ), Engineering & Technology Institutes (Comprehensive) (EDAHAEAA), Research & Lab-Based Short-Term Programs (Undergraduate/Graduate) (EDAIAIAF)

Keywords

• English-taught degree programs
• Higher education services
• International student admissions
• Architecture and design programs
• Business administration programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Berlin

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Tuition Fees: Degree program tuition fees from undergraduate and postgraduate students across architecture, design, and business programs. Programs include BA Architecture, BA Interior Architecture/Interior Design, BA Graphic Design & Visual Communication, BA Business Administration (International Management & Marketing, Data Science & Business), MA programs (Interior Design, Architecture & Spatial Practices, Interior Architecture/Interior Design), and MBA.
2. Summer School Programs: Revenue from Summer School programs offered to international students seeking short-term study experiences in Berlin.
3. English Preparatory Year: Fees from English language preparatory programs for students who need to reach CEFR Level B2 before entering degree programs.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Berlin International University of Applied Sciences is a private university delivering English-taught higher education at Bachelor's, Master's, and MBA level, organized across the Faculty of Architecture and Design and the Faculty of Business Administration. Its portfolio spans architecture, interior architecture/interior design, graphic design & visual communication, and business administration (international management & marketing, data science & business), plus an MBA with Management or Data Science & Finance tracks, an English Preparatory Year, an International Year One foundation program, a Summer School, and Erasmus+ student and staff mobility.

Product overview

Berlin International University of Applied Sciences (now operating under the Whitecliffe University of Applied Sciences - Berlin Campus) operates as a private university of applied sciences offering a portfolio of English-taught degree programs at Bachelor and Master levels, primarily in the fields of Architecture, Design, and Business Administration. The institution comprises three faculties: Faculty of Architecture and Design (covering Architecture, Interior Architecture, Interior Design, and Graphic Design programs), Faculty of Business Administration (covering MBA and Business Administration with specializations in International Management, Marketing, and Data Science), and English Preparatory. The product portfolio includes eleven distinct degree programs (six Bachelor and five Master), supplemented by preparatory programs (English Preparatory Year, International Year One) and short-term offerings (Summer School). All programs are taught entirely in English, reflecting the institution's positioning as an international study destination serving students from 93 nations. The university is part of the BAU Global Network and has partnered with Oxford International for international market development services starting October 2026.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• MA Interior Architecture/Interior Design Master of Arts in Interior Architecture and Interior Design combining interior and architectural perspectives, preparing students for careers in spatial design practice.
• MA Interior Design Master of Arts in Interior Design focusing on advanced interior design practice with emphasis on spatial intervention and design innovation.
• MA Architecture & Spatial Practices Master of Arts in Architecture and Spatial Practices exploring contemporary approaches to architectural design and urban intervention.
• BA Architecture Bachelor of Arts in Architecture providing foundational education in architectural design, theory, and practice for careers in the built environment.
• BA Interior Architecture/Interior Design Bachelor of Arts in Interior Architecture and Interior Design covering spatial design principles, interior environments, and creative practice.
• BA Graphic Design & Visual Communication Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Visual Communication focusing on visual communication design, typography, and creative media applications.
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) Two-year MBA program with specialization tracks in Management or Data Science & Finance, set in Berlin's multinational corporate and startup ecosystem. Combines technical knowledge with human skills including storytelling for leadership development.
• BA Business Administration | International Management & Marketing Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with focus on International Management and Marketing, offering specializations in Marketing, Digital Business, Strategic Management, Human Resource Management, and Accounting & Controlling.
• BA Business Administration | Data Science & Business Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration combining business studies with data science, preparing students for digital careers in business analytics and technology-driven decision making.
• English Preparatory Year Preparatory English language program for students who do not yet meet CEFR Level B2 English requirement, enabling access to BA programs taught in English.
• International Year One Foundation year program for international students providing pathway into undergraduate degree programs.
• Online Application Portal Online student application platform for domestic (EU) and international (non-EU) applicants to submit applications, track status, and manage the admissions process.
• Summer School Summer school program offering international students opportunities for short-term study and cultural exchange at the Berlin campus.
• Erasmus+ Exchange Program Student and staff mobility program under the Erasmus+ initiative enabling exchange opportunities with partner institutions across Europe.

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

AI capability5 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Oxford InternationalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 12 February 2026Oxford International has partnered with Whitecliffe University of Applied Sciences (formerly Berlin International University of Applied Sciences) to expand English-taught study opportunities in Berlin. Beginning October 2026, Oxford International provides international market development services including student recruitment, marketing, admissions, compliance, and student support. The collaboration supports Whitecliffe's existing student base of 93 countries with 70% international enrolment, while Oxford International's global network serves nearly 80,000 students annually.
• Whitecliffe University of Applied SciencescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBerlin International has joined the Whitecliffe Global Network, operating as Whitecliffe University of Applied Sciences - Berlin Campus. This partnership provides access to a global network allowing students to pursue their studies in different locations. The institution also participates in Whitecliffe Design Week 2026.
• BAU Global NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBerlin International is part of the BAU Global Network comprising 5 universities (including Bahcesehir University Istanbul, Bay Atlantic University Washington D.C., BAU Cyprus, BAU Batumi), 6 liaison offices, and 2 language schools. The network raises global citizens committed to each other and the world, offering hundreds of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs.
• Erasmus+ PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerErasmus+ program enables student and staff mobility between Berlin International and partner institutions across Europe. The university has dedicated incoming and outgoing student mobility programs as well as staff mobility initiatives.
• Berlin Senate (Berliner Senatsverwaltung)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitutional membership and recognition by the Berlin Senate for Higher Education Services
• Wissenschaftsrat (German Science Council)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInstitutional accreditation and membership with the German Science Council (Wissenschaftsrat)
• ACQUIN (Accreditation, Certification and Quality Assurance Institute)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProgram accreditation through ACQUIN, a German accreditation agency for higher education institutions
• AWS AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAWS Academy membership providing cloud computing education resources and curriculum aligned with Amazon Web Services technologies

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• GISMA Business School: Berlin-based private business school offering English-taught Bachelor, Master, and MBA programs to an internationally diverse student body. Comparable to BI's business and MBA offerings in the same Berlin market and target segment of international students.
• IU International University of Applied Sciences: One of Europe's largest private universities of applied sciences, also based in Berlin and offering English-taught degree programs across business, design, and technology. Directly comparable to BI in model, target audience, and accreditation status; the visa ruling affecting IU's Indian students is a direct sector-level signal for BI.
• Schiller International University: Private international university with a multi-country campus model offering English-taught degree programs in business, international relations, and interdisciplinary studies. Comparable to BI in international student focus, English-only delivery, and global network structure.
• Hochschule Fresenius: Private German university of applied sciences group with campuses nationwide offering design, business, and technology programs. Comparable to BI in applied sciences positioning, English-taught international programs, and multi-disciplinary portfolio.
• GBSB Global Business School: Private business school with Berlin and Barcelona campuses offering English-taught Bachelor, Master, and MBA programs to an international student body. Comparable to BI's business programs in city, language, and target market of international students.
• Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI): Berlin-based private institution offering English-taught Bachelor, Master, and MBA programs to international students, with a similar applied/business orientation and partnerships with global recruitment networks. Directly comparable to BI in city, language, and target market.
• University of Europe for Applied Sciences (UE): Private German university of applied sciences with campuses in Berlin, Hamburg, and Iserlohn, offering English-taught programs in art, design, business, psychology, and sports. Closely matches BI's portfolio in Architecture, Interior Design, Graphic Design, and Business, and shares the international student recruitment model.
• SRH Universities (SRH Hochschulen): Network of state-recognized private universities of applied sciences in Germany offering Bachelor and Master programs in business, design, engineering, and architecture, with a strong focus on English-taught and international programs. Comparable to BI in applied sciences positioning, multi-campus model, and degree accreditation approach.

Emerging players

• CODE University of Applied Sciences: Berlin-based private university of applied sciences focused on software engineering, interaction design, and product management, with a project-based, English-friendly model. Comparable in private applied sciences positioning and Berlin location, but with a narrower technology and design focus.

Broad incumbents

• FOM University of Applied Sciences: One of Germany's largest private universities of applied sciences with a broad portfolio of business and technology programs, significant dual-study operations, and multiple campuses. Comparable in applied sciences positioning and accreditation, but with much greater scale and a primarily German student base.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/berlin_int
• Facebookfacebook.com/berlininternationaluniversityoAS

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Berlin International University of Applied Sciences