PFH Private University of Göttingen

What PFH Private University of Göttingen does

PFH Private University of Göttingen is a private, state-recognised university of applied sciences (Private Hochschule) operating from its headquarters at Weender Landstrasse 3-7, Göttingen, Lower Saxony. Founded in 1995 as the oldest private university in Lower Saxony and part of the Galileo Global Education group, PFH delivers a dual-mode educational portfolio: on-campus Bachelor's and Master's programmes at its Göttingen campus in psychology, business administration, business informatics, and entrepreneurship, alongside a national Fernstudium (distance learning) channel with study centres across Germany and Austria covering psychology, BWL, business psychology, economics, social work, law, and technology. Enrolment stands at 4,700+ students and the institution has produced 6,000+ alumni.

Revenue is generated primarily through per-semester tuition fees (starting around €5,040 per semester, billed annually) across both delivery modes, supplemented by corporate-funded endowed chairs, research grants (e.g., Volkswagen Foundation), and continuing-education revenue via PFH-AKADEMIE. The go-to-market is sales-led, relying on digital content, info sessions, the free 4-week e-campus trial, and international recruitment partnerships such as YES Germany in India; the institution has 49 university partnerships across five continents and a Board of Trustees drawn from DAX-listed corporates including Airbus, TUI, SAP, Continental, and PwC.

Technically, PFH's distinguishing educational framework is D3 (Digitalisation & AI, Decarbonisation, Demography) integrated across all programmes, with applied AI research in VR-based psychological therapy, digital diagnostics applications, and self-learning algorithms for indoor navigation (DEEP NAV). Accreditations stack includes Wissenschaftsrat institutional re-accreditation, and programme-level approvals from ZEvA, ASIIN, FIBAA, Akkreditierungsrat, and ZFU for distance learning. The institution is GDPR compliant and operates 51–100 staff.

Name

PFH Private University of Göttingen

Legal name

PFH Private University Göttingen - Private University of Applied Sciences

Website

https://pfh.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1994

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

PFH Private University of Göttingen is a private state-recognised university of applied sciences in Germany, offering on-campus and distance-learning Bachelor's and Master's programmes in psychology, business, technology, and social work to 4,700+ domestic and international students.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Private Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131), Business and Secretarial Schools (61141), Business and Secretarial Schools (611410)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Comprehensive Doctoral Research Universities (Multi-Disciplinary) (EDAHABAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Fully Online Universities (Online-First, Degree-Granting) (EDAHALAA), Online International & Cross-Border Universities (Global/Transnational Providers) (EDAHALAL)

Keywords

• Private higher education
• Distance learning programs
• Business administration degrees
• Psychology degree programs
• Dual-mode university

Headquarters

HQ city

Göttingen

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Tuition Fees — Campus and Distance Learning Programs: PFH generates revenue primarily through tuition fees charged to students for degree programs. The university offers both on-campus and distance learning (Fernstudium) bachelor's and master's programs across disciplines including psychology, business administration, economics, technology, social work, and law.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

PFH Private University of Göttingen delivers state-recognised Bachelor's and Master's degree programs through two primary channels: on-campus study at its Göttingen campus and flexible distance learning (Fernstudium) accessible via numerous study centres across Germany and Austria. Programmes span psychology, business administration, business informatics, economics, engineering, social work, and law, all integrated with the proprietary D3 framework covering Digitalisation & AI, Decarbonisation, and Demography.

Product overview

PFH Private University of Göttingen offers a dual-mode educational portfolio consisting of on-campus study programs at its Göttingen campus and distance learning (Fernstudium) programs with study centers across Germany and Austria. The portfolio spans Bachelor and Master degrees in Psychology, Business Administration, Business Informatics, Social Work, Engineering, Law, and related disciplines. A distinctive cross-cutting framework is the D3 concept (Digitalization & AI, Decarbonisation, Demographics), integrated across all programs to prepare students for key future challenges. Supplementary offerings include PFH-AKADEMIE for professional development, the ZE Zentrum für Entrepreneurship for entrepreneurship research and education, IPA (Integrative Psychological Outpatient Clinic) for practical training, PFH Vital for student health, and Career Services. The institution is part of Galileo Global Education and holds accreditations from ZEvA, ASIIN, FIBAA, Akkreditierungsrat, ZFU, and has been institutionally re-accredited by the Wissenschaftsrat.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• D3 - Digitalisierung & KI, Dekarbonisierung, Demographie: A strategic concept integrating Digitalisation & AI, Decarbonisation, and Demography across all PFH study programs.
• PFH-AKADEMIE
• ZE Zentrum für Entrepreneurship
• IPA - Integrative Psychologische Ambulanz
• PFH Vital
• PFH Orthobionik

Products and services

• Campusstudium (On-Campus Study Programs) Traditional on-campus Bachelor and Master degree programs delivered at PFH's Göttingen campus across Psychology, Business Administration, Business Informatics, Entrepreneurship, Banking & Finance, Auditing/Taxation, Wirtschaftspsychologie, UX Design, and AI Management in Computer Science for Business. Targets full-time students including recent high school graduates.
• Fernstudium (Distance Learning Programs) Flexible distance learning Bachelor and Master programs with study centres across Germany and Austria, covering psychology, business administration, business informatics, Wirtschaftsingenieur, social work, social pedagogy, health management, marketing and sales, digital business, tourism and event management, and law. Includes a free 4-week e-campus trial. Targets working adults and career changers.
• D3 — Digitalisierung & KI, Dekarbonisierung, Demographie (Cross-cutting Educational Framework) A cross-departmental educational framework integrated across all PFH degree programs, focusing on three mega-trends (Digitalisation & AI, Decarbonisation, Demography) and supported by a dedicated lecture series with external industry speakers (Airbus, TUI, Lufthansa, Volkswagen/Elli, Brenntag, Symrise, Novelis, Salzgitter). Includes D3 certificate courses.
• PFH-AKADEMIE (Professional Continuing Education School) Continuing education certificate courses for working professionals in business, administration, and politics, including the D3 Certificate for managers. Targets mid-career professionals seeking short-format credentialing without committing to a full degree.
• ZE Zentrum für Entrepreneurship (Centre for Entrepreneurship) Research and education centre for entrepreneurship, circular economy, and sustainable business models. Hosts projects such as CEE (Circular Entrepreneurship Education) and SNIC Innovation Academy. Supports PFH students, researchers, and external partners.
• IPA — Integrative Psychologische Ambulanz (Outpatient Psychological Clinic) Integrative Psychological Outpatient Clinic providing psychological services to the public and serving as a practical training environment for PFH psychology students.
• PFH Vital (Student Health & Wellness Program) Health and wellness program for enrolled students, providing support for health management during studies.
• Career Service Career development support for students and alumni, including career counselling, job market preparation, and networking opportunities.
• Orthobionik (Orthobionics Program) Specialised interdisciplinary program combining business, technology, and healthcare, focusing on prosthetics and orthotics. Includes joint activities with the OT World trade fair and practical training with partner companies.
• Elite Sports Scholarship Program (Leistungssport) Elite athlete scholarship program delivered in partnership with professional sports clubs including THW Kiel (handball), Werder Bremen (football), and BG Göttingen (basketball), enabling professional athletes to pursue a PFH degree alongside their sports careers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Bachelor's degree in 3 years enabling early career entry
• +1 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability7 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

33 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• YES GermanycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerYES Germany serves as the India representative for prospective students and admission services, operating in 9 locations across India (Bangalore, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi/NCR, Gurugram, Mumbai, Noida, Pathankot, Pune). They provide pre-class experience including language courses, visa services, admission support, and counselling for prospective students and parents. This partnership supports PFH's international diversity and high level of internationality.
• Airbus Operations GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAirbus Operations GmbH is represented on PFH's Board of Trustees and co-founded the endowed chair for Lightweight Engineering & Composites. The company participates in joint research projects including Be Fas (evaluation of defects in aerospace fibre composite structures) and collaborates on PFH's technology study programs.
• Ottobock SE & Co. KGaAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOttobock co-founded the endowed chair for Entrepreneurship at PFH. The company has been actively involved in PFH's Board of Trustees since the university's founding in 1995, contributing to the practical orientation of study programs and supporting talent recruitment.
• TUI AGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTUI AG co-founded the endowed chair for Tourism and Travel Management at PFH. As a Dax-listed company, TUI contributes to the development of tourism-related curriculum and practical content within PFH's business programs.
• CFK-Valley Stade e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCFK-Valley Stade e.V. co-founded the endowed chair for Structural Mechanics of Fibre Composites at PFH, supporting research and teaching in lightweight engineering and composite materials.
• Volkswagen (Elli)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerElli (a brand of Volkswagen) participated in D3 excursions, with CEO Giovanni Palazzo discussing digitalisation of power supplies and smart charging infrastructure with PFH students.
• Brenntag SEminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrenntag SE participated as a guest speaker in the D3 lecture series, contributing insights on business and sustainability strategy to PFH students.
• Symrise AGminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSymrise AG participated as a guest speaker in the D3 lecture series, providing students with insights into corporate sustainability and business strategy.
• Novelis Deutschland GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNovelis participated as a guest speaker in the D3 lecture series, sharing expertise on decarbonisation and sustainable business practices.
• Lufthansa GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLufthansa headquarters in Frankfurt hosted a D3 excursion with Christina Foerster (Head of Brand Management and Sustainability), including a tour of the Lufthansa Aviation Centre.
• Salzgitter AGminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSalzgitter AG hosted a D3 excursion including discussion with Managing Director Sandrina Sieverdingbeck on climate-neutral steel production in Lower Saxony and a plant tour.
• University of GroningencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUniversity of Groningen cooperates with PFH on multiple research projects including 'Governance in Emerging Economies' and the Central Asia conference series, supporting joint academic initiatives.
• German Aerospace Center (DLR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDLR cooperates with PFH on the ESIRA project developing safety assessment concepts for space structures made of Controlled Free Radical Polymerization (CFRP) materials.
• Claas KGaA mbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerClaas participated in the PFH TRANSition project funded by ERDF, which aimed to stimulate cooperation between companies, universities and research institutions in the Elbe-Weser region.
• Bernard Krone Holding SE & CominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBernard Krone Holding participated in the PFH TRANSition project focused on building an entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Elbe-Weser region with cross-industrial transfer innovations.
• Siemens Gamesa Renewable EnergyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSiemens Gamesa Renewable Energy participated in the PFH TRANSition project, contributing to the entrepreneurial ecosystem development in the Elbe-Weser region.
• Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Applied Materials Research (IFAM)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFraunhofer IFAM participated in the PFH TRANSition project, bringing research institution expertise to the entrepreneurial ecosystem development collaboration.
• ERASMUS+ Programme PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPFH participates in the ERASMUS+ European mobility programme with 21 partner universities, enabling student and staff exchanges across Europe. Erasmus code: D GOTTING02.
• SAP SEcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSAP SE is represented on PFH's Board of Trustees, providing strategic input and support for the university's business and technology-oriented study programmes.
• Continental AGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerContinental AG serves on PFH's Board of Trustees, contributing to practical orientation of study programmes and talent recruitment from PFH graduates.
• PricewaterhouseCoopers GmbH (PwC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPwC is represented on PFH's Board of Trustees, supporting auditing and consulting programme development and providing career opportunities for graduates.
• Baker Tilly Holding GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBaker Tilly Holding GmbH serves on PFH's Board of Trustees, contributing expertise in auditing and tax advisory to programme development.
• Bahlsen GmbH & Co. KGminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBahlsen GmbH & Co. KG is represented on PFH's Board of Trustees, supporting the university's industry connections and practical study orientation.
• Clarios Germany GmbH & Co KGaAminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerClarios Germany GmbH serves on PFH's Board of Trustees, contributing to technology and business-related curriculum development.
• Composites United e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerComposites United e.V. is represented on PFH's Board of Trustees and co-founded the endowed chair for Structural Mechanics of Fibre Composites, supporting lightweight engineering research.
• Gothaer VersicherungenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGothaer Versicherungen serves on PFH's Board of Trustees, providing industry expertise for insurance and risk management-related programmes.
• T-Systems Business Services GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerT-Systems Business Services GmbH is represented on PFH's Board of Trustees, contributing to digital business and IT-oriented curriculum development.
• International Partner Universities (49 institutions)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPFH maintains 49 international university partnerships across 5 continents covering Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania, and South America. Includes partnerships with universities in India (Birla Institute of Management Technology, IILM), Japan (Otemon Gakuin University), Kazakhstan (KIMEP University), South Korea (KOREATECH, Konkuk University), USA (University of California campuses), and Europe (University of Tartu, KEDGE Business School).
• Technical University ClausthalminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational university partnership enabling joint research projects and student exchange, supporting doctoral opportunities for PFH graduates.
• Georg-August-Universität GöttingenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational university partnership with the University of Göttingen enabling joint research projects, student exchange, and doctoral pathways for PFH graduates.
• Sport Partners (THW Kiel, Werder Bremen, BG Göttingen, etc.)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPFH partners with professional sports clubs for its Leistungssport (elite athlete) scholarship programme, supporting athletes including THW Kiel handball players, Werder Bremen football players, and BG Göttingen basketball players who study at PFH while pursuing professional sports careers.
• Javakhshivili University TbilisiminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJavakhshivili University in Tbilisi cooperates with PFH on the 'Governance in Emerging Economies' research project funded by the Volkswagen Foundation.
• KIMEP University AlmatyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKIMEP University in Almaty cooperates with PFH on the 'Governance in Emerging Economies' research project, contributing expertise on Central Asian economies.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Regional players

• Technische Hochschule Georg Agricola (THGA): State-recognized private university in Germany focused on engineering and technology with industry endowments. Comparable to PFH in private Fachhochschule positioning and corporate-board / endowed-chair model, but more focused on STEM.

Direct peers

• Hochschule Macromedia: Private German university of applied sciences offering campus and digital programs in business, media, psychology, and management. Comparable to PFH in target audience (working adults, career changers) and applied Fachhochschule positioning.
• EBS Universität für Wirtschaft und Recht: Private German university focused on business, law, and related disciplines with a strong corporate and international orientation. Comparable to PFH in business-school positioning and private university positioning.
• Hochschule Fresenius: Private German university group with campuses and distance learning programs in business, psychology, health, and chemistry. Directly comparable to PFH in programme mix, target segments, and private pricing model.
• SRH Hochschule (SRH Universities): Private university group with multiple campuses across Germany offering bachelor and master programs in business, psychology, and technology. Closely comparable to PFH in target audience, business model, and distance-learning offerings.
• Hochschule für Medien, Kommunikation und Wirtschaft (HMKW): Private university of applied sciences offering applied programmes in business, media, psychology, and design with multiple campus locations. Comparable to PFH as a Fachhochschule-style private institution focused on career-oriented education.
• SRH Fernhochschule – The Mobile University: Dedicated distance-learning private university under the SRH group, offering bachelor and master programs fully online. Direct competitor to PFH's Fernstudium in the German Fernstudium market.
• IU Internationale Hochschule: Germany's largest private university, offering campus, dual, and Fernstudium programs across business, psychology, and technology. Direct competitor to PFH in both distance learning and campus-based higher education with a much larger scale.
• FOM Hochschule für Oekonomie & Management: One of Germany's largest private universities with a strong focus on working adults and a nationwide network of study centres. Competes directly with PFH in Fernstudium and berufsbegleitend segments, particularly in business and psychology.

Broad incumbents

• WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management: Established German private business school with strong brand, MBA, and bachelor programs. Overlaps with PFH in business education but operates at a more elite, higher-priced tier with a different brand and market segment.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/private-fachhochschule-g-ttingen
• Xx.com/pfh_goettingen
• Facebookfacebook.com/pfh.private.university

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about PFH Private University of Göttingen