Brand University of Applied Sciences

Name

Brand University of Applied Sciences

Legal name

Brand Academy GmbH

Website

https://brand-university.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Private Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (611310)

akta.pro primary industry

Marketing, Sales & Brand Management Schools (EDAHAHAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Undergraduate Business Schools (BBA/BSBA Programs) (EDAHAHAA), Business, Economics, Accounting & Management (EDAGABAC)

Keywords

• Private higher education
• Brand management programs
• Distance learning MBA
• Marketing education
• Professional certificates

Headquarters

HQ city

Hamburg

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Tuition Fees - On-Campus Programmes: Semester tuition fees charged to enrolled on-campus students for Bachelor, Master, and MBA programmes delivered in Hamburg
2. Tuition Fees - Distance Learning Programmes: Subscription-style tuition fees for online MBA and certificate programmes, billed per semester with all study materials, tools, coaching, and exams included in the fee
3. University Certificate and Diploma Programmes: Shorter-term certificate courses (e.g., CX & UX Design at EUR 990/EUR 690, 6 ECTS, 1-4 months) providing flexible micro-credential revenue

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Brand University of Applied Sciences is a state-recognised private university in Hamburg that delivers on-campus and distance learning degree programmes (Bachelor, Master, MBA) plus professional certificates in brand management, marketing, communication design, and brand-related disciplines. Its portfolio combines theoretical foundations with practical projects alongside renowned brand companies (Jung von Matt, Beiersdorf, ABOUT YOU, Steiff, etc.) and a unique "Brand Thinking" pedagogical framework. All degree programmes are FIBAA-accredited, and distance learning programmes additionally carry the FIBAA Excellence in Digital Education seal.

Product overview

Brand University of Applied Sciences offers a comprehensive portfolio of educational programmes centred on brand strategy, design, marketing, and communication. The university operates on-campus degree programmes in Hamburg (Bachelor's and Master's) alongside extensive distance learning offerings (Bachelor, MBA, and professional certificates). The on-campus offerings include B.A. Brand & Marketing Management, B.A. AI & Brand Communication Design, and M.A. Brand Innovation. Distance learning comprises MBA programmes in Management (with specialisations in AI, Digital Business, and HR), Brand Marketing (Brand Management and Consumer Psychology), and a B.A. in Marketing & Communication. Professional development includes university certificates (CX & UX Design, Climate Change, Media Psychology, Online Marketing), Certificates of Advanced Studies (Social Media Marketing, Performance Marketing, International Marketing), and Diplomas of Advanced Studies (Green Marketing, Brand Management). A cooperative doctoral programme (PhD/DBA) enables advanced research. The university's digital teaching is certified for 'Excellence in Digital Education' by FIBAA, and all degree programmes hold FIBAA accreditation and German Council of Science and Humanities recognition.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• B.A. Brand & Marketing Management On-campus Bachelor's programme focusing on strategic brand management and marketing, combining theory with practical projects with companies. Delivered on the Hamburg campus.
• B.A. AI & Brand Communication Design On-campus Bachelor's programme combining artificial intelligence applications with brand communication and design, preparing students for AI-enhanced creative work.
• M.A. Brand Innovation On-campus Master's programme focused on innovation in brand strategy and management, preparing graduates for leadership roles in brand development.
• MBA Management – Künstliche Intelligenz (Artificial Intelligence) Distance learning MBA specialising in artificial intelligence management, combining business administration with AI applications for brand and marketing contexts.
• MBA Brand Marketing - Brand Management Distance learning MBA focusing on brand marketing and brand management strategy, accredited and delivered online with flexible pacing.
• MBA Brand Marketing - Consumer Psychology Distance learning MBA specialising in consumer psychology and brand marketing, examining consumer behaviour and psychological drivers in brand contexts.
• MBA Management - Digital Business Management Distance learning MBA covering digital business transformation, e-commerce strategies, and digital management practices.
• MBA Management - Personal, Leadership und Organisation Distance learning MBA focusing on human resources management, leadership development, and organisational behaviour.
• B.A. Marketing und Kommunikation (Distance Learning) Distance learning Bachelor's programme in marketing and communication, enabling students to combine studies with professional work.
• Hochschulzertifikat CX & UX Design University certificate programme in customer experience and user experience design, delivered fully online as a short professional development course.
• Hochschulzertifikat Klimawandel University certificate programme addressing climate change, sustainability challenges, and their implications for business and brand strategy.
• Hochschulzertifikat Medien- & Werbepsychologie University certificate in media and advertising psychology, exploring psychological principles applied to marketing communications.
• Hochschulzertifikat Online Marketing University certificate covering digital marketing strategies, online advertising, and e-commerce marketing techniques.
• CAS Social Media Marketing & Brand Management Advanced certificate programme focusing on social media marketing strategies and brand management in digital environments.
• CAS Performance Marketing Advanced certificate in performance marketing, covering data-driven marketing approaches and ROI measurement.
• CAS International Marketing & Brand Management Advanced certificate in international marketing and cross-cultural brand management, with focus on global market strategies.
• DAS Green Marketing & Nachhaltigkeit Advanced diploma programme combining green marketing principles with sustainability strategies for brand development.
• DAS Brand Management Comprehensive advanced diploma in brand management covering strategic brand development, positioning, and brand equity management.
• PhD/DBA Kooperatives Promotionsprogramm Cooperative doctoral programme (PhD and DBA) enabling advanced research in brand science and related business disciplines.

Quantifiable outcome

• 98% of students successfully complete their studies
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Zentrum für Marketing und Medien (ZMM), University of HamburgcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2025Brand University is the first and only private university within the ZMM network, which represents the close connection of academic excellence and practice-oriented continuing education in marketing and media. The ZMM network provides Brand University students with exclusive access to workshops, networking events, and the prestigious ZMM industry competence network. The partnership involves collaborative events such as the presentation workshop with Dr. Julia Lenk.
• Zhejiang Wanli UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 June 2025Long-standing strategic partnership for joint academic programmes, student exchanges, and collaborative research. Brand University co-hosts the annual Sino-German Brand Innovation Conference with Zhejiang Wanli University. The partnership includes a cooperative doctoral programme (PhD/DBA) jointly delivered in Hamburg and Esbjerg, and a dual campus arrangement with a Study Centre in Hamburg. Approximately 75 Chinese students from partner universities join Brand University each semester intake.
• ABOUT YOUminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFashion e-commerce company that collaborated with Brand University students on a research project exploring consumer attitudes and user perception of the ABOUT YOU brand, including analysis of the Kendall Jenner influencer campaign and employer brand positioning
• Jung von MattminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGermany's largest owner-operated advertising agency, headquartered in Hamburg, collaborated on practical student projects. BU graduates are described as bringing solid marketing fundamentals and knowledge of strategic tools, which is highly valued by the agency for junior hires.
• BeiersdorfminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of Hamburg's largest companies and a leading consumer goods brand collaborated with Brand University on practical projects involving brand strategy and marketing innovation
• Burger EdelmetalleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHamburg-based precious metals company that collaborated with Brand University on practical brand strategy projects
• Tallink Silja GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTransportation and tourism company (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) that worked with Brand University students on strategic marketing concepts incorporating digital channels, social media, and influencer marketing
• Margarete Steiff GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerGerman toy company with a legacy brand collaborated with Brand University on practical projects producing innovative solutions in strategic marketing and design
• Lothar Böhm Associates GmbHminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of Germany's largest packaging design agencies collaborated on practical brand-focused projects; feedback indicates BU graduates bring solid marketing fundamentals and strategic tool knowledge valued by the agency
• ColaRebellminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBeverage brand startup collaborated with Brand University students on practical projects producing sustainable and innovative brand solutions through clear brand understanding
• Brand Academy Alumni e.V.coreOthersOfficial alumni association connecting current and former university members. Organises study and work-related events for professional, cultural, and social continuing education. Promotes exchange between former students, lecturers, and the university. Eligible members include former students who completed their final semester and former or current teaching and administrative staff active for at least one semester.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• BSP Business & Law School: Private German business school with campuses in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, and other cities offering Bachelor, Master, and MBA programmes — a comparable private business-school peer, including direct Hamburg overlap.
• Cologne Business School: Private German business school offering Bachelor, Master, and MBA programmes with an international focus — a comparable private business higher-education peer in the DACH market.
• FOM Hochschule: One of Germany's largest private universities with a strong dual-study and distance-learning model targeted at working professionals in the DACH region — a direct competitor in the Fernhochschule and executive education segments.
• Hochschule Fresenius: Private German university of applied sciences with multiple campuses offering business, design, and media programmes including distance learning — comparable in modality mix and degree portfolio to Brand University.
• ISM International School of Management: Private German business school with multiple locations (including Hamburg) offering Bachelor, Master, and MBA programmes — a direct peer in the private business higher-education segment and a competitor in Hamburg.
• PFH Private Hochschule Göttingen: Private German university offering Bachelor, Master, and doctoral programmes including distance-learning MBAs — a comparable private higher-education peer competing in the same DACH Fernhochschule segment.
• Quadriga University of Applied Sciences: Berlin-based private university focused on management, communication, and political management with executive education and applied research — a comparable private applied-sciences institution with a niche specialism and corporate-practice emphasis.
• IU International University of Applied Sciences: Germany's largest private distance-learning university offering Bachelor, Master, and MBA programmes with extensive online enrolment — the most direct competitor in the DACH Fernhochschule segment where Brand University competes for working professionals.
• Hochschule Macromedia: Private German university of applied sciences with locations in Hamburg, Munich, Berlin, Cologne, Frankfurt, and Stuttgart offering Bachelor's and Master's degrees in media, management, journalism, and design — overlapping with Brand University on Hamburg geography and media/brand/design focus.

Broad incumbents

• SRH Hochschule (SRH Universities): Larger, multi-location private German university group offering a broader portfolio of health, engineering, and business programmes — comparable in private-applied-sciences positioning and distance-learning delivery but operating at significantly greater scale.

Market position

Strengths6 records

Weaknesses6 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/brand_university
• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/brand-university

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles20 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 Brand University of Applied Sciences