Kolping Hochschule

What Kolping Hochschule does

Kolping Hochschule is a private, state-recognized university of applied sciences based in Cologne, Germany, operating under the legal entity Kolping Stiftungshochschule gGmbH within the broader Kolping Catholic social welfare and education network. Founded in 2021, the institution specializes exclusively in bachelor's degree programs and certificate courses in health and social sciences, with a current portfolio of nine degree programs including Digital Health, Gerontologie/Gesundheit & Care, Gesundheitspsychologie, Pflegepädagogik, Kindheitspädagogik, Physician Assistant, and Soziale Arbeit (in both dual and full-time formats).

The institution's core technology is its "Online-Präsenz" (online-presence) learning model, which combines synchronous live video-based lectures with asynchronous digital learning materials, periodic in-person Case Days at the Cologne campus, and self-study periods. Supporting infrastructure includes HubSpot CRM for enrollment workflows, a digital campus platform with virtual lecture halls and e-library access, and standard web analytics (Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel). Faculty research in AI—particularly Prof. Dr. Tobias Gantner's work on clinical decision support systems, MAKI (Market Access KI) with Roche Deutschland and Boehringer Ingelheim, and telemedicine—is increasingly embedded in the curriculum and reflected in the new Digital Health program.

Kolping Hochschule's revenue model is primarily tuition-based, with students paying fees for bachelor's programs. A meaningful secondary stream comes from dual study arrangements, where practice partners (Praxispartner) such as social service organizations and Kolping-Berufsbildungswerk Essen sponsor student tuition in exchange for employment commitments. Distribution occurs through a national network of 13 Kolping Bildungsunternehmen competence centers, direct enrollment via personalized study advisory (phone, WhatsApp, email), and institutional partnerships with Hochschule Weserbergland (Hameln) and AWO Fachverband Rheinland-Pfalz/Saarland. The institution primarily serves working professionals in healthcare and social services seeking flexible, accredited degrees, with secondary outreach to school students via the Juniorcampus program.

Name

Kolping Hochschule

Legal name

Kolping Stiftungshochschule gGmbH

Website

https://kolping-hochschule.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Kolping Hochschule is a Cologne-based private university offering accredited bachelor's programs in health and social sciences via a hybrid online-presence model. It serves working professionals and dual-study students across Germany through the Kolping network's 13 competence centers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Fully Online Universities (Online-First, Degree-Granting) (EDAHALAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Online Divisions of Traditional Universities (Hybrid/Extension) (EDAHALAB), Online/Hybrid Lifelong Learning Platforms & Open Enrollment Programs (EDAAAEAL)

Keywords

• Higher education
• Online university programs
• Health sciences degrees
• Social work programs
• Blended learning

Headquarters

HQ city

Köln (Cologne)

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Tuition Fees: The primary revenue stream comes from tuition fees charged to students for bachelor's degree programs in Health and Social Sciences. The institution emphasizes transparent and fair pricing without hidden costs. Students can apply for recognition of prior achievements (Anerkennung von Vorleistungen) to reduce study time and fees.
2. Dual Program Partnerships: Revenue is generated through dual study arrangements where practice partners (Praxispartner) such as Soziale Dienste Schilling GmbH, KJH Weidenkorb, and Kolping-Berufsbildungswerk Essen cover or subsidize students' tuition fees in exchange for employment commitments.
3. Certificate Programs: Revenue generated from certificate programs such as the 'Praktische/r Betriebswirt/in' program conducted in cooperation with Kolping Akademie Würzburg and other Kolping education companies.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Kolping Hochschule is a private, state-recognized university of applied sciences that delivers bachelor's degree programs in health and social sciences through a blended Online-Präsenz model combining live synchronous online lectures, digital-supported self-study, on-campus Case Day workshops in Cologne, and independent learning periods. It also offers a certificate program in practical business administration and continuing education, with tuition revenue sourced from individual students and practice partner sponsorships.

Product overview

Kolping Hochschule is a private university of applied sciences with state recognition (state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany) offering a portfolio of 9 bachelor programs and certificate offerings in health and social sciences. The university operates as a digital presence university (Online-Präsenz-Hochschule) using a four-component learning model: Online-Präsenzlehre (live virtual lectures), Digital gestütztes Lernen (digital-supported self-study), Case Days (on-campus workshops), and Selbstlernzeiten (independent learning). Core programs include Digital Health, Gerontologie/Gesundheit und Care, Gesundheitspsychologie, Pflegepädagogik, Kindheitspädagogik, Physician Assistant, and two variants of Soziale Arbeit. Study formats include Duales Studium, Berufsbegleitendes Studium, and Vollzeit-Studium. Outreach offerings include Juniorcampus for pre-university students, Schnupperstudium trial studies, and weekly Infoabende information sessions. A Zertifikatsstudiengang (certificate program) for practical business administration was launched in partnership with Kolping Akademie Würzburg. Founded 2021, the university's first graduate completed studies in 2024.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Digital Health (B.Sc.) Bachelor program focused on digital transformation in healthcare, covering AI in medicine, telemedicine, digital health competence, and health data management. Targets students preparing for roles at the intersection of healthcare and digital innovation.
• Gerontologie, Gesundheit und Care (B.A.) Bachelor program covering aging, health, and care with focus on managing quality in elderly care and digital solutions for rural healthcare settings. Targets students pursuing careers in geriatric care and health management.
• Gesundheitspsychologie (B.A.) Bachelor program in health psychology focusing on mental health, stress management, stress experience, and health behavior in healthcare professions, including digital stress research. Targets students pursuing careers in health psychology and behavioral health.
• Pflegepädagogik (B.A.) Bachelor program in nursing education (subject to state recognition by MKW NRW) preparing students to teach and educate nursing and healthcare professionals. Targets students pursuing careers as nursing educators in vocational and continuing education.
• Kindheitspädagogik (B.A.) Bachelor program focused on early childhood pedagogy, covering child development, educational sciences, and professional practice in working with children and families. Targets students pursuing careers in early childhood education and family services.
• Physician Assistant (B.Sc.) Bachelor program training students to support physicians in clinical settings. Includes practical training, digital tools, and AI-supported decision support systems. Targets students pursuing clinical support roles in ambulatory and hospital medicine.
• Soziale Arbeit (B.A.) Bachelor program in social work offered in dual or part-time study formats. Leads to state recognition as social worker/social educator with practice-integrated learning. Targets students pursuing careers in social work and social education.
• Soziale Arbeit Vollzeit (B.A.) Full-time version of the Social Work bachelor program combining theory with practical experience and including on-campus studies at the Cologne campus. Targets students pursuing full-time study for a social work degree.
• Pädagogische Qualifikation für Dozent*innen Professional qualification program for instructors and lecturers, preparing them for teaching roles in vocational and adult education settings. Targets working professionals pursuing teaching credentials.
• Zertifikatsstudiengang Praktische*r Betriebswirt*in 13-month certificate program with practical management knowledge and business simulation, developed in cooperation with Kolping Akademie Würzburg and Kolpingwerk Diözesanverband Münster. Targets professionals pursuing managerial credentials.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% student satisfaction: 100% of surveyed students would unconditionally recommend studying at Kolping Hochschule
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

AI capability5 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Kisters-Stiftung (Kleves)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 12 February 2026Host venue for certificate program graduation ceremony where 12 graduates of the 'Praktische/r Betriebswirt/in' certificate program received their certificates.
• Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 January 2026Memorandum of Understanding signed January 23, 2026 with CUEA and Kolping Recruiting & Integration GmbH to develop a dual program in Social Work meeting international standards, strengthening digital teaching formats, and facilitating qualified professionals from Kenya access to the German labor market.
• Kolping Recruiting & Integration GmbHcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 January 2026Partner in the international cooperation with Catholic University of Eastern Africa, focused on recruiting and integrating qualified professionals from Kenya into the German labor market through dual study programs.
• AWO Fachverband Rheinland-Pfalz/SaarlandcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 January 2026Partnership agreement for the dual study program in Social Work. AWO brings expertise as a provider for numerous social facilities in the region, supporting organizations in daily operations and advocating for social justice and societal cohesion.
• Hochschule Weserbergland (HSW)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2025Cooperation agreement signed March 1, 2025 for a joint dual study program in Social Work (B.A.). Kolping Hochschule provides academic leadership and digital teaching while HSW conducts Case Days at its Hameln campus. The program targets students in the Weserbergland region and starts October 2025.
• Soziale Dienste Schilling GmbHcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPractice partner for the dual study program in Social Work. Located in Köln, this free provider of ambulatory integration assistance (Eingliederungshilfe) under contract with Landschaftsverband Rheinland sponsors students and provides practical workplace training for people with psychological disabilities and addiction disorders.
• Kinder- und Jugendhilfe (KJH) WeidenkorbcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPractice partner for the dual study program in Social Work. An innovative private provider of child and youth welfare services established in 2002 with 170 employees at 14 locations in Schaumburg and Minden-Lübbecke districts, specializing in trauma pedagogy, resilience promotion, and attachment pedagogy.
• Kolping-Berufsbildungswerk EssencoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPractice partner for the dual study program in Social Work. A modern, non-profit educational company supporting young people with learning and psychological development needs in vocational preparation, training, and qualification. Located in Essen.
• Kolping Akademie WürzburgcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFirst partner within the Kolping network to cooperate on the 'Praktische/r Betriebswirt/in' certificate program, developed jointly with Kolping-Hochschule and Kolpingwerk Diözesanverband Münster.
• Kolping Bildungswerk Paderborn gGmbHcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorOne of 13 Kolping Bildungsunternehmen operating as competence centers for the Hochschule across Germany. Located in Paderborn, providing local student support and recruitment.
• Kolping-Mainfranken GmbHminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKolping education company operating as a competence center for the Hochschule in the Mainfranken region.
• Kolping Bildungswerk in der Diözese Augsburg e. V.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKolping education company operating as a competence center for the Hochschule in the Augsburg diocese region.
• Kolping Bildungswerk Hettstedt gGmbHminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKolping education company operating as a competence center for the Hochschule in Hettstedt.
• Kolping Bildungswerk DV Münster GmbH, CoesfeldminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKolping education company operating as a competence center for the Hochschule in the Münster diocese region.
• Kolping Bildungswerk DV Köln e. V.coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKolping education company in Cologne operating as a key competence center for the Hochschule, supporting local recruitment and student services in the region.
• Kolping Bildungswerk e.V. FreiburgminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKolping education company operating as a competence center for the Hochschule in the Freiburg region.
• Kolping Bildungswerk München und Oberbayern e.V.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKolping education company operating as a competence center for the Hochschule in Munich and Upper Bavaria.
• Kolping Bildungswerk im Erzbistum Bamberg e. V.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKolping education company operating as a competence center for the Hochschule in the Bamberg diocese region.
• Kolping Bildungswerk DV Essen GmbHminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKolping education company operating as a competence center for the Hochschule in the Essen region.
• Verband der Kolping Bildungsunternehmen e.V.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociation of Kolping education companies with office in Berlin, coordinating the network of competence centers that support the Hochschule across Germany.
• Kolpingwerk Region Ost, LeipzigminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKolping regional office in Leipzig operating as a competence center for the Hochschule in Eastern Germany.
• Kolping Bildung Deutschland gGmbH, Bildungszentrum VölklingenminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorKolping education company in Völklingen operating as a competence center for the Hochschule, with expansion plans for the certificate program.
• Roche DeutschlandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with Roche Deutschland on MAKI (Market Access KI) project developing AI-based technologies for HTA processes in healthcare market access.
• Boehringer IngelheimminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on MAKI (Market Access KI) project developing AI-based technologies for HTA processes in healthcare market access.
• contec GmbH (Bochum)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProf. Dr. Martina Saße worked as a digitalization and innovation consultant at contec GmbH, a company providing services to facilities, providers, and associations in healthcare and social services.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves1 record

Direct peers

• IU Internationale Hochschule: Germany's largest private university with state recognition, offering extensive online and dual bachelor programs including health and social sciences. Directly comparable as a state-recognized private Hochschule competing for the same online presence / dual-study student segments across Germany.
• Hochschule Fresenius: Private German Hochschule with strong focus on health, social work, and therapy disciplines, plus online distance learning formats. Directly comparable in mission and disciplinary focus.
• Euro-FH Europäische Fernhochschule Hamburg: State-recognized private distance learning university offering bachelor's programs including health and social fields via fully online formats. Comparable online-first delivery model in similar subject areas.
• SRH Hochschule Heidelberg: Private state-recognized Hochschule with hybrid online-presence learning models and health/social science programs. Comparable for its Online-Präsenz-style teaching approach and accreditation status.
• FOM Hochschule: Private university of applied sciences focused on working professionals with parallel online and in-person formats, including dual study programs and health/social science programs. Closely comparable model targeting Berufsbegleitend students.
• APOLLON Hochschule: Distance learning university owned by the DIAKO Group, offering bachelor's programs in health and social sciences via online and part-time formats. Closely comparable online-first model in identical subject niches.
• PFH Private Hochschule Göttingen: Private German Hochschule offering state-recognized programs including health-related disciplines via online and on-campus formats. Comparable in scale, status, and audience.
• Deutsche Hochschule für Prävention und Gesundheitsmanagement (DHfPG): Private state-recognized university focused exclusively on prevention and health management with dual study formats. Highly comparable niche specialization and dual-study employer network model.
• HMH Hochschule für Management und Gesundheit: Private distance learning university specializing in management and health-related bachelor's programs. Comparable as a niche online-first private Hochschule serving working professionals.

Broad incumbents

• Hochschule Macromedia: Private state-recognized university of applied sciences with multiple campuses and a portfolio that includes health-adjacent programs. Broader incumbent offering overlapping digital learning delivery, but less specialized in health/social sciences than Kolping.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/kolpinghochschule
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kolping-hochschule

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Kolping Hochschule