German Real Estate Academy at the University of Freiburg

What German Real Estate Academy at the University of Freiburg does

Deutsche Immobilien-Akademie an der Universität Freiburg GmbH (DIA) is a private, non-profit GmbH founded in 1995 and headquartered in Freiburg, Germany, operating one of Germany's largest supra-regional continuing education institutes for the real estate and finance industries. The academy delivers professional certifications, academic degrees, and continuing education programs through a portfolio that spans broker training (Immobilienmakler*in DIA), certified property manager preparation (Immobilienverwalter*in IHK, joint with EBZ Bochum), multi-semester real estate economics programs (Immobilienwirt*in DIA / Immobilienfachwirt*in IHK, Diplom-Immobilienwirt*in), expert valuation studies (Diplom-Sachverständige*r DIA, International Appraiser), and specialized certifications including Bauschadensbewerter*in, Beleihungswertgutachter*in, Certified Real Estate Asset Manager*in, Projektentwickler*in, KI-Manager*in, and Datenschutzbeauftragte*r. Academic degrees (Bachelor, Master, Master of Advanced Studies in Real Estate) are awarded through Steinbeis Hochschule Berlin via the in-house Center for Real Estate Studies (CRES), and the academy operates under a cooperation agreement with Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg.

Programs are delivered in a hybrid format combining in-person block seminars (typically 14-day sessions) with live-streamed participation via Cisco WebEx, reaching more than 1,500 participants annually. Delivery infrastructure spans the Freiburg headquarters in the 'Haus der Akademien', a Hamburg branch academy (ZweigAkademie Hamburg, operated since 1997 with IVD-Regionalverband Nord e.V.), and a Bochum study location in partnership with EBZ. The institution is sponsored by Verwaltungs- und Wirtschafts-Akademie (VWA) Freiburg and Immobilienverband Deutschland (IVD), and recognized under §10 Absatz 3 Bildungszeitgesetz Baden-Württemberg, allowing participants to claim paid educational leave.

DIA generates revenue primarily through tuition fees, with program-specific pricing ranging from 630 EUR (joint IHK preparation package with EBZ) to 1,950 EUR per semester (advanced programs such as Beleihungswertermittlung), plus a 250 EUR one-time registration fee and separate examination fees. Programs are VAT-exempt. Distribution relies on direct enrollment via website, post, email, and fax, supported by an active ~700-member alumni network (Alumni-Immo-Freiburg / AIF), a job exchange, the Weiterbildungsportal Baden-Württemberg listing, and event presence at ExpoReal Munich. The target customer base consists of working real estate professionals, career changers entering the industry, and a niche segment of elite athletes via cooperation with Olympiastützpunkt Freiburg-Schwarzwald.

Name

German Real Estate Academy at the University of Freiburg

Legal name

Deutsche Immobilien-Akademie an der Universität Freiburg GmbH

Website

https://dia.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Deutsche Immobilien-Akademie an der Universität Freiburg (DIA) is a private non-profit continuing education institute offering professional certifications, academic degrees, and hybrid-format seminars for German real estate professionals, career changers, and elite athletes.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Real Estate Continuing Education

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Real Estate, Appraisal & Mortgage (Agent/Broker CE, Appraiser CE) (EDAAALAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Professional & Applied Skills Noncredit Certificates (Non-licensure) (EDAAAEAD), University/College Continuing Education (Extension) Programs (EDAAAEAA)

Keywords

• Real estate education
• Professional certification
• Continuing education
• Property valuation training
• Real estate degrees

Headquarters

HQ city

Freiburg

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 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. Education and Training Programs: The academy generates revenue through tuition fees for its various study programs, continuing education courses, seminars, and certification preparation. Fees vary by program level and duration. Programs are VAT-exempt.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The DIA sells continuing education programs, professional certifications, and academic degree programs in real estate economics, valuation, brokerage, property management, asset management, and adjacent specializations. Programs are delivered in a hybrid format combining multi-day in-person block seminars at Freiburg, Hamburg, and Bochum with simultaneous live-stream participation via Cisco WebEx, and include preparation for IHK certifications as well as DIA and Steinbeis academic credentials.

Product overview

Deutsche Immobilien-Akademie (DIA) at the University of Freiburg is a comprehensive educational institution offering professional certifications, academic degrees, and continuing education programs in real estate. The portfolio includes dual certification programs (DIA/IHK) such as Immobilienwirt/in and Immobilienfachwirt/in, expert-level programs like Diplom-Sachverständige/r and Diplom-Immobilienwirt/in, specialized certifications (Bauschadensbewerter/in, Projektentwickler/in, KI-Manager/in, Beleihungswertgutachter/in), and academic degrees (Bachelor/Master/MAS) through Steinbeis Hochschule Berlin. Programs are delivered in hybrid format combining in-person block sessions with live streaming. The institution also provides digital learning tools including Web-Seminare via Cisco WebEx, digital badges for credential verification, and maintains a specialized real estate research library.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Immobilienmakler*in (DIA) Comprehensive training program for real estate brokers leading to DIA certification, with preparation for the DIN EN 15733 broker certification. Designed for working professionals entering or advancing in real estate brokerage.
• Zertifizierte Immobilienverwalter*in (IHK) Joint examination preparation program with EBZ Bochum for the IHK-certified property manager credential, in compliance with §26a WEG requirements, including access to the EBZ E-Learning platform and a 5-day online preparation block.
• Zertifikatslehrgang Immobilienkaufmann/-frau (EBZ/IHK) Distance Learning Distance learning certificate course for the EBZ/IHK Immobilienkaufmann/-frau qualification, targeted at career changers and entry-level participants in the German real estate industry.
• Studium für Berufseinsteiger Foundational study path tailored to individuals entering or re-entering the German real estate workforce, providing a comprehensive overview of the property industry.
• Immobilienmediator*in (DIA) Certification program for real estate mediators, training professionals in mediation techniques specific to property transactions and disputes.
• Immobilienwirt*in (DIA) / Immobilienfachwirt*in (IHK) Dual certification program in real estate economics combining the DIA Immobilienwirt*in and IHK Immobilienfachwirt*in qualifications, modularly structured over four semesters with hybrid in-person and live-stream delivery.
• Diplom-Immobilienwirt*in (DIA) Advanced contact study program (Kontaktstudiengang, semesters 5–6) building on the Immobilienwirt*in certification, providing a university-level qualification in real estate economics.
• Diplom-Sachverständige*r (DIA) / Immobilienbewerter*in (DIA) Contact study program for property appraisers and certified experts (Kontaktstudiengang Sachverständigenwesen), offered at multiple locations (Freiburg, Bochum, Hamburg), covering valuation of built and undeveloped properties and preparation of expert opinions.
• Certified Real Estate Asset Manager*in (DIA) Specialized study program in Real Estate Asset Management leading to the DIA-certified Real Estate Asset Manager credential.
• Bauschadensbewerter*in (DIA) Advanced study program for building damage assessment, providing technical, legal, and economic expertise for evaluating structural defects in real estate.
• Projektentwickler*in (DIA) Study program for real estate project development professionals covering the end-to-end project development process.
• Beleihungswertgutachter*in (DIA) Advanced program (Aufbaustudiengang Beleihungswertermittlung) for mortgage valuation specialists, aligned with BelWertV and Pfandbriefgesetz requirements, leading to the DIAZert certification.
• KI-Manager*in (DIA) Study program focused on artificial intelligence management for real estate professionals, addressing AI applications within the property industry.
• Datenschutzbeauftragte*r (DIA) Data protection officer certification program tailored to real estate industry professionals, covering GDPR/data protection compliance.
• International Appraiser (DIA) Advanced program in international property valuation covering EU and US markets, including DCF methods and international valuation standards; registration fee waived for DIA graduates.
• Bachelor of Arts in Real Estate Undergraduate degree program in Real Estate offered in cooperation with Steinbeis Hochschule Berlin, coordinated through the Center for Real Estate Studies (CRES).
• Master of Arts Real Estate Graduate degree program in Real Estate offered in cooperation with Steinbeis Hochschule Berlin, coordinated through CRES.
• Master of Advanced Studies in Real Estate Advanced professional master's degree in Real Estate offered in cooperation with Steinbeis Hochschule Berlin, providing senior-level academic credentials for working professionals.
• Web-Seminare Live online seminars (Web-Seminare) delivered via Cisco WebEx, enabling nationwide and international remote participation in DIA study programs and standalone online events.
• Seminare und Tagungen Continuing education seminars and conferences (Seminare und Tagungen) for professional development across the German real estate sector.
• Prüfungskolloquien Examination colloquia (Prüfungskolloquien) supporting candidates preparing for DIA and IHK professional certification exams.
• Digital Bootcamp Digital training bootcamp for technology skills applied within the German real estate industry.

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Steinbeis Hochschule BerlincoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2009Partnership since 2009 for Bachelor and Master degree programs in Real Estate. Center for Real Estate Studies (CRES) coordinates academic programs, enabling DIA to offer Steinbeis University degrees.
• IVD-Regionalverband Nord e.V.majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 1997Cooperation since 1997 for joint delivery of Sachverständigen-Studiengang (expert valuation program) at Hamburg location.
• Albert-Ludwigs-Universität FreiburgcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 1997Cooperation agreement since 1997. DIA operates within the university's academic framework. Students receive university library access and benefit from scientific exchange with university faculty.
• Verwaltungs- und Wirtschafts-Akademie (VWA) für den Regierungsbezirk FreiburgcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founder and sponsor of DIA alongside IVD. VWA Freiburg operates as the administrative and academic partner providing institutional framework and university connection.
• Immobilienverband Deutschland (IVD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founder and sponsor of DIA alongside VWA. Germany's leading real estate industry association providing industry expertise, network, and professional standards.
• EBZ Akademie (Europäisches Bildungszentrum der Wohnungs- und Immobilienwirtschaft)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCooperation since 2010 for joint examination preparation for certified property managers (Immobilienverwalter IHK). Provides E-Learning platform and 5-day online preparation blocks for IHK certification.
• Forschungsverband für Immobilien-, Hypotheken- und Baurecht e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch association affiliated with IVD that awards special prize for outstanding work on real estate brokerage topics (2,000 EUR). Collaborates on energy renovation study with CRES and DIA.
• Freundeskreis ffi – Freunde Freiburger Immobilienwirte, Sachverständige und Vermögensmanager e.V.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFriends association supporting Freiburg real estate professionals, experts, and wealth managers. Collaborated on energy renovation study commission.
• Olympiastützpunkt Freiburg-Schwarzwald (OSP)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation agreement for elite athlete support. DIA provides flexible study arrangements and up to 4 scholarships annually for top-level athletes combining sports careers with professional education.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• WBS Training AG: Large German private education provider with continuing education programs adjacent to real estate (e.g., business administration, management). Broader scope but comparable online/hybrid delivery model targeting employed adults.
• SRH Hochschule Heidelberg: Private university of applied sciences offering part-time master's programs and continuing education in real estate and finance. Less specialized than DIA but competes for the same part-time degree-seeking professional in Germany.

Direct peers

• Verwaltungs- und Wirtschafts-Akademie (VWA): Network of VWA academies across Germany offering business and professional continuing education; VWA Freiburg is co-sponsor of DIA. Comparable faculty-and-seminar model targeting working professionals, with overlapping curricula in business administration and real estate economics.
• Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Umwelt (HfWU): Baden-Württemberg state university offering bachelor's and master's degrees in real estate economics and related fields. Competes with DIA's Steinbeis BA/MA programs for the same regional working-professional cohort.
• Steinbeis Hochschule Berlin: Partner university that issues DIA's BA, MA, and MAS degrees through the Center for Real Estate Studies (CRES). Operates a similar dual-model of academic degrees plus professional certifications for working professionals across multiple German locations.
• Sprengnetter Akademie: Specialist in real estate valuation training and certification in Germany, with a strong brand among Sachverständige. Directly competes with DIA's Diplom-Sachverständige* and Beleihungswertgutachter* programs in the appraiser segment.
• EBZ Akademie (Europäisches Bildungszentrum der Wohnungs- und Immobilienwirtschaft): Germany's largest real estate professional education provider, located in Bochum. Both deliver broker, manager, and appraiser certifications, and DIA's IHK property manager exam prep is actually a joint program with EBZ, making it the most direct competitor/partner.
• ADI Akademie der Immobilienwirtschaft GmbH: Berlin-based private academy offering IHK-certified property manager training and continuing education for real estate professionals. Direct competitor in the same certification segment with similar online and hybrid delivery formats.

Regional players

• BBA Akademie der Immobilienwirtschaft e.V. Berlin-based academy affiliated with the BBU (German landlord and housing association) offering real estate management training. Regional overlap with DIA in Eastern Germany for property management and broker certification programs.

Broad incumbents

• IHK (Industrie- und Handelskammer): Germany's chamber of commerce system issues the Immobilienfachwirt IHK and certifies property managers directly. DIA operates alongside IHK as a preparation provider for IHK exams, so IHK is both a regulator/customer and a partial competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 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 German Real Estate Academy at the University of Freiburg