Code University of Applied Sciences

CODE is a private, state-recognized university of applied sciences for digital product development and entrepreneurship based in Berlin. CODE uses a carefully curated mix of peer-to-peer learning, practical skills development, and real-world experiences to provide its students with a 360-degree learning experience. The faculty consists of experienced professionals from the technology industry. Students are encouraged to work on interdisciplinary projects throughout their studies that enable them to solve real-world problems. You will work in teams and maintain relationships with each other while improving your problem-solving, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills. At CODE, students become part of the entire digital product development cycle from design to development to execution. CODE attracts a diverse student cohort from around the world. There are currently over 50 nationalities represented in the student body. International students make up a significant part of the CODE community and benefit from the opportunity to study in Berlin, a vibrant and innovative technology center in Europe. All courses are taught in English.

Welcome to CODE, a private, state-recognized university in the heart of Berlin! This is where innovative thinkers and future designers come together to redefine learning. They are supported by over 50 of Germany's most successful startup founders. Our campus is a playing field for the digital pioneers of tomorrow, embedded in an ecosystem of innovative companies and creative minds.

Our learning concept has been rethought from the ground up

Self-directed learning

In a networked world in which all types of information sources are often just a click away, pure theory teaching at university is no longer up-to-date. Our goal is not just to pass on existing knowledge, but to enable our students to independently develop new areas of knowledge, to use the new knowledge sensibly, and to work with it practically. To do this, we rely on self-directed learning, peer learning, and the exchange of experiences within our community. This creates a lively learning community that promotes new insights and knowledge every day.

Interdisciplinary teamwork

The selected project ideas are worked on by interdisciplinary teams made up of students from the three degree programs Software Engineering, Interaction Design, and Product Management. These three disciplines reflect the competencies required to develop successful digital products in practice. Working in a team allows students to improve their communication and collaboration skills and develop important leadership skills. In this learning environment, innovative projects for the world of tomorrow emerge from the diversity of ideas and productive collaboration among students.

Real projects

The first semester offers students the opportunity to arrive at CODE and orient themselves. It helps them understand the learning concept and prepare for the upcoming core semesters. At the beginning of each core semester, students, teachers, and partner companies pitch their project ideas with which they want to develop digital solutions for real problems. From this broad spectrum, the students then choose a project that arouses their interest and curiosity and fits their learning goals to implement it in a team with other students during the semester. In some ways, studying at CODE is like a long series of hackathons.

Professors as mentors

Lectures are a medieval tradition (seriously!). That's why we don't have any typical lecture halls on campus. At CODE, professors take on the role of mentors and learning companions. You moderate interactive learning formats and promote active learning and the practical application of knowledge. They do not see it as their job to simply pass on knowledge but rather want to inspire students, awaken their creativity, support them in working through problems and, if necessary, help them with their specialist knowledge and expertise.

Science, Technology & Society (STS)

A Liberal Arts Education for Digital Pioneers

We believe that all students should think about the social impact of their work while taking into account the political forces they are feeding in a world of new media – if they are to become and grow into digital pioneers.

Our Science, Technology & Society program offers students a comprehensive overview of the world with roots in philosophy, psychology, literature, economics, law, and science.

Ask the big questions. Take time to find the answers. Do something wonderful with all the new and old ways of cultural expression that our world provides.

Requirements to study at CODE

CODE admission process

Are you up for an exciting journey? Our admissions process is designed to identify if you are the type of student who will realize your potential at CODE and become a valuable part of our learning community.

Higher education entrance qualification

German regulations for higher education require you to have a higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung) to enroll in a Bachelor’s degree program. That usually means a high school diploma or A-level certificate, but depending on where you went to school, you might need to take further steps.

We will check your qualifications once you complete the first step in our admission process, the written application.

Here are a few ways for you to check your eligibility before then:

• German Academic Exchange Service
• additional information: for the IB diploma and GCE
• Higher Education Compass (offered by the Germans Rectors’ Conference)
• Database on admission requirements (offered by the German Academic Exchange Service)

Student visa for Germany

Applicants from outside the EU

If you are from outside the EU, you will need a student visa to move to Germany and start your studies at CODE. Your best course of action would be to contact the German embassy in your country as early as possible to get the specifications for the process.

In general, you will have to meet these requirements for a student visa:

• a valid passport

• Health insurance that covers Germany

• Proof of secure livelihood, e.g., blocked account

• a letter of admission from CODE
  (you will get this from our student affairs team once you have passed all stages of the admissions process)

If there are any additional documents, you’ll need from us for your visa application, reach out to our Student Affairs team for support.

Proof of English language proficiency

As our study programs are in English, you will need to prove that your English skills are at least at a B2 level. Here’s a summary of how you can show proof of your language skills; please check the admission regulations for more details and minimum scores.

You are a native English speaker:

• You are a citizen of a majority English-speaking country
• You underwent most of your primary and secondary education in a majority English-speaking country
• You have a university degree which was taught in English

You completed school in Germany or the EU/EEA:

• (Fach-)Hochschulreife
• EU + EEA secondary school certificate.

You have a valid English proficiency certificate:

• IELTS Academic
• TOEFL
• Duolingo English Test
• Cambridge Certificates
• (I)GCSE

Sources may also tell you that you will need a certificate that proves sufficient German skills; however, we do not require proof of German language proficiency.

Applicants from outside the EU

We recommend that you plan on it taking up to 3 months to complete the visa process.

Things to consider before you apply:

Familiarise yourself with the general requirements to study at CODE & do some research about studying and living in Berlin.

We recommend that you plan on it taking up to 3 months to complete the visa process. Assistance from CODE for our admitted students will include support during the visa process in your home country and also once you arrive in Germany.

Think about expenses you might have to take care of to make your CODE dream come true. Perhaps a scholarship is a solution.

We do not offer accommodation, scholarships, or any commitment to assume cost-of-living expenses for you.

In the heart of Europe’s most dynamic city, Berlin, our campus isn’t just a building. We’ve sculpted an environment where our students don’t just visit but belong—a place they consider home. It’s a creative playground that’s always buzzing with activity, open 24/7 for continuous inspiration and fun.

We’re proud of our campus being part of Factory Berlin, a vibrant ecosystem of creators from tech, creative, and corporate industries, through an exclusive and unique partnership. While the core of our campus on the 4th floor of the building offers around 1,900 sqm of exclusive space for faculty and students, we call the entire 14,000 sqm building with dozens of nice and cozy co-working areas, meeting rooms, a cafe, and a restaurant and even a ball pit our home.