Keystone logo
Code University of Applied Sciences Berlin

Code University of Applied Sciences Berlin

Code University of Applied Sciences Berlin

Introduction

The Story of CODE

When our chancellor Thomas Bachem – a self-taught software engineer and designer – was looking for study programs to promote his endeavors as an internet entrepreneur, he was disappointed to see that the academic landscape mostly focused on the never-changing basic principles of Computer Science, instead of the exciting new possibilities of the internet and its opportunities.

He decided to study Economics at a private business school in Cologne, which is where he experienced firsthand the radical drive to apply academic theories to the real world and a personal, supportive learning environment. Out of both his fruitless search for a truly applied software-engineering program and his revolutionary experience at the private university, the idea for CODE was born: CODE would be to Computer Science what business schools are to classic Economics programs.

One decade later, Thomas had already founded several successful internet startups. As an entrepreneur and employer, he discovered time and time again that good software engineers, designers, and product managers – the key drivers for ambitious digital companies – are a rare resource in Europe and Germany in particular because classical university programs rarely qualify young men and women for the challenges of the new economy.

Our Mission

CODE is an international and inclusive learning environment that attracts digital pioneers from all over the world and empowers them to live up to their full potential. As a community, we stimulate transformative innovation by fostering creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and curiosity-driven learning.

CODE is your home base to reinvent the future through technology.

Innovative study programs

CODE offers three Bachelor’s programs for young talents striving to become developers, designers, and digital entrepreneurs.

Creating something meaningful

The core of our study programs is real-world projects, accompanied by seminars and workshops with an advanced flipped-classroom concept.

Challenge-based learning

Assisted by a mentor, students evolve competencies, learn how to collaborate, and reach their full potential.

Positive impact on society

A Science, Technology, and Society Program that supports a broad horizon and a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving.

Study while creating something meaningful

Our methodology is based on extensive research into how people learn best. It stimulates deeper cognition and greater conceptual understanding, develops critical skills that enable you to adapt as the world changes, and will serve you for the rest of your life.

Theory needs practice

Challenging projects and interdisciplinary teams with peer-to-peer collaboration are at the core of our learning approach.

Reflection and support

Small seminars and your academic mentor will challenge your skills, encourage you to reflect, and help you grow.

Become a Digital Pioneer

By acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills “just in time”, you will strengthen your personal competencies and develop a pioneer’s mindset.

Lifelong learning

Flexible in every way, CODE encourages you to never stop learning, follow your own ideas and reach your full potential.

STS – our Science, Technology, and Society program

CODE is a place where we reflect on technology and design.

CODE combines technological teaching with a liberal arts education. STS tries to make you more creative, and prepare you for the responsibility that comes with working at the heart of many current social changes.

There are no limits: Meet great minds. Read great books. Express yourself in ways you haven’t before.

A community for the digital tech economy

CODE wants to be a place where talented and ambitious students from diverse backgrounds come together, forming a community of tomorrow’s Digital Pioneers. Where you realize your potential, create meaningful projects, and have a positive impact on society.

Our partner network

181992_c9652f5d-300x121.png
181993_758972fa-300x169.png

181994_2d4af5a9-300x169.png
181995_2bdd4262-300x155.png

181996_cbb8a365-300x121.png
181997_c9652f5d-300x121.png

Who are the people behind CODE?

CODE is inspired and backed by Germany’s most successful and visionary internet entrepreneurs, as well as courageous educators who think higher education needs an update.

Founded by entrepreneurs

Supported by more than two dozen German internet pioneers, CODE offers unique opportunities in the startup community.

Supported by renowned scientific experts

CODE’s academic council consists of tech-enthusiastic academic leaders with outstanding reputations.

Built with a hands-on approach

Digital experts and enthusiasts themselves, the management team of CODE cultivates a strong hands-on mentality.

Part of a worldwide movement

CODE is connected to leading tech and entrepreneurial initiatives around the globe.

Admissions

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.

There are four steps you will need to pass to complete your personal journey to CODE. We will not give you all the details here, but you can find some information about the process below.

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 do a check of 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:

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

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 to us that your English skills are at least at a B2 level. You can find a list of certificates and documents that we accept here.

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.

Visa Requirements

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.

Student Testimonials

Locations

  • Berlin

    Lohmühlenstraße,65, 12435, Berlin

    Questions