Gisma University of Applied Sciences

About GISMA University of Applied Sciences

  • Type & Recognition: GISMA is a state-recognized private university of applied sciences (“Fachhochschule / Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften”) in Germany.

  • History / Network: It is part of the Global University Systems (GUS) network.

  • Accreditations:

    • State accreditation via FIBAA.

    • AMBA accreditation for its Global MBA programme.

    • CIM accreditation for its marketing degrees (BSc / MSc) – very rare in Germany.

    • Business Graduates Association (BGA) accreditation.

    • It is also listed in the World Higher Education Database (WHED), which helps with international recognition.

 

University Ranking & Reputation

  • There is not strong presence in major global ranking tables (like QS or THE) specifically for GISMA as a research university, since it is a private Hochschule predominantly focused on applied education.

  • According to U-Scholars, GISMA is ranked #12 in some contexts, but this seems to be a more niche or specialized ranking (not equivalent to QS global university ranking).

  • Its recognitions and accreditations (AMBA, CIM, FIBAA, BGA) are strong signals in business education. These validate the quality and professional relevance of its programmes.

 

Campus Locations

GISMA has two main campuses in Germany:

  1. Potsdam – This is considered the flagship campus for many of its applied programmes.

  2. Berlin – Located in the city-centre for business, innovation, and close connectivity.

  3. London – GISMA also mentions a London campus, but this is for executive education and short courses, not all degree programmes.

 

Types of Courses (Study Levels)

GISMA offers a variety of programmes across different levels:

  1. Foundation Programme

    • A 6-month foundation semester to prepare for bachelor’s-level study, especially for those who need more subject knowledge or English prep.

    • Two pathways: Business (feeds into BSc Business Management, BSc International Business, BSc Data Science, etc.) and Computer Science (feeds into BSc Computer Science, BEng Software Engineering, BSc Data Science).

  2. Undergraduate (Bachelor)

    • BSc in Business Management & Marketing, International Business Management, Data Science / AI / Digital Business, Computer Science, Software Engineering, etc.

    • Some programmes are double-degree in partnership with Kingston University, London.

  3. Postgraduate (Master’s)

    • MSc International Business Management (different durations: 12 or 24 months)

    • Other MSc programmes (data science, digital business, etc.) – according to their factsheet.

    • Premaster options as well (for students needing preparatory coursework) according to their fees page.

  4. Global MBA

    • A 60 ECTS MBA programme.

    • This is one of their flagship business programmes.

  5. Short Courses / Executive Education

    • At the London campus, GISMA runs executive education and short courses.

 

Mode of Learning

  • The primary mode appears to be on-campus / in-person for most degree programmes, especially at Potsdam and Berlin campuses.

  • There may be blended or hybrid elements (especially for programs like MBA or for students who need flexibility), though this depends on the specific program – always check the programme page.

  • As of now, GISMA does not heavily promote fully online degrees for their UAS programmes (most are designed for on-campus study), but their flexible payment / study planning and support may provide some flexibility.

 

Number of Programmes

Based on GISMA’s own “Gisma at a Glance” factsheet:

  • 16 degree programmes in total.

  • These span across business, technology, data science, AI, and software engineering.

 

Fees & Funding / Scholarships

Tuition Fees (2025/26)

According to GISMA’s site:

  • Bachelor (180 ECTS): € 13,125 per year.

  • Foundation + Bachelor: same per-year cost, with special structure.

  • Master’s Programmes:

    • 60 ECTS: € 15,500 total.

    • 90 ECTS: € 18,350 total.

    • 120 ECTS: € 24,200 total.

  • Global MBA (60 ECTS): € 22,500 total.

 

Deposit & Payment

  • On acceptance, students pay a deposit of € 3,000.

  • Flexible payment plans: can split tuition into up to 10 instalments.

 

Highlights / Key Strengths (for International Students)

  • Very international student body: According to their factsheet, 2,000+ students from over 95 nations are enrolled.

  • Strong industry connections: Over 40 corporate partners (e.g., SAP, Deloitte, Mercedes-Benz, Fraunhofer) are listed for collaboration, internships, and real-world projects.

  • Partnership with Kingston University (London): This enables double-degree programmes (e.g., BSc) combining German and UK credentials.

  • High-quality accreditation: AMBA for MBA, CIM for marketing, FIBAA for national accreditation, BGA for business school impact.

  • Leadership & Impact credentials: Memberships with GIZ, links with UC Berkeley’s Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship, etc.

  • Economic & Social Impact: According to GISMA’s accreditation page, they hold a BSIS Impact Label – showing that the school has a measurable positive economic and social effect in the Berlin-Brandenburg region.

  • Flexible financial support: Scholarships specifically for women in tech, digital scholarships, and flexible payment options.

Scholarship

Women in Tech Scholarship

  • GISMA runs a “Women in Tech” scholarship specifically for female students who are applying to its tech / digital business-oriented master’s programmes, particularly MSc Data Science, AI & Digital Business and MEng Computer Science.

  • The scholarship is very generous: 4 full (100%) scholarships, plus 12 scholarships at 50% tuition are awarded each year.

  • This is merit-based and targeted at promoting gender diversity in tech fields.

 

GISMA High Achievers Scholarship (South Asia)

  • There is a High Achievers Scholarship specifically for undergraduate students from South Asia (countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, etc.).

  • The amount of scholarship is tied to your high school (or equivalent) GPA, and is given as a tuition-fee waiver.

  • Scholarship tiers (based on GPA) are approximately:

    • 60–64.99% → 5% waiver

    • 65–69.99% → 10% waiver

    • 70–74.99% → 20% waiver

    • 75–79.99% → 25% waiver

    • 80–84.99% → 30% waiver

    • 85% and above → up to 50% waiver

  • This is automatically considered based on your academic records during the admission process.

 

Early Bird Discount

  • GISMA offers an Early Bird Discount for both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

  • For UG students, this can be up to 5% or 10% off tuition, depending on timing and profile.

  • For PG (master’s) students, there’s a similar scheme: sources mention up to €5,000 discount under certain conditions.

  • Important: you often must pay your fee (or part of it) early to secure this discount. (Check with your programme consultant.)

 

Siblings & Spouse Discount

  • If you have a sibling or a spouse who is already enrolled at GISMA, you may be eligible for a 35% discount on your programme fees.

  • Conditions: the full annual tuition fee must be paid before orientation; the discount cannot be combined with other offers.

  • You will need to provide proof of relationship (e.g., a birth or marriage certificate).

 

GISMA Foundation / Merit-Based Scholarships (Including MBA)

  • For MBA students (Global MBA): There is a GISMA Education Fund, from which students can take a loan to cover up to 85% of tuition, repayable after graduation based on your future salary

  • Also, GISMA Foundation Scholarships are given to very strong candidates. These are merit-based: if you have excellent qualifications or financial need, you can apply via a scholarship committee.

  • For the Global MBA (Potsdam campus), there used to be a “Future Leaders Scholarship” that offered up to 50% tuition waiver for admitted MBA students.

  • According to an older MBA factsheet, for international MBA students, up to 50% scholarship per year is possible

Programs

Potsdam, Germany