Karlshochschule

Karlshochschule: An international, individual and responsible career

Karlshochschule is international – not only in its aspirations, but also in its everyday life. Since our foundation, we have been offering students from all over the world a new academic home and accompanying them on their way to Germany and Europe. In doing so, we not only support them professionally, but also practically: from accommodation to language courses and intercultural training. The aim is for everyone to be ready to take on responsibility in business, technology, society or culture in Europe at the end of their studies. At the same time, we are also the ideal university for students from Germany who want to discover the world. They study in an international environment, take regional studies and foreign languages, complete semesters abroad or international internships – and end up with a degree that opens doors worldwide.

Our degree programs combine business, society and culture in a new, interdisciplinary way. We do not believe in standard solutions, but in diversity – pluralistically conceived, interculturally lived and critically reflected. Our students contribute their own perspectives, work together and learn together – supported by interactive teaching formats, small learning groups and personal support. We pursue a clear didactic concept: in a triad of instruction, construction and reflection, our students not only acquire knowledge, but also the ability to acquire new knowledge independently, to think critically and to apply this knowledge meaningfully in new, complex situations. We understand research as a search for the future of knowledge – as a joint, questioning exploration and the development of new ideas and solutions in which students are actively involved and encouraged to contribute their own perspectives and topics.

We are aimed at anyone who is willing to develop and contribute. Our approach to teaching is to participate rather than just listen. For us, it’s less about formal qualifications and more about the willingness to learn. Whether you have a high school diploma, university entrance qualification, vocational qualification or international school-leaving certificate – we offer suitable paths to study for many educational biographies.

We see careers as something very personal: everyone has their own strengths, values and goals – we help our students to discover these and find their path. This can be in a medium-sized company, in a start-up, in the arts and culture sector, in international organizations or somewhere else entirely. We combine career with creativity – because new ideas are more important today than mere factual knowledge – and with responsibility, because we are convinced that cooperation, ethics and social commitment are the basis for real sustainability. Whether in Karlsruhe or at the campus in Potsdam with a focus on artistic and creative projects, or in Chemnitz with technological and innovative approaches: Our study locations offer different focuses – and yet a common spirit.

Our understanding of education is based on the concept of future capabilities – the ability not only to deal with change, but to actively shape it. Our students learn to find their way in complex, uncertain environments, recognize opportunities, act wisely and take responsibility – for themselves, for others, for organizations and for society. They acquire professional expertise and interdisciplinary skills such as resilience, innovation, teamwork and the ability to reflect. After completing their studies, they are not only ready to start their careers, but also for further education – be it a Master’s degree, a doctorate or lifelong learning. And we accompany them – step by step.

Voices from the Karls

This program provides a unique opportunity to refresh my knowledge and get familiar with the Karls early on. The positive experiences I’ve made in the PreMaster confirm my decision to do my Master’s here 100 %!

Elena

I believe that at Karlshochschule I got to understand what role management plays in the cultural field and how tremendous it is in enabling artistic performance.

Friedemann Bauknecht

When I first thought of International Relations, I used to think of a very theoretical approach. But here at Karls that is not the only thing we do. The focus lies on team work and critical thinking, learning by doing and questioning everything in the process.

Svenja

In today’s digitized world we are incredibly sensitive to media content and the media makers and managers need an international perspective on the subject.

Nico

Coming from a multicultural background, I find studying, thinking and creating in an environment as diverse as Karlshochschule to be a real blessing. I’ve never been one to fall when I can jump and at a place like the Karls you certainly learn how to jump high.

Oliver

Everything here is so international and it’s like you can experience the whole world.

Aakash

Studies at the Karls. Facts and highlights briefly checked.

  • Bachelor of Arts in 6 semesters
  • Master of Arts in 4 semesters
  • State-recognized and system-accredited
  • Top position in the CHE ranking
  • International, colorful and active atmosphere
  • English-language and German-language study programs
  • Semester abroad and internship semester (Bachelor)
  • Real company projects
  • Small learning groups and interactive teaching
  • Individual support from professors
  • Focus on personal development
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Bachelor Preparation Program

Bachelor degree programs at Karlshochschule

Master’s degree programs at Karlshochschule

For all study programs, the monthly tuition fee (from the start of the winter semester 2025/26) is € 550 for EU countries and € 750 for non-EU countries.