GISMA University of Applied Sciences
Quick answer: GISMA University of Applied Sciences is a private university in Potsdam and Berlin offering English-taught business and technology programmes. For 2026 intakes a bachelor’s costs €13,825 a year and a master’s €16,250–25,100 in total, depending on length. There is no separate application fee, and there are four intakes a year: January, April, July and October.
As a practice-oriented University of Applied Sciences, GISMA makes timing flexible thanks to its year-round intakes, and its English requirement can also be met through the university’s own free test.
Tuition fees for 2026 intakes
| Programme | Length | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s (180 ECTS) | 3 years | €13,825 a year |
| Master’s, 60 ECTS | 1 year | €16,250 (whole programme) |
| Master’s, 90 ECTS | 1.5 years | €19,200 (whole programme) |
| Master’s, 120 ECTS | 2 years | €25,100 (whole programme) |
| Foundation Programme | 6 months | €6,920 |
| Deposit | — | €1,500 (€3,000 for some programmes and countries); deducted from the total fee |
Source: gisma.com — tuition fees and funding, Foundation Programme — checked 11/2026.
Fees are quoted on an all-inclusive basis, so there are no separate application, enrolment, exam or thesis charges. Bachelor’s students from some countries may be asked to pay the first year upfront instead of a deposit — confirm with admissions what applies to Azerbaijan.
Scholarships and discounts
- Sibling and spouse discount: 35%.
- Women in Tech: 100% for 4 students and 50% for 12 students each year, on the MSc Data Science, AI & Digital Business and the MEng Computer Science.
- Think Digital: €1,000 off the first year at the Potsdam campus.
Source: gisma.com — checked 11/2026.
Entry requirements and applying
- Bachelor’s: a school certificate giving access to higher education plus an admission test for international students. If you do not meet the requirements, the 6-month Foundation Programme (entry with IELTS 5.5) is the route in, and 50% of its fee is deducted from the final bachelor’s semester.
- English: B2 — IELTS 6.0 with no band below 5.5, or an equivalent TOEFL iBT, PTE or Duolingo score. GISMA also offers its own English test free of charge.
- Master’s: bachelor’s degree, CV, motivation letter and proof of English.
Source: gisma.com — BSc Business Management, Foundation Programme — checked 11/2026.
Choose a programme and start month, apply online with your attestat or degree, language certificate (or the GISMA test) and passport, pay the deposit once admitted, then open a blocked account and apply for a German student visa. Because the visa and blocked account take time, apply at least 3–4 months before your chosen start. Proof of funds, per DAAD, is €992 a month from 1 January 2025 (check the current amount with the embassy).
Budget examples
| Route | Calculation (official prices) | Total tuition |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s, 3 years | 3 × €13,825 | €41,475 |
| Foundation + bachelor’s | €6,920 (half deducted from the last semester) + €41,475 | approx. €44,935 |
| Master’s, 1 year (60 ECTS) | — | €16,250 |
| Master’s, 2 years (120 ECTS) | — | €25,100 |
Source: gisma.com, Foundation Programme — checked 11/2026.
These are tuition figures only. When choosing between a 60 and a 120 ECTS master’s, think beyond price: some countries may require 120 ECTS for further study or work after a master’s. Before deciding, check the programme’s accreditation and recognition of the degree in Azerbaijan. For another private option, see Constructor University.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get in without IELTS?
Yes. GISMA offers its own English test free of charge; otherwise you need IELTS 6.0 with no band below 5.5.
What level do I need for the Foundation Programme?
IELTS 5.5. The programme lasts 6 months and half its fee comes off the final bachelor’s semester.
When is the deposit paid?
After admission: €1,500 for most international students, €3,000 for some programmes and countries, and it is deducted from the overall fee.
How much is a master’s at GISMA?
For the whole programme, €16,250 (1 year), €19,200 (1.5 years) or €25,100 (2 years).
Plan it with us
Tell us which GISMA intake you are aiming for and we will help you line up the documents, deposit and blocked account in time. Book a free consultation.