A World-Class German Degree - Made Accessible

Choosing a master's programme is one of the most significant investments of your career. At Steinbeis University - Schools of Next Practices (S-Next) - we believe the deciding factor should be your ambition and talent, not your budget. That is why we offer scholarship support across our full range of MBA, MSc, and MA programmes, whether you choose to study on campus in Berlin, fully online from anywhere in the world, or through our flexible Transnational pathway.

This guide explains what scholarships are available, which programmes qualify, how the three study formats compare, and what the broader value of a Steinbeis Next degree looks like - so you can make the most informed decision for your future.

Why Study at Steinbeis University?

Steinbeis University is a private, state-recognised institution based in Berlin, Germany. Founded under the Steinbeis Foundation - Germany's leading knowledge and technology transfer organisation - it has built a reputation over more than 25 years for practical, industry-driven education that bridges academic theory and real-world application.

Every programme at S-Next is:

•       State-recognised and accredited by the German Accreditation Council (GAC) and FIBAA

•       Aligned with the Bologna Process, meaning your qualification is recognised across the entire European Higher Education Area

•       Taught entirely in English, welcoming a global student body

•       Designed for working professionals, with flexible formats that fit around real careers

•       Backed by industry professors who bring direct business expertise into the classroom

For on-campus graduates, Steinbeis Next also offers an 18-month post-graduation work permit, giving you the right to remain in Germany and seek qualified employment after completing your degree. This makes a Steinbeis Next education not just an academic credential - but a gateway into the European job market.

Three Ways to Study: Online, On Campus, Transnational

Steinbeis Next offers its master's programmes in three distinct formats. Each leads to the same accredited German degree, and scholarship support is available across all three. The right choice depends on where you are in life, what flexibility you need, and whether you intend to relocate to Germany.

The Transnational pathway deserves special attention for international students who want the flexibility of online learning combined with the career advantages of being on campus in Germany. You begin your studies from your home country, then transition to Berlin for your second year - giving you time to prepare while already holding enrolled student status at a German university.

MBA Programmes: Business Excellence at Every Level

The Steinbeis MBA family is one of the most flexible on the market. Whether you want a focused 1-year general MBA or a specialised 3-semester programme with a deep-dive into a chosen discipline, there is an option — online or on campus — to match your ambitions and schedule.

MBA in Management Excellence (General MBA)

Duration: 2 semesters (1 year)  •  Tuition: From €19,800  •  Format: On Campus (Berlin) or Online

The flagship 60-ECTS MBA is the fastest route to a state-recognised German business degree. Designed for ambitious professionals with or without a traditional bachelor's degree, this programme delivers core management, strategy, and leadership skills in just one year. It is equally available online — ideal for those who need flexibility — and on campus in Berlin for those ready to immerse themselves in one of Europe's most dynamic cities.

MBA Management Excellence Specialisations - On Campus & Online

For professionals seeking a deeper focus, S-Next offers 8 MBA specialisations, each available both on campus in Berlin and as a fully online programme (3 semesters, from €21,800 and €7880):

Each specialisation combines core management foundations with discipline-specific modules, practical case studies, and a thesis project. Industry professors - practitioners active in their fields - bring current, real-world relevance directly into the curriculum.

MSc Programmes: Academic Depth Meets Business Rigour

The Master of Science (MSc) programmes at Steinbeis offer a deeper academic journey than the MBA, with a stronger research and methodological foundation alongside practical business application. These two-year programmes are accredited at the highest level and are ideal for candidates who want to build genuine technical or analytical expertise alongside advanced management skills.

MSc in Business Management - Specialisations

Available on campus in Berlin, fully online, and via the Transnational (hybrid) pathway. Duration: 4 semesters (2 years), from €23,800.

MSc - Specialist Technology Programmes

S-Next also offers two specialist MSc programmes at the intersection of technology, healthcare, and sustainability:

MA Programmes: Focused, Fast, and Forward-Looking

The Master of Arts (MA) programmes at Steinbeis are designed for candidates who want a focused, career-ready qualification in a specific professional discipline - in a shorter, more accessible format. At 2 semesters (1 year) and with tuition starting from €12,900, the MA programmes offer an outstanding entry point into a German postgraduate credential.

MA Programmes - On Campus & Online

The 1-year MA programmes are particularly well-suited to professionals who already hold specialist expertise and want to formalise it with an internationally recognised academic credential - quickly and without disrupting an active career.

Beyond the Scholarship: Built-In Financial Flexibility

S-Next has built a range of features into its programmes that reduce the total cost of studying — in ways that many universities simply do not offer.

Flexible Payment Options

You choose how you pay. Tuition can be settled in full upfront, split by semester, or spread across monthly instalments(For online options). There is no penalty for the instalment route - it is simply designed to make studying possible for professionals who are managing real financial commitments.

Free Programme Extension

Students can extend their programme duration by up to one full sememster at no additional cost. This is particularly valuable for working professionals who face fluctuating demands on their time, or for students who want extra space to complete a thesis project to the highest standard.

Online Cost Savings

For online students, the financial advantages go further than the scholarship itself. Studying remotely eliminates the costs of relocating to Berlin - accommodation, daily commuting, and the higher cost of living in a major European capital. For many students, this difference alone makes the online MBA or MSc a significantly more affordable total investment.

Employer Sponsorship

Given that Steinbeis Next programmes are explicitly designed for working professionals, many students are supported - partially or fully - by their employers as part of a professional development or talent retention investment. If you are currently employed, it is worth having a direct conversation with your HR or leadership team before you apply.

The Real Value: A German Degree That Opens Doors

Every Steinbeis Next scholarship must be evaluated in the context of what the degree itself is worth - and the return on that investment is substantial.

State-Recognised and Internationally Credible

Your Steinbeis degree is awarded by a German state-recognised university and accredited by the German Accreditation Council (GAC) and FIBAA. It carries the same official status as qualifications from any traditional German university. Aligned with the Bologna Process, it is recognised across the entire European Higher Education Area - and beyond.

18-Month Post-Study Work Permit

On-campus graduates are entitled under German law to an 18-month residence permit for jobseekers, allowing them to remain in Germany after graduation and search for qualified employment. This gives you direct access to Europe's largest economy, with no time pressure to accept the first offer that comes along.

A Global Professional Network

Steinbeis University - Schools of Next Practices attracts students from across the world, united by a shared commitment to practical, professional education. Whether you study online or on campus, you graduate as part of an international alumni community - a network that spans industries, continents, and career stages.

Start Your Journey

A Steinbeis Next scholarship is your opportunity to reduce the financial barrier to one of the most career-defining decisions you will make. The degree is real, the recognition is international, and the doors it opens - in Germany, across Europe, and globally - are substantial.

Speak to a study advisor today. Find out which programme fits your goals, whether you qualify for scholarship support, and what the next step looks like for you specifically.

FAQs

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Is my degree officially recognized in Germany?

Yes. All students are enrolled at Steinbeis University, a state-recognized German university of applied sciences. Your degree is officially awarded by Steinbeis University.

Are the programs accredited?

Is the degree internationally recognized?

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