What we stand for

The HWR Berlin combines economics, business law, administration and security management, and engineering with a strong practical focus, applied research and an international outlook. Whether you wish to study, teach, conduct research or join our team, the HWR Berlin offers a wide range of opportunities.

Nearly all of the 57 degree programs have been converted to bachelor’s and master’s degrees, have undergone quality assurance, and bear the seal of the Accreditation Council. In addition, HWR Berlin has received the Total-E-Quality distinction eight times in a row for its commitment to equal opportunity; this distinction recognizes companies and universities with human resources and organizational policies focused on equal opportunity. Since November 2016, HWR Berlin has been committed to continuously improving the balance between studies, work, and family life, a commitment confirmed in December 2025 by its fourth certification as a family-friendly university.

For future employees

The “Family-Friendly University” certification and the Total-E-Quality distinction also make HWR Berlin an attractive employer in the fields of academia and administration. Flexible work schedules, remote work options, parent-child rooms, and flexible childcare options help you balance your career and family life.

• Studying with a family
• Family service

HWR Berlin offers a wide range of application-oriented research activities. Research is conducted across five departments, the Berlin Professional School, ten internal research institutes, and six affiliated institutes on topics in the economic and social sciences, public administration, engineering, and law. A multidisciplinary approach fosters the development of joint research priorities. The university also provides targeted support for research activities through internal research funding and is a member of the Institute for Applied Research Berlin e. V. (IFAF).

For researchers and future professors:

Nine internal research institutes, six affiliated institutes, and an active internal research funding program provide a strong foundation for applied research at a university of applied sciences (HAW).

• Research at the HWR Berlin
• Professorship at the HWR Berlin

Internationality is an integral part of the university’s philosophy and shapes both its academic programs and research. Currently, there are over 170 active partnerships with universities on nearly every continent. In addition, HWR Berlin is a member of the “Alliance for Excellence” (UAS7) consortium of universities, which is committed to quality and internationality and works to expand joint research projects.

• International focus
• International students

A key guiding principle of HWR Berlin is the strong practical focus of its teaching. With over 2,200 dual study program spots, concentrated in the Department of Cooperative Studies Business • Technology, it is the largest provider of dual study programs in Berlin. What makes this form of study unique is the combination of theory and practice achieved by integrating qualified vocational training into the degree program. Students have an apprenticeship agreement with both HWR Berlin and a partner company.

For students in the Department of Business and Economics, the curriculum includes at least one internship semester. Close collaboration with companies—including through corporate advisory boards—is being steadily strengthened.

• Department of Cooperative Studies

The Berlin Professional School (BPS) brings together the MBA, continuing education master’s, and certificate programs offered by HWR Berlin. All degree programs are accredited and meet the highest quality standards. Professionals seeking to change career paths, further their education, and build an international network can pursue practice-oriented, interdisciplinary studies at BPS, either full-time or through distance learning.

• Berlin Professional School

At HWR Berlin, we work together to take responsibility for sustainable social development. Through teaching, academic programs, and continuing education, HWR Berlin imparts the necessary skills and, through innovative research and knowledge transfer, shapes sustainable and transformative processes.

• Sustainability and climate protection
   

HWR Berlin is firmly rooted in the cosmopolitan city of Berlin, one of the world’s most important centers of scholarship—shaped by figures such as Humboldt, Einstein, Virchow, Koch, Meitner, and Planck. Four universities, seven colleges, four art colleges, private institutions of higher education, and over 70 non-university research institutions contribute to Berlin’s reputation as a city of scholarship. Around 200,000 students from Germany and abroad study and live in Berlin.

• Locations