Steinbeis University — Schools of Next Practices (S-Next) is the Berlin-based campus of Steinbeis University, one of Germany's leading private universities of applied sciences, offering Bachelor's, Master's, MBA and Executive Education programs entirely in English. Located at Rudower Chaussee 28, 12489 Berlin (Adlershof), S-Next is accredited by the German Accreditation Council and draws on over 150 years of German academic heritage rooted in the legacy of Ferdinand von Steinbeis, the father of industrial education in Württemberg.

S-Next's defining identity is captured in its tagline: Based in Berlin. Built for the world. Its programs are designed for a global student community, combining the academic rigor of the German university system with real-world, industry-relevant application, flexible study formats, personal coaching for every student, and a commitment to fair, competitive tuition fees.

The Steinbeis legacy

Ferdinand von Steinbeis, the 19th-century economic politician and industrialization champion for whom the institution is named, famously demanded: "You must rely on innovations and people." Posthumously considered the father of industrial education in Württemberg, he founded trade schools throughout the state — including the weaving schools in Blaubeuren (1852) and Reutlingen (1855) — and was a pioneering advocate of dual education: the conviction that only the combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills could effectively train the professionals of the future. That founding philosophy remains the backbone of Steinbeis's educational model today.

The broader Steinbeis Network, which honours von Steinbeis's legacy, comprises around 1,000 companies and 6,000 experts providing research, consulting and training in technology and management, primarily based at universities. For over 40 years, Steinbeis has been synonymous with applied knowledge, research, entrepreneurship and industry collaboration, standing at the forefront of German higher education.

Accreditation

All programs at Steinbeis University S-Next are accredited by the German Accreditation Council (Akkreditierungsrat), the national body responsible for quality assurance in German higher education. This accreditation ensures that all degrees are recognised throughout Germany and across the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), and carry the full standing of state-recognised German university qualifications.

Study formats

S-Next offers three distinct study modes, each designed to serve different student profiles and life circumstances:

• On Campus (Berlin): full on-campus study at the Berlin Adlershof campus, led by industry professors and enhanced by the digital INSIDER learning platform, covering Bachelor's, Master's and MBA programs
• Transnational: a hybrid format designed specifically for international students preparing to study in Germany, beginning with online modules and transitioning to on-campus studies in Berlin — ideal for students who need to arrange their move to Germany while already advancing academically
• Online: fully online study structured around the INSIDER platform, with content, materials and assessments delivered digitally and interactive live sessions with lecturers held every eight weeks to deepen knowledge and maintain community

The INSIDER platform

INSIDER is S-Next's proprietary digital learning platform, giving students access to course materials, assignments and feedback in one integrated environment, compatible with all devices. It supports both on-campus and online students, providing flexibility to study on their own schedule alongside or in addition to their classroom and live session commitments.

Student tools and support

• Next Buddy: S-Next's AI assistant, available 24/7, helping students navigate everything from thesis submission processes to exam regulations, accessible via the S-Next wiki
• JoinNext: a job-matching platform fully developed by the S-Next team, connecting student profiles to the jobs that match them best, available from enrollment
• Study Quiz: an online quiz to help prospective students identify which program and specialisation best fits their goals and background
• 1:1 Personal Coaching: every S-Next student receives individual coaching from faculty and academic advisors throughout their program, supporting both academic progress and career development
• S-Next Simulations Marketplace: a dedicated platform for accessing business and management simulations as part of applied learning.

Academic programs

S-Next offers programs across four levels, all taught in English:

• Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration (On Campus, Berlin): specialisations in Management and Innovation, and Innovation, Technology and Digitalisation
• Master of Business Administration (MBA): on campus, online and transnational formats, with specialisations in Management Excellence, Digital Innovation and Business Transformation, Data Analytics and AI, Business and Organizational Psychology, Sustainable Management, Digital Marketing, HR and Change Management, Management and Innovation, and Creative Leadership
• Master of Arts (M.A.): Digital Marketing, Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, Digital Innovation and Business Transformation, and Business Organizational Psychology (Human Resource Management and Cyber Psychology specialisations)
• Master of Science (M.Sc.): Business Management (with specialisations in Digital Innovation, Digital Marketing, Data Analytics and AI, Management and Innovation), AI and Engineering for Medical Applications, and Applicable AI and Cybersecurity
• Diploma of Advanced Studies: Managing the Business Transformation, Sustainable Business Management, Mastering Data Technology, Managing the AI Transformation, and Creative Leadership
• Certificate of Advanced Studies: Project Management, Innovation Management, Change Management, Strategic Management, Sustainable Finance and Risk, Sustainable Growth Strategies, Sustainable Entrepreneurship, Artificial Intelligence, Data Exploration and Analytics, Data Strategy and Governance, Data Driven Business Models and Products, Digital Infrastructure and Principles of Software Development, and Accounting for Creatives
• Executive Education: Talent Management Services and Customised Programs for organisations

Key advantages

• No German Abitur or German undergraduate degree required for the MBA: international students can apply without a German high school diploma or German bachelor's degree, with tailored academic and career guidance from leading faculty and advisors
• Competitive tuition fees: S-Next is committed to fair pricing on the principle that good education does not have to be expensive
• Scholarships of up to 40% are available across programs for eligible applicants
• Seamless transfer opportunities: programs are designed for applicability, enabling smooth credit transfers and academic progression without disruption
• Flexibility: study formats, delivery modes and curriculum are designed to balance personal and professional goals alongside academic progress

Campus and location

The S-Next campus is located at Rudower Chaussee 28, 12489 Berlin, in the Adlershof district — one of Europe's largest science and technology parks, home to over 1,200 companies and six non-university research institutions, as well as the natural sciences faculties of Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. This location places S-Next students at the intersection of academia, research and industry in one of the world's most vibrant, diverse and internationally connected cities.

Events and community

S-Next maintains an active events calendar for its student and alumni community, including virtual game nights, alumni webinars featuring graduates already working in Berlin, and on-campus graduation ceremonies. The first ever Steinbeis Next Graduation Ceremony was held on 31 July 2026 at the Adlershof campus, marking a historic milestone for the institution. Academic and corporate partnerships are actively pursued; enquiries can be directed to partnerships@steinbeis-next.de.

Why Steinbeis University S-Next

1. German Accreditation Council-accredited degrees recognised throughout Germany and the European Higher Education Area, from a university rooted in over 150 years of applied education heritage
2. All programs taught entirely in English, with no German language or German academic background required for entry to the MBA
3. Three study formats — on campus in Berlin, transnational (hybrid) and fully online — serving students in Germany and worldwide
4. A comprehensive program portfolio spanning Bachelor's, MBA, M.A., M.Sc., Diploma and Certificate of Advanced Studies, and Executive Education
5. INSIDER platform, Next Buddy AI assistant, JoinNext job matching and 1:1 personal coaching, all integrated into every student's experience from day one
6. Scholarships of up to 40% and competitive tuition fees grounded in the conviction that good education should be accessible
7. A campus in Berlin Adlershof, one of Europe's leading science and technology parks, in one of the world's most dynamic, international cities.