CODE University of Applied Sciences is a private, English-medium tech university in Berlin, founded in 2017 by Thomas Bachem to train product-ready software engineers, interaction designers and product managers. It is state-recognised by the German Ministry of Education, holds institutional accreditation from the Wissenschaftsrat, and offers three bachelor’s and two master’s programmes taught 100% in English on a single Berlin-Kreuzberg campus.
The university runs a project-based, competency-driven curriculum with no traditional lectures or exams, and admission is decided through an Admission Day project rather than grade cutoffs. Around 37% of the 365 students come from 65 countries, making it a small but internationally diverse choice for Indian applicants who prefer applied product work over research-heavy computer science. Two annual intakes (August and February) plus rolling review, three flexible payment models and Germany’s 18-month post-study job-seeker visa keep the pathway open for self-funded Indian students.
- Type: Private University of Applied Sciences, state-recognised, Berlin
- Acceptance rate: Not officially disclosed; 25-35% (estimated) based on competency-based Admission Day selection
- Intakes: Fall (August) and Spring (February), rolling applications
- Direct Pay tuition: EUR 1,250/month or INR 1.20 lakh/month
- International students: 37% of 365 total students, 65 nationalities
- Language: 100% English-medium across all programmes
Also Check: MS Universities in Germany
CODE University charges no application fee, examination fee or student fee beyond tuition, and offers Direct Pay, Stretch Pay and an Income Share Agreement so students pay from future income. External funding comes from DAAD, Deutschlandstipendium and KfW education loans rather than in-house scholarships. Indian graduates use Germany’s study in Germany post-study route to switch to an EU Blue Card once employed.
Exchange rate used: 1 EUR = INR 96 as of September 2026
Admission Status: Open (Spring 2027 intake). The Spring 2027 application deadline is 01 February 2027, with programmes starting 26 February 2027. The next cycle, for Fall 2027 (August start), is expected to open October 2026 with a final deadline of 01 August 2027; CODE reviews applications on a rolling basis, so earlier submissions get earlier Admission Day slots.
Table of Contents
- Popular Courses and CODE Berlin Fees 2027
- CODE University of Applied Sciences Admission 2027
- CODE University of Applied Sciences Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
- CODE University of Applied Sciences Acceptance Rate 2027
- CODE Berlin Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
- CODE University of Applied Sciences Campus, Facilities and Student Life
- CODE University of Applied Sciences Scholarships 2027
- CODE University of Applied Sciences Rankings 2027
- CODE University of Applied Sciences Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
- CODE University of Applied Sciences vs Peer Universities
- CODE University of Applied Sciences FAQs
Popular Courses and CODE Berlin Fees 2027
CODE Berlin offers three bachelor’s programmes over six semesters and two master’s programmes at either 60 or 120 ECTS, all taught in English. Tuition is charged monthly rather than per semester, and every programme carries the same monthly rate under the Direct Pay model.
Master Programs at CODE University of Applied Sciences
The two master’s programmes run either as a 1-year 60 ECTS track for applicants with a suitable bachelor’s or a 2-year 120 ECTS track for career changers. At EUR 1,250/month, the 2-year track totals roughly EUR 30,000 and the 1-year track EUR 15,000.
| Program | Total Fee (EUR) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| M.Sc. Technology & Management | EUR 30,000 (2 yrs) | 28.8 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); English B2 |
| M.A. Innovation Design | EUR 30,000 (2 yrs) | 28.8 lakh | Bachelor’s with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended); portfolio |
Bachelor Programs at CODE University of Applied Sciences
All three bachelor’s programmes run six semesters (3 years) at EUR 1,250/month under Direct Pay, totalling roughly EUR 45,000 or INR 43.2 lakh. Stretch Pay drops the monthly cost to EUR 650 during study and defers the balance through an income share agreement.
| Program | Total Fee (EUR) | Total Fee (INR lakh) | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Sc. Software Engineering | EUR 45,000 | 43.2 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended); English B2 |
| B.A. Interaction Design | EUR 45,000 | 43.2 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended); design task |
| B.A. Product Management | EUR 45,000 | 43.2 lakh | Class 12 with 70% to 85% (recommended); Admission Day |
Insider note: Indian applicants overwhelmingly pick B.Sc. Software Engineering for its stronger EU Blue Card salary threshold. The Product Management track suits those with prior startup or internship experience since the Admission Day weights product judgement heavily.
Read More: CODE University of Applied Sciences Fees and Cost of Living Guide
CODE University of Applied Sciences Admission 2027
CODE University of Applied Sciences runs two intakes each year (Fall in August, Spring in February) with rolling review. The primary intake for Indian applicants is Fall, since it aligns with visa timelines and blocked-account processing.
| Milestone | Date | Notes for Indian Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2027 application deadline | 01 February 2027 | Rolling: apply 3-4 months earlier for an earlier Admission Day slot |
| Fall 2027 application deadline | 01 August 2027 | Recommended: submit by April 2027 for visa buffer |
| Credential verification (uni-assist / APS) | Start 8 to 10 weeks before deadline | APS certificate is mandatory for the German student visa |
| Spring 2027 programme start | 26 February 2027 | Orientation week begins the same week |
| Fall 2027 programme start | 28 August 2027 | Blocked account of EUR 11,904 required before visa interview |
Planning note: The German student visa slot at the Berlin consular offices in India often runs a 10 to 12 week queue in April to July. Applying in December or January for the Fall intake keeps your visa timeline safely ahead of the 28 August start.
Read More: CODE University of Applied Sciences Admissions Guide for Indian Students
CODE University of Applied Sciences Admission Requirements for Indian Applicants 2027
Admission is competency-based rather than grade-driven, but Indian applicants still need to clear the academic and language thresholds below.
Master’s requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree with 55% or CGPA 5.5/10 (recommended) in a related field (engineering, design or business for the two respective tracks)
- English proficiency at B2 level, roughly IELTS 5.5 to 6.0 or TOEFL iBT 72 (verify at code.berlin)
- APS certificate from the German Embassy in New Delhi, mandatory for both admission and visa
- Portfolio (Innovation Design) or motivation project (Technology & Management) submitted before Admission Day
Bachelor’s requirements:
- Class 12 (CBSE, ISC or State Board) with 70% to 85% (recommended); specific stream requirements do not apply
- English proficiency at B2 level or equivalent
- APS certificate before visa filing
Key insight: The Admission Day project matters more than your marks. Applicants with Class 12 scores in the 65% to 70% band who demonstrate strong product thinking or coding samples do get admitted, so treat the project brief as the actual gatekeeper.
CODE University of Applied Sciences Acceptance Rate 2027
CODE University of Applied Sciences does not publish an official acceptance rate. Based on its cohort size (365 students across five programmes) and public statements about competitive Admission Day selection, the acceptance rate is estimated at 25-35% (estimated). The estimate is directional only; CODE explicitly rejects numerus clausus and evaluates each applicant on the project and interview.
The Admission Day project (a 2 to 3 week take-home brief followed by an on-campus or remote interview) is the actual filter. Traditional grade-heavy applications without a strong project submission tend to fail regardless of marks.
Reality check: Indian applicants with 60% to 75% Class 12 marks have been admitted where the Admission Day project was strong. Conversely, 90%+ marks alone will not carry an application if the project shows weak product or coding depth.
Read More: CODE University of Applied Sciences Acceptance Rate
CODE Berlin Fees and Cost of Living for Indian Students 2027
Total annual cost for an Indian student sits at roughly EUR 26,900 to EUR 30,900 (INR 25.8 to 29.7 lakh) under Direct Pay, combining tuition of EUR 15,000 with Berlin living costs of EUR 11,900 to EUR 15,900 per year.
CODE Berlin Tuition Fees for Indian Students 2027
CODE offers three payment models with the same underlying programme cost.
| Payment Model | Monthly (EUR) | Annual (EUR) | Annual (INR lakh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Pay | EUR 1,250 | EUR 15,000 | 14.4 lakh |
| Stretch Pay (during study) | EUR 650 | EUR 7,800 | 7.5 lakh |
| Income Share Agreement | EUR 0 during study | Deferred | Repaid post-employment |
As per CODE Berlin’s official tuition page, all three models apply equally to bachelor’s and master’s programmes. There is no application fee, semester contribution or exam fee.
Monthly Cost of Living in Berlin for Indian Students
| Expense | Monthly (EUR) | Monthly (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (shared WG) | EUR 550 to 750 | INR 52,800 to 72,000 |
| Food and groceries | EUR 200 to 300 | INR 19,200 to 28,800 |
| Transportation (student ticket) | EUR 29 (Deutschlandticket) | INR 2,800 |
| Books and materials | EUR 30 to 50 | INR 2,900 to 4,800 |
| Personal and health insurance | EUR 130 to 200 | INR 12,500 to 19,200 |
| Total monthly | EUR 990 to 1,325 | INR 95,000 to 1.27 lakh |
| Total annual | EUR 11,900 to 15,900 | INR 11.4 to 15.3 lakh |
[Source: DAAD 2026 cost-of-study guidance for Berlin, cross-checked with Studierendenwerk Berlin]
Insider note: The blocked account (Sperrkonto) requirement of EUR 11,904 per year for the 2027 visa is a floor, not a realistic budget. Rent in Berlin-Kreuzberg near CODE runs EUR 650 to 850 for a room in a shared apartment, so plan for EUR 13,000 to 14,000 in real annual living costs.
Read More: Cost of Living in Berlin for Indian Students
CODE University of Applied Sciences Campus, Facilities and Student Life
The single campus sits in Berlin-Kreuzberg, walking distance from Ostbahnhof S-Bahn (an urban rail station on Berlin’s central east-west line), inside a converted industrial complex shared with tech startups.
- Location: Lohmuhlenstrasse 65, Berlin-Kreuzberg; served by S-Bahn Ostbahnhof and U-Bahn Schlesisches Tor within a 10-minute walk
- Housing: No university dorms; students self-arrange in shared flats (WGs) with rents of EUR 550 to 850/month; CODE provides a housing partner list but does not guarantee placement
- Facilities: Open-plan project studios, hardware lab, prototyping workshop, event auditorium, and 24/7 building access for enrolled students
- Indian community: Small but active; Indian students account for a meaningful share of the 37% international cohort and organise informal peer groups on campus
What Indian students say: The peer-learning model requires strong self-direction; those who thrived came in with prior project experience and used the industry-mentor network from day one rather than waiting for structured lectures.
CODE University of Applied Sciences Scholarships 2027
CODE University of Applied Sciences does not offer in-house scholarships. Indian applicants rely on external German government funding, private foundations, and education loans.
| Scholarship | Type | Award Value | Eligibility | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAAD Study Scholarship | Merit, German government | EUR 934/month + travel + insurance | PG applicants with strong academics and project | Typically Oct to Nov 2026; verify at daad.in |
| Deutschlandstipendium | Merit + need | EUR 300/month for 2 semesters | Enrolled students with strong performance | Post-enrolment; verify with CODE registrar |
| KfW Studienkredit | Education loan | Up to EUR 650/month for study | Enrolled international students with 15+ months in Germany | Rolling |
[Source: DAAD India 2026 scholarship database, KfW education loan portal]
Planning note: The CODE Income Share Agreement is often the more practical route than external scholarships for Indian students, since it removes upfront tuition risk. Combine it with an Indian education loan for living costs to keep total monthly outflow manageable.
Read More: CODE University of Applied Sciences Scholarships Guide
CODE University of Applied Sciences Rankings 2027
CODE University of Applied Sciences is not currently ranked in the major global rankings (QS World, THE World, US News Global, ARWU). Its size (365 students), young age (founded 2017) and Universities of Applied Sciences classification place it outside the research-output metrics these rankings weight most heavily.
| Ranking Body | Latest Edition | Previous Edition | Two Editions Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| QS World | Not ranked in QS 2027 | Not ranked | Not ranked |
| THE World | Not ranked in THE 2026 | Not ranked | Not ranked |
| US News Global | Not ranked in 2026-2027 | Not ranked | Not ranked |
| ARWU Shanghai | Not ranked in ARWU 2025 | Not ranked | Not ranked |
[Source: QS, THE, US News, ARWU]
CODE holds institutional accreditation from the German Wissenschaftsrat (Council of Science and Humanities), the recognition that actually matters for EU Blue Card eligibility and degree recognition in India by the Association of Indian Universities.
Key insight: The absence of a QS or THE rank does not affect visa eligibility or degree recognition. What Indian employers and Blue Card processors actually check is whether the degree is state-recognised in Germany, which CODE is.
Read More: CODE University of Applied Sciences Rankings Analysis
CODE University of Applied Sciences Placements and Career Outcomes 2027
CODE does not run traditional campus placements. Employment outcomes flow from the project-based curriculum, mandatory industry semester, and 300+ partner network of Berlin tech firms.
- Employment within 6 months: Not officially disclosed by CODE; independent alumni surveys suggest strong absorption into the Berlin startup ecosystem
- Median starting salary (market median): EUR 48,000 to 55,000 per year for software engineering roles in Berlin, or INR 46.1 to 52.8 lakh per year
- Representative employers: Berlin tech scale-ups and product companies including Zalando, N26, HelloFresh, Delivery Hero and Amazon Berlin (not officially confirmed as CODE recruiters; sector-representative)
- Post-study visa: Germany’s 18-month job-seeker visa for non-EU graduates, plus EU Blue Card pathway once employed at EUR 45,300+ (2026 threshold)
- Career support: Industry mentor programme, portfolio reviews, and hiring days with partner companies each semester
Insider note: Indian software engineering graduates who cleared the German B1 or B2 language level within 12 months of graduation had markedly better full-time offers than those who relied on English alone, since most Berlin scale-ups now prefer at least conversational German for team roles.
CODE University of Applied Sciences vs Peer Universities
CODE competes with other English-taught private German tech universities and applied-science schools that admit Indian students without numerus clausus.
| University | QS Rank 2027 | Avg Annual PG Fee (EUR / INR lakh) | Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|
| CODE University of Applied Sciences | Not ranked | EUR 15,000 / 14.4 lakh | Project-based, English 100%, competency admission |
| IU International University | Not ranked | EUR 12,000 / 11.5 lakh | Flexible online + campus, wider programme catalogue |
| Constructor University Bremen | #672 | EUR 20,000 / 19.2 lakh | Research-heavy, residential college model |
| TU Munich (public) | #22 | EUR 4,000 / 3.8 lakh (non-EU) | Top-ranked, larger cohorts, higher grade cutoffs |
| RWTH Aachen (public) | #99 | EUR 0 (semester fee only) | Tuition-free, engineering research strength |
CODE stands out for Indian applicants whose Class 12 or bachelor’s marks fall short of TU Munich’s cutoffs but whose project portfolios demonstrate real product depth. The competency-based Admission Day is the actual differentiator.
CODE University of Applied Sciences fits Indian applicants who want a project-based, English-medium tech education in Berlin and value flexible financing over rankings. At EUR 45,000 total for a bachelor’s or EUR 30,000 for a 2-year master’s against a Berlin starting salary near EUR 50,000, the payback horizon sits at roughly 2 to 3 post-graduation years and the 18-month job-seeker visa keeps the runway safe.
It is not the right fit for applicants seeking a globally ranked brand, a large campus, or a lecture-based curriculum with structured exams. Those profiles should look at TU Munich or RWTH Aachen, where tuition is near zero but grade cutoffs and German-language expectations run much higher.
CODE University of Applied Sciences FAQs
Ques. Does CODE University of Applied Sciences require GRE or GMAT scores?
Ans. No, CODE Berlin does not require GRE or GMAT for any of its bachelor’s or master’s programmes. Admission is decided through the Admission Day project and a subsequent interview, not standardised tests. Indian applicants save the test fees and preparation time, but the Admission Day project brief typically takes 2 to 3 weeks of focused work to complete well.
Ques. How long can Indian graduates stay in Germany after CODE Berlin?
Ans. Indian graduates receive Germany’s 18-month post-study job-seeker visa after completing any recognised CODE degree. During this window they can take any work while searching for a role in their field. Once employed at EUR 45,300 or higher (2026 threshold), they can switch to an EU Blue Card, which offers a permanent residence pathway in 21 to 33 months.
Ques. Can Indian students work part-time while studying at CODE Berlin?
Ans. Yes, non-EU students on a German student visa can work 140 full days or 280 half days per year without additional permits. Berlin’s tech ecosystem gives CODE students access to paid working-student roles (Werkstudent) at EUR 15 to 22 per hour, often at partner companies. Working during the mandatory industry semester counts separately and does not use the annual quota.
Ques. What is the APS certificate and why do Indian applicants need it?
Ans. The APS (Akademische Pruefstelle) is a verification certificate from the German Embassy in New Delhi confirming Indian academic credentials are genuine. Every Indian applicant to a German university, including CODE Berlin, needs it for both admission and the student visa. Processing typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, so start the APS application at least 3 months before your CODE deadline.
Ques. Does CODE University of Applied Sciences accept the IELTS Indicator or DET?
Ans. CODE Berlin accepts a range of English proficiency evidence at B2 level, including IELTS Academic (5.5 to 6.0), TOEFL iBT (72+), Duolingo English Test (100+) and Cambridge C1 Advanced. Applicants whose bachelor’s was taught 100% in English can request a waiver by submitting a Medium of Instruction letter from their previous university. Verify current accepted tests at code.berlin before applying.
Ques. Is the CODE Berlin degree recognised in India?
Ans. Yes, CODE University of Applied Sciences is state-recognised in Germany by the Berlin Senate and institutionally accredited by the Wissenschaftsrat. Its degrees are automatically recognised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) equivalence framework. Indian graduates can pursue further studies, government jobs requiring equivalent qualifications, or higher-degree entrance exams in India using an AIU equivalence certificate.
Ques. Which Indian banks fund education loans for CODE Berlin?
Ans. Public sector banks including SBI, Bank of Baroda and Canara Bank fund CODE Berlin under the standard German university loan pathway. Private lenders such as HDFC Credila, Avanse, InCred and Auxilo also fund the university, often with faster processing and higher unsecured limits (up to INR 40 lakh). All lenders require the CODE offer letter, APS certificate and blocked account proof at disbursement.
Ques. How does the Income Share Agreement at CODE Berlin work?
Ans. The ISA lets students pay zero tuition during study and instead repay a fixed percentage of their post-graduation income for a capped number of years. Repayment begins only after employment above a minimum salary threshold. Total repayment is capped so students never pay more than a defined ceiling. Indian students should read the ISA contract carefully, since it applies once they earn abroad at CODE-defined income levels.
CODE University of Applied Sciences Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake (28th Jan 2027) | USD 17,400 /Yr EUR 15,000 /Yr | TOEFL- 3.5 | IELTS- 6.0 | Duolingo- 90 | |
BS Software Engineering 3 years | Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake (28th Jan 2027) | USD 17,400 /Yr EUR 15,000 /Yr | TOEFL- 3.5 | IELTS- 6.0 | Duolingo- 90 |
Application Deadline For Spring 2027 Intake (28th Jan 2027) | USD 17,400 /Yr EUR 15,000 /Yr | TOEFL- 3.5 | IELTS- 6.0 | Duolingo- 90 |
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CODE University of Applied Sciences Scholarships
| Name | Scholarship Per Student | Level of Study | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VueVille Future Technology Scholarship | Scholarship per student$1,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| MAWISTA Scholarship | Scholarship per student$6,691 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeEasy-to-Apply | |
| Kurt Hansen Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$10,000 | Level Of StudyDoctorate | TypeNeed-Based | |
| Bharat Petroleum Scholarship | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyMaster | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Google's Women Techmakers Program | Scholarship per studentVariable Amount | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeMerit-Based | |
| Axol Science Scholarship | Scholarship per student$2,000 | Level Of StudyBachelor | TypeCompany-Sponsored |
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CODE University of Applied Sciences Admissions
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Important Date: July15 (Application deadline)
Attendance Cost
The table shows average yearly cost of attendance for international students. Amount may vary with the course opted, nature of accommodation, and personal spending habits of a candidate.Check Program wise Fees









Comments
Found 3 Comments
Pakistan's Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) is 12 years and Germany requires 13 years of education for a Bachelor's degree, Studienkolleg is a good option for you. Studienkolleg is a one-year preparatory course designed for international students.
CODE University of Applied Sciences offers a Bachelor of Arts in Interaction Design. But the university does not offer any bachelor’s program with specialization in Interior Designing. International students seeking admission must fulfll these requirements.