Karlshochschule International University

Karlshochschule International University

The Karlshochschule International University is a private university founded in 2004, located in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It has been a state-recognised institution since 2005 and operates as a non-profit GmbH. The university has 474 students (as of the summer semester 2024) and employs 96 staff, including 8 professors (as of 2022).

As a system-accredited university, Karlshochschule focuses on economic and social sciences with an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approach. It sees itself as a “service provider to students, business, and society,” aiming to promote research, teaching, and study at the intersection of business, politics, culture, and civil society.

Mission and Identity

Karlshochschule promotes practice-oriented teaching and supports students in their personal development and acquisition of key skills. An essential concern of the university is the impartation of foundational knowledge to prepare students for ethically responsible actions. The university places particular emphasis on intercultural orientation and international study conditions, using English as the language of instruction and integrating a mandatory semester abroad into the bachelor's programmes.

Study Programs

Karlshochschule offers a diverse range of study programs, including bachelor's and master's degrees in the fields of economics and social sciences. Bachelor's programs include “International Business,” “Management,” “International Relations,” and “Politics, Philosophy and Economics.” The master's programs encompass fields like “Management” and “Social TransFormation – Politics, Philosophy & Economics.” In addition to regular programs, there are preparatory programs such as the “Karls Semester” and the “International Foundation Year” for international students.

Teaching Approach

The university follows a constructivist-interpretive approach in the social and economic sciences. Learning is viewed as a process of individual knowledge construction, promoted through exploratory and interactive learning. Methodologically, Karlshochschule employs qualitative research methods and transdisciplinary teaching focused on ethical issues and intercultural exchange.

Connections with Business and Society

Karlshochschule collaborates closely with businesses and civil society organisations. Students work on real-world business tasks as part of student projects. The university also partners with the State Student Council of Baden-Württemberg, AFS Interkulturelle Begegnungen e.V., the United World Colleges (UWC), as well as Fridays for Future Karlsruhe, and is part of the Climate Protection Karlsruhe Action Alliance, actively involved in climate protection efforts.

Location and Facilities

Karlshochschule is located in the centre of Karlsruhe and offers modern learning spaces with glass walls, an open library with 13,000 media units, co-working spaces, and a rooftop terrace. The “Playspace” serves as a multifunctional space for simulations and events.

History

The university originated from the Merkur Academy, founded in 1903. In 2004, it was established as an independent university and received state recognition in 2005. After structural reconfigurations, it adopted its current name in 2009 and has had system-accredited programmes since 2010.