Steinbeis University (SH)

The Steinbeis University is a private and state-recognised university founded in 1998, located in Magdeburg. It has around 4,074 students (as of the winter semester 2024/2025) and has established itself as a pioneer in the field of practice-integrated academic education through its innovative study model called Project Competence Study (PKS). The university's ambition is to turn knowledge into reality and educate creative individuals distinguished by professional excellence, hands-on skills, and individual development.

At the core of the study model is the close integration of scientific theory and professional practice. Students work on real projects in companies or organizations as part of their studies, enabling a direct transfer of knowledge into practice. These transfer projects are an integral part of every degree program and contribute to scientifically sound solutions for specific business challenges. The university views its model as a modern interpretation of the dual training concept by Ferdinand von Steinbeis.

The Project Competence Study is designed to be integrated into or alongside a profession and is characterised by a high degree of individualisation, personal support, and practical relevance. Throughout the entire duration of their studies, students work in a company and independently develop an approved transfer project that is scientifically supervised. They benefit from close collaboration with lecturers, coaches, and project managers in the company. The goal is to promote both professional and interdisciplinary skills such as self-organisation, leadership, communication, and problem-solving.

The degree programs at Steinbeis University are state-recognised and regularly reviewed and accredited by external accreditation agencies. The basis for all degree programs is the Higher Education Act of the State of Saxony-Anhalt. The quality of teaching and academic organisation is continuously ensured through systematic evaluations by students, teachers, companies, and alumni. The university also places great emphasis on transparency, program development, and the societal relevance of academic education.

The range of courses includes undergraduate and postgraduate programs at the Bachelor's, Master's, and MBA levels in four central subject areas: Technology and Engineering, Leadership and Management, Business and Economics, and Health and Social Sciences. The study programs cover a wide range of current topics, including Business Administration, Business Psychology, Digital Leadership, IT Systems Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Nursing Sciences, and Social Work. The language of instruction varies depending on the program, being either German, English, or both. Study locations include Berlin, Stuttgart, Freiburg, Essen, Magdeburg, and Gaggenau.

An essential feature of Steinbeis University is its strong focus on research and knowledge transfer. Research is conducted based on a transfer-oriented approach with a strong emphasis on application-oriented topics. The Shared Research Center (SRC) serves as a central platform for bundling and promoting interdisciplinary research projects. The departments autonomously engage in basic and applied research in areas such as technology development, management research, innovation processes, organizational psychology, or data science. The results are systematically integrated into teaching.

An integral part of the university's structure is the expert network within the Steinbeis network. The university is part of the Steinbeis Foundation, which includes over 1,100 transfer companies and more than 6,000 experts. This network enables intensive cooperation with the business sector, regular exchange with research institutions, and access to practice-relevant projects. Over 2,000 business start-ups have emerged from this network.

To promote equal opportunities, diversity, and inclusion, the university operates a central Diversity Management. Equality officers provide advice and support on career planning, family compatibility, and gender equality issues. Close personal contact and lively academic exchange shape the culture at the university.

The alumni network of Steinbeis University comprises over 19,600 graduates. It offers a strong platform for professional and career-related exchange and supports the establishment of long-term relationships within the Steinbeis community.