Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht Berlin: Where Theory Meets Practice in the Heart of the Capital
Nestled across two vibrant campuses in Berlin, the Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht Berlin (HWR Berlin) — known in English as the Berlin School of Economics and Law — stands as one of Germany’s most distinguished universities of applied sciences. With approximately 12,000 students, it is one of Berlin’s largest institutions of its kind, renowned for its practice-oriented teaching, intensive research, high quality standards, and strong international orientation. As a proud member of the UAS7 – Alliance for Excellence, HWR Berlin represents the very best of Germany’s applied science universities.
A Merger of Two Distinguished Legacies
The university in its current form was founded on 1 April 2009, emerging from the merger of two esteemed institutions: the Fachhochschule für Wirtschaft Berlin (Berlin School of Economics) and the Fachhochschule für Verwaltung und Rechtspflege Berlin (University of Applied Sciences for Administration and Justice). The former, established in 1971 as the successor to the Wirtschaftsakademie Berlin, quickly established itself as a leading institution for educating Germany’s next generation of managers. It was also among the first German universities to offer an MBA programme. The latter, founded in 1973, specialised in preparing students for careers in public administration, legal studies, and police and security management. The 2009 merger united these complementary strengths, creating a comprehensive academic centre spanning business, economics, law, public administration, and engineering. Buy fake German diploma online.
Academic Structure and Programmes
Today, HWR Berlin’s academic activities are organised into five departments: Business and Economics, Cooperative Studies, Public Administration, Legal Studies, and Police and Security Management. The university offers a wide portfolio of approximately 60 degree programmes at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, and MBA levels, covering business, administration, law, security management, and engineering. Notably, the Department of Cooperative Studies is the largest provider of cooperative education in Berlin and Brandenburg, collaborating with a network of over 700 partner companies. Students in these programmes combine theory-based teaching with on-the-job training phases, typically securing a permanent position with their training company upon graduation.
HWR Berlin Diploma Basic Facts
A Commitment to Quality and Innovation
HWR Berlin maintains exceptionally high academic standards. Practically all of its 57 degree programmes have been audited and accredited by the Accreditation Council. The university has been awarded the Total E-Quality prize for eight consecutive years for its commitment to equal opportunities, and in December 2025 it received its fourth certificate as a family-friendly university. In Germany-wide rankings conducted by the CHE (Centre for Higher Education), HWR Berlin consistently occupies top positions, and a nationwide survey by DEUTSCHLAND TEST has repeatedly confirmed it as a “TOP Business School”. The university’s research is equally robust, conducted across five departments, one central institute, nine internal research institutes, and six affiliated institutes.
Global Reach and Local Impact
Internationalisation is integral to HWR Berlin’s institutional philosophy. The university maintains over 170 active partnerships with higher education institutions on every continent and welcomes more than 1,000 exchange students annually. Its two campuses — the Schöneberg Campus in western Berlin and the Lichtenberg Campus in the east — provide a modern, welcoming environment for study. Through the Startup Incubator Berlin, the university supports founders in transforming ideas and prototypes into viable businesses.
In conclusion, HWR Berlin is far more than a university of applied sciences — it is a dynamic bridge between academic theory and professional practice. Its unique combination of a rich institutional heritage, a comprehensive and innovative curriculum, unwavering commitment to quality, and deep engagement with both the global academic community and the local economy makes it an exceptional destination for students seeking a truly career-focused education in one of Europe’s most exciting capitals.