Admissions at Whitecliffe BI

You’ll apply through our main portal, pay your fees in monthly instalments, and have access to BAföG and other German student support.

How to apply

Five-step numbered list (in a row of horizontal cards, or stacked on mobile):

• Register on our online portal and create your account.
• Upload your documents: passport, German Abitur or Fachabitur (or equivalent), English test, and — for
  Design/Architecture — a portfolio of 10 works.
• Submit and wait. Business Administration applicants hear back within 1 week. All other programmes
  within 4 weeks.
• Accept your offer, pay the registration fee (€300 for EU), and sign your study contract.

Admission Requirements

Bachelor programmes in Architecture and Design

You need the German Abitur or Fachabitur, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the German Central Office for Foreign Education. A portfolio of 10 works is required. Common equivalents include the US High School Diploma, IB Diploma, GCE A-Levels, and Turkish Lise Diplomasi — each with specific requirements. If your qualification doesn’t yet meet the Abitur level, you can take our International Year One (hyperlink to the page), complete a Studienkolleg course, or study one year at an accredited university abroad before transferring in.

Bachelor programmes in Business Administration

Same Abitur/Fachabitur entry point, but no portfolio required. Three preparatory pathways are available if you need to top up: our International Year One through Touro University Berlin (link), a Studienkolleg, or one year of study at an accredited university abroad.

Master’s programmes (MA Interior Design, MA Architecture & Spatial Practices, MBA)

A bachelor’s degree in a related field is required. MBA applicants also need to demonstrate at least one year of full-time work experience after graduation. Graduates of 3-year bachelor’s degrees join our 2-year MBA; 4-year degree holders can opt for the 1-year MBA. All master’s in design require a 10-work portfolio.

English language

All programmes are taught fully in English. You’ll need CEFR B2 or above, demonstrated by: TOEFL iBT 74 / IELTS 6.0 / Cambridge FCE / PTE Academic 59 / Duolingo 120, or our internal English Language Proficiency Exam (free, run multiple times per year). If you don’t yet have B2, you can take our 1-year English Preparatory Year before starting your degree.

Fees for EU students

Financing: BAföG and other support

The German federal government offers BAföG student loans, of which only a portion needs to be repaid. Berlin International/WUAS students can apply when they begin their studies. International students who have lived in Germany for several years may also qualify. DAKA Berlin, a non-profit credit union, offers additional student loans to students of all nationalities. Scholarships are also available — check the Whitecliffe Berlin scholarships page.

Transfer students

Already studied elsewhere? You may be able to transfer into a higher semester or have individual courses
recognised. You’ll need: all university transcripts, your degree certificate (if applicable), and the official module description of your previous programme. For design/architecture transfers, your portfolio must reflect the skills gained in the studies you want credited. Want to learn more? — contact admissions.