Berlin University of Applied Sciences (Berliner Hochschule für Technik, BHT) stands as one of Germany’s largest and most historic universities of applied sciences in the capital. Renowned for its excellence in engineering education, interdisciplinary innovation, and urban sustainability research, the institution leverages Berlin’s unique resources as Europe’s hub for technology and entrepreneurship. It equips students with forward-thinking education and practical platforms to thrive in the rapidly evolving global job market.
▷ History and Legacy: From Industrial School to Urban Innovation Engine
BHT traces its origins to the Berlin Industrial School founded in 1823, making it one of Germany’s earliest technical education institutions.
Through two world wars and Berlin’s period of division, the institution steadfastly upheld its founding principle: “Technology in the Service of Urban Development.”
In 2009, it underwent restructuring and consolidation to become a comprehensive university of applied sciences, integrating strengths across architecture, engineering, economics, and information technology.
Its evolution mirrors Berlin’s transformation from industrial hub to global center of technology and creativity, with graduates deeply engaged in urban renewal and innovation ecosystem development.
▷ Faculties and Programs: Disciplinary Clusters for Future Cities
Six faculties encompass: Architecture and Environment, Civil Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mechanical and Energy Technology, Economics and Informatics, Mathematics and Physics
Key programs include:
✅ Smart Cities and Sustainable Architecture
✅ Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
✅ Digital Engineering and Industry 4.0
✅ Entrepreneurship Management and Digital Business
Offers over 70 undergraduate and master’s programs, including 15 English-taught international courses
Distinctive interdisciplinary programs like “Urban Ecological Engineering” and “Digital Construction Management” demonstrate the university’s response to complex urban challenges
▷ Research Strength & Innovation: Technical Solutions from Urban Laboratories
Annual research funding exceeds €20 million, focusing on digital urban infrastructure, climate-neutral technologies, and circular economy
Features four core research platforms:
◈ Center for Future Architecture and Smart Cities
◈ Institute for Energy Transition and Storage
◈ Laboratory for Digital Engineering and Artificial Intelligence
◈ Institute for Social Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Economy
Innovative outcomes have been applied to multiple landmark Berlin projects, including:
→ Energy concept design for Tegel Airport renovation
→ Optimization of Berlin’s intelligent transportation system
→ Ecological restoration techniques for industrial brownfields
The “Urban Technology Transfer Center,” established in partnership with industry, supports over 20 faculty-student startup projects annually
▷ Campus Facilities & Environment: Innovative learning spaces integrated into the urban fabric
Multi-campus layout: Main campus in Berlin-Scharlottenburg, satellite campuses across Berlin’s tech hubs
Modern facilities include:
▸ Germany’s first “Smart Campus” pilot zone, integrating IoT and energy management systems
▸ Industrial-grade digital fabrication lab (FabLab) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) center
▸ “BHT Innovation Hub” startup incubator offering workspace and mentorship
Student Life Environment:
✓ Subsidized student housing in Berlin’s creative districts
✓ Campus cafeterias serving Berlin specialties and international cuisine
✓ Proximity to TU Berlin and Fraunhofer Institutes creates knowledge clusters
✓ Access to Berlin’s abundant museums, tech exhibitions, and startup events
◈ Summary
Holding a rich tradition in technical education, Berlin University of Applied Sciences offers a unique “learning-practice-innovation” experience through its future-oriented urban disciplines, deeply integrated industry-academia-research ecosystem, and strategic location at Europe’s innovation hub. The university serves not only as a cradle for cultivating engineers and technical managers but also as a practical platform for shaping sustainable cities of the future. For students pursuing cutting-edge technology, valuing hands-on innovation, and seeking immersion in a dynamic urban environment, BHT exemplifies the seamless integration of applied science education with urban development in Germany.
