Frequently Asked Questions
Study at Gisma
We want you to make the most of your time studying with us, whether in Germany at one of our campuses in the vibrant cities of Potsdam, Berlin, or via our virtual classrooms for online delivery. How and where you choose to study, you will be part of Gisma University of Applied Sciences community.
To find out more about becoming a student at Gisma, please navigate through the sections below.
Gisma University of Applied Sciences has two campuses in Germany, these are centrally located in Potsdam and Berlin.
Our offer includes presential programmes as well as blended delivery, to suit your personal situation and interests.
Gisma offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees and foundation courses. The academic programmes are either awarded and delivered by Gisma University of Applied Sciences or taught in partnership with leading education institutions like Kingston University.
Gisma’s hybrid learning offer is conducted in a virtual classroom, giving students from all over the world a classroom experience with live lectures and real-time interaction with other students.
GISMA Business School (Gisma University of Applied Sciences) was established in 1999 with an aim of offering globally recognised business and management education to ambitious students from around the world. Since then, it has partnered with a number of prestigious universities and currently has students from over 60 nationalities.
All Gisma’s undergraduate and postgraduate programmes are awarded by Gisma University of Applied Sciences or leading European partner institutions like Kingston University. Some of our degrees, such as the MBAs, are AMBA-accredited.
Gisma does not offer our own scholarships, but we do have a range of incentive options available as well as flexible payment plans which allow you to spread the cost of your programme across multiple instalments. More information can be found here. All students are required to pay a deposit fee of 3,000 Euros to secure a place at Gisma.
Gisma online delivery is provided via virtual classrooms Blackboard Collaborate and Zoom. A virtual classroom features a tutor delivering a lecture or seminar live, and real time interaction between students. Students can ask questions either verbally or in the live chat feature, and also work in break-out groups, access virtual study rooms, and deliver presentations to the class. Whilst the lecture is not pre-recorded, a recorded version is available for students to re-watch at any time. All academic partners also provide an extensive library of online resources, available to all students.
Streaming programmes are an option for all Gisma students enrolling from April 2020. They allow for students to start their academic programmes online, and then continue their studies in a face-to-face environment once students are able to travel to Germany. Streaming learning gives students access to a virtual classroom, and therefore offers a very similar experience to face-to-face learning.
Germany is known for its high-quality education and internationally recognised degrees, making it a popular study destination for international students. The country’s rich cultural history, affordable cost of living and endless work opportunities continue to make Germany a highly desirable destination for students are the world. Those who graduate in Germany can also benefit from the 18-month post-study residence permit which allows you to explore the job opportunities available in Germany after you graduate.
Gisma combines theory with practice and will ensure you stay up to date with the ever-changing requirements of today’s global job market. All of our academic courses taught in English and we also offer free German lessons at our Berlin campus to help you stand out from the crowd.
Applying for a course couldn’t be easier! The application process is simple and will have no impact on your studies. All you need to do is fill out an application form for your chosen programme and one of our consultants will get in touch with you. If you meet all the requirements for the programme, our admissions team will make you an offer. A deposit will be required at this stage to secure your place at Gisma University of Applied Sciences.
The Career Centre at Gisma University of Applied Sciences helps students and alumni fulfil their career goals through a variety of specialised services. Successfully combining theory with practice, Gisma bridges the gap between conventional university study and the shifting requirements of today’s global marketplace.
Gisma Career Centre offers a range of group and individual services, including coaching, workshops, mock interviews, company visits, and guidance in finding internships and jobs. These services empower students through providing the best possible tools for success in their immediate and long term career plans. Our graduates have aspired to work in several sectors such as banking, financial services, engineering, mechanical engineering, oil and gas, information technology, consulting and business services.
Most international students will need a student visa to study in Germany. Follow this link to find out if this is the case for your home country.
Yes, Germany requires international students to have private health insurance for the duration of their studies. Students from the EU who already possess insurance in their home country may have their plan accepted by German health companies.
There are a number of accommodation options available which our consultants will be happy to advise you on. Once you have received your visa and booked your flight, you can start the accommodation process. You will first need to complete the ‘Accommodation and Airport Pick-Up Application form’, detailing your preferences. You will then receive an offer with details of your accommodation. If you accept, you will receive confirmation to verify your chosen accommodation option.
All non-EU students require a residence permit to be able to study in Germany and are required to have a residence permit to extend their stay after graduation. Application for the extension must be submitted to the local Foreigners’ Office before the expiry of the student visa. For country-specific entry visa requirements, please visit here. Gisma University of Applied Sciences Visa & Student Support Service has a dedicated team to guide you during the residence permit application processes, provide you the information you need, and help you to prepare for your appointment at the Foreigners’ Office. Their services include Hochschulservice for a residence permit application which is a service initiated that allows Gisma’s Visa and Student Support Team to apply for a students’ residence permits on their behalf. The dedicated team supports students in compiling and preparing all the required application documents and submit the application to the local authorities for further processing. This service is offered at no extra cost and can be utilised by Gisma’s enrolled students on campus.
Yes, within the application form there is an option to request a pickup from the airport at a fee.
As long as you have met the academic and language requirements of your course, you are set go! This can be found on the ‘Fees and Entry Requirements’ tab of each programme page. If you require further information, please complete an enquiry form, which can be found on every programme page.