DHAW vs AKAD
Two distance-learning universities side by side, by the same criteria and with the same primary sources, so you can see where they really differ.
DHAW or AKAD: which one suits whom?
Both are purely online with a start at any time and a four-week trial period. DHAW is the younger and cheaper one, starting from 179 euros per month. AKAD has more than six decades of experience and offers engineering and industrial engineering, DHAW in turn tax and sustainability management.
Subject information refers to the focus areas recorded in this portal, not to the complete programme catalogue. Which university suits your situation depends on prior education, available time and goal.
DHAW and AKAD in detail
The same criteria for both, every entry sourced. The information provided by the university is binding.
| Criterion | DHAW | AKAD |
|---|---|---|
| Country | DE | DE |
| Operator | private, state-recognised | private |
| Location | Potsdam | Stuttgart |
| Founded | 2022 | 1959 |
| Format | online | online |
| Start of studies | any time | any time |
| Without Abitur | Yes | Yes |
| Recognition | State-recognised (Brandenburg), Bologna-compliant | State-recognised (Baden-Württemberg), ZFU-approved, Bologna-compliant |
| Price level | ||
| Price example | from EUR 179/month | from approx. EUR 219/month (Bachelor in Business Administration) |
What the table does not show
Exams. At DHAW: Fully asynchronous distance learning, 100 percent online, flexible online exams; full-time or part-time. At AKAD: Online exams with proctoring or on-site exams at examination centres.
Accreditation. DHAW is institutionally accredited via State recognition as a university of applied sciences by the federal state of Brandenburg (limited until 31.10.2027), with programme accreditation via Programme accreditation of the study programmes by ACQUIN. AKAD is institutionally accredited via German Council of Science and Humanities (Wissenschaftsrat) (2006, re-accredited 2023), with programme accreditation via Programmes accredited by ACQUIN and ZEvA; ZFU-approved.
Subjects. Both offer Business Administration, Computer Science, Management. Only DHAW additionally offers Business Informatics, Psychology, Taxation, Sustainability Management. Only AKAD additionally offers Technology, Industrial Engineering, Communication, Health.