Alice Salomon University of Applied Sciences Berlin (ASH Berlin) stands out globally for its rich academic heritage and pioneering role in social work. As Germany’s first public university of applied sciences dedicated to the SAGE disciplines (Social Work, Health, and Education), ASH Berlin has become a global benchmark in this field.
Tradition and Innovation: From the “Social Women’s School” to a Leader in Germany’s SAGE Disciplines
Academic Heritage: The Cradle of Social Work. ASH Berlin traces its roots back to the “Social Women’s School” founded in 1908 by social work pioneer Ms. Alice Salomon, which was Germany’s first systematic social work training institution. After more than a century of development, the school officially became a public university of applied sciences in 1971. Building on a century of practical experience and theoretical exploration, ASH Berlin is not only the largest public university of applied sciences in Germany’s SAGE field but is also committed to advancing the social recognition, decision-making authority, and doctoral degree-granting status of SAGE disciplines. Real Pathways to Earning a German University Degree
A Global Leader in Gender Equality and Intercultural Conflict Management
A Global Benchmark in Gender Equality Research. ASH Berlin is one of the most influential universities of applied sciences in Germany’s gender equality field and has consistently ranked among the top institutions in the CEWS university rankings. Gender equality is deeply embedded in every aspect of curriculum design, research projects, and campus culture. Building on this tradition, the Master of Arts in Intercultural Conflict Management (M.A. Intercultural Conflict Management)—the university’s flagship English-taught program—employs small-group seminars to equip students with the skills to navigate diverse global work environments. Graduates primarily pursue careers in international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and government agencies.
Internationalization Strategy: From a Global Network of Partners to Multilingual Academic Support
ASH Berlin has a dedicated International Office that is fully responsible for implementing the university’s internationalization strategy and expanding external academic cooperation. The university hosts exchange students from partner universities in over 20 countries and regions worldwide and officially launched the “Exchange Student Partner Program” in January 2026, in which senior international students provide one-on-one support to exchange students enrolling in the fall semester. In addition, the ASH Language Center offers multilingual courses covering English, German, Spanish, Arabic, Turkish, and German Sign Language. All international students are eligible to participate in sports programs at all public universities in Berlin at no cost. This comprehensive system of international support resources enables international students to quickly integrate into Berlin’s academic and social circles.
Graduates: Global Employment Opportunities and a High Return on Investment
Employment: SAGE Graduates’ Competitiveness in High-Paying Jobs. The university operates a dedicated Career Service Center that offers personalized job-search counseling and facilitates direct connections between graduates and employers through its internal “Alumni Network.” 61% of alumni have secured paid employment, pursued further studies, or started their own businesses after graduation. Located in Berlin, Germany’s capital and a cultural and political hub, the university benefits from abundant resources in healthcare, education, and social services, offering graduates a broad range of career opportunities.
