Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI) is a private higher education institution located in the heart of Berlin, Germany. Founded with a focus on business, technology, and the creative industries, BSBI attracts students from over 100 countries who come to study in one of Europe’s most exciting and culturally rich cities.

What makes BSBI stand out from a traditional university is its partnership model. BSBI partners with established UK and European universities to validate its programmes. This means that when you graduate, your certificate carries the name of a recognised awarding institution, giving your qualification weight in the job market both in Europe and back home in Nigeria.

BSBI is not currently listed in the QS World University Rankings as a standalone institution, which is common for newer private colleges operating on a partnership model. However, some of its awarding partner universities do carry QS rankings. The value of a BSBI education sits in its location, its industry connections, its flexible entry model, and the fact that you earn a recognised degree while living and building a career network in Berlin.

Why Choose BSBI?

For Nigerian students, BSBI presents one of the most accessible and affordable routes into higher education in Germany. The entry requirements are more flexible than most public German universities, the programmes are taught in English, and the city of Berlin offers a quality of life and career opportunity that is hard to match anywhere in Europe.

A Campus in the Middle of Berlin

BSBI’s campus is located in central Berlin, close to public transport, cultural landmarks, and the city’s booming startup and corporate ecosystem. You are not studying on the outskirts of a small town. You are in one of the world’s most connected cities, surrounded by global companies, tech firms, creative agencies, and international institutions.

Flexible Entry for Nigerian Qualifications

Unlike many German public universities that may not directly recognise WAEC or NECO, BSBI has built entry pathways specifically designed for students coming through the West African education system. You do not need A-Levels to get started.

Opportunities a BSBI Degree Opens Up

• Employment in Berlin’s thriving startup and tech scene.
• Access to the German 18-month post-study work visa after graduation.
• Pathways into multinational corporations with European headquarters in Germany.
• Eligibility to apply for German permanent residency after sufficient skilled employment.
• A recognised degree that carries value across Europe, the UK, and Nigeria.
• Networking opportunities with a student body drawn from over 100 countries.

Fields of Study at BSBI

BSBI focuses primarily on business, technology, and the creative industries. Programmes are delivered in English across undergraduate, postgraduate, and MBA levels.

Undergraduate Programmes (BSc / BA)

• Business Management
• International Business
• Digital Marketing
• Entrepreneurship
• Hospitality Management
• Fashion Management
• Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence

Postgraduate Programmes (MA / MSc)

• International Business Management
• Digital Marketing
• Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
• Fintech and Digital Finance
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• Cybersecurity
• Human Resource Management

MBA Programmes

• Global MBA
• MBA in Digital Transformation
• MBA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Doctorate

BSBI does not currently offer standalone PhD programmes on campus. Students interested in doctoral study are advised to contact the admissions team directly for the latest information on research pathways or partner institutions that may offer doctoral supervision through BSBI’s network.

Tuition Fees, Deposits & Scholarships

Programme Level	Annual / Full Fee	Minimum Deposit
Foundation Year + BSc	€9,000 – €10,500 per year	€2,000
Direct BSc Entry	€10,000 – €11,000 per year	€2,000
Master’s (MA/MSc)	€12,000 – €15,000 full programme	€2,000
Global MBA	€18,000 full programme	€2,000

The Early Bird Offer

BSBI rewards students who commit early. If you pay your deposit quickly after receiving your offer, you can access an Early Bird discount of between 10% and 20% off your tuition. This is one of the most straightforward ways to reduce your total cost significantly.

The High Achiever Scholarship

Students with strong academic records are eligible for BSBI’s High Achiever Scholarship, which can cover up to 50% of tuition fees. This is a substantial award and it is worth putting together the strongest possible application from the start, as your academic results directly affect the financial support you can receive.

The Mandatory Deposit

To secure your place at BSBI and receive the documents you need for your German student visa application, you must pay a minimum deposit of €2,000. This is non-negotiable and must be paid before your admission is confirmed.

Application Requirements, Visa & Proof of Funds

Undergraduate Admissions

Foundation Year Entry (for WAEC/NECO holders):

• Minimum of 5 credits in WAEC or NECO results
• Credits must include Mathematics and English Language
• A C6 or above in WAEC English is often accepted in place of IELTS
• A Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your secondary school or institution is recommended to support your English proficiency claim

Direct Entry into Year 1:

• A-Level results at the required grades, or
• A completed National Diploma (ND) from a recognised Nigerian polytechnic
• Direct entry applicants still need to demonstrate English proficiency

Postgraduate Admissions

Master’s Programmes (MA/MSc):

• A Bachelor’s degree from a recognised Nigerian university
• A 2:1 (Second Class Upper) is preferred, but BSBI regularly accepts 2:2 holders
• Relevant work experience strengthens a 2:2 application significantly

MBA Programmes:

• A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
• A minimum of 3 years of relevant management or professional work experience
• A strong personal statement outlining your leadership background

HND Holders:

• If you hold an HND and have significant work experience, BSBI will review your professional background for potential postgraduate entry
• This is assessed on a case-by-case basis through the admissions team

English Language Requirements

BSBI is notably flexible on English requirements for Nigerian applicants. A C6 or above in WAEC English, combined with a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your institution confirming that your education was delivered in English, is often sufficient to waive the IELTS requirement. If you completed your degree at a Nigerian university, obtain the MOI letter from your registrar’s office.

German Student Visa

Because BSBI is based in Germany, you apply for a German National Visa (Category D) at the German Embassy in Abuja or the German Consulate in Lagos.

Documents you will need:

• Valid Nigerian passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay.
• Completed German visa application form.
• Biometric passport photographs.
• Admission letter from BSBI confirming your enrolment.
• Proof of blocked account.
• Proof of valid German health insurance.
• Academic certificates and transcripts.
• Proof of accommodation in Berlin.
• Receipt of visa application fee payment.

Blocked Account (Sperrkonto) and Proof of Funds

The German government requires all international students to prove they can cover their living expenses for the first year of study. You must deposit €11,904 into a German blocked account before your visa is approved. This is a fixed requirement and is not connected to your tuition fees.

How it works:

• Open a blocked account with a provider such as Fintiba, Coracle, or Deutsche Bank.
• Transfer €11,904 from Nigeria into the account.
• The account releases approximately €992 per month once you arrive in Germany.
• Submit your blocked account certificate as part of your visa application.

German health insurance is mandatory. Budget approximately €120 per month and register with a statutory provider such as TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) or AOK. Proof of this coverage is required for your visa.

Cost of Living in Berlin

Berlin is one of the more affordable Western European capitals, though it is more expensive than Leipzig or smaller German cities. Here is what you should realistically budget for monthly:

Accommodation (shared flat/student housing): €400 – €800
Students in Berlin almost always start in a Wohngemeinschaft (WG), a shared flat, which is the most affordable option. Student dormitories managed by the Studentenwerk are cheaper but have long waiting lists.

Food and Groceries: €150 – €250
Berlin has budget supermarkets including Lidl, Aldi, and Netto where you can eat well on a modest budget.

Public Transport: €30 – €86
Berlin has an excellent public transport network. The semester ticket available to enrolled students can significantly reduce this cost depending on the current offer at your institution.

Health Insurance: ~€120 per month
This is mandatory and non-negotiable for your visa and enrolment.

Books and Supplies: €30 – €60

Personal and Miscellaneous: €80 – €150

Estimated Monthly Total: €810 – €1,466

The blocked account releases approximately €992 per month, which covers the lower end of this range comfortably. Part-time work covers the gap.

Work and Study Opportunities

Your Legal Work Rights as a Student in Germany

International students in Germany are permitted to work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year, which translates to approximately 20 hours per week during term time. You do not need a separate work permit; your student visa covers this.

Working While Studying at BSBI

Berlin’s labour market is one of the most active in Germany for part-time and student roles. As a BSBI student with business or tech skills, you are well positioned for:

• Student assistant roles within BSBI itself
• Part-time positions in Berlin’s retail, hospitality, and logistics sectors
• Internships at Berlin-based startups and tech companies
• Freelance and remote work in digital marketing, design, or data roles (subject to tax registration)

Internship Culture at BSBI

BSBI actively encourages and in some cases integrates work placements into its programmes. Berlin’s startup ecosystem is one of Europe’s largest, and the school’s central location means students regularly connect with employers through campus events, career fairs, and industry partnerships.

After Graduation: The 18-Month Job-Seeker Visa

Once you complete your degree at BSBI, you are eligible for Germany’s 18-month post-study work visa. This gives you a year and a half to find skilled employment in Germany without needing a job offer in advance. Once employed in a role matching your qualification, you transition to a standard German work permit, which is the first step toward long-term residency.

Study in Germany with StudyAbroadly

Handling a BSBI application, a German student visa, a blocked account transfer, and scholarship submissions from Nigeria is difficult to do without the right support. StudyAbroadly was created for exactly this. Our team has guided Nigerian students through this process repeatedly and we understand every step, every document, and every deadline involved. From your first enquiry to your arrival in Berlin, we stay with you. Reach out to StudyAbroadly and let us handle the process while you focus on preparing for the life you are building.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get into BSBI with just my WAEC result?

Yes. BSBI accepts Nigerian applicants with 5 credits in WAEC or NECO, including Mathematics and English, for entry into the Foundation Year. This is the most common route for Nigerian students.

Do I need IELTS to apply?

Not necessarily. BSBI often accepts a C6 or above in WAEC English combined with a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter confirming your education was delivered in English. Contact the admissions team to confirm this for your specific programme.

Is BSBI a recognised university?

BSBI is a private institution that awards degrees in partnership with recognised universities. Your degree certificate will carry the name of the awarding partner institution. Always confirm which university is validating the specific programme you are applying to.

What is the cheapest way to study at BSBI?

Apply early to access the Early Bird discount of 10% to 20%, and submit a strong academic record for the High Achiever Scholarship, which can cover up to 50% of your tuition. Together, these can significantly reduce what you pay.

How much money do I need before I travel to Berlin?

You need €11,904 for the blocked account, a minimum deposit of €2,000 for BSBI, and approximately €1,000 – €1,500 for first-month expenses before your blocked account begins releasing funds. In Naira terms at current rates, the blocked account alone is approximately ₦20 million to ₦25 million.

Can I bring my family with me to Berlin?

Germany allows students to apply for family reunion visas for a spouse and children, but this comes with additional financial requirements beyond the standard blocked account. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis at the German Embassy.

What happens after I graduate?

You are eligible to apply for Germany’s 18-month post-study job-seeker visa. This allows you to remain in Germany and search for skilled employment. Once you secure a relevant job, you move onto a standard work permit and can begin building toward permanent residency.