About CODE University of Applied Sciences
CODE University of Applied Sciences was founded in Berlin in 2017 with a radical proposition: no lectures, no exams, no traditional grades. Students in Software Engineering, Interaction Design, or Product Management advance entirely through real projects. They pull theory from self-paced learning modules when needed to complete their projects. Faculty serve as mentors and coaches, not lecturers. Admissions completely ignores school grades — it evaluates motivation, creativity and problem-solving through challenges and assessment days. The university is fully accredited by the German Science and Humanities Council.
“The best way to learn to build products is to build products.”
Disruptive approach and innovative methodology
Zero lectures
No classes, no lectures, no scheduled teaching. Students learn by building real projects.
Competency-based progression
Students advance by demonstrating competencies through project portfolio reviews, not by passing exams.
Grades don't matter for admission
Admission ignores school grades entirely — evaluates creativity, motivation and problem-solving ability.
Self-paced theory modules
Students pull theoretical content when their project demands it — just-in-time learning.
Impact and recognition
Fully accredited by German Science and Humanities Council
Admissions ignores school grades entirely
Located in Berlin's startup ecosystem
100% project-based — no exams ever