CBS University of Applied Sciences has been recognised in no fewer than four categories in the current SZ Institut Ranking "Best Universities 2026". In the Psychology and Business Psychology category, CBS achieved the highest rating of "Best University". In addition, it received the distinction of "Top University" in the areas of Business, Management and Entrepreneurship, Finance, Accounting and Banking, as well as Marketing, Communication and Sales.
Representative study amongst HR decision-makers and students
The ranking is based on a representative study carried out by the market research institute INNOFACT on behalf of the SZ Institut. HR decision-makers as well as former, current and prospective students were surveyed. Using various assessment criteria such as innovative capacity, future orientation and practical relevance, the best private universities of applied sciences in Germany for 2026 were identified. In total, evaluations from 50 private universities were included in the ranking.
Confirmation of quality and practical relevance
"The multiple accolades in the SZ Institut Ranking confirm what we work towards every day: offering our students a degree programme that combines academic excellence with genuine practical relevance," says Prof. Dr Anja Karlshaus, President of CBS University of Applied Sciences. "The fact that we were able to impress across such diverse subject areas demonstrates the breadth and quality of our course portfolio. This result is a recognition of the entire CBS team – our lecturers, staff, and above all our students, who bring our university to life every day."
The full ranking results have been published in the Süddeutsche Zeitung and are available to view online.
