Data Science & AI (B.Sc.)

About the course

The course covers data analysis, machine learning, Python, SQL, cloud tools and business intelligence, along with wider training in AI, software engineering and cybersecurity. It is taught in English on campus in Potsdam, through real-world projects with industry partners, mentoring and workshops.

Entry requirements for Irish students

• XU accepts a school-leaving certificate equivalent to the German Abitur, including foreign qualifications. Under German recognition rules (KMK/anabin), the Leaving Cert gives direct entry only if you have six subjects, including two languages and Maths at O5/H6 or better. At least two subjects must be at Higher Level with H5 or better, and the other four need O6/H6 or better. For a maths or science subject area such as data science, you are also likely to need Higher Level Maths at H5 and a Higher Level science at H5. XU publishes nothing specific to Ireland, so ask admissions to confirm your subject combination. LCA and LCVP are not accepted.
• XU also lists its own internal entrance exam plus TESTAS as another way in, and its admissions team will tell you if you need to take them. XU names no other programme-specific test, interview or portfolio.
• English: XU asks for level B2. You do not need to prove it if English was the language of instruction for the schooling that gave you university entry, which should cover students from English-medium Irish schools. Otherwise it accepts IELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 60-78, Cambridge CAE, TOEIC 605-780, telc B2 or Duolingo 105-115.

How to apply

1. Check your Leaving Cert subjectsCheck that your six subjects meet the German rules, likely including Higher Level Maths at H5 and a Higher Level science at H5 for a maths and science course, along with two languages and at least two Higher Level subjects at H5.
2. Book a call and apply onlineYou can book a 15-minute call with XU if you want one. Then fill in the online application form on xu-university.com. Courses start in April and October.
3. Upload your documentsUpload all pages of your school-leaving certificate, a CV of one to two pages, proof of English (or evidence of English-medium schooling) and a recommendation letter. You will also need a notarised copy of your certificate.
4. Sign the contract and enrolIf you get an offer, sign the study contract and payment plan and show your health insurance certificate. Then arrange accommodation in Potsdam or Berlin before the semester starts.

Costs

• XU is a private, state-recognised university. Tuition is EUR 950 a month. That comes to EUR 5,700 a semester, EUR 11,400 a year and EUR 34,200 for the full three-year degree. The website mentions no application fee. XU says financing options are available to EU, OECD and US citizens, so ask admissions what they involve.

At a glance