Whitecliffe University of Applied Sciences traces its origins to 2014, when education entrepreneur Enver Yücel established Berlin International University of Applied Sciences in the heart of Charlottenburg. Founded as an English-language university from day one, the institution was created to bring together students from around the world in one of Europe’s most creative and internationally connected cities. As part of the BAU Global education network, it quickly became one of Germany’s most international universities of applied sciences.
In 2025, the university entered a new chapter when it joined Whitecliffe Global and became Whitecliffe University of Applied Sciences. Today, students benefit from more than a decade of academic excellence in Berlin, combined with Whitecliffe’s 130-year heritage in creative and applied education and an international network that extends across Europe, Australasia and beyond. While the name has evolved, the university’s commitment to globally connected, practice-oriented education remains unchanged.
“I believe there is no problem in the world that cannot be solved by education. I have served this cause for my entire life—for Turkey, for the world, for humanity.”
Enver Yücel Founder, BAU Global
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Whitecliffe Timeline
chapter 11998
Bahçeşehir University founded
chapter 22014
Berlin International University of Applied Sciences is established
chapter 32025
Becomes Whitecliffe University of Applied Sciences
chapter 4Today
A globally connected university in the heart of Berlin
chapter 11998
chapter 22014
chapter 32025
chapter 4Today
The Founder: Enver Yücel
Enver Yücel — Founder and Chairman, BAU Global
Enver Yücel is the Founder and Chairman of BAU Global and Bahçeşehir Uğur Educational Institutions (BUEI) — Turkey’s largest private education provider. Recognised as one of Turkey’s leading education experts spanning pre-K through university, Mr Yücel has been at the forefront of educational innovation both nationally and globally. His work has played a pivotal role in shaping modern, international education models that emphasise accessibility, creativity, and global mobility.
In Turkey, Mr Yücel founded TÖDER, the association representing all private education providers in the country. His academic contributions have been internationally recognised: he is a member of the U.S.-based Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, and the first non-American appointed to the Board of Trustees of New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. He is also a co-founder and board member of the World Education Entrepreneurs Society.
Recognition
Outstanding Service Award — Turkish Grand National Assembly (2008)
Education Award — American Turkish Council (2010)
UNCA Special Award for Global Education (2014) — first Turkish national to receive this distinction, presented by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
A unified global vision
Driven by a strong commitment to global education, Enver Yücel established the BAU Global Network — now operating as a single, interconnected global system alongside Whitecliffe Global. The combined network spans three continents and seven countries, comprising five universities (Istanbul, Washington D.C., Berlin, Cyprus, and Batumi), language schools, and multiple academic and research centres, all aligned under a shared educational philosophy.
Whitecliffe Global: Excellence Through Creativity and Innovation
As a core pillar of this unified entity, Whitecliffe Global strives to be internationally recognised as a centre of education excellence and a leading provider of tertiary education in technology, creativity, design, business, health, innovation, education, and research.
Whitecliffe is committed to empowering trailblazers, nurturing future leaders, and fostering creative thinkers who confidently make a positive impact in the world. Its educational philosophy is grounded in the belief that creativity has the power to transform how people see, shape, and experience the world.
Through strong industry collaboration, work-integrated learning, and academically rigorous programs, Whitecliffe Global actively prepares graduates for real-world professions. Graduates emerge as confident, skilled, and globally minded professionals, equipped to lead in their chosen fields.
Our Mission
Whitecliffe University Berlin is an international academic community for architecture, design and business. Our mission is to provide high-quality education that develops open-mindedness, respect, creativity and hands-on application. We achieve this through critical reflection, close supervision, practical learning and passionate commitment in an inspiring learning environment.
Our Vision
Whitecliffe University Berlin’s vision is to be a vibrant hub for higher education – a diverse and inclusive learning environment where every individual is valued and respected.
We are committed to nurturing a caring community that upholds integrity, responsibility, respect and interculturality while preparing students for successful careers in an interconnected world through applied research, innovative teaching and strong global partnerships.
"Creativity has the power to transform how people see, shape, and experience the world. That conviction is what brought us together as one network — and what guides every programme we teach."
Whitecliffe University of Applied Sciences. Legal entity: Whitecliffe Higher Education Service GmbH.
