A new university model emerges

Forward College positions itself as one of the most selective universities in Europe and has a clear ambition: to educate the leaders of tomorrow. It does this with high academic quality, international experience and a strong focus on empathy and social responsibility. On average, ten students apply for each place. Students spend each academic year in a different European metropolis: Lisbon, Paris and Berlin. Around 22 percent of students come from German-speaking countries.

Study programs with renowned partners

Founded in 2021, Forward College sees itself as a response to the challenges of traditional university models. It offers degree programs in Economics, Politics, Business Administration & Management, International Relations, Data Science and Psychology. The programs are designed by the London School of Economics (LSE) or King's College London and accredited by the University of London.

Since September 2025, a separate "Open Bachelor" has been added to the portfolio. This is a programme developed by Forward College, which is based on the US Liberal Arts model and is recognized throughout Europe. Further Master's programs are to follow from 2026.

A European success story

The international approach is having an impact: in 2025, more than 2,000 applications were received for around 120 study places. The graduates find connections worldwide, for example at the London School of Economics, University College London, Sciences Po or HEC Paris. Others go straight into companies such as EY, L'Oréal or international institutions.

Internships receive top marks on average, and employers report a high level of satisfaction with the students.

Berlin campus as a strategic location

The opening of the Berlin Campus 2023 at the Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC) in Kreuzberg was a defining milestone. The environment offers modern workspaces, a vibrant start-up ecosystem and access to more than 400 events per year.

Berlin was the obvious choice for us. The city combines innovation, politics and entrepreneurship - ideal conditions to prepare students for the future of work.

Boris Walbaum, Founder and President

Interlocking theory and practice

A central element of the model is the early integration of real projects. Students work on social challenges in their first year, expand these to include digital issues in their second year and complete internships or consultancy projects in companies in their third year.

Our students work on real, socially relevant problems. The practice-oriented approach is designed to enable students to take on responsibility in a global and complex working world.

Céline Boisson, co-founder

Innovative pedagogy and personal development

With an average of 15 students per class, Forward College offers one of the closest student-to-student ratios in Europe. Teaching is based on methods such as:

• Flipped Classroom
• peer-to-peer learning
• individual tutoring

The lecturers come from top international universities and place particular emphasis on the personal development and teamwork skills of the students.

Leadership in the digital age

In an increasingly AI-driven world, Forward College emphasizes skills that machines cannot replace: Empathy, critical thinking, ethical judgment and responsible leadership.

The Forward AI Hub gives students access to AI systems such as GPT-5, Gemini Pro and Claude. In workshops and training sessions, they learn how to use AI in a reflective and responsible way.

Founder Boris Walbaum also explores this topic in depth in his book "Education.AI: Reinventing Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence", which was published in 2025.

Founder with global experience

The Forward College was founded in 2021 by Boris Walbaum and Céline Boisson.

• Walbaum brings experience from McKinsey, from working with international organizations and from the education foundation Article 1, which supports over 150,000 students annually.
• Boisson previously held senior positions at Google and YouTube and was responsible for programs to teach digital skills to millions of people.

Their shared vision: a higher education model that combines academic excellence, modern technology and personal development.

Access through scholarships and financial support

Although Forward College is a private concept, it ensures social permeability through an extensive scholarship program. Around 30 percent of income goes towards financial support. Around 40 percent of students receive funding, ranging from scholarships and interest-free loans to individual financing models.

Tuition fees start at around 18,500 euros per year."Access to excellent education must not depend on social background," emphasizes Walbaum.