Academic Institute for Higher Education (AIHE)
Who stands behind the Institute?
Academic Institute
Based in Germany
AIHE Academic Institute for Higher Education
AIHE GmbH is an institute for international higher education and part of the GENSEL GROUP (founded in 2002). Since 2006, it has been offering academic training programmes on behalf of universities and higher education institutions.
Through its advanced Master’s programmes, AIHE professionally combines academic knowledge with practical application, placing particular emphasis on real-world relevance. Students often realise in their day-to-day work which theoretical concepts are already at play—often unconsciously—and learn to act more deliberately, effectively, and with a scientific basis.
With an average age of 44, diverse global backgrounds, and around 50% in leadership roles, AIHE students bring valuable practical experience to their studies—enriching not only the learning experience, but also the daily work of the AIHE team.
Prof. Dr. Andrea Gensel, the Founder
The transfer of theory into practice can only succeed if practical experience has first been integrated into theory — and this is precisely where the GENSEL-GROUP‘s expertise comes into play.
The founder, Prof. Dr. Andrea Gensel (born 1963), holds a PhD in psychology and is a mother of two. She was appointed professor of psychology with a focus on psychological medicine at the EU|FH University of Applied Sciences. She sold her companies, TALINGO EAP and PSY-Line, to the Asklepios Clinic Group and stepped down from management on January 1, 2019, to further develop AIHE GmbH on an international level.
TALINGO EAP and PSY-Line worked with 90 consultants across Germany, providing psychological and psychotherapeutic support to employees and executives. These broad and practical experiences—along with others—now flow into the design of AIHE’s programmes, ensuring the high level of real-world relevance that defines its online degrees.
What Makes AIHE Unique?
AIHE GmbH collaborates with national and international universities and supports them in the development and delivery of advanced online degree and certificate programmes. Students are enrolled at the respective partner university, which also awards the academic degree. Quality assurance is carried out in close coordination with the partner institution.
AIHE oversees the programmes conceptually, organisationally, and financially. Student support, teaching, exam administration, as well as the assessment of exams and bachelor’s/master’s theses are all managed by AIHE GmbH.
Over the past six months, the team has grown significantly, with 23 new full-time and freelance staff members joining. Prof. Dr. Andrea Gensel states: “My so-called core team — our permanent staff — is driving the entire growth process with energy, loyalty, and tremendous dedication. I couldn’t have wished for a better team. I’m truly grateful and deeply value their commitment, as the first two years in a start-up require exceptional flexibility, patience, and a great deal of mutual understanding.”
What Makes AIHE Unique?
The Institute's Advisory Boards and Contributors
The Institute’s Advisory Board and Contributors include:
Former Minister-President and Federal Minister of Education Björn Engholm, Dr. Raimund Mildner, and Prof. Dr. Friedemann Schulz von Thun.
It is a great honor that the communication legend, Prof. Dr. Friedemann Schulz von Thun, contributes to the programme designs, with one certificate course even focused specifically on his models. Prof. Schulz von Thun is a true connoisseur of language; he plays with words, remains humble despite his extraordinary success, and is a person with a big heart. Gensel: “His suggestions and recommendations are invaluable. We are grateful to have him involved in our concept and work and appreciate it every day.”
Our advisory board members, Dr. Raimund Mildner and former Federal Minister of Education and Minister-President Björn Engholm, have also been part of the Gensel Group for 20 years. They serve as sparring partners, offering outstanding ideas while acting as motivators and critics. Over the years, a close and warm friendship has developed.
