Online Degree in Germany

TL;DR

• Online degrees exist in Germany, but the landscape is smaller and works differently than in many other countries.
• The only public university dedicated to distance learning is FernUniversität in Hagen, and most of its courses are taught in German.
• English-taught online degrees are mainly offered by private universities such as IU, INU, SRH Distance Learning University, and AKAD University, and they come with tuition fees.
• Online degrees from accredited German institutions are fully recognised, but employer perception can vary depending on the university.
• If flexibility matters but you still want a German degree, look into blended learning formats that combine online study with short on-campus phases.

What Makes Online Degrees in Germany Different

Germany’s higher education system is still mostly built around on-campus study, so fully online options are more limited than in many countries. For international students, that means:

• Free tuition mostly applies to on-campus study. Public universities in Germany are tuition-free for all nationalities, but this benefit is tied to in-person enrolment. Online degrees at private universities come with tuition fees, often ranging from €200 to €700 per month.
• Accreditation matters more than ever. Germany has a rigorous accreditation system. Make sure any online programme you consider is offered by a state-recognised university (staatlich anerkannt) and that the specific course is accredited.
• The concept of Fernstudium. In Germany, distance learning is called Fernstudium. It is an established format, but traditionally it has meant studying part-time alongside work, not a fully flexible "study from anywhere" model.

Types of Online Study in Germany

Online study in Germany typically falls into three formats:

Fully Online

You complete all coursework, exams, and interactions online. No travel to Germany required. This format is offered primarily by private universities.

Best for: Students who cannot relocate to Germany, working professionals, or those who want a German degree from their home country.

Blended Learning

Most coursework is online, but you attend short on-campus blocks a few times per year, typically for workshops, lab sessions, or exams. Some programmes require presence for a weekend per month or a block week per semester.

Best for: Students who want more flexibility than a traditional degree but still value some face-to-face interaction and networking.

Part-Time Distance Learning

The traditional German model. You study at a reduced pace alongside work. Materials are provided digitally or by post, and exams may need to be taken at specific centres.

Best for: People already living in Germany who want to earn a degree while working. This is the model used by FernUniversität in Hagen.

Where to Study Online in Germany

Here are the main institutions offering online degrees to international students.

Public Universities

University	Type	Language	Approximate Cost
FernUniversität in Hagen	Fernstudium	German only	~€600–1,600 total (very affordable)
RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau	Distance master's	Some English	Varies by programme

Private Universities (English-taught)

University	Format	Subjects	Approximate Monthly Cost
IU International University of Applied Sciences	Fully online or on-campus	Business, IT, CS, Management, Social Sciences	€200–700/month
INU – Innovative University of Applied Sciences	Online / distance learning	Business and management programmes (varies by programme)	Varies by programme
SRH Distance Learning University	Fully online	Business, Engineering, Psychology, IT	€200–500/month
AKAD University	Fernstudium / online	Business, Engineering, IT	€200–400/month
Allensbach Hochschule	Fully online	Business Administration, Management	€300–500/month

IU is currently the largest private university in Germany and offers the widest range of English-taught online programmes. SRH and AKAD also have solid offerings, particularly in business and engineering.

Costs: What to Expect

Unlike on-campus study at public universities, online degrees in Germany are rarely free. Here is a realistic cost breakdown:

• FernUni Hagen (public, German-taught): €600–1,600 for an entire degree. This is exceptionally cheap by global standards.
• Private online universities (English-taught): Typically €200–700 per month, meaning a full bachelor's can cost €7,000–25,000 and a master's €5,000–15,000.
• Semester fees: Even at FernUni Hagen, you pay a small semester contribution. At private universities, tuition usually covers everything.
• No Semesterticket: Online students typically do not receive a semester ticket for public transport since they are not enrolled at a physical campus.

For a complete breakdown of study-related expenses, see our guides on tuition fees in Germany and financing your studies.

Admission Requirements

Admission to online programmes generally follows the same rules as on-campus study, with a few differences:

For Bachelor's Programmes

• A secondary school leaving certificate recognised in Germany (check Anabin).
• If your certificate is not directly recognised, you may need Studienkolleg first (usually in-person).
• English proficiency proof (IELTS/TOEFL) for English-taught programmes.
• Some programmes accept applicants without traditional qualifications if they have relevant work experience.

For Master's Programmes

• A completed bachelor's degree (usually 180 ECTS or equivalent).
• Relevant subject background, depending on the programme.
• English proficiency proof.
• Some programmes require work experience (especially MBA programmes).

Employer Perception: Is an Online Degree Respected?

It depends mostly on the institution and your practical experience.

What works in your favour:

• German accreditation is rigorous. If your degree is from a state-recognised, accredited institution, it is legally equivalent to any other German degree.
• FernUniversität in Hagen degrees are widely respected, especially in fields like law, economics, and computer science.
• For international careers, a German degree carries weight regardless of the delivery format.

What to be aware of:

• In Germany's job market, employers do notice where you studied. Public universities and well-known Fachhochschulen (Universities of Applied Sciences) tend to carry more prestige.
• Some German employers view private distance-learning degrees with more scepticism, particularly if the institution is primarily known for online education.
• Practical experience, internships, and networking often matter more than the delivery format of your degree.

What to Do Next

FAQ

Can I get a free online degree from a German university?

Not in the traditional sense. Germany's famous tuition-free model applies to on-campus study at public universities. The only public distance-learning university, FernUniversität in Hagen, charges very low fees (roughly €600–1,600 for an entire degree), which is close to free. However, English-taught online programmes at private universities always charge tuition.

Will German employers accept my online degree?

If the degree is from a state-recognised, accredited German university, it is legally equivalent to an on-campus degree. In practice, employer perception varies. FernUni Hagen degrees are well-respected. Degrees from private online universities are accepted but may carry less prestige in some industries. Your skills, experience, and internships often matter more than the delivery format.

Are online degrees from Germany recognised internationally?

Generally yes, as long as the university is accredited and state-recognised. German higher education has a strong international reputation. For specific countries, check whether your home country has a mutual recognition agreement with Germany or consult your local credential evaluation agency.

Can I study online in Germany if I do not speak German?

Yes, but your options are more limited. Most English-taught online programmes are at private universities (IU, SRH, AKAD). FernUni Hagen, the most affordable option, teaches almost exclusively in German. The DAAD database lists over 190 English-taught online programmes. For more on English-taught courses in Germany, see our dedicated guide.

How long does an online degree take?

This depends on the format. A full-time online bachelor's typically takes 3 years (6 semesters), and a master's takes 1.5–2 years. Many online programmes offer part-time options that extend the duration to 4–6 years for a bachelor's or 2–3 years for a master's. The flexibility to study at your own pace is one of the main advantages of online degrees. For more on standard study durations, see our guide on Regelstudienzeit.

Can I switch from an online programme to an on-campus programme in Germany?

In principle, yes. If your online programme is at an accredited German university, credits can often be transferred. However, switching universities in Germany always requires a new application, and credit transfer is decided case by case. If you plan to eventually study on campus, check transfer policies before enrolling online.