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Who this BWL Master fits – and what you need to get in
This online Master’s in Business Administration is a good fit if you want a recognised German degree while staying in your job and country. Typical profiles include: a marketing or product specialist aiming for leadership responsibilities; an operations or HR generalist seeking a strategic toolkit for change and digital transformation; a recent business graduate planning to deepen skills for roles in consulting or corporate development. If you already work internationally, the programme’s focus on strategy and digital leadership helps you formalise and extend what you do on the job.
Admission requirements
Admission depends on your prior study scope and business background. Start dates are flexible on the 1st of any month; no numerus clausus (NC).
- Standard track (120 ECTS): a completed first degree (Bachelor, Diploma, Magister) with at least 180 ECTS, including 40 ECTS in business/economics.
- Short track (60 ECTS): a completed first degree with at least 240 ECTS, including 40 ECTS in business/economics.
- Missing business credits: possible entry via an aptitude test or by evidencing equivalent knowledge through certificates or extra-university achievements.
- Admission without Abitur: possible; a general higher-education entrance qualification can also be demonstrated via recognised vocational pathways.
- Admission without a prior degree (experienced professionals): in select cases with completed vocational training, at least 2 years of relevant work experience and a passed suitability assessment (e.g. written assignment), plus supporting documents (e.g. motivation letter).
- Foreign qualifications: international degrees and diplomas are recognised if they are equivalent to the required ECTS scope and level; official transcripts are needed for credit and content checks.
- Language of instruction: German. You need very good German reading and writing skills, typically at CEFR C1. Common proofs at German universities include TestDaF, DSH or telc C1 Hochschule. Some electives may be available in English; basic academic English is helpful.
Personal requirements
Distance learning from abroad demands consistent self-management. You should be comfortable with independent study, planning around work peaks, and pacing long projects like research papers. Expect a weekly workload of roughly 15–20 hours when you choose the extended 120-ECTS track over 48 months, and about 20–30 hours on the 60-ECTS route over 24 months. Build a fixed study routine, block calendar time for assessments, and ensure stable internet and a quiet workspace.
Strong written German for study materials, exams and academic writing is essential; clear professional communication and the ability to read English sources are an advantage. Bring perseverance, realistic goal-setting, and the willingness to ask for support early. If you thrive with structured milestones, feedback from tutors, and online collaboration, you’ll be well placed to succeed in this flexible, fully online Master.
What will you study in the Business Administration (M.A.) at Fresenius University of Applied Sciences?
The programme is taught in German. To succeed, you need advanced German skills (around C1 CEFR); applicants usually provide proof of language proficiency during admission. This is a Fernstudium – distance learning designed for working professionals – at a private, state-recognised Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences). Distance-learning degrees in Germany are overseen by the ZFU, the state authority approving distance courses.
You build a broad management toolkit across strategy, finance and markets, then sharpen it through specialisations. Typical core blocks include:
- Strategy and leadership in a digital world: Principles of Strategic Management and Economics; Change Management & Digital Leadership; Value-Oriented Corporate Management.
- Finance, accounting and control: Accounting and Controlling; performance metrics and management reporting; financial decision-making for value creation.
- Global markets and institutional context: Global Markets, Competition and Business Model; European Integration; frameworks for international business.
- Marketing and customer insight: Marketing and Market Research; market analysis and positioning; data-driven decision-making.
- Research and methods: Research Methods and Tools; Academic Research; preparation for your Master’s Thesis and the final colloquium.
Electives let you tailor your profile, for example in Marketing, Human Resource Management and organisational leadership, Operations/Business management, or Innovation management and corporate culture. Selected elective content can be taken in English, and there are options for additional international certificates (e.g. with Arizona State University).
You complete the programme with a Master’s Thesis and a colloquium. The degree is available in two formats: a standard route with 120 ECTS (typically four to eight semesters) and, for suitable prior study, a short route with 60 ECTS (two to four semesters). All core modules are offered for distance learners with digital study materials and academic support.
How does the Business Administration (M.A.) distance programme work?
This is a flexible online programme with rolling start dates on the first of every month. Learning happens primarily on the university’s digital platform, with multimedia materials and online academic support. Most assessments can be completed remotely; occasional in-person exams in Germany may apply.
Teaching language and language certificates
The teaching language is German. For admission and study success you will need advanced German (about C1 level). Universities in Germany typically accept recognised proofs of proficiency; check the programme’s current language policy when you prepare your application.
Learning format and study materials
You study fully online in a classic Fernstudium setup. Materials include interactive e-learning, digital study magazines (Studymags), videos, e-books and exercises. You can study asynchronously and pace your progress; academic staff and study coaches provide guidance through the platform.
Exams from outside Germany
Exams are largely designed for distance learners: written assignments, online presentations, open-book or online exams are common. These formats can be completed from abroad. A small number of on-site exams may be scheduled in Germany; if you live outside Germany, plan occasional travel should you choose or be assigned such formats.
Mandatory on-site sessions in Germany
There are no mandatory classroom weeks. In-person requirements are limited to the minimum number of possible presence exams. The degree can otherwise be completed remotely, so a student visa is not required if you study from abroad and do not relocate.
Workload, time models and time zones
You choose between time models aligned to the 120-ECTS or 60-ECTS route. Faster models compress the same content into fewer months and require a correspondingly higher weekly workload; extended models spread the effort with a steadier pace alongside a job. Occasional live webinars or consultations run on Central European Time (CET/CEST); recordings are typically provided for asynchronous study.
What does the Business Administration (M.A.) cost?
Fees are charged monthly and depend on your chosen time model. For the 120-ECTS route, the typical models are: €549 per month for 24 months (about €13,176 in total), €410 per month for 36 months (about €14,760 in total), or €329 per month for 48 months (about €15,792 in total). The same academic degree is awarded in each model; you are paying for the time you take to study, not for different content.
What is included: access to the online campus and library, digital study materials (Studymags, videos, e-books), academic supervision, and standard examination fees up to and including the Master’s Thesis. Optional costs may arise for travel if you opt for a rare on-site exam in Germany or if you purchase printed materials.
Payments are made in euros in regular monthly instalments. If you pay from outside the eurozone, factor in exchange rates and any bank or card charges from your payment provider. The university offers transparent fee models; there are no hidden surcharges during standard study progression.
What careers and recognition does the Business Administration (M.A.) offer?
The degree carries ECTS credits under the Bologna system (60 or 120 ECTS), which supports academic portability across Europe and many countries worldwide. Fresenius University of Applied Sciences is a private, state-recognised German university of applied sciences; the programme is accredited in Germany. For employers and universities abroad, this signals a formal Master’s degree awarded by a recognised higher education institution, with credits documented on a transcript.
With its mix of strategy, finance, markets and digital leadership, common next steps include:
- Management roles in strategy, business development or corporate planning.
- Leadership tracks in marketing, controlling/FP&A or human resources.
- Project and change leadership for digital transformation programmes.
- Consulting – internal (in-house) or external (management consulting, boutique advisory).
- Product or innovation management in tech, services or manufacturing.
If you plan doctoral studies or migration for work, recognition frameworks differ by country. The ECTS/Bologna structure often eases credential evaluation, yet specific professional bodies or employers may set additional criteria. For regulated careers (e.g. public accountancy in some countries), extra licensing is typically required beyond an M.A. in Business Administration.
Who is the Business Administration (M.A.) right for – and who not?
This programme fits professionals who want a recognised German Master’s in business that can be completed largely online, with clear specialisation options and flexible pacing alongside a job.
- You prefer a distance-learning model with asynchronous study and occasional live touchpoints.
- You want a state-recognised Master’s degree aligned to the Bologna/ECTS framework.
- You aim to deepen skills in strategy, finance, markets and digital leadership with room for electives.
- You value a flexible timetable with rolling start dates and time models from two to eight semesters.
- You plan to study from abroad without relocating or applying for a visa.
There are also clear limits. Read these carefully before you decide, especially if you live outside Germany.
- The programme is taught in German. If you need English-medium instruction or cannot demonstrate advanced German, this is not a match.
- A small number of on-site exams in Germany may apply. If you cannot travel to Germany at all, even occasionally, choose a programme that guarantees 100% online assessment.
- You want a campus experience with in-person seminars and daily classroom contact – this is a distance programme.
- You require a qualification for a regulated profession (e.g. statutory accountancy in certain countries) without further licensing. This M.A. is a general management degree; additional steps are usually needed for regulated roles.
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