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Germany offers one of the most affordable options for studying economics and business administration in Europe. Several bachelor’s programs at state universities are tuition-free – even for international students. The University of Hagen (FernUniversität), Germany’s largest distance learning university, offers complete degree programs for around 1,100–2,200 € total. Private universities charge 8,000–15,000 € but offer greater flexibility.
All distance learning courses in the field of economics in an overview
We have a total of 25 courses in the field of Economics. The first 20 top courses are displayed. Use the filter function or our search to discover more courses in the field.
Political science, public administration, sociology
- University of Hagen
- 6 Semester
- German
Political Science - Governance and Participation
- University of Hagen
- 4 Semester
- German
Business Administration
- University of Wismar
- 9 Semester
- German
Business Administration
- European Distance Learning University Hamburg
- 6 Semester
- Hamburg
- from 289 € monthly
- German
Economics for Engineers and Scientists
- University of Hagen
- 4 Semester
- German
Sustainable development cooperation
- Rhineland-Palatinate Technical University Kaiserslautern-Landau
- 4 Semester
- Kaiserslautern
- German
Public Management
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- from 259 € monthly
- German
Public Administration
- Berlin School of Economics and Law
- 4 Semester
- German
Business Administration
- University of Technology and Economics Berlin
- 10 Semester
- German
Business Administration
- Private University Goettingen
- 4 Semester
- from 344 € monthly
- German
Business Administration
- Institute for Collaborative Studies
- 8 Semester
- German
Public Management
- IU International University
- 2 Semester
- from 449 € monthly
- German
Business Administration
- Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- German
Business administration
- University of Kaiserslautern
- 8 Semester
- German
Business Administration
- University of Applied Sciences Kiel
- 6 Semester
- German
Political science and management
- European Distance Learning University Hamburg
- 4 Semester
- from 397 € monthly
- German
What can you study in this category?
This category covers a broad range of business and economics programs – from general business administration to public management and sustainability:
| Focus area | Programs | Typical careers |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration (BWL) | B.A./B.Sc. at state universities (tuition-free or low-cost) | Controller, Marketing Manager, Consultant |
| Economics (VWL) | B.Sc./M.Sc. at University of Hagen (~1,100–2,200 € total) | Economist, Policy Advisor, Research Analyst |
| Public Management | B.A./M.A. at IU and HWR Berlin | Public Sector Manager, Government Official |
| Sustainability | B.A. Sustainability Management, M.A. Sustainable Development Cooperation | CSR Manager, Development Cooperation, NGOs |
For more business programs at private universities (IU, AKAD, Euro-FH), see Business Administration. For MBA programs: MBA.
How much does it cost?
Costs range from completely tuition-free (state universities charge only semester fees of 150–350 €) to 15,063 € total at private universities.
Bachelor’s programs: cost comparison
Master’s, MBA and MPA programs: cost comparison
For international students: Most programs are taught in German (B2 level required). German state universities are tuition-free or very low-cost – even for international students. Financing options: DAAD scholarships, Deutschlandstipendium, KfW student loans, and part-time work (up to 120 full days/year).
The University of Hagen is particularly attractive: It’s Germany’s only public distance learning university, offers full economics degrees (BWL + VWL combined) for around 1,100–2,200 € total, and has no admission restrictions (NC-free).
Career prospects and salary in Germany
Economics graduates in Germany earn an average of approximately 67,000 € gross per year across all experience levels. Entry-level salaries: ~39,600 € (business admin) to ~60,000 € (economics/VWL). The unemployment rate for economics graduates is only 2–3 %.
Compared to international salaries: German salaries may appear lower than US or UK levels in finance, but factor in tuition-free or low-cost education, universal healthcare, 25–30 vacation days and strong labor protections.
Frequently asked questions
Nearly. Several bachelor’s programs at state universities (HS Kaiserslautern, HTW Berlin) charge only semester fees (~150–350 € per semester, no tuition). The University of Hagen charges ~1,100–2,200 € total for a complete degree. This applies to international students as well.
Most programs in this category are taught in German and require B2-level language skills. For English-taught business programs, check IU International University’s English-language offerings in Business Administration or MBA.
Yes – at private universities (IU, Euro-FH, SRH) with completed vocational training plus professional experience. At the University of Hagen, access is possible via an entrance examination. International qualifications are assessed via anabin.
BWL (Business Administration) focuses on individual company management – marketing, HR, controlling, logistics. Wirtschaftswissenschaften (Economics) combines BWL with VWL (macroeconomics, economic policy, market analysis). The University of Hagen is the only institution offering this combined program via distance learning.
About the Author Christian Wolf
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