How Much Does a Finance Distance Degree Cost?

Finance distance degrees in Germany are offered predominantly by private universities, which means tuition is higher than for general Business Administration programmes. However, costs remain far below comparable programmes in the US or UK.

Bachelor’s: Cost Comparison

Master’s: Cost Comparison

International Cost Comparison

Funding and Financial Aid

International students enrolled at a German university may be eligible for the following funding options:

• Tax deduction (German taxpayers): Tuition fees and study materials can be deducted from taxable income. A Master’s degree qualifies as a full business expense.
• Aufstiegs-BAföG: Since January 2025, up to 18,000 € in tuition fees are covered. After passing the final exam, 60% of the loan is forgiven. Eligibility depends on residency status.
• KfW Student Loan: Available to students enrolled at accredited German institutions, providing up to 650 € per month regardless of income.
• Employer sponsorship: Common in the finance sector – many German employers co-fund part-time degrees that align with the employee’s role.

Key Universities

The finance distance learning landscape in Germany is dominated by private universities. Here are the key providers:

• RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau: The only public university offering a finance Master’s – Financial Engineering (M.Sc., 15,000 €). Designed for applicants with strong mathematical backgrounds, focusing on risk management and derivatives pricing.
• Centre for Distance Learning (zfh): MBA Digital Finance (12,000 €) – a public-sector programme combining finance with FinTech, blockchain, and digital transformation.
• IU International University: The largest private provider with programmes in Financial Management, FinTech, Controlling, and Taxation. Offers flexible online exams and some English-taught modules.
• AKAD University: Specialises in quantitative finance topics – Finance and Accounting (B.A.), Controlling & Data Analytics (B.Sc.), Controlling (M.Sc.).
• Euro-FH: Offers Finance and Management (B.Sc.), Finance (M.Sc.), and Taxation & Accounting (M.Acc.) – practical orientation with optional on-site seminars.
• SRH Distance Learning University: FACT Master (Finance, Accounting, Controlling & Taxation) – a broad programme for finance generalists.
• ISM: Bachelor’s in Financial Management with strong practical focus and international orientation.
• Allensbach University: M.Sc. Finance with focus on corporate finance and capital market theory.

Career Prospects and Salary

Finance graduates in Germany are among the best-paid business professionals. The combination of specialised knowledge and work experience gained during a part-time distance degree is particularly valued by employers. The following salary data is based on gehalt.de, StepStone, and oeffentlicher-dienst.info.

The highest salaries are earned by tax advisors and auditors – though both roles require passing demanding state examinations in addition to the degree. Controllers and financial managers earn median salaries between 55,000 and 58,000 € and can enter the profession directly after graduation.

Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s Programmes

Bachelor’s programmes in finance require a secondary school leaving certificate equivalent to the German Abitur. For international applicants, the anabin database lists which foreign qualifications are recognised. At private universities such as IU, AKAD, and Euro-FH, applicants without formal university entrance qualifications may be admitted based on a completed vocational training plus professional experience.

Master’s Programmes

Master’s programmes require a first degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) with at least 180 ECTS in a business, finance, or economics field. The MBA Digital Finance at zfh additionally requires professional experience. The LL.M. Banking and Capital Markets Law at IU is also open to law graduates. The M.Sc. Financial Engineering at RPTU requires a mathematical or engineering background.

Language Requirements

Almost all programmes listed here are taught in German. International applicants typically need B2–C1 level proficiency (CEFR). Accepted certificates include TestDaF (TDN 4), DSH-2, or telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule. Some modules at IU may be available in English, but the core finance programmes require German language skills.

Visa and Residence Permit

For fully online distance learning programmes, a German student visa is generally not required – you can study from your home country. If you plan to attend on-site exams in Germany, a Schengen tourist visa is usually sufficient.

Accreditation and Degree Recognition

All programmes listed on this page are accredited by recognised accreditation agencies (FIBAA, ACQUIN, ZEvA, or system-accredited institutions) and approved by the relevant state ministry. Degrees from accredited German universities are recognised throughout the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). All programmes use ECTS credits. For use outside Europe, World Education Services (WES) or NACES member organisations can evaluate your German degree.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does a finance distance degree cost in Germany? Bachelor’s programmes range from approximately 7,000 to 16,000 € total, Master’s from approximately 10,000 to 20,000 €. Monthly fees start at around 260 €. The only lower-cost options come from the public sector: the MBA at zfh (12,000 €) and the M.Sc. at RPTU (15,000 €).
• Can I study finance in English at a German university? Most programmes are taught in German. For English-language options in the broader business field, see our Business Administration comparison, which includes English-taught programmes at IU and other providers.
• What is the difference between Controlling and Financial Management? Controlling focuses on internal corporate planning, reporting, and KPI analysis. Financial Management is broader and includes corporate finance, investment decisions, and capital procurement.
• Is a German finance degree recognised internationally? Yes. All programmes use ECTS credits and are accredited under the European Higher Education Area framework. For non-European countries, WES can evaluate your degree.
• Do I need to attend on-campus sessions? Most programmes can be completed largely online. Some universities require on-site exams at fixed dates, typically at test centres across Germany. IU offers 24/7 online-proctored exams as an alternative.
• How long does a finance distance degree take? A Bachelor’s takes 6 semesters full-time or up to 12 semesters part-time. Master’s programmes take 3–5 semesters. Most universities offer free extensions beyond the standard study period.