What do you need for the distance learning course in Financial Management at IU?

With your B.A. in Financial Management, you could work as a Financial Advisor.
© SFIO CRACHO/Fotolia

The bachelor's degree course in Financial Management at IU International University is aimed at people seeking a career in the finance sector, controlling, accounting, or related corporate functions. If you are interested in corporate finance, risk management, and international accounting, and plan to take on responsible tasks in the financial sector, then this is the right choice for you. The flexible study model is particularly suitable for professionals, career changers, individuals interested in business management, as well as prospective students who wish to start studying directly after completing school.

Admission requirements: What do you need to start?

For admission to the Bachelor's in Financial Management, the following formal requirements are necessary:

With a general or subject-specific university entrance qualification (A-levels):

• Direct entry into the course is possible - with A-levels, technical college entrance qualification, or equivalent subject-specific university entrance qualification.
• School leaving certificates from abroad are checked for equivalence (e.g. IB Diploma, Anabin assessment).
• Technical college entrance qualification from Waldorf schools or vocational colleges may need state recognition.

Without (technical) A-levels:

• Entry is also possible with a master craftsman's certificate, advanced training (e.g. IHK specialist, state-certified business economist), or similar qualification.
• Alternatively, a min. two-year recognized vocational training in Germany and min. 3 years of full-time work experience is sufficient. Depending on previous education, a trial study may be required at first.
• Vocational qualifications from EU countries are checked and possibly recognized at the level of DQR 4 (equivalent to a German qualification).

For international applicants: You need evidence of your knowledge of German, such as TestDaF (minimum 3 points), DSH1, Telc Deutsch B2, or ÖSD B2. The certificate must not be older than five years at the start of the studies.

There is no restricted admission (numerus clausus) - admission is not dependent on your average grade.

Personal requirements and skills: What will help you succeed in your studies?

In addition to formal admission criteria, you should ideally bring the following personal requirements and competencies for successful studies in Financial Management:

• Interest in numbers, analyses, and economic contexts.
• Basic knowledge or openness to mathematics, statistics, and business management issues.
• Independent work and strong self-organization (important for location and time-independent distance learning).
• Motivation to understand complex issues and solve problems in a structured way - be it in controlling, accounting, or financial decision-making.
• Willingness to use digital learning platforms, apps, and tools to study flexibly online.
• Good communication skills for interaction with tutors, fellow students, or later in professional life with teams and clients.
• For international, global, or intercultural modules: Openness to international financial topics and possibly basic knowledge of English.

Prior technical or commercial knowledge is helpful but not mandatory. The first semesters gradually teach the basics of business and mathematics. In addition, IU provides extensive support so that you can successfully start even with less prior experience.

 All information about the requirements, content, specialization options, and costs can also be found in your personal information package for online studies in Financial Management. With the brochure, you will also receive access to a demo account for myCampus, the IU online campus. Request the brochure now ...

How the Distance Learning Programme Works

The study programme at IU Distance Learning is designed for maximum flexibility. You can start at any time, work completely online, and choose between three time models:

• Full-time (36 months standard period of study)
• Part-time I (48 months)
• Part-time II (72 months)
• Recognition of Previous Achievements: Previously completed training or relevant professional experience can be recognized, saving you time and tuition fees.

All study materials are provided digitally via the online campus, complemented by the IU Learn App with interactive learning units and quiz questions. You can take modules and exams in the order that suits your learning progress. There are no attendance phases - all events, seminars, and exams take place online. If you wish, you can attend optional live online tutorials and virtual lectures.

• Exams: You can choose between online exams (available 24/7) and traditional exams at exam centres. Alternatively, there are term papers, project work, presentations, or open-book exams - depending on the module.
• Study Support: Tutors, Study Coaches, Professors, and a AI-based chatbot ("Syntea") are there to support you.
• Practical Semester: In the elective area, you can either complete an internship or take further practice-oriented modules.

Career Opportunities and Possible Professions after Graduation

With a bachelor's degree in financial management, you qualify for numerous activities in finance and accounting in various companies worldwide. Your acquired skills specifically prepare you for management and leadership roles in finance departments. Typical career paths include:

• Employee in Finance and Accounting: Analysis of financial data, budgeting, liquidity management, and investment evaluation
• Financial Controller: Financial controlling, reporting, forecasting, cost analyses, and optimization of company resources
• Business Consultant in the Finance Sector: Development of financial strategies, optimization of financial processes, consulting in corporate transformations
• Positions in Corporate Finance, Accounting, Risk Management, and Audit

Thanks to the broad education including digital and sustainable skills, you are also prepared for future market trends and challenges related to AI, FinTech, and sustainable business practices.

Costs and Financing Options

For the Bachelor's distance learning programme in Financial Management at IU, costs arise based on the chosen time model:

• Full-time (36 months): currently around 399€ per month, total costs approximately 15,063€ including graduation fee
• Part-time I (48 months): around 344€ per month, total costs approximately 17,211€
• Part-time II (72 months): around 259€ per month, total costs approximately 19,347€
• Graduation fee: one-time approximately 699€ at the end of the programme

Learning materials, online library, online exams, and the use of digital tools, as well as study and career coaching, are already included in the fees.

• There are discount promotions from time to time, such as fee reductions or an iPad when enrolling during selected promotional periods.
• IU offers a non-binding trial month - you only pay fees if you continue after that.
• Depending on your personal situation, you may be able to deduct study fees from taxes.
• Options such as BAföG, student loans, education funds, or installment payment models are available.
• Recognition of Previous Achievements: For recognized modules, you save time and approximately 30€ per ECTS point.

Overall, the IU Distance Learning Financial Management programme offers a flexibly adaptable, practice-oriented study concept with a digital learning environment that specifically prepares you for demanding positions in finance.