Master's in Controlling at IU: Who fits, admission and individual requirements

With your M.A. in Controlling, you can work as a Business Controller, Production Controller, or Sales Controller.
© Controller in a meeting

The Master's distance learning programme "Controlling (M.A.)" at IU International University is aimed at all those who want to acquire in-depth knowledge in modern controlling and develop their careers specifically towards managerial responsibility or a specialist role (e.g., as a Business Controller). The programme is particularly attractive to graduates of business and economics programmes who have already gained initial professional experience in controlling, accounting, or finance and are now aiming for the next career step. Due to its flexible study models (full-time, part-time, dual), the programme is particularly appealing to professionals who want to combine further education and work.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the Master's in Controlling depends on the desired study variant (60 or 120 ECTS).

For the 120-ECTS variant (standard period of study 4 semesters):

• First professional university degree (e.g., Bachelor's) with a focus on business or economics
• If the first degree has a different focus, admission is possible through a master's entrance examination

For the shortened 60-ECTS variant (standard period of study 2 semesters):

• First professional university degree with a focus on business/economics totaling 240 ECTS and 1 year of relevant professional experience after graduation
• In case of a different scope of the first degree:
  • With 180 ECTS: Proof of 30 ECTS in additional courses and at least 1 year of relevant professional experience, or alternatively 2 years of relevant professional experience
  • With 210 ECTS: Proof of 30 ECTS in additional courses or at least 1 year of relevant professional experience
• Additionally: Proof of knowledge totaling at least 10 ECTS in controlling, accounting, or finance (possible to make up at IU if not available)

Access without a Bachelor's: Even without a bachelor's degree, you can be admitted to the 60-ECTS programme if you meet the following conditions:

• General or subject-specific university entrance qualification and completed, at least 2-year training related to controlling
• At least 6 years of professional experience with professional relevance, including 3 years in a leadership position or as an expert (proof required)
• Successful completion of a preparatory module at IU (written seminar paper and oral examination)

Final grade: At least "satisfactory" (3.0) in the first degree. If the grade is lower (up to 4.0), alternatively 40 or 20 ECTS points from a master's preliminary course, relevant master's achievements, or an already existing relevant master's degree can be recognized.

Language Skills: For the German study programme, international applicants must provide evidence of German language skills at least at B2 level (e.g., through TestDaF, DSH, Telc, or ÖSD).

Personal Requirements and Skills

In addition to the formal criteria, for a successful study, you should have the following personal requirements and soft skills:

• Basic interest in numbers, economic relationships, and analytical work
• Willingness to work independently and disciplined in self-study – ideal for online distance learning
• Experience or openness to digital learning formats and tools (video lessons, online campus, AI-assisted learning support)
• Good structured way of working and organizational talent – important for juggling work, family, and study simultaneously
• Communication skills for exchange in virtual learning groups and for potential leadership roles in future careers
• Interest in current developments such as digitization, agile management, and international markets

The master's programme is particularly suitable for professionals who want to further qualify flexibly without attendance obligations. Those with practical experience in controlling, accounting, or management benefit greatly from the application-oriented focus of many modules.

 All information on the requirements, contents, specialization possibilities, and costs can also be found in your personal information package for the part-time online study programme in controlling. With the brochure, you will also receive access details for a demo account of myCampus, the IU online campus. Request brochure now...

How the Controlling programme at IU works

There are two programme variants and three time models each:

• 60-ECTS Programme: Duration of studies in full-time 2 semesters (12 months), also possible part-time (3 to 4 semesters).
• 120-ECTS Programme: Duration of studies in full-time 4 semesters (24 months), also available as a part-time variant (6 to 8 semesters).

You can start your studies at any time. The Master's programme in Controlling is designed flexibly as a distance learning programme, so you can work on all content online and independently of your location.

• 100% online: You learn via the Online Campus myCampus and the IU Learn App. Learning materials are available digitally and for download as scripts, video lectures, and interactive books. For many modules, there are podcasts, exercises, and virtual live seminars.
• Modular Flexibility: You can plan modules and exams individually. You also decide whether you prefer to take exams as online exams (24/7, from anywhere) or in examination centres.
• Exam Formats: In addition to traditional exams, depending on the subject area, there are written assignments, projects, open-book exams, or oral exams (some via video call).
• Support and Assistance: A team of professors, tutors, and study coaches will support you individually. You can reach the community via chat/forum.
• Innovative Tools: With the learning AI Syntea, you have access to smart support at all times – from comprehension questions to exam preparation.

Presence phases are not mandatory. Your personal support is very closely knit through the virtual network and numerous support offerings from IU.

Career Opportunities & Job Options after the Master's in Controlling

A Master's degree in Controlling provides you with excellent career prospects in all sectors of the economy. Controlling professionals are in demand across different industries, with high levels of responsibility and attractive salaries. Examples of positions available to you include:

• Business Controller: Managing companies, data analysis, consulting management
• Sales Controller: Evaluating sales data, optimizing sales processes
• Production Controller: Controlling, cost optimization, and efficiency improvement in operational production processes
• Personnel Controller: Analysis and planning of personnel costs, development of HR control systems
• Project Controlling and Performance Management in corporations, consulting firms, banks, and public institutions

Typical employers are larger medium-sized companies, international corporations, consulting firms, and public administration. With your advanced skills, you qualify for challenging tasks at the interface of analysis, strategy, and management. The Master's programme also paves the way for leadership positions or a Ph.D.

Costs, fees and financing options

The costs for the Controlling distance learning programme (60 ECTS) vary depending on the chosen time model:

• Full-time (12 months): 729 € per month – total costs approx. 9.547 €
• Part-time I (18 months): 569 € per month – total costs approx. 11.041 €
• Part-time II (24 months): 449 € per month – total costs approx. 11.575 €

Regular discount promotions offer savings on tuition fees. The tuition includes all services such as digital learning materials, access to the online library, personal career coaching and optional live lectures. A non-binding trial month allows you to test the programme for free at the start.

• Financing options: Education funds, private student loans, tax deduction as income-related expenses and various regional funding programmes. IU also accepts individual recognition of prior learning (e.g. from previous studies or further training), which can further reduce costs.

Thanks to the digital learning concept, there are no expenses for textbooks or on-site travel. Semester breaks and extensions (up to 12 months) are available free of charge if you need more time.