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The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Controlling and Data Analytics under the number 1121321c. Who this programme fits – and what you need to get in
This online B.Sc. in Controlling and Data Analytics suits you if you want a recognised German degree while studying remotely. Typical profiles include: a finance or operations assistant aiming to step up into controlling while keeping a full-time job; a marketing or BI analyst who wants to formalise skills in data analytics and management accounting; or a vocationally trained bookkeeper/accounting professional seeking an academic upgrade for broader roles. The study model is flexible and 100% online, including exams, so you can complete it from abroad.
Admission requirements
To qualify, you need a recognised university entrance route and sufficient German for degree-level study.
- With school-leaving certificate: general higher education entrance qualification, subject-restricted entrance qualification, or entrance to a University of Applied Sciences; also accepted: an equivalent foreign school-leaving certificate that grants university admission.
- Without traditional school-leaving certificate: admission via recognised advanced vocational qualifications (e.g. Meister, Technician, Business Administrator, Specialist, nursery teacher), or via completed vocational training plus relevant work experience, leading to an aptitude test or a probationary study phase.
- Language of instruction: German. Accepted proofs of proficiency include DSH-2, TestDaF level 4 in all parts, or German at C1 CEFR (e.g. Goethe-Zertifikat C1). One of these is required for regular enrolment.
- Recommended for success: English at B2 level, mathematics at school-leaving level, and solid PC user skills.
- Recognition of prior learning (RPL): previously earned university credits and certain professional qualifications can be credited to reduce duration and costs.
Personal requirements
Studying from abroad demands structure and consistency. You should be comfortable reading and writing academic German, able to manage quantitative topics (accounting, statistics, data handling) and ready to learn with digital tools (spreadsheets, dashboards, basic databases). Expect a weekly workload of around 30 hours if you aim for the fastest track; with extended schedules (48–72 months), plan roughly 12–20 hours per week. Successful students prioritise steady progress, plan realistic study slots across time zones, and keep momentum through exam phases. Good self-organisation, perseverance through tougher modules, and proactive use of online support (tutors, forums, webinars) are key to finishing on time and getting value from the programme’s analytics components.
What will you study in the Controlling and Data Analytics (B.Sc.) at AKAD University?
This programme is taught in German. For admission as an international applicant you will need recognised proof of German at roughly C1 level, e.g. DSH-2, TestDaF TDN 4 or a C1 certificate (GER). You earn 180 ECTS over six semesters (standard route) in a Fernstudium – the German term for distance learning. AKAD is a state-recognised university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule), and the course is approved by the German distance-learning regulator ZFU (approval no. 1121321c).
You build a solid business and controlling foundation. Typical modules include Financial Accounting and Managerial Accounting basics, Operative Controlling, and Investment and Finance. Alongside this, you cover Statistics and Business Mathematics to support evidence-based decision-making.
Data and digital competencies form the second pillar. You work with Databases and Business Informatics, learn Data Visualisation for a management cockpit and practice Data Storytelling and communication so that analyses lead to action.
Digital transformation and organisation are treated as cross-cutting themes. You explore theoretical and practical aspects of the digital transformation, Information Management, Risk and Control Systems, plus both classic and agile Project Management for delivery.
Business skills round off the curriculum: English for professional purposes (C1), Marketing Management, Tax basics, and People Management and development help you understand stakeholders across the company.
Electives (2 out of 3): you choose two specialisations to sharpen your profile: Data Analytics; Accounting and Performance Monitoring (Rechnungslegung und Erfolgskontrolle); or Data-driven Value Creation (Datengetriebene Wertschöpfung). A substantial practical project module and the bachelor’s thesis complete the programme.
Terminology you will encounter: Fernstudium means distance learning with online-first delivery; a Fachhochschule is a practice-oriented university of applied sciences; the ZFU is Germany’s state authority that approves distance-learning courses for quality and consumer protection.
How does the Controlling and Data Analytics distance programme work?
The degree is organised for working professionals: fully online learning, rolling start dates, and exams you can take from outside Germany. The ZFU admission number is 1121321c. As a purely remote programme, no visa is required because there is no on-campus attendance for immigration purposes.
Teaching language and language certificates
The teaching language is German. You should be comfortable reading and writing academic German and participating in live sessions. Typical proofs accepted for international applicants are DSH-2, TestDaF with TDN 4 in all sections, or a GER C1 certificate. Some materials include English terms; one module is “English for professional purposes (C1)”.
Learning format and study materials
You study in a flexible Fernstudium format via AKAD’s online campus. Materials include digital scripts, recorded lectures, interactive exercises and online library access. You decide the sequence of many modules and pace your learning around work. Tutors offer guidance, and you can join optional live webinars and study groups.
Exams from abroad
Examinations are conducted online and are designed for remote participation worldwide. Depending on the module, formats include timed online exams, written assignments, project work and presentations. This allows you to complete assessments from your home country without travel.
On-site sessions in Germany
There are no mandatory on-site days for this programme. Optional workshops or meetups may be offered, but attendance is not required to complete the degree.
Workload, time models and time zones
Plan for about 30 hours per week in the full-time pace. You choose one of three time models: 36 months (fast track), 48 months (standard part-time) or 72 months (extended part-time). Optional live elements follow German time (CET/CEST); recordings and asynchronous alternatives support other time zones.
What does the Controlling and Data Analytics (B.Sc.) cost?
Your total tuition depends on the time model you choose. At regular, undiscounted rates this is roughly €12,852 in the 36-month track (€357 per month), €14,160 in the 48-month track (€295 per month) or €15,336 in the 72-month track (€213 per month). A one-off exam fee of €960 is added near the end of the programme.
Tuition covers access to the online campus, digital study materials and academic support. You pay in monthly instalments across your chosen duration. AKAD allows free buffer extensions in each track (e.g. several additional months) so you can finish without pressure if life intervenes.
If you have recognised prior learning, some modules can be credited, which can reduce both duration and overall cost. Payments are arranged directly with the university in euros via monthly billing.
What careers and recognition does the Controlling and Data Analytics (B.Sc.) offer?
You graduate with a Bachelor of Science, 180 ECTS under the Bologna framework. ECTS credits are the European standard, which supports international recognition across the European Higher Education Area. AKAD University is a state-recognised university of applied sciences in Germany, and the programme is officially approved for distance delivery by the ZFU. The degree in Controlling is accredited within the university’s quality system until 30 September 2029.
Typical roles after graduation include:
- Business Controller or Financial Analyst – planning, variance analysis, management reporting
- Digital Transformation Manager – data-driven improvement of processes and performance
- Marketing Controller – ROI analysis, budgeting and performance dashboards
- Consultant (Controlling/Data Analytics) – implementing control systems and analytics
- Internal Audit or Risk Analyst – control frameworks and data-supported assurance
Career entry is possible across industries: manufacturing, services, retail, tech and consulting. The quantitative and data-visualisation focus prepares you for modern, tool-based controlling. The bachelor’s degree also qualifies you for relevant master’s programmes in controlling, business informatics or data analytics in Germany and internationally.
Who is the Controlling and Data Analytics (B.Sc.) right for – and who not?
This programme suits motivated professionals who want a German bachelor’s degree while working, and who aim to combine controlling with strong data skills. You should be comfortable studying independently in German and working with numbers and digital tools.
- You want a flexible remote-first programme you can complete from abroad without a visa.
- You seek a state-recognised German B.Sc. with 180 ECTS for international portability.
- You enjoy quantitative work (accounting, statistics, dashboards) and clear business outcomes.
- You prefer modular, asynchronous study with online exams and optional live support.
- You want to specialise via two electives (e.g. Data Analytics or Accounting & Performance Monitoring).
There are also clear cases where this degree is not a good match. Read these points carefully if you are applying from outside Germany.
- You do not speak German at an academic level (C1). The programme is not taught in English and requires advanced German.
- You want a campus experience in Germany or need a student visa. This is a pure distance programme with no on-site requirement.
- You aim for direct access to regulated professions (e.g. German tax advisor or public auditor). This bachelor’s alone does not grant such licensure.
- You prefer hands-on lab work or in-person networking as a core feature. Teaching and exams are designed for online participation.
Lade… 
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