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German universities offer a broad range of distance learning programmes in management, covering specialisations from international management and sustainability to digital transformation and project management. Public and private institutions deliver accredited bachelor's, master's and MBA degrees, with tuition starting at 177 € per month. Most programmes are taught in German; some include English-language modules.
Public providers include the Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR Berlin), the RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, the ZFH consortium and the University of Wismar. Private options include IU International University, the Euro-FH and AKAD University.
- Overview of all Courses
- How Much Does a Management Degree in Germany Cost?
- Public vs. Private Universities for Management in Germany
- Which Management Specialisation Has the Best Career Prospects?
- What Do Management Graduates Earn in Germany?
- Who Can Study Management by Distance Learning in Germany?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related Programmes
Overview of all Courses
We have a total of 53 courses in the field of Management. The first 20 top courses are displayed. Use the filter function or our search to discover more courses in the field.
Security management
Berlin School of Economics and Law · M.A. · 4 Semester
Management
IU International University · M.A. · 2 Semester
Fashion management
IU International University · B.A. · 6 Semester
International Management
IU International University · B.A. · 6 Semester
Aviation Management
IU International University · B.A. · 6 Semester
Sustainable Management
IU International University · M.A. · 2 Semester
Project management
IU International University · B.A. · 6 Semester
International Management
IU International University · M.A. · 2 Semester
Retail Management
University of Applied Sciences Schmalkalden · M.A. · 5 Semester
Management
IU International University · B.A. · 8 Semester
Advanced Management
Private University Goettingen · M.A. · 3 Semester
Organizational development
Rhineland-Palatinate Technical University Kaiserslautern-Landau · M.A. · 4 Semester
Digital Innovation and Intrapreneurship
IU International University · M.A. · 2 Semester
Project Management
IU International University · M.A. · 2 Semester
General Management
IU International University · M.A. · 4 Semester
Security Management
Centre for Distance Learning in the University Consortium · M.A. · 4 Semester
Project and Process Management
University of Mittweida · M.Sc. · 3 Semester
Project & Process Management
University of Wismar · B.A. · 8 Semester
How Much Does a Management Degree in Germany Cost?
Tuition for management programmes ranges from 0 € (ZFH MBA in Wine Industry Management, publicly funded) to over 18,000 €. Public universities in Germany are partly state-funded, keeping tuition significantly lower than at private institutions.
Bachelor Programmes – Fees Compared
IU International University offers the widest range with shortened programmes for experienced professionals starting at 7,182 €. DIPLOMA University has the lowest monthly rate at 177 €.
Continuing Education Programmes – Fees Compared
Several universities offer shorter programmes (90–120 ECTS) designed for working professionals with prior qualifications. These bridge the gap between certificate courses and full degree programmes.
The Berlin School of Economics and Law offers two continuing education programmes focused on Digital Business and Green Energy & Climate Finance, each at 13,600 € for 90 ECTS.
Master Programmes – Fees Compared
Master's programmes range from 6,440 € at the RPTU to 12,775 € at IU for the General Management programme. The RPTU offers Germany's most affordable management master's degrees.
MBA & Certificate Programmes
The English-language MBA selection in this category is limited. The ZFH MBA in Wine Industry Management is publicly funded and tuition-free. For a broader MBA comparison, see our dedicated MBA page.
| Course | University | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sustainability management, Master of Business Administration Distance learning program | Wilhelm Büchner University | from 7956 € total from 598 € monthly | |
| Management in the Wine Industry, Master of Business Administration Distance learning program | Centre for Distance Learning in the University Consortium | from 12000 € total |
Funding Options
International students studying at German universities can explore the following funding routes:
- Tax deductions: Students who are tax residents in Germany can deduct tuition fees from their income tax. A second degree (after an initial qualification or vocational training) qualifies for full deduction as business expenses (Werbungskosten).
- KfW student loan: Available to students enrolled at a German university, regardless of nationality. Up to 650 € per month with repayment starting 6–23 months after graduation.
- Employer sponsorship: German companies frequently co-fund management degrees for their employees, particularly for directly relevant programmes.
- Instalment plans: All private providers offer monthly payment plans. The monthly rate depends on the chosen study pace.
Compared to anglophone countries, German tuition fees are notably lower: a comparable master's degree in the UK costs £10,000–25,000, in the US $20,000–60,000. Even the most expensive management programme here remains below UK average fees.
Public vs. Private Universities for Management in Germany
Public and private universities offer management distance learning programmes across a wide range of specialisations.
Public Universities
| University | Type | Programmes | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR) | State university | M.A. Security Management (9,800 €), 2 continuing education programmes (13,600 € each) | Focus on security management and digital business. On-campus sessions in Berlin. |
| University of Wismar (WINGS) | State university | B.Sc. Project & Process Management (10,320 €) | WINGS is the continuing education subsidiary of the University of Wismar. Examination centres across Germany. |
| RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau | State university | M.A. Organisational Development (6,440 €), M.A. Evaluation (7,342 €) | Germany's most affordable management master's degrees. Research-oriented approach. |
| ZFH | Consortium of state universities | MBA Wine Industry Management (0 €), M.A. Security Management (10,512 €) | The MBA is publicly funded and tuition-free. ZFH coordinates distance learning across several German state universities. |
| University of Applied Sciences Schmalkalden | State university | Sustainability Management (13,800 €), M.A. Retail Management (11,800 €) | Focus on sustainability and retail. Compact programmes for working professionals. |
| University of Mittweida | State university | Project and Process Management (14,157 €, 180 ECTS continuing education) | Practice-oriented continuing education programme. |
Private Universities
| University | Programmes | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| IU International University | Bachelor and master programmes (from 7,182 €) | Largest provider in this category. Fully online with flexible exam scheduling. Specialisations include International Management, Sustainability, Project Management and General Management. |
| Euro-FH | Bachelor, master and continuing education programmes (from 11,880 €) | On-campus seminars in Hamburg and other locations. Focus areas: International Management, Sustainability Management, Business Development. |
| AKAD University | Bachelor, master and continuing education programmes (from 11,640 €) | Flexible distance learning with digital platform. Specialisations: International Management, Project Management, Sustainability. |
| PFH Göttingen | B.A. Management (12,602 €), M.A. Advanced Management (9,344 €) | On-campus seminars in Göttingen and Berlin. Strong industry connections. |
| DIPLOMA University | B.A. Security Management (11,489 €), M.A. Digital Management (10,795 €) | Lowest monthly rate (177 €). Virtual Saturday sessions. |
| SRH Distance Learning University | Management (continuing education, 12,936 €) | Fully online, monthly enrolment start. Flexible study duration. |
| ISM | Management (continuing education, 12,450 €) | International network with English-language module options. Campuses in several German cities. |
Additional private providers include Wilhelm Büchner University (Digital Transformation), FOM University (semi-attendance model), IST University of Management and Tomorrow University.
Which Management Specialisation Has the Best Career Prospects?
Management programmes in Germany cover a wide range of specialisations. The choice of focus area shapes career options more than the choice of university.
International Management
International Management prepares graduates for leadership positions in globally operating companies. Core topics include intercultural communication, international business law and global strategy. Programmes are available at IU, AKAD, Euro-FH and FOM.
Sustainability Management
Sustainability management combines business knowledge with environmental and social responsibility. Demand for sustainability managers is growing due to EU regulations such as the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive). Programmes are offered by IU, Euro-FH, AKAD and the University of Applied Sciences Schmalkalden.
Digital Management
Digital Management and Digital Transformation Management focus on digitising business processes, data-driven decision making and agile project management. DIPLOMA University offers an M.A. Digital Management (10,795 €), while Wilhelm Büchner University and IST University of Management provide Digital Transformation Management programmes.
Project and Process Management
Project and Process Management qualifies graduates for planning, steering and optimising operational workflows. The University of Wismar offers an affordable B.Sc. (10,320 €), while IU and AKAD provide bachelor and master variants.
Additional niche programmes include Security Management (DIPLOMA, HWR Berlin, ZFH) and Wine Industry Management (ZFH).
What Do Management Graduates Earn in Germany?
A management degree opens doors across virtually all industries in Germany. The generalist orientation enables career changes, while specialisations such as sustainability management or digital management prepare graduates for growing fields.
Common career paths after graduation:
- Project management: Planning and steering of projects in business, IT and consulting.
- Business development: Identifying new markets and developing business models.
- Management consulting: Strategic and operational advisory for companies of all sizes.
- Product management: Product development and marketing from market analysis to launch.
- Operations management: Optimising production and logistics processes.
- Sustainability management: Implementing ESG strategies and sustainability reporting.
| Position | Entry-level (gross/year) | Median | Experienced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project manager | ~42,000 € | ~55,000 € | up to 75,000 € |
| Business development manager | ~40,000 € | ~52,000 € | up to 70,000 € |
| Management consultant | ~45,000 € | ~60,000 € | up to 90,000 € |
| Product manager | ~43,000 € | ~56,000 € | up to 78,000 € |
| Operations manager | ~40,000 € | ~50,000 € | up to 68,000 € |
| Sustainability manager | ~38,000 € | ~48,000 € | up to 65,000 € |
Sources: gehalt.de, StepStone Gehaltsreport. Figures refer to gross annual salaries in Germany. International graduates working in Germany can expect comparable compensation.
Who Can Study Management by Distance Learning in Germany?
Bachelor Programmes
- School-leaving certificate: German Abitur (general university entrance qualification) or Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences entrance qualification). International equivalents are accepted – check with anabin or WES for recognition of your qualification.
- Without Abitur: Applicants with a German master craftsman certificate (Meister), a certified specialist qualification (Fachwirt), or a completed vocational training plus professional experience can also gain admission.
- Language requirements: Most programmes are taught in German. Proof of German proficiency (typically B2–C1 level, e.g. TestDaF or DSH) is required for non-native speakers.
Master, MBA & Continuing Education Programmes
- First degree: A bachelor's or equivalent degree, typically in business, management or a related field.
- Professional experience: MBA and continuing education programmes generally require one to three years of professional experience.
- IU and Euro-FH: IU accepts any bachelor's degree for its master's programmes. The Euro-FH offers bridging courses for career changers.
- RPTU and ZFH: Public programmes have specific entry requirements. The RPTU requires a relevant first degree; the ZFH expects professional experience in the relevant field.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between management and business administration? Business administration covers the full range of business fundamentals – from accounting and marketing to human resources. Management programmes build on this foundation and focus on leadership, strategic decision-making and organisational management. Business administration is broader; management is more application-oriented. See our Business Administration comparison for details.
- Are these degrees recognised internationally? Yes. All programmes listed here are accredited by German accreditation agencies (e.g. FIBAA, AQAS, ACQUIN) and comply with the Bologna framework. Bachelor's and master's degrees carry the same ECTS credits as on-campus programmes and are recognised across the EU and beyond.
- Can I study in English? Most programmes are taught in German. Some universities such as ISM offer individual modules in English. For fully English-taught programmes, see our MBA comparison page.
- How do German fees compare internationally? German universities are significantly cheaper than anglophone alternatives. A master's degree here costs 6,440–12,775 €. A comparable UK programme costs £10,000–25,000, a US programme $20,000–60,000.
- Which specialisation has the best job prospects? Sustainability management benefits from growing EU regulation (CSRD, ESG). Digital management and project management are in demand across industries. International management opens doors at globally operating companies. The best choice depends on your career goals.
Related Programmes
- Business Administration – A broader business foundation that management builds upon.
- MBA – For experienced professionals seeking general management and leadership skills.
- Marketing – Specialisation in market research, brand management and digital marketing.
- Finance – Investment analysis, portfolio theory and corporate finance.
- Human Resource Management – HR specialisation covering recruiting, people development and labour law.
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