Requirements and Target Group: Who is the IU Distance Learning Programme in Public Management for Administrative Assistants suitable for?

With your degree in Public Management for Administrative Assistants, you could work, for example, in personnel management in the public sector or in a municipal treasury.

The distance learning programme Public Management for Administrative Assistants at IU International University is specifically designed for individuals who already have completed training as an administrative assistant in Germany. The bachelor's programme allows individuals with recognised prior knowledge to obtain their degree particularly quickly, in just three semesters. Therefore, this study option is particularly suitable for professionals from the public sector who want to further their academic qualifications and explore new career opportunities in administration, government management, or the digitisation of the public sector. It also offers a flexible opportunity for career changers with relevant work experience in public administration to deepen their expertise academically and grow into leadership or specialist positions.

Admission Requirements

Completed Training: A successfully completed training as an administrative assistant in Germany is required for admission. Training from abroad is not recognised.

Higher Education Entrance Qualification (Direct Access):

• General or subject-specific university entrance qualification (A-levels) and completed training as an administrative assistant in Germany
• Vocational Baccalaureate Diploma (theoretical and practical parts) and completed training as an administrative assistant in Germany

Studying without A-levels: Entry is also possible without a university entrance qualification by having

• a completed, qualified training as an administrative assistant
• and at least three years of full-time work experience (after training) in this professional field in Germany.

Language Proficiency: For international applicants in the German-language programme, a current proof of German language skills is required (e.g., TestDaF, DSH1, Telc B2, ÖSD B2). The certificate should usually not be older than five years.

Personal Requirements: Suitability and Student Profile

• Professional Experience: Ideally, you already have practical experience in the field of public administration. These skills are required for the foundation and specialization studies.
• Independent Responsibility and Self-Organisation: Since the programme is designed as a pure distance learning course, you should have self-reliant and structured working methods as well as discipline in learning. The flexibility of the IU programme requires good time management.
• Willingness to Learn and Openness to Digitalisation: Interest in modern developments in public administration (e.g., E-Government, Digital HR, Artificial Intelligence in the public sector) is beneficial. Being open to learning new tools, digital processes, and innovative subject areas facilitates the study.
• Communication Skills: Especially in Public Management, teamwork, project work, and dealing with different stakeholder groups are important.
• Motivation for Development: The programme is suitable for anyone looking to expand their career opportunities in specialist and managerial positions or project-related tasks.

What to expect in the Bachelor Public Management for Administrative Assistants?

The distance learning course "Public Management for Administrative Assistants" at IU International University is specifically designed for people who have already completed training as administrative assistants. The aim is to provide you with practical and scientifically sound knowledge in Public Management. After successful completion, you will receive the academic degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and will be well prepared for challenging tasks in the public sector and in state-related companies.

Shortened study program through recognition: Your completed training will be recognized, so the first three semesters (90 ECTS) will be automatically waived. You start directly in the fourth semester.

Required modules (among others):

• Public Financial Management: Understanding economic processes and state finances in administration.
• Public and Nonprofit Management: Basics for managing public and nonprofit organizations.
• Politics and Public Administration: Overview of the structures, processes, and control mechanisms of public administration.
• Project Management: Tools and methods for successful project management in the public sector.
• Human Resources: Specialized in modern HR work, specifically tailored to the requirements of the public service.
• Accounting, Controlling, as well as Consultation and Grants in the public sector.
• Municipal Law and Data Protection: Legal basics specifically for municipal administrative practice.

Individual specializations: In the elective area (20 ECTS), you choose focuses such as E-Government, Social Media Marketing, Artificial Intelligence, Change Management, Labor Law, or Digitalization in the public sector. Through these specializations, you shape your qualification profile individually – depending on personal interests and career aspirations.

Bachelor's thesis: Your scientific thesis completes the study and demonstrates your ability to independently address current issues.

You will acquire both classic administrative knowledge and modern management and digitalization skills. Many modules are based on current developments, such as transformation in the public service, New Work, or AI applications.

Study Structure: How is the distance learning course structured?

• Flexible time models: You can study in the full-time model (completion in 18 months), part-time model I (24 months), or part-time model II (36 months) – ideal for adapting the course to your life situation.
• Digital learning environment: You organize the course completely online via the IU myCampus. Learning scripts are available to you as digital Interactive Books and optionally as printed study booklets. Supporting content such as videos, podcasts, and live sessions deepen your knowledge.
• Flexible examination scheduling: Examinations can be taken either as online exams around the clock from home or at one of the numerous examination centers throughout Germany. Term papers, presentations, and project work are also part of the range of services.
• Optional: Live online tutorials and interactive virtual events provide you with interaction with lecturers and fellow students.
• AI and digital tools: Your personal learning AI "Syntea" supports you at all times with explanations, self-tests, and quick answers to content and organizational questions.

Thanks to the modular structure and flexible time management, you learn completely independent of location - whether you are employed or have a family.

Career Opportunities and Job Possibilities after Studying

Specialist and managerial positions: With a bachelor's degree, you qualify for demanding positions in public service at the municipal, state, or federal level, as well as with public law corporations or state-related agencies.

Fields of activity:

• Human resource management in the public sector: Recruiting, employee development, employer branding.
• Digitalization projects: Leading and advising projects for administrative digitalization.
• Participation management, accounting and controlling, e.g., in the municipal treasury or in state-owned companies.
• Project management, change management, process optimization in public institutions.
• Public relations, public relations, and special areas such as E-Government or integration and migration.

Important note: Admission to a specific administrative service may be subject to state regulations and the respective authority. It is best to inquire early on.

Outside of the classic administration, career paths in NGOs, chambers, associations, or the private sector are open to you if public management expertise is required.

Costs and Financing Options of Distance Learning at IU

Tuition fees:

The total costs vary depending on the model.

• Full-time (18 months): from €399 per month
• Part-time I (24 months): from €344 per month
• Part-time II (36 months): from €259 per month
• Graduation fee: one-time €2,299 at the end of the course

Includes all study materials as well as a possible free extension of the study period (semester breaks, extension semesters, etc.).

Free additional services: You benefit from online library, learning AI, study coaching, career counseling, Microsoft Office access, and full use of digital platforms.

Discounts and promotions: IU regularly offers special promotions such as discounts, graduation bonuses, iPads, and trial studies.

Financing options: For your distance learning, you can use funding programs such as BAföG, student loans, education funds, or tax deductibility. Depending on the recognition of your previous achievements, you can also save time and fees.

You start flexibly: Cancellation is possible in the trial month, only after that will the course continue at a cost.