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The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Business Administration under the number 140109c. Who this MBA suits – and what you need to get in
This MBA suits working professionals who want a flexible, German-accredited degree without pausing their career. Typical profiles include: specialists in marketing, IT or design aiming to step into general management; engineers or operations staff preparing for leadership roles; and professionals from healthcare or education who need solid business skills to move into management. If you live outside Germany and need remote learning with limited on-site time, this format is designed for you.
Admission requirements
Formal entry is aimed at applicants with a prior university degree and sufficient German skills for study and exams. Key points at a glance:
- First degree: State Examination, Diplom, Master or Bachelor degree with at least 240 ECTS, or an equivalent qualification.
- Origin of degree: awarded by a German university or a university in a Bologna signatory state; equivalent international qualifications can be recognised.
- Field of prior study: preferably not closely related to business administration (typical MBA profile).
- Teaching language: the programme is taught in German. A formal proof of German language proficiency is required according to the university’s list of accepted certificates.
- Study format: part-time distance learning with mandatory on-site sessions of 2 weekends per semester in Germany (locations: Göttingen or Stade). You must be able to travel for these dates.
Admission without Abitur: not applicable. As a Master’s programme, entry requires a completed university degree; secondary-school certificates alone are not sufficient.
Personal requirements
Expect a realistic workload of around 24 hours per week over 3 semesters. You will succeed if you bring solid self-organisation, reliable weekly routines and the perseverance to keep pace alongside your job. Plan ahead for the mandatory weekend sessions in Germany (travel, time off work, potential visa needs) and for exam phases.
You should be comfortable studying and writing academically in German, including reading case studies and literature and preparing presentations. Quantitative subjects (e.g. accounting, finance, logistics) require a basic affinity with numbers and the willingness to practise. A stable internet connection, clear communication in online settings across time zones, and realistic time blocking for study, assignments and group work are essential to stay on track.
What will you study in the Business Administration (MBA) at Private University Goettingen?
The MBA is taught entirely in German. All learning materials, seminars and exams are in German. To succeed, you need advanced academic German; common proofs in Germany include TestDaF or DSH (examples only). The programme comprises 60 ECTS over three semesters in a Fernstudium format – Fernstudium means distance learning in Germany, typically designed for working professionals.
You build a master’s-level understanding of business administration and then specialise. Content is organised around key management fields and applied domains:
- Finance and Accounting: deepen your financial decision-making and reporting through specialisations such as Accounting and Corporate Finance.
- Digital and Commerce: focus on technology-enabled business models and markets with E-Business and Trade Management.
- Venture and Operations: strengthen entrepreneurial and organisational capabilities via Entrepreneurship and Industrial Management.
- Supply Chains and Services: address movement of goods and service design with Logistics Management and Tourism and Sports Management.
- Sector Management: tailor your profile to specific fields through Health Management and Education Management.
Electives and specialisations: you can choose from a defined set of specialisations to align the MBA with your role or career goals. Options listed include Accounting, Applied Business Psychology, Corporate Finance, E-Business, Education Management, Entrepreneurship, Health Management, Trade Management, Industrial Management, Logistics Management, Tourism and Sports Management.
This is a programme at a German Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences) with a practice-oriented approach. As a state-approved distance course, it carries a ZFU entry; the ZFU is the German authority that approves distance-learning courses for quality and learner protection.
How does the Business Administration (MBA) distance programme work?
The MBA runs for three semesters part-time with structured self-study, regular online support and mandatory on-site weekends in Germany. Expect roughly 24 hours of study per week alongside your job.
Teaching language and certificates
Teaching and assessment are in German. You should be comfortable reading academic texts, writing assignments and taking exams in German. Typical proofs of German proficiency in Germany include TestDaF or DSH; universities may indicate which certificates and levels they accept.
Learning format and study materials
This is a Fernstudium (distance learning) with a mix of guided self-study and scheduled interactions. You study with structured materials and online resources and meet teaching staff and peers during the scheduled on-site weekends each semester.
Exams and taking them from outside Germany
Key assessments are tied to the in-person weekends. Plan to sit exams and attend seminars on site in Germany during these weekends. Remote proctoring or overseas exam centres are not the standard route here.
Mandatory on-site sessions in Germany
You must attend two weekends per semester in Germany. Locations are associated with the university sites in Göttingen and Stade. If you live outside the EU/Schengen area, factor in potential visa requirements for short study visits.
Weekly workload, time models and time zones
The expected workload is about 24 hours per week over 18 months. Any live components follow Central European Time (CET/CEST). The structure is designed for working professionals; plan consistent weekly study blocks to keep pace.
ZFU admission number: 140109c. A purely remote distance programme without campus residency does not require a German student visa; however, the compulsory weekend sessions mean you will need to be able to travel to Germany several times during your studies.
What does the Business Administration (MBA) cost?
The regular tuition is €575 per month over 18 months, totalling €10,350 in total for the standard duration. This gives you a concrete monthly burden for budgeting alongside your living costs. Payment is typically by monthly instalments across the programme’s three semesters.
If you take longer than the standard duration, ask early about any extension conditions and whether additional administrative fees apply. For students abroad, plan for international payment fees and currency conversion on top of the listed euro prices. Travel and accommodation for the mandatory on-site weekends are your own expense and should be added to your budget.
What careers and recognition does the Business Administration (MBA) offer?
The MBA awards 60 ECTS within the Bologna framework, making the degree comparable across Europe. The programme is FIBAA-accredited through the German Accreditation Council until 30 September 2030 (status: accredited without conditions). FIBAA is an EQAR-listed agency; such accreditation signals quality and international compatibility of academic standards.
For distance learning, ZFU approval adds consumer and format assurance specific to Germany. Together, these signals help employers and institutions abroad understand the level and framework of the award.
Career paths depend on your specialisation and experience. Typical roles include:
- General management or business unit leadership in SMEs or corporates
- Consulting roles in operations, strategy, supply chain or digital transformation
- Financial management positions, e.g. controller, finance manager or CFO track (with finance specialisation)
- Entrepreneurship and venture building, including product or growth leadership in startups
- Sector-specific management in health, education, logistics, trade, tourism or industrial companies
Salary impact varies by country, sector and prior experience. Internationally, MBAs often support progression into leadership roles and broaden access to management recruitment pipelines; results are strongest when combined with several years of relevant professional experience.
Who is the Business Administration (MBA) right for – and who not?
This MBA is designed for working professionals who want a German-accredited, part-time degree that can be studied largely at a distance, with targeted specialisations. The compulsory on-site weekends provide structure, networking and assessment moments.
- You want a compact 60 ECTS MBA you can complete in about 18 months alongside full-time work.
- You are comfortable studying and being examined in German.
- You value recognised programme accreditation (FIBAA) and a Bologna-compatible degree for international portability.
- You prefer clear specialisation choices such as Finance, Logistics, Entrepreneurship or sector management.
- You can commit to a steady workload of roughly 24 hours per week.
There are also clear reasons why this programme may not fit your situation. Read these carefully before you decide.
- You need a programme taught in English; this MBA is delivered and examined in German.
- You require a 100% online MBA with no travel; here, two on-site weekends per semester in Germany are mandatory.
- You cannot travel to Germany due to visa constraints, cost or time off work; attendance is required each semester.
- You are seeking a research-oriented MSc in Management; this is a professionally oriented MBA at a Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences).
Brochure and trial access for the online campus
Request the free study guide from PFH. In the study guide, you will find all the information about the MBA program, study financing, on-site seminars, and the course of distance learning at PFH Göttingen.
If desired, you will receive free access to the E-Campus for 4 weeks at PFH, allowing you to get a first impression of the MBA program at the university.
Advisory Service
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