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A traditional medical degree with Staatsexamen (state examination) and medical licensure is not available as a distance learning programme in Germany. What is available: specialised degree programmes that lead into the healthcare sector – from health economics and medical technology to pharmaceutical management and the physician assistant role. None of these programmes have a numerus clausus, and all can be studied part-time alongside employment.
Germany’s healthcare sector faces the largest skills shortage of any industry: over 46,000 positions are unfilled according to the IW Köln, and projections estimate 1.8 million unfilled healthcare positions by 2035. For international students, German healthcare programmes offer an affordable entry into a sector with exceptional career security. Below you will find all available distance learning programmes compared.
Overview of all Courses
We have a total of 24 courses in the field of Medicine.
Medical Physics
Rhineland-Palatinate Technical University Kaiserslautern-Landau · M.Sc. · 6 Semester
Medicine and Biological Sciences
Centre for Distance Learning in the University Consortium · B.Sc. · 9 Semester
Health economics
APOLLON University of Health Sciences · M.A. · 4 Semester
Industrial Pharmacy
University of Kaiserslautern · B.Sc. · 9 Semester
Naturopathy and complementary healing methods
DIPLOMA University · B.Sc. · 7 Semester
Pharmaceutical Management and Technology
SRH Distance Learning University - The Mobile University · B.Sc. · 6 Semester
Naturopathy
Anhalt University of Applied Sciences · B.Sc. · 7 Semester
Medical Informatics
Berlin University of Technology · M.Sc. · 5 Semester
Medical Biotechnology
Centre for Distance Learning in the University Consortium · B.Sc. · 7 Semester
Clinical Trial Management
Berlin University of Technology · M.Sc. · 5 Semester
Medical ethics
Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz · M.A. · 4 Semester
Medical Technology
IU International University · B.Eng. · 6 Semester
Pharma management and pharma production
DIPLOMA University · B.Sc. · 7 Semester
Medical Informatics
Wilhelm Büchner University · B.Sc. · 6 Semester
Pediatric dentistry
Philipps University of Marburg · M.Sc. · 6 Semester
Executive MBA for doctors
SRH Distance Learning University - The Mobile University · MBA · 2 Semester
Psychological Medicine/Complementary Medicine
AIHE Academic Institute for Higher Education · M.Sc. · 2 Semester
Medical Informatics
IU International University · B.Sc. · 6 Semester
Medical technology
Wilhelm Büchner University · B.Sc. · 7 Semester
Health Psychology & Medical Education
FOM University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Management · B.A. · 7 Semester
Practice and care management
SRH Distance Learning University - The Mobile University · B.Sc. · 3 Semester
Physician Assistant
Kolping University · B.Sc. · 7 Semester
Understanding German healthcare degrees
German distance learning programmes in the healthcare field do not lead to medical licensure (Approbation). They prepare graduates for management, technical, research, and allied health roles within the healthcare system. Understanding the programme types helps you choose the right path.
Bachelor programmes (B.Sc. / B.A. / B.Eng.)
First degrees requiring 180–210 ECTS credits over 6–9 semesters (part-time). No prior healthcare knowledge is needed for most programmes. They qualify graduates for entry-level positions in health management, medical technology, pharmaceutical management, or naturopathy. The B.Sc. Physician Assistant is an exception – it requires a completed healthcare vocational qualification and includes mandatory clinical placements.
Master programmes (M.Sc. / M.A. / M.Eng. / MBA)
Advanced degrees requiring 60–120 ECTS over 2–6 semesters. Most require a relevant bachelor’s degree. Master’s programmes lead to senior positions: clinical research management, medical physics, health economics leadership, or medical ethics. The MBA programmes (Medical Leadership at AKAD, Executive MBA for Doctors at SRH) target experienced professionals moving into executive roles.
Specialisations available in distance learning
The specialisation you choose determines your career path more than the university you attend. German healthcare distance programmes cover five distinct fields.
Health management and economics
Combines medical knowledge with business administration: hospital financing, healthcare policy, quality management, and public health. The APOLLON University offers an M.A. in Health Economics, the SRH a B.Sc. in Practice and Care Management. The state-funded ZFH offers a B.Sc. in Medicine and Biological Sciences from 0 EUR.
Typical roles: hospital manager, health economist, quality assurance officer. Sectors: hospitals, health insurers, consulting firms, public health agencies.
Medical technology and informatics
Covers the development, regulation, and deployment of medical devices – from pacemakers and MRI scanners to AI-assisted diagnostics. Wilhelm Büchner University and IU International University offer bachelor’s programmes in medical technology, the University of Wismar an M.Eng. in Medical Technology & Management. Medical informatics programmes are available at WBH, IU, and Berlin University of Technology (BHT).
According to BVMed, 80% of German medical technology companies struggle to fill open positions.
Pharmaceutical management and clinical research
DIPLOMA University offers a B.Sc. in Pharma Management and Production, SRH a B.Sc. in Pharmaceutical Management and Technology. For clinical research, the M.Sc. in Clinical Trial Management at BHT Berlin is the most specialised programme – it qualifies directly for clinical research associate (CRA) positions. University of Kaiserslautern offers a B.Sc. in Industrial Pharmacy via the ZFH consortium.
CRAs with experience earn up to 98,000 EUR – the highest salary potential in the healthcare sector.
Physician assistant: a growing profession in Germany
The physician assistant (PA) role in Germany differs significantly from the US or UK model. German PAs work under physician supervision and cannot practise independently. They perform medical histories, physical examinations, assist in surgery, and manage wound care. The profession is relatively new in Germany and is expanding rapidly due to the physician shortage.
The B.Sc. Physician Assistant at DIPLOMA University is a part-time programme that combines distance learning with mandatory clinical placements in Germany. International students must be located in Germany or able to attend regular clinical sessions.
Complementary medicine and naturopathy
Anhalt University offers a state B.Sc. in Naturopathy (7,000 EUR), DIPLOMA a B.Sc. in Naturopathy and Complementary Healing Methods. At the master’s level, AIHE offers an M.Sc. in Psychological Medicine/Complementary Medicine. These programmes focus on evidence-based complementary approaches: phytotherapy, acupuncture, and nutritional medicine.
What does a healthcare programme cost?
Costs range from 0 EUR (ZFH, B.Sc. Medicine and Biological Sciences) to 23,000 EUR (University of Marburg, M.Sc. Paediatric Dentistry). State programmes consistently cost under 10,000 EUR, while private universities charge between 9,800 and 20,500 EUR.
Bachelor – cost comparison
Master and MBA – cost comparison
German tuition in international context
| Country | Typical healthcare M.Sc. cost | German distance learning |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 25,000–80,000 USD | 0–23,000 EUR State options under 10,000 EUR |
| United Kingdom | 10,000–30,000 GBP | |
| Australia | 25,000–50,000 AUD | |
| Canada | 8,000–25,000 CAD |
German healthcare programmes cost a fraction of international alternatives. All degrees are fully accredited and recognised across the EU. Distance learning does not require a student visa, so you can study from anywhere in the world.
Salary and career prospects
Salary by specialisation
| Role | Starting salary | Average | With experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Research Associate | 41,000 EUR | 79,000 EUR | up to 98,000 EUR |
| Regulatory Affairs Manager | 45,000 EUR | 65,000 EUR | up to 85,000 EUR |
| Health Economist | 35,000 EUR | 61,000 EUR | up to 75,000 EUR |
| Health Manager | 30,000 EUR | 56,000 EUR | up to 67,000 EUR |
| Medical Technology Engineer | 34,000 EUR | 55,000 EUR | up to 70,000 EUR |
| Physician Assistant | 42,000 EUR | 49,000 EUR | up to 63,000 EUR |
Sources: gehalt.de, StepStone Salary Report 2026, medi-karriere.de. All figures are gross annual salaries for the German labour market.
Job market: why healthcare professionals are in extreme demand
- Over 46,000 unfilled positions in the German healthcare sector (IW Köln) – the largest skills shortage of any industry.
- Medical technology: 80% of companies report difficulties filling positions (BVMed 2025).
- 2035 projection: 1.8 million unfilled healthcare positions as demographic change and rising life expectancy increase demand.
- Digitalisation: E-health, AI-assisted diagnostics, and telemedicine create new roles requiring academic qualifications.
Admission requirements
Bachelor: who can apply?
- Abitur or Fachabitur: The German general or subject-linked university entrance qualification is the standard route. No prior healthcare knowledge is required for most programmes.
- Master craftsman or advanced vocational qualification: A Meister or comparable qualification (e.g. nursing management certification) grants automatic university admission.
- Vocational training + experience: Applicants with a completed healthcare apprenticeship (e.g. medical assistant, paramedic, nursing) and 2–3 years of work experience can gain admission through an entrance examination.
- Physician Assistant: The B.Sc. Physician Assistant at DIPLOMA requires a completed healthcare vocational qualification as a prerequisite.
For international applicants
Language: All healthcare programmes in this category are taught in German. You will need German proficiency at B2 level or higher (typically DSH-2 or TestDaF 4). Medical terminology adds complexity – a language preparation course is recommended if you are not confident in academic German.
Visa: Distance learning does not require a student visa. You can study from anywhere in the world. If you are already living in Germany on a work visa, a part-time distance programme does not affect your visa status. The Physician Assistant programme is an exception: its mandatory clinical placements require physical presence in Germany.
Credential recognition: Foreign school-leaving certificates and degrees need to be evaluated. The anabin database shows whether your qualifications are recognised in Germany. Healthcare degrees from accredited international universities are typically accepted, but some institutions may require supplementary coursework.
ECTS: All programmes use the European Credit Transfer System. ECTS credits are recognised across the European Higher Education Area, making these degrees transferable to other EU countries.
Working in German healthcare: Germany has strict regulations around healthcare professions. The title Arzt (physician) requires the Staatsexamen and Approbation, which cannot be obtained through distance learning. However, roles such as health manager, medical technology engineer, clinical research associate, and pharmaceutical manager do not require medical licensure. The Physician Assistant title requires completion of the specific PA degree programme.
Key universities at a glance
ZFH – Centre for Distance Learning – umbrella organisation for state-funded distance learning. B.Sc. Medicine and Biological Sciences from 0 EUR and B.Sc. Medical Biotechnology. On-campus sessions at partner universities.
DIPLOMA University – three programmes: Pharma Management (B.Sc.), Naturopathy and Complementary Healing Methods (B.Sc.), and Physician Assistant (B.Sc.). Private university with both on-campus and online variants.
SRH Distance Learning University – B.Sc. Practice and Care Management, B.Sc. Pharmaceutical Management and Technology, and Executive MBA for Doctors. Flexible start dates, online examinations available.
Wilhelm Büchner University – B.Sc. Medical Technology and B.Sc. Medical Informatics. Germany’s largest private distance learning university for technology. No on-campus requirements.
IU International University – B.Sc. Medical Informatics and B.Eng. Medical Technology. Maximum flexibility with online exams and no on-campus requirements. Higher fee range (from 15,063 EUR).
APOLLON University of Health Sciences – M.A. Health Economics. Specialised in healthcare with extensive experience in part-time programmes.
RPTU Kaiserslautern – M.Sc. Medical Physics. State university, research-oriented, 9,060 EUR total. Ideal for physicists and engineers transitioning into medical applications.
Berlin University of Technology (BHT) – M.Sc. Clinical Trial Management and M.Sc. Medical Informatics. State university, 12,750 EUR per programme.
University of Wismar – M.Eng. Medical Technology & Management. State university combining technology with business competencies.
Anhalt University – B.Sc. Naturopathy. State university, 7,000 EUR total – the only state-funded naturopathy programme via distance learning.
University of Kaiserslautern – B.Sc. Industrial Pharmacy via the ZFH consortium. State, 2,642 EUR total – the most affordable pharmaceutical programme.
University of Mainz – M.A. Medical Ethics. Interdisciplinary, 10,000 EUR total. Target audience: physicians, philosophers, theologians.
University of Marburg – M.Sc. Paediatric Dentistry. Highly specialised, requires dental licensure (Approbation als Zahnarzt). 23,000 EUR total.
AKAD University – MBA Medical Leadership. Designed for healthcare executives, 12,102 EUR total.
FOM University – B.A. Health Psychology & Medical Education. Blended learning format with online components, 14,490 EUR total.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I study medicine as a distance learning programme in Germany? No – a traditional medical degree with Staatsexamen (state examination) and medical licensure (Approbation) requires full-time attendance at a German medical school. What is available via distance learning: specialised healthcare programmes such as health economics, medical technology, pharmaceutical management, clinical research, and the physician assistant role.
- Are any programmes taught in English? No. All programmes in this category are taught in German. You will need German proficiency at B2 level or higher. Medical and scientific terminology adds additional complexity.
- What is the cheapest healthcare programme? The B.Sc. Medicine and Biological Sciences via ZFH costs 0 EUR in tuition (only semester contributions). The cheapest master’s is the M.A. Health Economics at APOLLON for 8,760 EUR. Private bachelor’s programmes start at 8,964 EUR (SRH).
- How much do healthcare professionals earn in Germany? Salaries vary significantly by specialisation. Clinical research associates earn up to 98,000 EUR with experience, regulatory affairs managers up to 85,000 EUR. Health managers start around 30,000 EUR and reach 67,000 EUR with experience. All figures are gross annual salaries.
- Do I need a student visa? No. Distance learning programmes do not require a student visa. You can study from anywhere in the world. Exception: the Physician Assistant programme includes mandatory clinical placements in Germany.
- What is a Physician Assistant in Germany? The PA role in Germany differs from the US and UK model. German PAs work under physician supervision and cannot practise independently, prescribe medication, or make autonomous clinical decisions. The role is expanding in hospitals and medical practices to relieve the physician shortage. Access requires a completed healthcare vocational qualification.
- Can I work in German healthcare with a foreign degree? For management, technology, and research roles (health manager, medical technology engineer, CRA, pharmaceutical manager) – yes, with credential recognition via anabin. For clinical roles requiring medical licensure (Approbation), foreign medical degrees must go through a separate recognition process with the relevant state health authority (Landesprüfungsamt).
- Is there a numerus clausus for healthcare distance learning? No. None of the programmes listed here have a numerus clausus or grade-based admission restrictions. This is a key advantage over the traditional medical degree in Germany, which has one of the most competitive NC requirements in the country.
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