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Germany offers a wide range of nursing science distance learning programmes for healthcare professionals seeking academic qualifications – from nursing management at public universities starting at under 50 €/month to specialised master’s programmes in Advanced Nursing Practice. Most programmes are designed for working nurses and can be completed alongside full-time employment. This page compares all nursing science distance learning programmes available in Germany – bachelor and master, public and private.
Overview of all Courses
We have a total of 29 courses in the field of Nursing Science. The first 20 top courses are displayed. Use the filter function or our search to discover more courses in the field.
Care management
- APOLLON University of Health Sciences
- 6 Semester
- from 288 € monthly
- German
Nursing Management
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- from 259 € monthly
- German
Applied Gerontology
- APOLLON University of Health Sciences
- 4 Semester
- from 311 € monthly
- German
Nursing Science, Nursing Management
- Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena
- 5 Semester
- Jena
- German
Care, Care Management
- Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena
- 7 Semester
- Jena
- German
Care management
- Hamburg Distance University
- 7 Semester
- from 270 € monthly
- German
Gerontology
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- from 259 € monthly
- German
Vocational education for health and social professions
- Hamburg Distance University
- 7 Semester
- from 289 € monthly
- German
Nursing Education
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- from 259 € monthly
- German
Clinical gerontopsychology
- Technical University of Chemnitz
- 6 Semester
- German
Health and Nursing Education
- IU International University
- 4 Semester
- from 299 € monthly
- German
Vocational education for nursing and social care professions
- APOLLON University of Health Sciences
- 6 Semester
- from 288 € monthly
- German
Applied Nursing Management
- University of West Saxony Zwickau
- 8 Semester
- German
Gerontology, Health & Care
- Kolping University
- 7 Semester
- Deutschlandweit
- from 260 € monthly
- German
Care management
- AKAD University
- 6 Semester
- from 219 € monthly
- German
Business administration in nursing
- University of Magdeburg-Stendal
- 8 Semester
- Magdeburg
- German
Career paths at a glance
Nursing science distance learning programmes in Germany lead to four distinct career paths. The right choice depends on your professional goals and prior experience.
| Career path | Typical programmes | Career goals |
|---|---|---|
| Leadership & Management | Nursing Management (B.A./M.Sc.), Practice and Care Management | Ward management, director of nursing, facility management, quality management |
| Teaching & Education | Nursing Education (B.A./M.A.), Vocational Education for Health Professions | Teaching at nursing schools, clinical mentoring, university lecturing |
| Clinical Expertise | Nursing (B.Sc.), Nursing Science (M.Sc.), Advanced Nursing Practice | Evidence-based nursing, extended clinical practice, clinical specialisation |
| Gerontology & Ageing | Applied Gerontology (M.A.), Clinical Gerontopsychology (M.Sc.) | Elderly care specialisation, dementia research, gerontological counselling |
Leadership & Management is the most in-demand path: directors of nursing and facility managers are urgently needed across Germany’s healthcare sector. Those who want to teach at nursing schools typically need a master’s in nursing education. The Advanced Nursing Practice pathway is the newest career option – it qualifies nurses for independent clinical decision-making and prescribing authority under German law.
Costs and funding
Nursing science distance learning programmes in Germany are remarkably affordable compared to English-speaking countries. Public universities such as the University of West Saxony Zwickau, the Ernst Abbe University Jena and the University of Applied Sciences Münster offer bachelor programmes from under 2,000 € total. Private providers such as APOLLON University and IU International University charge between 6,000 and 15,000 € but offer flexible study models and online examinations.
Bachelor: cost comparison
| Course | University | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pedagogy for Health and Nursing Professions, Bachelor of Arts Part-time program | University of West Saxony Zwickau | from 1662 € total | |
| Care, Bachelor of Science Dual studies | University of Applied Sciences Münster | from 2288 € total | |
| Care, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | APOLLON University of Health Sciences | from 6060 € total from 367 € monthly | |
| Nursing, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | IU International University | from 9481 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Care management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | Hamburg Distance University | from 11830 € total from 270 € monthly | |
| Care management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | APOLLON University of Health Sciences | from 12780 € total from 288 € monthly |
Master: cost comparison
| Course | University | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing Science, Nursing Management, Master of Science Distance learning program | Ernst Abbe University of Applied Sciences Jena | from 1725 € total | |
| Advanced Nursing Practice - Advanced Nursing Practice, Master of Science Distance learning program | Institute for Collaborative Studies | from 8500 € total | |
| Applied Gerontology, Master of Arts Distance learning program | APOLLON University of Health Sciences | from 8760 € total from 311 € monthly | |
| Clinical gerontopsychology, Master of Science Part-time program | Technical University of Chemnitz | from 10365 € total | |
| Health and Nursing Education, Master of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University | from 12775 € total from 299 € monthly |
International cost comparison
Compared to English-speaking countries, German nursing science distance learning programmes are exceptionally affordable:
| Country | Typical total cost (Master) | Language |
|---|---|---|
| Germany (public) | 1,725–2,500 € | German |
| Germany (private) | 8,500–13,000 € | German |
| United Kingdom | 8,000–18,000 GBP | English |
| United States | 15,000–50,000 USD | English |
| Australia | 12,000–35,000 AUD | English |
Funding options for international students
- Tax deductions: Tuition fees for a second degree (e.g. master’s) are fully tax-deductible in Germany as income-related expenses (Werbungskosten).
- Employer sponsorship: Many hospitals and care facilities in Germany support further education financially – especially for nurses pursuing management or teaching qualifications.
- DAAD scholarships: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers scholarships for international students, including for part-time programmes in healthcare fields.
- Aufstiegs-BAföG: Germany’s professional advancement grant covers up to 18,000 € in tuition fees, with 60% loan forgiveness after graduation. Available to residents with eligible qualifications.
Public vs. private universities
Public universities offer the most affordable nursing programmes, while private providers focus on flexibility and individual support. Here is how they compare:
| Criterion | Public universities | Private universities |
|---|---|---|
| Providers (examples) | University of West Saxony Zwickau, Ernst Abbe University Jena, University of Applied Sciences Münster | APOLLON University, IU International University, SRH Distance Learning University |
| Total cost (bachelor) | From approx. 1,660 € | From approx. 6,000 € |
| Total cost (master) | From approx. 1,725 € | From approx. 8,500 € |
| Support model | Self-directed, online forums, block seminars | Individual support, personal study coaches |
| Exam formats | Mainly on-site exams at fixed dates | Online exams available, flexible scheduling |
| Practical phases | Block placements, often at the student’s own workplace | Flexible placement models, partner institutions |
Career prospects and salary
An academic qualification in nursing opens doors to positions that are not accessible without a degree. Salary prospects depend on the career path and the size of the institution.
| Career path | Entry-level salary (annual) | With 5+ years experience |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Management/Director of Nursing | approx. 42,000 € | approx. 55,000 € |
| Nursing Education (teaching) | approx. 40,000 € | approx. 50,000 € |
| Nursing Science (academic) | approx. 38,000 € | approx. 48,000 € |
| Gerontology | approx. 38,000 € | approx. 46,000 € |
Germany’s severe nursing shortage creates strong demand for academically qualified nursing professionals. Directors of nursing, clinical mentors and nursing school teachers are particularly sought after. A master’s degree significantly improves prospects for leadership positions – and the corresponding salary increase.
Working in Germany after graduation
International students who complete a German degree can apply for an 18-month job-seeking visa (§20 Aufenthaltsgesetz). Nursing professionals are among the most in-demand occupations in Germany, and graduates may be eligible for the EU Blue Card. German nursing science degrees are recognised worldwide through the ECTS system. For credential evaluation in other countries, the anabin database and WES (World Education Services) provide official recognition.
Admission requirements
Bachelor programmes
- Standard entry: German Abitur, Fachhochschulreife or an equivalent international qualification. Credential evaluation through anabin or uni-assist is required for non-German qualifications.
- Without Abitur: Qualified nurses with a completed vocational training (Pflegeausbildung) and professional experience can enrol at most universities. A specialist further training (e.g. intensive care nursing) or Meister-equivalent qualification often grants direct access.
- Credit transfer: Professional nursing competencies can be credited towards the degree, reducing study duration and costs.
Master programmes
- First degree: A completed bachelor’s degree in nursing, nursing science or a related field with at least 180 ECTS.
- Advanced Nursing Practice: The M.Sc. at the Institute for Collaborative Studies requires a nursing-related bachelor’s degree and professional experience.
- Nursing Education M.A.: Typically requires a relevant bachelor’s in nursing or education. A master’s degree is required for teaching positions at nursing schools.
Language requirements
All nursing science programmes in Germany are taught in German. Applicants whose first language is not German typically need a B2 or C1 certificate (TestDaF, DSH or equivalent). This is particularly important given the clinical terminology used in nursing programmes.
Special features of nursing science distance learning
Practical placements
Nursing science programmes combine academic study with clinical practice. Most students work in hospitals or care facilities alongside their studies, and practical modules are often completed at the student’s own workplace. Block seminars at the university campus are typically limited to a few weekends per semester.
Advanced Nursing Practice in Germany
Germany is expanding the scope of practice for academically qualified nurses. The Federal Joint Committee (Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss, G-BA) has approved the transfer of medical tasks to nursing professionals with appropriate academic qualifications (§63 para. 3c SGB V). An M.Sc. in Advanced Nursing Practice qualifies for independent prescribing and diagnostic activities. The Institute for Collaborative Studies offers the only distance learning M.Sc. in this field.
Accreditation and recognition
All programmes listed on this page are state-recognised and accredited – either through the German Accreditation Council (Akkreditierungsrat) or through state-specific approval procedures. A distance learning degree is legally equivalent to a campus-based degree. The diploma does not indicate whether the degree was earned through distance learning.
Related fields
Depending on your career goals, you may also want to explore these related fields:
- Health Management – for programmes with a stronger business and economics focus in healthcare
- Pedagogy – for broader education programmes beyond nursing-specific teaching
- Medicine & Health Sciences – for programmes in biomedical sciences, health science or medical technology
Frequently asked questions
- Can I study nursing science via distance learning in Germany? Yes. Public universities offer programmes from under 2,000 € total, while private providers offer more flexible study models. All programmes are designed for working professionals. Note: all programmes are taught in German.
- How much does a nursing science distance programme cost in Germany? At public universities, total costs start at approximately 1,660 € (bachelor) or 1,725 € (master). Private providers charge between 6,000 and 15,000 € but offer more individual support and flexible exam formats.
- Do I need a nursing qualification to study nursing science? Most programmes require a completed nursing training (Pflegeausbildung) or equivalent qualification. Professional experience is typically required and can be credited towards the degree.
- What is Advanced Nursing Practice? A postgraduate specialisation that qualifies nurses for independent clinical decision-making, prescribing and diagnostic activities. In Germany, the Institute for Collaborative Studies offers the only distance learning M.Sc. in this field.
- How long does a nursing science distance programme take? A bachelor typically takes 6–8 semesters, a master 3–6 semesters. Most universities allow free extensions if you need more time.
- Are German nursing science degrees recognised internationally? Yes. All programmes listed here are state-recognised and accredited. German degrees are recognised worldwide through the ECTS system. For official credential evaluation, use the anabin database or WES.
- Do I need to speak German to study nursing science in Germany? Yes. All nursing science programmes in Germany are taught in German and require B2 or C1 proficiency. Given the clinical terminology involved, strong German language skills are essential.
About the Author Christian Wolf
Hi, I'm Christian, the founder of fernstudi.net & your personal, independent study advisor 👋 Do you have questions about a course of study or are unsure which course is right for you? I'm happy to help - in detail, competently, honestly, and individually.
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