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The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Coaching under the number 1120421c. Who this German-taught Master in Coaching is for — and what you need to apply
This programme suits professionals who want to formalise and deepen coaching expertise while studying fully online. Typical profiles include: HR or learning & development specialists moving into an internal coach role; agile practitioners or scrum masters aiming to broaden into team and organisational coaching; independent trainers or consultants who want an academically grounded Master’s degree (120 ECTS) to expand client work and credibility.
Admission requirements
To join the German-taught M.A. (120 ECTS), you need formal eligibility and, where required, proof of language proficiency. Key routes:
- First degree: a completed undergraduate degree with at least 180 ECTS from a state or state-recognised university; minimum grade “satisfactory”. International degrees are accepted if equivalent; recognition is case by case.
- Alternative to the minimum grade (120 ECTS track): admission is possible with a lower grade if you provide one of the following in a related field: at least 40 ECTS from a Master’s/MBA, a completed relevant Master’s/MBA, or recognised extra-university qualifications on DQR/EQF level 7 (e.g. certain postgraduate diplomas) amounting to at least 40 ECTS.
- Professional experience: at least one year of relevant qualified work experience by the start of the programme (acquired after the first degree).
- Admission without a Bachelor’s (Master for Professionals, 120 ECTS): possible with (a) general higher education entrance qualification or a completed ≥2-year vocational training (DQR 4) in a related area, (b) at least 6 years of related professional experience, incl. 3 years in leadership or expert roles, and (c) a passed IU preparatory module (seminar paper + oral exam). This route is exclusively for applicants without a Bachelor’s.
- German language certificates (programme language: German): one of the following at least at B2/DSH1 level, normally not older than five years: TestDaF (TND3, minimum 3 in all sections), DSH (DSH-1), telc Deutsch B2, ÖSD B2. Other B2 (GER) proofs may be accepted in individual cases.
Personal requirements
Remote study success depends on your routines and resilience. Plan a realistic weekly workload of about 20–40 hours depending on the time model and exam phases. You need solid German for academic reading, writing and discussions, reliable internet and a quiet setup for online exams. Just as important are self-organisation, steady progress in self-study, and the willingness to reflect on your own stance and ethics as a coach. Expect numerous virtual classes, projects and case work; on-site attendance is not required. If you aim for the optional EASC-recognised certificate, factor in additional supervised sessions and time windows.
What will you study in the Coaching (M.A.) at IU International University?
The programme is taught in German. You need German at roughly B2 level, proven by one of these certificates: TestDaF (TND3 with at least 3 in all parts), DSH-1, telc Deutsch B2 or ÖSD B2. It is a Fernstudium (distance learning) at a state-recognised Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences) and carries German ZFU approval (the state authority for distance courses).
You build a scientific foundation for professional coaching and apply it from day one. Core areas include:
Coaching foundations and ethics: Introduction to Coaching, Ethics and Value Management, and Fundamentals of Self-reflection establish your professional attitude and responsibility in client work.
Communication, conflict and crisis: Conversation Management and Communication Techniques, Conversation and Conflict Management, and Crisis Intervention train you for difficult conversations, de-escalation and client safety.
Psychology, learning and research: Personality Psychology, Learning and Development Theories, and Research Methodology help you plan and evaluate change processes and reflect on evidence in practice.
Methods and project practice: Methods in the Coaching Process plus two hands-on projects — Team Development and Concept Development with Live Coaching — transfer theory into real or simulated cases.
Electives (20 ECTS) let you shape your profile. You combine one “Self-reflection: Practice Case” (Agile Coaching, classic Coaching or Virtual Coaching) with a second focus such as Coaching of Managers, Occupational/Organisational/Business Psychology, Digital Business and Agility, Diversity Management, Human Performance, Competent Conversation Leadership, New Work and Agility, Organisational Analysis and Development, Performance and Talent Management, Systemic Coaching and Supervision, Virtual Facilitation, Resilience, or AI & Mastering Prompts.
Special features include a seminar on Virtual Coaching and Self-coaching, extensive case and project work, and a Master’s thesis (30 ECTS). Optionally, you can add an EASC-recognised coaching certificate via the “Coaching Lobby” elective (learning portfolio, teaching/learning coachings and 15 units of teaching supervision); this entails extra supervision-related costs.
How does the Coaching distance programme work?
You study fully online with digital materials and live online sessions. Exams can be taken as online-proctored tests 24/7 or at a test centre; there is no mandatory on-site attendance in Germany. ZFU admission number: 1120421c. As a purely remote programme, you do not need a visa to study from abroad.
Teaching language and certificates
Teaching language: German. For admission to the German-taught track, you provide a B2-level certificate: TestDaF (TND3, min. 3 points in all parts), DSH-1, telc Deutsch B2 or ÖSD B2. This ensures you can follow lectures, sit exams and participate in coaching practice online.
Learning format and study materials
All content is delivered via the online campus: interactive scripts, videos, exercises and a learning environment with AI support. Numerous virtual lectures and seminars enable exchange with lecturers and peers. Materials are mobile-friendly so you decide when and where you learn.
Exams from outside Germany
Written exams are available around the clock via online proctoring from anywhere with a stable internet connection. Alternatively, you can use test centres if that suits you better. Other assessments (e.g. essays, projects, presentations) are typically submitted or held online.
On-site sessions in Germany
There are no mandatory on-campus days. The curriculum includes numerous virtual events; attendance is online. If you opt for the additional EASC certificate, supervised sessions follow fixed dates and introduce more time-bound commitments, but they remain organised within the programme framework.
Workload, time models and time zones
Choose: Full-time 24 months (about 40 hours/week), Part-time I 36 months (about 25 hours/week), or Part-time II 48 months (about 20 hours/week). Live sessions follow German time (CET/CEST). A free extension of up to 12 months is possible if you need more time.
What does the Coaching (M.A.) cost?
Fees are paid in monthly instalments and depend on the time model. As a guide: 24 months at €499 per month (approx. €11,976 in total); 36 months at €379 per month (approx. €13,644 in total); 48 months at €299 per month (approx. €14,352 in total). The longer the model, the lower the monthly rate; totals differ by model.
Your digital learning materials are included. A free study extension of up to 12 months does not add tuition costs. Optional extras can incur fees — for example, printed materials, selected add-on services, or the supervision costs tied to the optional EASC “Coaching Lobby”. If you plan to add this certificate, budget separately for the supervision units.
What careers and recognition does the Coaching (M.A.) offer?
You earn a 120 ECTS Master within the Bologna framework. ECTS credits and the Master of Arts are standard across the European Higher Education Area, which supports international recognition and academic progression. The programme is accredited until 2 May 2029. IU International University is state-recognised in Germany, and the distance course has ZFU approval.
For careers outside Europe, degrees from German state-recognised universities are commonly evaluated by credential services; employers often recognise Bologna-style Masters, with country-specific evaluation where needed. The optional EASC-recognised coaching certificate strengthens your professional standing on the open coaching market and can be a step towards “Supervisor EASC”.
Typical roles after graduation include:
- Business or Executive Coach (in-house or independent), delivering one-to-one and team coaching
- Agile Coach focusing on New Work, agile transformation and team facilitation
- Organisational Development or Change Management specialist in private or public organisations
- HR Development/Talent Management professional designing learning and coaching programmes
Who is the Coaching (M.A.) right for – and who not?
This degree suits professionals who want an academically grounded, practice-oriented coaching qualification they can complete fully online, while customising their profile via electives and projects.
- You want to combine coaching theory with applied projects, live elements and guided self-reflection.
- You need flexibility: online learning, 24/7 online exams, and part-time models alongside a job.
- You aim to position yourself in Business/Executive Coaching, Agile Coaching, New Work, or Organisational Development.
- You value recognised credentials: 120 ECTS Master, programme accreditation to 2029, optional EASC certificate.
Not every situation matches this programme. The points below help you make an honest decision from abroad.
- You need an English-taught programme. This Master is conducted in German and requires a B2-level German certificate.
- You are looking for access to a regulated health profession (e.g. state-licenced psychotherapy). This coaching degree does not grant such licensure.
- You cannot commit at least 20–40 hours per week depending on the model. The workload is substantial, especially around exams and projects.
- You want a programme with mandatory in-person training in Germany. This course is fully remote; there are no compulsory on-site days.
- You want zero fixed appointments. While the core programme is flexible, the optional EASC route adds supervised sessions with fixed dates.
Lade… 
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