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Sports management, fitness science, training science or prevention – distance-learning sports programmes at German universities cover a broad range of specialisations. 13 universities – including 3 public institutions – offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees that can be completed alongside work. Tuition at private universities starts from EUR 167/month at DIPLOMA University. Public universities are significantly cheaper: University of Wismar offers the B.A. Sports Management for EUR 9,730 in total, while the cheapest master’s comes from RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau at EUR 7,120.
Most programmes are taught in German (B2–C1 level required). IST University of Management is the dominant provider with 10 programmes across all specialisations. Below you will find all available programmes compared by cost and provider.
- All distance learning courses in the field of sports at a glance
- How Much Does a Distance-Learning Sports Degree Cost in Germany?
- Which German Universities Offer Sports Programmes by Distance?
- Sports Management, Fitness or Training Science: Which Specialisation Fits?
- What Careers and Salaries Can You Expect After Graduating?
- What Are the Admission Requirements for International Students?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Degrees in Germany
- Related Programmes in Health and Social Sciences
All distance learning courses in the field of sports at a glance
We have a total of 36 courses in the field of Sports Science. The first 20 top courses are displayed. Use the filter function or our search to discover more courses in the field.
Sports management
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- from 259 € monthly
- German
Sports management
- University of Wismar
- 7 Semester
- from 232 € monthly
- German
Sports and Health Management
- German University of Prevention and Health Management
- 4 Semester
- from 390 € monthly
- German
Fitness economy
- German University of Prevention and Health Management
- 7 Semester
- from 360 € monthly
- German
Fitness and Health Management
- IST University of Management
- 6 Semester
- from 379 € monthly
- German
Fitness training
- German University of Prevention and Health Management
- 7 Semester
- from 360 € monthly
- German
Prevention, sports therapy and health management
- IST University of Management
- 4 Semester
- from 495 € monthly
- German
Sports and Applied Exercise Science
- German University of Health and Sports
- 6 Semester
- from 395 € monthly
- German
Sports Business Management
- IST University of Management
- 6 Semester
- from 379 € monthly
- German
Fitness economy
- IU International University
- 6 Semester
- from 259 € monthly
- German
Sports science
- German University of Health and Sports
- 4 Semester
- from 495 € monthly
- German
Sports Business Management
- IST University of Management
- 4 Semester
- from 495 € monthly
- German
Sports Economics
- German University of Prevention and Health Management
- 7 Semester
- from 360 € monthly
- German
Fitness Science and Fitness Economics
- IST University of Management
- 6 Semester
- from 379 € monthly
- German
Sports management
- AKAD University
- 6 Semester
- from 219 € monthly
- German
Sports Management
- University of Kaiserslautern
- 4 Semester
- Nürburgring, Zweibrücken, Augsburg
- German
Sports management
- University of Applied Sciences for Management
- 3 Semester
- from 595 € monthly
- German
Sports Economics
- German University of Prevention and Health Management
- 4 Semester
- from 390 € monthly
- German
Sports journalism & sports marketing
- University of Applied Sciences for SMEs
- 36 Months
- German
Sports management
- University of Wismar
- 4 Semester
- from 409 € monthly
- German
How Much Does a Distance-Learning Sports Degree Cost in Germany?
Monthly tuition for distance-learning sports programmes ranges from EUR 167 (DIPLOMA) to EUR 595 (HAM). Bachelor’s programmes cost EUR 9,730–23,700 in total, master’s programmes EUR 7,120–12,450. Public universities charge only semester fees, while private universities charge monthly tuition – with IST University offering most programmes in both a 6-semester and a cheaper 7-semester variant.
Bachelor Programmes: Fees Compared
21 bachelor’s programmes are available, ranging from EUR 9,730 (University of Wismar, public) to EUR 23,700 (German University of Health and Sports). IST University offers its programmes in a compact 6-semester variant (EUR 13,644, EUR 379/month) and a stretched 7-semester variant (EUR 14,658, EUR 349/month) – lower monthly rate but slightly higher total cost. Note that DHfPGM and DHfGS require concurrent employment in the sports or fitness sector (dual model).
Master Programmes: Fees Compared
13 master’s programmes are available. The cheapest is the M.Sc. Sport and Health Technology at RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau at EUR 7,120 – a public university and by far the most affordable option. Two MBA programmes follow: the Sport Management MBA at University of Kaiserslautern (EUR 8,504, public) and the MBA Sport/Health Management at DHfPGM (EUR 9,360). IST University also offers 4-semester and 5-semester master’s variants.
Funding and Financial Aid
Several funding options are available for international students:
- Tax deduction: If you are a tax resident in Germany, tuition fees for a second degree (e.g. master’s after bachelor’s) are fully tax-deductible as income-related expenses. First-degree students can deduct up to EUR 6,000 per year as special expenses.
- KfW student loan: Up to EUR 650/month for living expenses – available regardless of income, but limited to students under 44.
- Employer sponsorship: Sports clubs, fitness chains and sports federations frequently co-fund their employees’ part-time degrees, especially in sports management.
- Instalment plans: All private universities offer interest-free monthly payment plans over the entire study period.
Which German Universities Offer Sports Programmes by Distance?
13 German universities offer distance-learning sports programmes. Three are public: University of Wismar, University of Kaiserslautern and RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau. IST University of Management is the largest private provider with 10 programmes covering all specialisations.
Public Universities: Wismar, HS Kaiserslautern, RPTU
| University | Programme | Total fees | Duration | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Wismar | B.A. + M.A. Sports Management | EUR 9,730–9,800 | 7–8 semesters | Cheapest bachelor’s, both levels available |
| University of Kaiserslautern | MBA Sport Management | EUR 8,504 | 4 semesters | Master’s only (MBA), practice-oriented |
| RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau | M.Sc. Sport and Health Technology | EUR 7,120 | 4 semesters | Cheapest master’s overall, technology focus |
Private Universities: IST, DHfPGM, IU and Others
| University | Programmes | Fees from | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIPLOMA University | B.A. Medical Fitness & Athletic Management | EUR 167/month | Cheapest monthly rate among all private providers |
| AKAD University | B.A. Sports Management | EUR 219/month | Digitally focused, 6 semesters |
| IU International University | B.A. Sports Management, B.A. Fitness Economics | EUR 259/month | Germany’s largest distance university, flexible time models |
| Euro-FH | B.A. Sports Management | EUR 289/month | Practice projects, 6 semesters |
| IST University of Management | 10 programmes (Bachelor + Master) | EUR 349/month | Dominant provider, 6-/7-semester variants, all specialisations |
| DHfPGM | 4 Bachelor + 3 Master | EUR 360/month | Dual model: concurrent employment in sport/fitness required |
| DHfGS | 2 Bachelor + 1 Master | EUR 375/month | Dual model: concurrent employment required |
| EHfIP | B.A. Fitness Science, B.A. Sports Management | EUR 12,000 total | 6 semesters, no monthly rate published |
| FHM | B.A. Sports Journalism, B.A. Sports Management | EUR 15,080 total | 36-month model instead of semesters |
| HAM | M.A. Sports Management | EUR 595/month | Master’s only, 3 semesters, most expensive provider |
Sports Management, Fitness or Training Science: Which Specialisation Fits?
Distance-learning sports programmes in Germany fall into 4 specialisation clusters: sports management (leadership, marketing, events), fitness science (training, studio economics), sports science & training (performance diagnostics, movement science) and prevention & sports therapy (rehabilitation, sports nutrition). Career paths and study content differ significantly depending on your chosen focus.
Sports management is the largest cluster, preparing graduates for leadership roles in the sports industry. Typical modules include sports marketing, event management, sports law and strategic management. Providers: IU, IST, Wismar, AKAD and others.
Fitness science combines exercise science with business economics – ideal for aspiring studio managers and fitness economists. IST University is the specialist in this area with multiple fitness programmes. The cheapest entry point is DIPLOMA’s Medical Fitness & Athletic Management (EUR 167/month).
Sports science and training focuses on training methodology, biomechanics and performance diagnostics. Note that the “Sport und angewandte Trainingswissenschaft” programme at DHfGS (EUR 23,700) requires concurrent employment in the sports sector.
Prevention and sports therapy prepares for careers in rehabilitation, workplace health management and sports nutrition. The M.Sc. at RPTU (EUR 7,120) combines sports science with digital health technology.
What Careers and Salaries Can You Expect After Graduating?
Sports management graduates earn a median of approximately EUR 48,000 gross per year in Germany, sports scientists around EUR 42,000. The range extends from roughly EUR 28,000 entry-level salary as a fitness trainer to EUR 65,000 with experience in sports management. Career prospects depend heavily on your chosen specialisation:
| Career field | Entry-level (gross/year) | Median | With experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sports manager | ~EUR 38,000 | ~EUR 48,000 | up to EUR 65,000 |
| Fitness trainer (B.A./B.Sc.) | ~EUR 28,000 | ~EUR 35,000 | up to EUR 48,000 |
| Sports scientist | ~EUR 35,000 | ~EUR 42,000 | up to EUR 55,000 |
| Sport/fitness economist | ~EUR 36,000 | ~EUR 45,000 | up to EUR 58,000 |
| Sports therapy/prevention | ~EUR 32,000 | ~EUR 40,000 | up to EUR 52,000 |
For international graduates, an EU Blue Card provides a streamlined path to working in Germany. The minimum salary threshold for regulated professions is currently EUR 41,041 (2025). Sports management and fitness economics graduates typically meet this threshold within a few years of entry.
What Are the Admission Requirements for International Students?
For bachelor’s programmes, you need a university entrance qualification recognised in Germany. International secondary school certificates must be verified through anabin (the German database of recognised qualifications) or a WES evaluation. Most programmes require German language proficiency at B2–C1 level (TestDaF, DSH or equivalent). DHfPGM and DHfGS additionally require proof of concurrent employment in the sports or fitness sector.
For master’s programmes, a first degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) is required – ideally in a related field such as sports science, business administration or health sciences. MBA programmes (HS Kaiserslautern, DHfPGM) additionally expect professional experience. At DHfPGM and DHfGS, the employment requirement applies to master’s students as well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Degrees in Germany
- How much does a distance-learning sports degree cost? Monthly tuition ranges from EUR 167 (DIPLOMA) to EUR 595 (HAM). Public universities like Wismar or RPTU charge only semester fees (EUR 7,120–9,800 total).
- Are German sports degrees taught in English? Most programmes are taught in German (B2–C1 level required). Currently, no fully English-taught distance-learning sports programme is available at German universities.
- What is the difference between sports management and sports science? Sports management focuses on business aspects (marketing, leadership, events), while sports science is scientifically oriented (training methodology, performance diagnostics, biomechanics).
- What does “employment requirement” mean at DHfPGM and DHfGS? Both universities require students to be employed in a sports, fitness or health organisation throughout their studies. Enrolment is not possible without a valid employment contract.
- Can I work in Germany after graduating? Yes. Graduates from German universities can apply for an 18-month job-seeking visa. With a salary above EUR 41,041 (2025 threshold), you qualify for an EU Blue Card for long-term residence.
Related Programmes in Health and Social Sciences
- Health Management – leadership in the healthcare sector
- Nutritional Science – nutrition counselling and therapy
- Therapy Sciences – physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy
- Psychology – sports psychology as a specialisation
- Pedagogy – sports didactics and educational science
About the Author Christian Wolf
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