By Christian Wolf, Editor-in-chief  · Last updated 24.03.2025

Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy cannot be learned through online studies - however, there are now some advanced degree programs for trained therapists that lead to a bachelor's degree. Obtaining a bachelor's degree is particularly beneficial if you want to improve your professional opportunities and salary as a therapist. A bachelor's degree is also useful if you want to open your own therapeutic practice.

Here I present all distance learning courses or part-time online courses in the field of therapy sciences as well as the corresponding universities, such as the IU International University and the Hochschule Fresenius.

Which university is the best?

Currently, there are only 4 universities offering distance learning courses in physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and therapy sciences. All 4 universities are private universities. But which one is the best? I cannot answer that definitively for you. The choice of the right university depends on a variety of factors:

• Where is the university located? The location is particularly important when presence phases are part of the course. Universities like IU International University or Hochschule Fresenius also have numerous exam and test centers throughout Germany.
• What are the study contents and specialization options? The details of the courses are more crucial than the university itself from my point of view. Always inform yourself thoroughly about the content and specialization possibilities of a course.
• How much does the study cost? I recommend always orienting yourself towards the overall costs of a course. The monthly tuition fees are important. Exam fees are also important. However, you can best estimate the costs based on the overall expenses.

Here are the universities offering bachelor's degree programs in the field of therapy sciences in brief:

Hochschule Fresenius is a private, state-recognized university of applied sciences based in Idstein, Hesse. The university's history dates back to 1848. In the WS 2021/2022, a total of 18,000 students were enrolled at the university. Distance learning courses are offered by the university through its onlineplus department. Special feature: The university also offers physiotherapy as a campus-based and dual study program.

IU International University is a private university of applied sciences based in Erfurt, Thuringia. Since the SS 2021, IU has been the largest university in Germany, with over 130,000 enrolled students. The university offers campus-based programs, part-time courses, and over 100 distance learning programs.

DIPLOMA University: The DIPLOMA University of Northern Hesse is a private, state-recognized university of applied sciences based in Bad Sooden-Allendorf/Hesse. The university was founded in 1997, and in the WS 2020/2021, a total of 8,925 students were registered. The university offers a bachelor's degree in physiotherapy, both as an advanced study program and as a study integrated with training.

Hamburger Distance University: HFH is a non-profit, private, state-recognized university of applied sciences based in Hamburg. With 12,331 enrolled students in the WS 2020/2021, HFH is one of the larger private distance universities. The university offers distance learning programs in the fields of health & nursing, technology, as well as economics & law. The university offers a B.Sc. in Therapy and Nursing Sciences, aimed at experienced professionals in therapy and nursing who want to study part-time.