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Germany is one of the last European countries where physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy are still primarily taught at vocational schools rather than universities. But that’s changing.
Upgrade bachelor’s programs for trained therapists are available via distance learning – some requiring as little as 3 semesters because your vocational training is credited. All programs are taught in German.
Alle Fernstudiengänge im Fachbereich der Therapiewissenschaften im Überblick
We have a total of 17 courses in the field of Therapy Sciences.
Therapy and Nursing Sciences
Hamburg Distance University · B.Sc. · 6 Semester
Health Education
IU International University · B.A. · 6 Semester
Physiotherapy
IU International University · B.Sc. · 3 Semester
Physiotherapy
Fresenius University of Applied Sciences · B.Sc. · 3 Semester
Occupational Therapy
IU International University · B.Sc. · 3 Semester
Speech therapy
IU International University · B.Sc. · 3 Semester
Speech therapy
Fresenius University of Applied Sciences · B.Sc. · 3 Semester
Occupational therapy
Fresenius University of Applied Sciences · B.Sc. · 3 Semester
Applied Health and Therapy Sciences
DIPLOMA University · M.A. · 5 Semester
Sport and exercise therapy
German University of Prevention and Health Management · B.A. · 7 Semester
Applied Therapy Sciences
APOLLON University of Health Sciences · B.Sc. · 6 Semester
Complementary Healing Methods in Pain Therapy
DIPLOMA University · M.Sc. · 4 Semester
What programs are available?
All programs listed here target already trained therapists with state recognition. Your vocational training is credited, making the programs significantly shorter than a regular bachelor’s degree.
| Focus | Programs | Duration | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapy | B.Sc. Physiotherapy (IU 3 sem., DIPLOMA 8 sem., Fresenius 3 sem.) | 3–8 sem. | Trained physiotherapists with state recognition |
| Occupational Therapy | B.Sc. Occupational Therapy (IU 3 sem., DIPLOMA 8 sem., Fresenius 3 sem.) | 3–8 sem. | Trained occupational therapists with state recognition |
| Speech Therapy | B.Sc. Speech Therapy (IU 3 sem., DIPLOMA 8 sem., Fresenius 3 sem.) | 3–8 sem. | Trained speech therapists with state recognition |
| Interdisciplinary | Applied Therapy Sciences (APOLLON), Therapy & Nursing Sciences (HFH) | 5–6 sem. | Therapists of all specializations |
At IU and Fresenius, 90 ECTS from your vocational training are credited – you complete the remaining 90 ECTS in just 3 semesters for a full B.Sc. (180 ECTS).
How much does it cost?
Bachelor’s programs
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medical professions, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | DIPLOMA University | 5 Semester | from 7205 € total from 137 € monthly | |
| Applied Therapy Sciences, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | APOLLON University of Health Sciences | 6 Semester | from 7825 € total from 367 € monthly | |
| Physiotherapy, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | DIPLOMA University | 8 Semester | from 8705 € total from 147 € monthly | |
| Occupational Therapy, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | DIPLOMA University | 5 Semester | from 8705 € total from 147 € monthly | |
| Speech therapy, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | DIPLOMA University | 8 Semester | from 8705 € total from 147 € monthly | |
| Speech therapy, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | IU International University | 3 Semester | from 9019 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Physiotherapy, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | IU International University | 3 Semester | from 9337 € total from 255 € monthly | |
| Occupational Therapy, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | IU International University | 3 Semester | from 9481 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Therapy and Nursing Sciences, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | Hamburg Distance University | 6 Semester | from 14040 € total from 390 € monthly | |
| Physiotherapy, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | Fresenius University of Applied Sciences | 3 Semester | from 14220 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Occupational therapy, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | Fresenius University of Applied Sciences | 3 Semester | from 14220 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Speech therapy, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | Fresenius University of Applied Sciences | 3 Semester | from 14220 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Health Education, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University | 6 Semester | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Sport and exercise therapy, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | German University of Prevention and Health Management | 7 Semester | from 15120 € total from 360 € monthly |
Master’s programs
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complementary Healing Methods in Pain Therapy, Master of Science Distance learning program | DIPLOMA University | 4 Semester | from 9313 € total from 207 € monthly | |
| Applied Health and Therapy Sciences, Master of Arts Distance learning program | DIPLOMA University | 5 Semester | from 10495 € total from 187 € monthly |
For international therapists: All programs are taught in German (B2 level required). You must hold a state-recognized therapy qualification equivalent to German standards. International qualifications are assessed via anabin. Financing: DAAD scholarships, KfW student loans. Many German healthcare employers co-finance degrees for their staff.
Why academization matters for your career
In most European countries, the US, Canada and Australia, physiotherapy has been a university-level profession for decades. Germany is catching up:
- Salary jump: Academized therapists in Germany’s public pay scale (TVöD) are classified EG 9c–13 instead of EG 7–8. That’s 400–800 € more per month.
- Direct access: Several German states are piloting direct patient access (without physician referral) for therapists – requiring academic qualifications.
- Career paths: Leadership, teaching, research and practice ownership increasingly require a bachelor’s degree.
Frequently asked questions
At IU and Fresenius: 90 ECTS (you study 3 more semesters for a full 180 ECTS B.Sc.). At DIPLOMA: fewer credits are transferred, resulting in 8 semesters (210 ECTS) – but lower cost (8,705 €). At APOLLON: an interdisciplinary 6-semester program (8,370 €).
No. Your completed and state-recognized therapy qualification (physiotherapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy) is sufficient for university admission at all listed institutions. No Abitur or Fachhochschulreife required.
No – all programs are taught in German (B2 level required). The therapy professions in Germany operate entirely in German, so language proficiency is essential for both study and career.
Yes. All programs are accredited and follow the Bologna system (ECTS, Bachelor/Master). For international therapists, a German B.Sc. can strengthen your qualifications – especially in countries that already require university-level therapy education.
About the Author Christian Wolf
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