Englisch 
Deutsch 
The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Applied Therapy Sciences under the number 1152123. Who this degree suits and what you need to get in
This bachelor is tailored to practising therapists who want to add an academic layer to their clinical skills. Typical candidates include: working physiotherapists in private clinics or rehab centres who aim for evidence-based practice and future leadership; qualified occupational therapists returning to study part-time alongside family or shift work; internationally trained physio or ergo professionals seeking an accredited German B.Sc. (180 ECTS) to strengthen recognition and career mobility.
Admission requirements
Entry is practice-oriented and tied to your therapeutic qualification. You do not need the German Abitur if you meet the professional route.
- Completed vocational training in Physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy (state-recognised, usually three years). Proof of qualification must be provided for enrolment.
- Recognition of prior learning: your completed physio or ergo training is typically credited with 90 ECTS, reducing the study time to around 18–24 months (instead of 36–48 months).
- International applicants: admission is possible with a comparable, formally recognised physiotherapy or occupational therapy qualification from abroad. Equivalence is assessed case by case; submit full documentation of your diploma and curriculum.
- Language of instruction: German. You must be able to study, participate in seminars and sit exams in German. The university does not state specific language certificates; plan with advanced (ideally C1) German skills suitable for academic work.
- On-site components: three compulsory two-day seminars in Bremen. You need the ability to travel to Germany for these dates (plan ahead for time off, travel and any visa requirements).
- Rolling admission: you can start at any time; programme is accredited by FIBAA (valid 2023–2030).
Personal requirements
Distance learning from abroad demands consistent self-management. Expect a weekly workload of about 35 hours in full-time phases; part-time pacing is possible but still requires steady progress. You should be comfortable with scientific literature, critical appraisal and transferring evidence into therapeutic decisions. Solid digital skills for an online campus, webinars and assessments are essential. Because the programme is taught in German, you need confident academic reading and writing in German; everyday conversation alone will not be enough.
- Strong self-organisation and persistence over 18–48 months
- Realistic time planning around job and family, including the three Bremen seminar trips
- Readiness for evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning and reflective writing
- Reliable internet access and a quiet study environment
If your prior training and current life set-up match these points, you can complete this degree fully online apart from the short Bremen seminars and graduate with a recognised German bachelor in therapy sciences.
What will you study in the Applied Therapy Sciences (B.Sc.) at APOLLON University of Health Sciences?
This programme is taught in German. If you apply from abroad, you will need advanced German proficiency (typically around C1 on the CEFR scale); the university requires formal proof of language skills during admission. You study in a Fernstudium (distance learning) at a German Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences) with 180 ECTS over the full track; graduates of German physiotherapy or occupational therapy training can have 90 ECTS recognised.
You build an academic foundation for evidence-based practice and leadership in physiotherapy and occupational therapy. APOLLON’s curriculum clusters around four pillars:
- Evidence, methods and management: scientific working and academic writing, public health and epidemiology, quality and process management.
- Research and clinical reasoning: research methods, evidence-based therapy, clinical reasoning.
- Health psychology and prevention: health psychology and motivation, prevention and health promotion, screening and differential diagnosis.
- Ethics and professional practice: medical ethics plus applied case work that links diagnostics and treatment planning across patient groups.
Electives let you tailor your profile: choose two from areas such as Management (including Human Resource Management), Sport and Fitness, Corporate Health Management, Digital Health Management, Gerontopsychiatry, or Therapeutic Pain Management.
Special features include the recognition of up to 90 ECTS for a completed physiotherapy or occupational therapy training (which can halve your study time), three mandatory 2-day on-site seminars in Bremen, and a final Bachelor’s thesis that addresses a practice-oriented or health-economic question. Distance-learning programmes in Germany are overseen by the ZFU (the state authority approving distance courses); this programme holds ZFU approval 1152123.
How does the Applied Therapy Sciences distance programme work?
You study fully remotely with selected compulsory on-site days in Germany. Materials are digital-first, assessments are designed for working professionals, and you can start any time. The programme is ZFU-approved (1152123). A purely remote enrolment does not require a visa, as you do not relocate to Germany.
Teaching language and language proof
The teaching language is German. To succeed, you need advanced German (around C1 CEFR). The university asks for formal proof of German proficiency during admission; the exact accepted certificates are specified in the application process.
Learning format and study materials
This is a Fernstudium (distance learning) at a German Fachhochschule. You study via the APOLLON online campus with digital study guides, web-based trainings, quizzes and audio formats. Print study packs are available on request. You apply new knowledge directly to your workplace through case tasks and projects.
Exams and taking them from outside Germany
Assessments include written assignments, case studies, projects, group work and exams. Many examinations can be completed online from abroad. Where invigilated formats are required, online options are available so you can remain in your home country.
On-site sessions in Germany
Plan for three mandatory 2-day seminars in Bremen during your studies. Other seminars are typically offered with on-site or online options. Travel and accommodation for the on-site days are at your own expense.
Weekly workload, time models and time zones
Expect about 35 hours per week at full pace. Standard tracks are 36 or 48 months (180 ECTS). With a recognised German physio/ergo training, study time shortens to 18 or 24 months (90 ECTS credited). Live online sessions, when scheduled, run on Central European Time (CET/CEST). You can extend your chosen track free of charge by up to 50% if you need more time.
What does the Applied Therapy Sciences cost?
The typical cost is €367 per month€8,370 in total. If you study over a longer track, the total varies with the number of instalments. When 90 ECTS from completed physio/ergo training are recognised, your study time – and therefore your overall cost – can be reduced.
Fees cover access to the online campus, digital study materials and regular assessments. There is a free extension option of up to 50% of your chosen track with no extra tuition. Travel and accommodation for the mandatory Bremen seminars are not included. Payments are made in monthly instalments; paying from abroad is generally possible via common international bank arrangements.
What careers and recognition does the Applied Therapy Sciences offer?
You graduate with 180 ECTS under the Bologna framework. APOLLON is a state-recognised German university of applied sciences; the programme holds FIBAA accreditation (2023–2030) and is approved by the ZFU (1152123). FIBAA is listed on EQAR, which signals quality assurance that is widely understood in Europe. This helps with international recognition of credits and the degree, though local rules for professional practice always apply.
Typical career paths include:
- Therapy lead or team coordinator in rehabilitation centres, hospitals or outpatient practices.
- Quality and process management roles in healthcare providers or insurers.
- Specialist roles in prevention, public health, corporate health or digital health management.
- Clinical educator, practice supervisor, or research assistant in therapy-related projects.
The degree strengthens your profile for evidence-based practice, clinical reasoning and management tasks. It does not replace initial professional licensing; if your target country regulates physiotherapy or occupational therapy, you must meet local licensing requirements in addition to this academic degree.
Who is the Applied Therapy Sciences right for – and who not?
This programme suits working physiotherapists and occupational therapists who want an academic upgrade with flexible distance learning, while keeping their job. It is designed for those aiming at evidence-based practice, leadership and quality management in therapy services.
- You want a German university degree you can complete largely online alongside work.
- You have completed physiotherapy or occupational therapy training and seek academic upskilling.
- You value electives to shape your profile (e.g., Management, Digital Health, Pain Management).
- You are comfortable studying in German and working with research methods and clinical reasoning.
There are also clear limits. Read these carefully before you apply from abroad.
- The programme is taught in German. If you do not have advanced German (about C1) and cannot provide proof, this course is not suitable.
- There are three mandatory 2-day on-site seminars in Bremen. If you cannot travel to Germany for these dates, you cannot complete the programme.
- This is not an initial licensing route. It does not grant first-time access to regulated therapy professions in countries that require a specific licence.
- If you need 100% asynchronous delivery in your own time zone, note that occasional live activities follow German time (CET/CEST).
Advisory Service
Have questions about Academic Programs Applied Therapy Sciences? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution APOLLON University of Health Sciences or the editorial team will answer you.