Englisch 
Deutsch Who this B.Sc. in Occupational Therapy suits — and what you need to bring
This online top-up degree is aimed at qualified occupational therapists who want an internationally comparable Bachelor of Science without putting their job on hold. Typical profiles include: practising OT professionals abroad seeking an academic upgrade for roles in leadership, education or research; graduates of a 3-year OT vocational programme who want to convert prior training into a university degree; and trainees in the final year of an OT school who plan to study alongside training (extended study route).
Admission requirements
You need a recognised university entrance qualification and a completed professional OT training. Admission is NC-free and possible without the German Abitur via defined vocational routes.
- University entrance (one of the following): Allgemeine Hochschulreife; Fachhochschulreife; passed master craftsperson exam; secondary school leaving certificate plus a recognised, at least 3-year vocational qualification (final grade 2.5 or better); or university entrance via individual assessment.
- Additionally required: completed 3-year state-recognised training in Occupational Therapy, including the licence to use the professional title. This prior learning is credited with 90 ECTS; the top-up then runs over five semesters part-time (total 210 ECTS).
- Admission without Abitur: possible via the vocational routes listed above or an individually assessed higher education access.
- Foreign qualifications: international school and professional qualifications are admissible if they are equivalent to the requirements above. You should be ready to submit diplomas, transcripts/curriculum and proof of your professional OT licence for the equivalence check.
- Language of instruction: German. All study materials, seminars and exams are in German; if your prior education was not in German, you will be asked to provide suitable proof of advanced German language ability. The university verifies accepted proofs on a case-by-case basis.
- Intakes: April and October; entry at other times may be possible after individual review.
Personal requirements
Studying remotely from abroad demands solid self-management: you should plan your week around regular self-study, reading and assessed work, in addition to live online seminars on Saturdays in most semesters. Reliable internet access, a quiet study space and the discipline to work through German academic texts are essential. Expect phases with higher workload before exams and assignment deadlines; realistic time planning and perseverance matter more than prior academic experience. Clear, professional communication in German — written for reports and the thesis, spoken for presentations and group work — will help you progress smoothly. If you bring curiosity for evidence-based practice, steady routines, and the willingness to ask for feedback early, you will handle the online format well.
What will you study in the Occupational Therapy (B.Sc.) at DIPLOMA University?
The programme is taught entirely in German. You will need solid academic German (usually B2–C1); commonly accepted proofs include TestDaF, DSH or a Goethe-Zertifikat at upper level. It is a distance-learning degree (Fernstudium) that builds on completed occupational therapy training and awards 210 ECTS in total, with 90 ECTS credited.
This bachelor’s “Aufbaustudium” is designed for state-recognised occupational therapists and expands clinical depth, research literacy and management skills. A Hochschule/Fachhochschule in Germany is a university of applied sciences focused on practice-oriented teaching. You complete a bachelor’s thesis and colloquium; no additional practical placements are required beyond your professional background.
Clinical and neurosciences: you advance your Clinical Reasoning and decision-making and study Neurosciences and advanced approaches in Neuropsychology. You also cover Neurological Rehabilitation in Occupational Therapy to link theory to complex cases across the lifespan.
Evidence-based practice and research: you learn Scientific Working and Empirical Research for therapy professions, Statistics and methods of Evidence-Based Practice, and how to read and implement guidelines in occupational therapy.
Participation, inclusion and health promotion: key themes include Independence and Participation, Inclusion in educational contexts, Integration in occupational and daily living environments, and Health Promotion and Prevention, including international health models and comparative perspectives.
Law, ethics and management: you explore Law and Ethics in health and medicine, Business Administration in healthcare, and Business start-up and practice management to prepare for leadership or self-employment.
Electives: you choose one of three tracks to tailor your profile: Health Education (some on-site sessions in Germany), Psychosocial Counselling in Occupational Therapy, or Business Leadership and Management. Electives deepen either pedagogical, counselling, or managerial competencies.
How does the Occupational Therapy distance programme work?
You study part-time over 5 semesters because your completed OT training is credited with 90 ECTS. Teaching takes place online via live seminars and self-study with digital materials. Exams are offered online or at German exam centres; most students complete the degree fully remotely.
Teaching language and certificates
Teaching language: German. The programme is designed for fluent German speakers. You should expect to present recognised proof of German proficiency (typically B2–C1), such as TestDaF, DSH or an equivalent Goethe-Zertifikat. Course and assessment materials are in German.
Learning format and study materials
This is a Fernstudium (distance learning). You receive structured study guides and access to a digital library, videos and the online campus. Live online seminars consolidate content and apply it to cases. As a university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule), teaching is practice-oriented and closely aligned with professional standards.
Exams and taking them from outside Germany
Assessments include written exams, term papers, presentations and project work. You can take online-proctored exams from abroad. Alternatively, sit examinations at a DIPLOMA exam centre in Germany. The final bachelor’s thesis ends with an oral colloquium, also available online.
On-site sessions in Germany
There are no mandatory on-campus blocks for the core programme. If you choose the Health Education elective, selected sessions take place in person in Germany to train didactic practice. All other modules, including assessments, can be completed online.
Weekly workload, time models and time zones
The programme is designed for working professionals. Expect 12–14 teaching dates per semester, typically on Saturdays as live online seminars. Live times follow German time (CET/CEST). Self-study is flexible across the week. A purely remote pathway requires no visa.
The course is state-approved for distance learning by the German regulator ZFU (Zentralstelle für Fernunterricht). The ZFU reviews distance formats for quality and consumer protection.
What does the Occupational Therapy (B.Sc.) cost?
Tuition is paid in monthly instalments, with three standard models. Over the 5-semester track you can budget for the following totals, including the one-off €695 exam fee:
- €267 per month for 30 months: €8,705 in total
- €177 per month for 48 months: €9,191 in total
- €147 per month for 60 months: €9,515 in total
The content and degree are identical across plans; longer plans reduce monthly outlay but increase the total paid. You can extend your study time by up to four additional semesters without extra tuition, depending on the chosen plan. Study materials and online campus access are included in tuition.
Payments are in euros. Instalments are charged monthly throughout your active study period. If you study from abroad, plan for currency conversion and possible bank fees charged by your payment provider.
What careers and recognition does the Occupational Therapy (B.Sc.) offer?
You earn 210 ECTS credits under the Bologna framework. The programme is programme-accredited by AHPGS (2022–2027). AHPGS is listed in the European Quality Assurance Register (EQAR), signalling that the degree aligns with European higher education standards and is easier to compare internationally.
In Germany, the distance course is approved by the ZFU, confirming the suitability of its online format. The degree level (Bachelor of Science) is internationally recognisable; however, occupational therapy is a regulated profession in many countries. This top-up degree does not replace local licensing requirements and is intended for already qualified therapists.
Typical career directions include:
- Senior or lead occupational therapist in hospitals, rehabilitation centres or community services
- Practice owner or manager of multidisciplinary therapy centres
- Health promotion and workplace health management roles
- Teaching at vocational schools for therapy professions or clinical educator roles
- Research assistant in health or therapy sciences and participation in guideline development
Salaries vary by country, sector and seniority. The added value of the degree lies in evidence-based practice, leadership readiness and eligibility for master’s-level study in related fields.
Who is the Occupational Therapy (B.Sc.) right for - and who not?
This programme suits working occupational therapists who want an academic upgrade without pausing their career. It is structured for part-time study, with online teaching and assessments and the option to specialise in management, education or psychosocial counselling.
- You are a state-recognised occupational therapist and want to build scientific and managerial skills
- You need a flexible remote format with online exams and Saturday live sessions
- You plan to move into leadership, teaching, counselling, or to open your own practice
- You want a degree with 210 ECTS and European accreditation (AHPGS/EQAR)
Equally important: some situations make this programme a poor fit. Read these carefully before you apply from abroad.
- You do not speak German at an academic level; all teaching, materials and exams are in German
- You are not already a qualified occupational therapist; this is a top-up degree built on prior 3-year OT training
- You cannot travel to Germany under any circumstances but want the Health Education elective, which includes on-site sessions
- You need this programme to grant initial licensure to practise OT in your country; licensing remains subject to local regulations
Advisory Service
Have questions about Academic Programs Occupational Therapy? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution DIPLOMA University or the editorial team will answer you.