What does a law programme cost?

Costs range from under 1,000 EUR for programmes at the University of Hagen to over 15,000 EUR at private universities. State programmes cover the lower end; private providers offer more flexibility and personal support in return for higher fees.

University of Hagen: Staatsexamen and LL.B.

The University of Hagen offers the cheapest law programmes in Germany. The Staatsexamen programme (First Legal Examination) and the LL.B. in Law are both available at minimal cost. The LL.B. is a standalone programme for those who want an academic qualification without pursuing the Staatsexamen.

LL.B. commercial law – cost comparison

The cheapest LL.B. in commercial law is offered by the Institute for Collaborative Studies (Verbundstudium) at 2,106 EUR – a state programme with mandatory on-campus sessions in North Rhine-Westphalia. The University of Wismar (9,324 EUR) and DIPLOMA University (11,489 EUR) offer more flexibility. The IU International University (15,063 EUR) provides the most flexible format with online exams and no on-campus requirements.

LL.M. – master's programmes compared

The LL.M. programmes range from 977 EUR (University of Hagen) to over 14,000 EUR (IU). The Hagen programme is academically oriented and suits graduates of the Staatsexamen or LL.B. who want to deepen their expertise. The commercial law LL.M. programmes at private universities focus on practical applications: contract law, corporate law, or international business law.

Specialised master's programmes

Beyond the standard LL.M. in commercial law, several universities offer specialised master's programmes in high-demand areas: criminology, legal tech, tax law, public law, and guardianship law. The LL.M. in tax law (Steuerrecht) at the University of Applied Sciences Schmalkalden also qualifies for the German tax adviser examination (Steuerberaterprüfung).

German tuition fees in international context

German law programmes cost a fraction of international alternatives. The degrees are fully recognised across the EU. Unlike on-campus programmes in Germany, distance learning does not require a student visa, so you can study from anywhere in the world.

Salary and career prospects

Salary by career path

Sources: StepStone Salary Report 2026, azur-online. All figures are gross annual salaries for the German labour market.

The salary gap between fully qualified lawyers and commercial law graduates is significant at entry level, but narrows with specialisation: compliance officers and tax advisers with an LL.M. can reach salary levels comparable to mid-size law firms – without the Staatsexamen. For fully qualified lawyers, exam results matter enormously: top-tier firms paying 100,000 EUR or more at entry level require a Prädikatsexamen (distinction-level result), achieved by only about 15% of all candidates.

Job market: why commercial law graduates are in demand

• Compliance boom: The EU AI Act enters full application in August 2026 – companies of all sizes need compliance expertise for AI systems, data protection (GDPR), and regulatory requirements.
• Growing in-house legal departments: Companies are expanding their internal legal teams to reduce reliance on external law firms. Commercial law graduates handle contract management, M&A support, and regulatory affairs – roles that do not require the Staatsexamen.
• Legal tech: The digitalisation of legal processes creates demand for professionals who combine legal knowledge with technology skills. LL.M. graduates with tech understanding have a competitive advantage.
• Tax advisory: An LL.M. in tax law qualifies for the German tax adviser examination – a career path with high earning potential and the option to establish your own practice.

Admission requirements

LL.B. commercial law: who can apply?

• Abitur or Fachabitur: The German general or subject-linked university entrance qualification is the standard route. No prior legal knowledge is required.
• Master craftsman or specialist certificate: A Meister or Fachwirt qualification (e.g. Rechtsfachwirt – legal specialist) grants automatic university admission.
• Vocational training + experience: Applicants with a completed apprenticeship in a relevant field (e.g. legal assistant) and at least 2–3 years of work experience can gain admission through an entrance examination or trial semester.

LL.M.: admission details

Most LL.M. programmes require a completed undergraduate degree – but not necessarily in law. Many programmes accept business or economics degrees as well. Key requirements:

• Law or business bachelor's degree: Standard admission at all universities.
• First State Examination: Also qualifies for the LL.M., particularly for specialisations in tax law or media law.
• Work experience: Some programmes (e.g. Allensbach University) require 1 year of professional experience.
• Non-law bachelor's: Selected universities admit graduates from other fields if legal work experience can be demonstrated.

Staatsexamen at the University of Hagen

The Staatsexamen requires the Abitur (German general university entrance qualification). A Fachabitur (subject-linked qualification) is not sufficient. Access via vocational training is possible only through a guest student programme (Akademiestudium) followed by a university entrance examination. Since the programme is entirely in German and prepares for the German legal system specifically, it is primarily relevant for students who plan to practise law in Germany.

For international applicants

Language: All law programmes in this category are taught in German. You will need German proficiency at B2 level or higher (typically DSH-2 or TestDaF 4). Legal German is particularly demanding – if you are not confident in academic German, consider completing a language preparation course first.

Visa: Distance learning does not require a student visa. You can study from anywhere in the world. If you are already living in Germany on a work visa, a part-time distance programme does not affect your visa status.

Credential recognition: Foreign school-leaving certificates and degrees need to be evaluated. The anabin database shows whether your qualifications are recognised in Germany. If your degree is not directly recognised, some universities accept applicants through a preparatory course (Studienkolleg) or entrance examination.

ECTS: All programmes use the European Credit Transfer System. LL.B. programmes require 180–210 ECTS (6–7 semesters), LL.M. programmes 60–120 ECTS (2–4 semesters). ECTS credits are recognised across the European Higher Education Area.

Practising law internationally: An LL.B. or LL.M. from a German university can serve as a foundation for legal careers outside Germany, but additional qualifications may be needed depending on the jurisdiction. The Staatsexamen qualifies exclusively for the German legal system and is not transferable.

Study models and duration

Law programmes are predominantly text-based – no laboratory work or complex technical equipment is needed. This makes law particularly well suited for fully remote study. The models vary:

Fully remote vs. blended learning

University of Hagen offers a fully remote format: study letters, online exercises, and optional on-campus events. Exams take place at examination centres across Germany. There is no formal time limit on study duration.

The Institute for Collaborative Studies (Verbundstudium) uses blended learning: approximately 70% self-study, 30% on-campus sessions at a university in North Rhine-Westphalia. On-campus days are typically on Saturdays.

Private universities (IU, PFH, Euro-FH) offer largely remote programmes. IU provides fully online exams; others offer exam centres across Germany. All private universities include free study extensions of at least 1–2 semesters.

Standard duration and realistic timelines

• LL.B. commercial law: 6–9 semesters standard, part-time 8–12 semesters. Weekly workload: 15–20 hours.
• LL.M.: 3–4 semesters standard, part-time 4–6 semesters. Weekly workload: 10–15 hours.
• Staatsexamen: 9 semesters standard, part-time 12–14 semesters. Weekly workload: 20–25 hours. Followed by 2 years of full-time legal traineeship (Referendariat).

Most part-time students study 2–3 evenings per week plus half a Saturday. Law study requires extensive reading and case analysis – a quiet workspace and fixed study times help manage the workload.

Key universities at a glance

University of Hagen (FernUniversität) – the only university in Germany offering the Staatsexamen via distance learning. Also the cheapest option overall. The LL.B. in Law and the LL.M. in Legal Science are available at minimal cost. Since May 2025, Staatsexamen students automatically receive an integrated LL.B. as a safety net. Fully remote, no on-campus requirements.

Institute for Collaborative Studies (Verbundstudium) – coordinates part-time study at state universities in North Rhine-Westphalia. LL.B. and LL.M. in commercial law at the lowest prices among commercial law programmes (LL.B.: 2,106 EUR, LL.M.: 6,875 EUR). Blended learning with Saturday sessions.

University of Wismar – state university offering LL.B. in commercial law as an online programme (9,324 EUR). Also offers specialised LL.B. programmes for legal assistants and notary specialists, plus an LL.M. in legal tech.

IU International University – LL.B. and LL.M. in commercial law with maximum flexibility: no on-campus requirements, online exams, start any time. The most flexible option, but in the upper price range.

Euro-FH (European Distance Learning University Hamburg) – LL.B. and LL.M. in commercial law. A traditional provider in German distance learning with a focus on business law.

DIPLOMA University – LL.B. and LL.M. in commercial law. Virtual Saturday sessions, exams at centres across Germany.

PFH Göttingen – LL.M. in corporate law with small study groups and personal supervision.

University of Applied Sciences Schmalkalden – LL.B. in commercial law plus specialised master's programmes in tax law and public law. The LL.M. in tax law qualifies for the German tax adviser examination.

Frequently asked questions

• Can I practise as a lawyer in Germany with an LL.B. or LL.M.? No. Only the Staatsexamen (First and Second State Examination) qualifies you to practise as a lawyer, judge, or public prosecutor in Germany. Commercial law graduates work in corporate legal departments, compliance, consulting, and contract management – but cannot represent clients in court.
• What is the cheapest law programme? The Staatsexamen at the University of Hagen costs 3,550 EUR. The cheapest LL.B. in commercial law is the Verbundstudium at 2,106 EUR. Private LL.B. programmes start at around 9,300 EUR (University of Wismar) and go up to 15,063 EUR (IU).
• Are any law programmes taught in English? No. All law distance learning programmes in Germany are taught in German. Legal German is particularly demanding, so you should be comfortable with academic German at B2 level or higher before enrolling.
• What is the integrated LL.B. at the University of Hagen? Since May 2025, Staatsexamen students at the University of Hagen automatically receive a Bachelor of Laws after passing their intermediate examinations. This means you have a recognised academic degree even if you do not pass the Staatsexamen – eliminating the risk of leaving with no qualification.
• Do I need a law degree for the LL.M.? Not necessarily. Many LL.M. programmes accept bachelor's degrees in business, economics, or related fields. Some universities admit graduates from other disciplines if they can demonstrate relevant professional experience in a legal context.
• How much do commercial law graduates earn in Germany? With an LL.B., starting salaries are 42,000–52,000 EUR; with an LL.M., 48,000–58,000 EUR gross per year. Compliance officers start at 55,000–65,000 EUR. Fully qualified lawyers earn 52,000–68,000 EUR at entry level in mid-size firms.
• Do I need a student visa? No. Distance learning programmes do not require a student visa. You can study from anywhere in the world. If you are already in Germany on a work or residence permit, a part-time distance programme does not affect your visa status.
• Is a German law degree recognised internationally? LL.B. and LL.M. degrees are Bologna-compliant and recognised across the EU and beyond. The Staatsexamen, however, qualifies exclusively for the German legal system and is not directly transferable to other jurisdictions. If you plan an international legal career, an LL.B. or LL.M. is the more practical path.

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