How much does an online computer science degree cost?

The cost differences are enormous. At University of Hagen, a full bachelor's costs 1,954 EUR (semester fees only). At FOM, the most expensive provider, the same degree costs 18,690 EUR – a factor of nearly ten. State universities are significantly cheaper but offer less flexibility in study schedules and exam formats.

Bachelor's programs – cost comparison

Master's programs – cost comparison

State vs. private: what is the difference?

Six state universities offer computer science distance learning programs with total costs between 702 and 13,080 EUR:

• University of Hagen: B.Sc. and M.Sc. Computer Science, Practical Computer Science – the cheapest programs available (from 702 EUR total). Research-oriented with high theoretical demands.
• RPTU Kaiserslautern: M.Eng. Software Engineering for Embedded Systems, M.Sc. Quantum Technologies – specialised master's programs for working professionals.
• Centre for Distance Learning (ZFH): M.C.Sc. Computer Science – blended format with on-campus sessions.
• University of Applied Sciences Schmalkalden: M.Sc. Computer Science and IT Management – a combination of technical and management qualifications.
• TH Würzburg-Schweinfurt: B.Eng. Software Engineering (4,200 EUR) – one of the most affordable bachelor's programs at a state university.
• University of Freiburg: M.Sc. Intelligent Embedded Microsystems – a tuition-free state university master's program.

Seven private universities (AKAD, WBH, IU, Euro-FH, German UAS, FOM, Constructor) charge between 9,900 and 18,690 EUR – but offer more flexible study models, personal tutoring, online exams, and often free study extensions. All programs are equally accredited – the degree carries the same weight on the job market.

International cost comparison

Even the most expensive German program (FOM at 18,690 EUR) is cheaper than the average US online computer science degree. At the lower end, state university programs cost under 2,000 EUR for a full degree – a price point that does not exist in the Anglophone world.

Career prospects and salary

IT professionals are among the highest-paid graduates in Germany. No other field has such an extreme skills shortage – and this has been pushing salaries upward for years.

Starting salary by role

Sources: StepStone Salary Report 2026, gehalt.de. All figures are gross annual salaries for the German labour market.

Job market: 109,000 unfilled positions

Germany's IT skills shortage has reached a record high in 2025. The key figures:

• 109,000 unfilled IT positions in Germany (Bitkom, 2025) – an increase from previous years despite economic uncertainty.
• 7.7 months average time-to-hire for IT professionals (Federal Employment Agency) – longer than in almost any other profession.
• Second-largest skills shortage after healthcare: IT professionals are needed in every industry, not just the technology sector.
• AI as accelerator: According to Bitkom, 42% of companies expect artificial intelligence to create additional IT jobs – not fewer.

For non-EU graduates, a German computer science degree opens a clear path to working in Germany through the EU Blue Card. Many German tech companies use English as their working language, and the Blue Card requires a minimum salary of approximately 43,800 EUR (2025 threshold for shortage occupations) – comfortably met by IT entry-level salaries.

Admission requirements

Bachelor: who can apply?

• Abitur or equivalent: A secondary school diploma equivalent to the German Abitur or Fachabitur is the standard entry requirement. Most countries' university entrance qualifications are accepted. There is no Numerus Clausus (NC) at any of the listed universities.
• No programming experience required: All bachelor's programs teach programming from scratch. Algorithms, data structures, and a first language (typically Java or Python) are part of the curriculum.
• Mathematics as foundation: Calculus, linear algebra, and logic are among the first modules. Solid school-level mathematics is a clear advantage – maths is the most common reason for dropouts in computer science.

Master: admission details

• University of Hagen: M.Sc. Practical Computer Science for just 702 EUR – the cheapest computer science master's in Germany. Requires a first degree in computer science or mathematics.
• RPTU Kaiserslautern: Specialised masters in Quantum Technologies and Software Engineering for Embedded Systems. Requires an engineering or natural science degree plus professional experience.
• Private universities (IU, AKAD, WBH): Generally more open admission. Some accept a first degree in any discipline with relevant professional experience.

International applicants

Language: Most programs in this category are taught in German (B2 or C1 required). IU International University and Constructor University offer English-taught programs. If your German is at B2 level or above, the full range of 33 programs is available to you.

Credential recognition: Foreign school-leaving certificates and degrees need to be evaluated. The anabin database shows whether your qualifications are recognised in Germany. WES (World Education Services) evaluations are also accepted by many universities.

No visa needed: Distance learning does not require physical presence in Germany. You enrol online, study through the university's platform, and complete coursework remotely. This means you do not need a student visa. If in-person exams are required (primarily at state universities), a short-stay Schengen visa is sufficient for exam dates.

ECTS: All programs use the European Credit Transfer System. A bachelor's awards 180 ECTS (equivalent to a US bachelor's with 120 US credits or a UK honours degree). A master's awards 60–120 ECTS. Credits are recognised across 49 countries in the European Higher Education Area.

Frequently asked questions

• Can I study computer science in English at a German university? Yes, but options are limited. IU International University offers English-taught computer science programs, and Constructor University has an English-taught B.Sc. Applied Computer Science. The majority of programs are taught in German. For English-taught options beyond computer science, see the Data Science & AI category, which has 14 English-taught programs.
• Do I need to be in Germany to study? No. All programs can be completed remotely from anywhere in the world. IU and Constructor University offer fully online exams. State universities may require in-person exams in Germany – check the exam format before enrolling. Live sessions are scheduled in Central European Time (CET/CEST).
• Are German online degrees recognised internationally? Yes. All programs listed here are accredited under the Bologna Process and award ECTS credits recognised in 49 countries. German computer science degrees are well-regarded by international employers, particularly in Europe, the Middle East, and increasingly in Asia. The degree certificate does not distinguish between distance and on-campus study.
• What are the language requirements? German-taught programs require German proficiency at B2 or C1 level (TestDaF, DSH, or Goethe-Zertifikat). English-taught programs typically require B2 or C1 English (IELTS 6.0–7.0 or equivalent). No programming knowledge is required for bachelor's programs – all teach coding from scratch.
• How do costs compare to US or UK universities? A state university computer science degree in Germany costs 702–4,200 EUR total. Private universities charge 9,900–18,690 EUR. By comparison, a US online CS degree averages 30,000–80,000 USD, and a UK online degree costs 12,000–30,000 GBP. Even the most expensive German program is cheaper than the average US option.
• Can I work in Germany after graduating? Yes. Non-EU graduates of German universities can apply for an 18-month job-seeking visa after graduation. IT roles typically qualify for the EU Blue Card, which requires a minimum salary of approximately 43,800 EUR for shortage occupations – a threshold comfortably met by IT entry-level salaries. Many German tech companies use English as their working language.

Related programs

• Business Informatics – IT and business administration combined: ERP systems, digitalisation, IT project management
• Data Science & AI – data analysis, machine learning, artificial intelligence
• IT Management – IT strategy, service management, digital transformation
• IT Security – cyber security, digital forensics, network security
• Media Informatics – game development, UX design, human-computer interaction
• Electrical Engineering – hardware, embedded systems, automation