Distance learning program Digital Engineering and Applied Computer Science (B.Eng.) – AKAD University

👉 You study programming (C/C++, Java), databases, networks and computer security plus engineering basics like electronics and microcontrollers; the Bachelor of Engineering is delivered as a 100% online distance programme with 210 ECTS and flexible durations (42, 54 or 72 months). Teaching language: German; the degree is state-recognised and ZFU-approved.

Digital Engineering and Applied Computer Science (B.Eng.) at a Glance

📜 Degree Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
⏳ Duration 7 Semesters, Study effort 24 hours weekly
💶 Fees
from 213 € monthly
from 13494 € total
🏫 Provider AKAD University, UAS based in Stuttgart (Germany)
Over 72,000 graduates in the past 65 years! The AKAD University offers more than 65 part-time distance learning courses with degrees in Bachelor, Master, MBA, and university certificate in the fields of Business & Management, Engineering & Computer Science, Communication & Culture, and Health & Social Sciences. All courses are accredited by ACQUIN or ZeVA and have been reviewed and approved by the Central Office for Distance Learning (ZFU).
📋 Study Format Distance learning program
🎓 Field of Study Technology & InformaticsComputer Science
🎯 ECTS 210 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Key qualifications for study and profession, Mathematics bridging course, Study community, AKAD toolbox for Technology and Computer Science, Basics of Business, Fundamentals of Computer Science and Programming for Engineers, Mathematics I, Basics of Electrical Engineering, Fundamentals of Digital Technology, Mathematics II, Formal Methods of Computer Science, Programming in C/C++, Operating Systems, Databases, Electronics - Fundamentals, Physics for Engineers, Programming in Java 1, Microcomputer Systems with Laboratory, Networks, Graphical Data Processing, Fundamentals of Computer Security, Formal Methods II, English for Computer Science - Introduction, Software Development for Engineers, Computer Architecture, Project and Quality Management, Design Patterns, Non-standard Databases, Business Processes and Application Systems, Distributed Systems, Specialisation 1, Project, Specialisation 2, Project Workshop, English for Computer Science - Advanced, Image Processing Techniques, Bachelor Thesis, Introduction to AI
📚 Electives Embedded Systems, Computer Security I, Modern Data Processing, Virtual Reality, Mobile Computing, Sensors and Actuators, Computer Security II
👥 In-person sessions optional, Stuttgart (lab sessions) — 6 days plus up to 3 additional days depending on specialisation
📍 Location Stuttgart
✅ ZFU Approval The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Digital Engineering and Applied Computer Science under the number 144811.
📅 Enrollment Anytime
🔗 More Info https://www.akad.de

Who this German-taught B.Eng. suits – and what you need to get in

This programme suits you if you want to build solid engineering-level IT skills without pausing your life. Typical profiles include: (1) an IT support or junior developer working full-time who now seeks a formal engineering degree to move into software, data or security roles; (2) a mechatronics or electronics technician aiming to step up to embedded systems and IoT; (3) a career changer from a technical operations role who wants structured training in programming, networks and computer security while studying remotely.

Admission requirements

Teaching language: German. You study and are examined in German; selected modules include “English for Computer Science”.

  • University entrance qualification: general or subject-restricted higher education entrance qualification (allgemeine/fachgebundene Hochschulreife), Fachhochschulreife, or an equivalent foreign higher education entrance qualification.
  • Admission without Abitur: recognised advanced vocational training (e.g. Meister/in, Techniker/in, Betriebswirt/in, Fachwirt/in, Erzieher/in) also qualifies. With completed vocational training plus relevant work experience, access is possible via an aptitude test (Hochschuleignungsprüfung) for a related field or through a trial study (Probestudium).
  • Legal basis: § 58 Landeshochschulgesetz Baden-Württemberg.
  • Required German proficiency (for international applicants): DSH-2, TestDaF level 4, or German at C1 CEFR. A trial study option exists; details are set by the university.
  • Recommended skills: English at B2 CEFR, mathematics at university-entry level, and confident everyday PC use.
  • On-site elements: compact laboratory sessions are part of the curriculum. Expect approximately 6 days of labs; depending on your specialisations, up to 3 additional days may be required. Labs are delivered online and partly on site in Germany—plan for possible travel if you study from abroad.

Personal requirements

Remote study demands consistent self-management. You should be able to plan your week, keep momentum over months, and study independently with digital materials. Expect a study workload of about 24 hours per week on average; your chosen time model (42–72 months) shifts this up or down. Solid school-level maths and a willingness to practise programming regularly will help, especially in C/C++, Java, data structures and networks. Because the programme is taught in German, you need confident academic German for readings, assignments and exams; everyday collaboration in English (B2) is an advantage for the IT content. Reliable internet, a suitable computer, and the flexibility to attend scheduled online exams and occasional lab sessions are essential. If you are disciplined, comfortable learning from texts and tutorials, and ready to invest steady weekly time blocks, you can complete this degree fully online from abroad while working.

What will you study in the Digital Engineering and Applied Computer Science (B.Eng.) at AKAD University?

The teaching language is German. For admission you must evidence advanced German, typically DSH-2, TestDaF 4, or C1 GER. This is a Fernstudium (distance learning) at a state-recognised private Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences). The programme carries 210 ECTS and includes supervised projects, laboratory components and a final Bachelor’s thesis.

You build foundations across engineering, computing and maths. Early modules cover programming and computer science basics (C/C++ and Java), operating systems and databases. Mathematics I–II, formal methods and fundamentals in physics, digital technology, electronics and electrical engineering ground the engineering side.

You then move into systems and platforms: computer architecture, networks, distributed systems and non-standard databases. Graphics and image processing, design patterns, and software engineering for engineers extend your software toolkit, while modules on business processes and application systems connect technology to operations.

Security and quality form a dedicated strand: fundamentals of computer security and project & quality management prepare you to design and run reliable systems. Two English-for-Computer-Science modules strengthen your technical English for international teams.

Practice is embedded: labs (e.g., microcomputer systems), a substantial project, a project workshop and the Bachelorarbeit (thesis) consolidate skills on real tasks. The programme is approved by the ZFU – the German authority that reviews distance-learning offerings – under admission number 144811 (ZFU = Zentralstelle für Fernunterricht).

Electives let you specialise: choose two tracks such as Embedded Systems, Computer Security (I/II), Modern Data Processing, Virtual Reality, Mobile Computing, or Sensors and Actuators. Your elective choices also influence which lab days you attend.

How does the Digital Engineering and Applied Computer Science (B.Eng.) distance programme work?

This is a flexible German-taught distance degree designed for working students. Learning happens mainly online via AKAD’s campus platform; exams are available remotely. Some compact lab sessions are required and may take place in Germany. No visa is needed if you study fully remotely from abroad.

Teaching language and language certificates

Teaching and exams are in German. You will need proof of advanced proficiency, typically DSH-2, TestDaF level 4, or C1 (GER). Technical English appears as study modules, but they do not replace the German teaching language.

Learning format and study materials

It is a Fernstudium (distance learning): self-paced online study with digital scripts, interactive exercises, webinars and a personal study area. As a Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences), AKAD emphasises application: you work through practical assignments, a major project and labs alongside theory.

Exams and taking them from outside Germany

Written exams and many assessments can be taken online with remote proctoring, so you can complete them from abroad. Assignment-based assessments (projects, open-book tasks) are planned within the online campus. The programme is ZFU-approved under number 144811, signalling state approval of this distance-learning format.

Mandatory on-site sessions in Germany

Laboratory components are compact but required: plan for about 6 on-site lab days; depending on the specialisations you pick, up to 3 additional days may apply. Some labs run online, others take place in person in Germany. Travel and accommodation are at your own expense.

Workload, time models and live sessions

The programme has a typical self-study workload of about 24 hours per week. Choose among three schedules: Sprint (42 months), Standard (54 months) or Stretch (72 months). Any live webinars or support sessions are scheduled in Central European Time (CET/CEST). As a purely remote student you do not need a residence permit or student visa.

What does the Digital Engineering and Applied Computer Science (B.Eng.) cost?

Tuition is charged in monthly instalments in euros. Over the standard durations, typical regular prices (excluding temporary promotions) are: Sprint (42 months) at €359 per month (~€15,078 total), Standard (54 months) at €299 per month (~€16,146 total), and Stretch (72 months) at €229 per month (~€16,488 total). A one-time exam fee of €960 is charged in addition.

Each model includes digital learning materials, access to the online campus and online examinations. Built-in free extensions are available if you overrun the schedule: typically +12 months (Sprint), +9 months (Standard) or +3 months (Stretch) without extra tuition. If you study from outside the euro area, your bank or card provider may apply currency conversion and fees; you still pay in euros monthly.

Travel and accommodation costs for any required on-site lab days in Germany are not included. If you receive recognition of prior learning, your overall study time and costs can be reduced because fewer modules are needed.

What careers and recognition does the Digital Engineering and Applied Computer Science (B.Eng.) offer?

You graduate with a Bachelor of Engineering, 210 ECTS, aligned with the Bologna framework. ECTS credits facilitate recognition across Europe and by many institutions worldwide. AKAD University is state-recognised in Germany, and the distance-learning format is approved by the ZFU. Programme accreditation in Germany supports international comparability; employers typically assess content, ECTS scope and project work when hiring abroad.

Typical roles after graduation include:

  • Software developer or software engineer for applications, systems and interfaces
  • Embedded systems or IoT engineer connecting sensors, actuators and networks
  • Data engineer or developer for modern data processing and distributed systems
  • Cybersecurity analyst focusing on secure architectures and operations
  • Project manager for digital engineering and transformation in industry

Career entry starts from junior roles, with progression to specialist or lead positions as you build experience. Salaries vary widely by country, sector and prior experience; the broad 210-ECTS workload and applied projects position you well for technical roles and for entry into relevant Master’s degrees later on.

Who is the Digital Engineering and Applied Computer Science (B.Eng.) right for - and who not?

This programme suits working professionals who want a German-taught, flexible distance degree with strong applied engineering and computer science. It fits if you like structured self-study, online exams and clear specialisation options.

  • You are comfortable studying in German at C1 level and using technical terminology.
  • You want a practice-oriented B.Eng. with 210 ECTS, labs, projects and a thesis.
  • You need online exams you can take from abroad, with only short on-site lab blocks.
  • You plan to work in software, embedded/IoT, data or cybersecurity roles and value elective depth.
  • You prefer predictable monthly costs in euros and flexible 42/54/72-month models.

There are also clear limits. Read these carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises if you apply from outside Germany.

  • You need an English-taught programme; this degree is taught and examined in German and requires DSH-2/TestDaF 4/C1.
  • You cannot travel to Germany at all: around 6 on-site lab days (plus up to 3 extra, depending on electives) may be required.
  • You expect a campus-based student life or a visa-sponsored on-site experience; this is a distance programme.
  • You require a licence for a regulated engineer title in your country (e.g., specific state licensing): this degree is academic/professional but not a direct path to regulated licensure.

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