Englisch 
Deutsch 
The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Supply Chain Management under the number 1122621. Who this German-taught Master fits — and what you need to get in
This programme suits experienced professionals who want to step up into end-to-end supply chain roles in a German context. Typical profiles include: operations or logistics coordinators in manufacturing or e-commerce aiming for team lead or network design responsibilities; procurement or sourcing specialists who want to deepen skills in Lean Six Sigma, resilience and sustainability; engineers or data-savvy analysts pivoting into Supply Chain 4.0, Business Intelligence and process optimisation while studying fully online from abroad.
Admission requirements
The degree is taught in German and leads to a state-recognised M.A. Admission focuses on your first degree and language level:
- A completed undergraduate degree with a logistics, economics or business focus, worth at least 180 ECTS, from a state or state-recognised university.
- Usual minimum final grade: “satisfactory”. Alternative routes are available if your grade is lower (e.g., evidence of relevant postgraduate achievements or recognised advanced qualifications at Master/DQR-7 level).
- If your first degree is not in a related field, you can qualify via a Master entrance route by successfully completing defined modules from the curriculum within a set period; the passed modules are fully credited.
- International applicants: foreign bachelor's degrees from recognised institutions are eligible. Equivalence is assessed to the level of a 180-ECTS bachelor.
- Required German proficiency (programme language: German, typically B2 CEFR). Accepted proofs include:
- TestDaF (TND3) with at least 3 points in all parts
- DSH (DSH-1)
- telc Deutsch B2
- ÖSD B2
- No Abitur needed for a Master: your first degree is decisive.
Personal requirements
Remote study rewards consistency. You need solid self-organisation, the discipline to work through quantitative content, and the ability to plan realistic study blocks around work. Expect a weekly workload of about 20–40 hours depending on your pace: roughly 20 h (Part-time II), 25 h (Part-time I), up to 40 h (Full-time). Strong reading and writing skills in German are essential for study materials, seminars and assessments; English helps with literature and data tools. Build routines for asynchronous learning, schedule exam preparation early, and secure a reliable laptop, stable internet and a quiet space for proctored online exams. Perseverance matters most: progressing module by module, keeping momentum, and asking for support in virtual classes when you hit a bottleneck.
What will you study in the Master of Arts in Supply Chain Management at IU International University?
This programme is taught in German. If you apply from abroad, you will need a recognised German certificate, typically TestDaF (min. 3 in all parts), DSH 1, telc Deutsch B2 or ÖSD B2. You study as a Fernstudium (distance learning) at a state-recognised German Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences), approved by the ZFU, the German authority overseeing distance-learning courses.
You build a 60 ECTS master with a clear line from fundamentals to application and a final thesis. The curriculum clusters into these areas:
- Supply chain strategy and design: Innovative concepts and tools in Supply Chain Management; Design and optimisation of global networks; Real-time control in Supply Chains 4.0.
- Operational excellence and quality: Operations and Information Management; Lean Six Sigma in Supply Chain Management.
- Data and decision support: Business Intelligence I; Project: Business Intelligence; Early warning and risk systems in Controlling (seminar).
- Leadership, IT and ethics: Leadership; Management of IT Services and IT Architectures; Business Ethics and Corporate Governance; Research Methodology.
Electives: In the 60 ECTS track you typically choose one specialisation from Lead Logistic Provider, Supply Chain Excellence Manager or Supply Chain Operations Manager. The programme concludes with the master’s thesis. Virtual seminars enable practice transfer; there are no compulsory on-site practical phases.
Terminology you will meet: Fernstudium means structured distance learning with online campus, digital scripts and remote exams. A Fachhochschule focuses on applied academic training. The ZFU (Staatliche Zentralstelle für Fernunterricht) examines and approves distance-learning programmes for quality and feasibility.
How does the Supply Chain Management distance programme work?
You study fully online with flexible pacing and remote assessments. Teaching is in German throughout. As a distance degree, the course does not require residence in Germany and does not require a visa if you remain abroad.
Teaching language and certificates
Language of instruction: German. For international applicants the university accepts TestDaF (at least 3 in each part), DSH 1, telc Deutsch B2 or ÖSD B2. Submit proof before you start. Academic materials, live sessions and exams are conducted in German.
Learning format and study materials
The programme runs as a structured online course with self-paced modules. You learn via interactive digital study books, videos, podcasts and shortcasts. Numerous virtual lectures and live tutorials support your progress; participation is recommended but not mandatory. Materials are accessible on the online campus and app.
Exams from outside Germany
Exams are designed for remote participation. Many module exams can be taken as online proctored exams 24/7 from anywhere. In addition, the university operates exam centres in Germany, Austria and Switzerland for those who prefer on-site testing. The programme holds ZFU approval number 1122621 (60 ECTS).
On-site sessions in Germany
There are no compulsory on-campus days. Optional seminars and events may be offered online; any in-person offers are voluntary and do not affect your ability to complete the degree remotely.
Weekly workload, time models and time zones
The typical workload is about 30 hours per week in the standard 60 ECTS track. Time models allow you to study full-time over 2 semesters or part-time over 3–4 semesters. Live sessions, where offered, follow German time (CET/CEST), with recordings commonly available.
What does the Supply Chain Management programme cost?
Tuition is billed in euros with monthly instalments of €449 per month, adding up to €9,547 in total over the standard duration for the 60 ECTS track. This puts the full master comfortably below typical U.S. graduate tuition while remaining a state-recognised German degree.
You can spread payments monthly. Extensions are possible in the distance model; the university offers a free extension window, which helps if your workload increases. A one-off graduation fee may be charged when you register for the final colloquium. Costs for optional services (e.g. re-sits, printed materials) can apply. All fees are due in euros; you can complete the entire payment schedule from abroad.
What careers and recognition does the Supply Chain Management programme offer?
The degree awards 60 ECTS credits within the European Bologna framework. IU International University is state-recognised in Germany; the programme is ZFU-approved for distance delivery. ECTS credits are widely understood across Europe and many regions worldwide, supporting international mobility and credential evaluation. The applied master’s level aligns with Level 7 of the European Qualifications Framework (EQF/L7).
Typical roles after graduation include:
- Supply Chain Manager or Supply Chain Operations Manager in manufacturing, retail, e-commerce or logistics.
- Logistics or Lead Logistics Provider (LLP) specialist, designing multi-party supply solutions.
- Supply Chain Excellence/Continuous Improvement Manager with a Lean Six Sigma focus.
- Business Intelligence or Demand Planning Analyst for network design, forecasting and S&OP.
- Procurement and Supplier Development Manager with an emphasis on resilience and sustainability.
Salary levels vary widely by country and sector. In the EU and UK, mid-level supply chain roles commonly progress into six-figure packages with leadership responsibility; in North America and APAC, salaries scale with P&L scope and international remit. The master signals postgraduate expertise in network design, operations and data-driven decision-making.
Who is the Supply Chain Management programme right for - and who not?
This distance master fits professionals who want an applied, flexible pathway to leadership in logistics and operations, and who can study in German from abroad. It suits you if you value remote exams, specialisation options and a clear, practice-oriented curriculum.
- You want a European master’s (60 ECTS) that you can complete 100% online alongside work.
- You aim to step into roles such as Supply Chain Manager, LLP specialist or Excellence Manager.
- You appreciate modules in Lean Six Sigma, Business Intelligence and global network design.
- You prefer monthly tuition and rolling, flexible start options rather than fixed intakes.
- You already have solid German and want to study and be assessed in German.
It is not the right fit for everyone. The following points are real deal-breakers for some international applicants and help avoid mismatched expectations.
- You need an English-taught programme or cannot provide a B2-level German certificate (TestDaF, DSH, telc, ÖSD).
- You seek a campus-based experience in Germany or a study route requiring a student visa; this remote programme does not require or support a residence permit.
- You need a thesis-only research master with intensive lab or on-site research; this is an applied, practice-led curriculum.
- Your target profession is tightly regulated and requires a specific national licence (this master does not grant access to regulated professions).
Lade… 
Advisory Service
Have questions about Academic Programs Supply Chain Management? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution IU International University or the editorial team will answer you.