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49% of German companies cannot fill their engineering positions (VDI Engineering Monitor), and 25% of all engineers in Germany will retire within the next decade. An online mechanical engineering degree from a German university qualifies you for one of Europe's strongest engineering job markets – at a fraction of the cost of comparable programs in the US or UK. Prices range from 1,200 EUR at TU Dresden to 31,200 EUR at Anhalt University – compared to 30,000–80,000 USD for a comparable degree in the United States.
All 29 programs listed here are state-accredited, award internationally recognised ECTS credits, and can be completed through distance learning. A unique feature of the German system: two universities still offer the traditional Diplom-Ingenieur degree – the classic German engineering qualification that is virtually extinct in on-campus programs. Below you will find every available program compared, with data on costs, career prospects, and admission requirements.
All distance learning courses in the field of mechanical engineering at a glance
We have a total of 29 courses in the field of Mechanical engineering. The first 20 top courses are displayed. Use the filter function or our search to discover more courses in the field.
Mechanical Engineering
- Wilhelm Büchner University
- 7 Semester
- from 237 € monthly
- 4 Comments & Questions
- German
Mechanical engineering
- The Dresden University of Technology
- 20 Semester
- German
Mechanical engineering
- AKAD University
- 6 Semester
- from 219 € monthly
- German
Mechanical engineering
- Hamburg Distance University
- 7 Semester
- from 247 € monthly
- German
Mechanical engineering
- Institute for Collaborative Studies
- 6 Semester
- German
Mechanical engineering
- The Dresden University of Technology
- 12 Semester
- German
Mechanical engineering
- University of Technology and Economics Berlin
- 9 Semester
- German
Mechanical engineering
- Institute for Collaborative Studies
- 9 Semester
- Bielefeld, Nordrhein-Westfalen
- German
Mechanical engineering
- Anhalt University of Applied Sciences
- 8 Semester
- German
Mechanical engineering
- Hamburg Distance University
- 4 Semester
- from 414 € monthly
- German
Computational Engineering
- Berlin University of Technology
- 5 Semester
- German
Mechanical engineering
- Wilhelm Büchner University
- 4 Semester
- from 596 € monthly
- German
Mechanical Engineering and Management
- University of Applied Sciences Schmalkalden
- 5 Semester
- Schmalkalden und Eisenach, Thüringen
- German
Vehicle Technology
- AKAD University
- 6 Semester
- from 219 € monthly
- German
Process Engineering
- Centre for Distance Learning in the University Consortium
- 4 Semester
- German
Applied Plastic Engineering
- University of Applied Sciences Schmalkalden
- 5 Semester
- Schmalkalden
- German
Mechanical engineering
- Anhalt University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- German
Digital Automotive Production
- Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences
- 4 Semester
- German
Process Engineering
- Anhalt University of Applied Sciences
- 8 Semester
- German
Specialisations: find your engineering career path
Mechanical engineering is not a single discipline – it covers specialisations with very different career profiles and salary levels. Your choice of focus area will shape your career more than the university name on your degree certificate.
Classical Mechanical Engineering
Programs titled "Mechanical Engineering" without further qualification cover the fundamentals: design and construction, manufacturing, materials science, and technical mechanics. TU Dresden, HTW Berlin, and Institute for Collaborative Studies offer these programs at state universities; Wilhelm Büchner University and AKAD University at private institutions. Graduates work in construction, product development, and production management.
Automotive Engineering and Vehicle Technology
Germany's automotive industry invests billions in electromobility, autonomous driving, and digital vehicle architectures. Specialised distance learning programs include the B.Eng. Vehicle Technology at AKAD, the M.Eng. Automotive Engineering at Wilhelm Büchner University, and the M.Eng. Digital Automotive Production at Ostfalia University. Automotive engineers earn around 50,000 EUR at entry level – up to 15% above the industry average.
Process and Plastics Engineering
Process engineering and plastics technology are key disciplines for sustainability, recycling, and circular economy. Anhalt University offers a B.Eng. Process Engineering at 5,200 EUR total, AKAD a B.Eng. Process Engineering, and Wilhelm Büchner University a B.Eng. Plastics Technology. At master's level, the Centre for Distance Learning offers Process Engineering and HS Schmalkalden offers Applied Plastic Engineering.
Robotics and Industry 4.0
IU International University offers a B.Eng. Robotics – one of the few robotics distance learning programs in Germany. Berlin University of Technology has an M.Eng. Computational Engineering combining mathematical modelling with industrial simulation. Engineers with Industry 4.0 expertise earn up to 90,000 EUR in production management roles.
Industrial Engineering (Mechanical Engineering focus)
Wilhelm Büchner University offers a B.Eng. Industrial Engineering Mechanical Engineering, and HS Schmalkalden an M.Eng. Mechanical Engineering and Management. These programs combine technical engineering knowledge with business administration – graduates typically work in project management, production planning, or technical sales.
How much does an online mechanical engineering degree cost?
Cost differences are enormous: TU Dresden charges just 1,200 EUR for a full Bachelor's degree, while Anhalt University's on-campus Master costs up to 31,200 EUR. State universities typically charge only semester fees (no tuition), while private institutions charge between 200 and 600 EUR per month.
Bachelor's programs – cost comparison
| Course | University | Duration | Course contents | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive and Mobility Business, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Environment Nürtingen-Geislingen | 6 Semester | |||
| Mechanical engineering, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | The Dresden University of Technology | 12 Semester | Mathematics, Technical Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics and Electrical Engineering as content, Design Engineering, Manufacturing Technology … | from 1200 € total | |
| Mechanical engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | Institute for Collaborative Studies | 9 Semester | Technical product documentation, fundamentals of computer science, mathematics 1, technical mechanics 1, physics, CAD 1, mathematics 2, technical mech… | from 2106 € total | |
| Mechanical engineering, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | University of Technology and Economics Berlin | 9 Semester | Design, construction and manufacturing of machines, vehicles and systems, practical internship, laboratory exercises, regulations & modules | from 3843 € total | |
| Process Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Part-time program | Anhalt University of Applied Sciences | 8 Semester | Fundamentals of process engineering (chemical, biological, mechanical and thermal), mass and heat transfer, process, plant, safety and (renewable) ene… | from 5200 € total | |
| Industrial Engineering Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | Wilhelm Büchner University | 7 Semester | General fundamentals and Intercultural Aspects: Mathematics I and II, Scientific Engineering Fundamentals, Intercultural Communication; Fundamentals a… | from 10458 € total from 249 € monthly | |
| Mechanical engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | Hamburg Distance University | 7 Semester | Fundamentals of Information Technology, Programming 1, Mathematics 1, Mathematics 2, Mathematics 3, Academic Research, Physics for Engineering, Materi… | from 12780 € total from 247 € monthly | |
| Process engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | AKAD University | 6 Semester | Key qualifications for study and career, bridging course in mathematics, bridging course in physics for engineers, fundamentals of chemistry, basics o… | from 13284 € total from 219 € monthly | |
| Vehicle Technology, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | AKAD University | 6 Semester | Key qualifications for study and profession, bridging course in mathematics, bridging course in physics for engineers, My Study Community – Bachelor i… | from 13284 € total from 219 € monthly | |
| Mechanical engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | AKAD University | 6 Semester | from 14004 € total from 219 € monthly | ||
| Plastics Technology, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | Wilhelm Büchner University | 7 Semester | Mathematical, scientific and engineering fundamentals: including Mathematics, scientific and engineering basics, Technical Mechanics, CAD, Computer Sc… | from 14193 € total from 237 € monthly | |
| Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | Wilhelm Büchner University | 7 Semester | Mathematics I, Mathematics II, Mathematics III with Laboratory, Introduction to Natural Science Engineering Fundamentals, Natural Science Engineering … | from 14193 € total from 237 € monthly | |
| Robotics, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | IU International University | 6 Semester | Introduction to Robotics, Introduction to Academic Work, Mathematics II, Fundamentals of Physics, Mathematics: Linear Algebra, Technical Drawing, Prod… | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | IU International University | 6 Semester | Mathematics: Linear Algebra, Fundamentals of Physics, Fundamentals of Chemistry, Engineering Mechanics: Statics, Fundamentals of Construction, Introdu… | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Mechanical engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Part-time program | Anhalt University of Applied Sciences | 8 Semester | Sustainable and digital product development, technical mechanics, materials engineering, design and computer-aided design (CAD), drive, manufacturing … | from 31200 € total |
Master's programs – cost comparison
| Course | University | Duration | Course contents | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical engineering, Master of Science Distance learning program | Anhalt University of Applied Sciences | 6 Semester | Product development and design, materials engineering, manufacturing technology, CAx technologies, mechatronics/automation technology, business admini… | ||
| Automotive and Mobility Management, Master of Science Distance learning program | University of Applied Sciences for Economics and Environment Nürtingen-Geislingen | 3 Semester | |||
| Mechanical engineering, Master of Engineering Distance learning program | Institute for Collaborative Studies | 6 Semester | Higher Mathematics, Cost and Investment Accounting, Quality Management, Special Topics in Materials Engineering, Advanced Technical Mechanics, Personn… | from 1038 € total | |
| Digital Automotive Production, Master of Engineering Part-time program | Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences | 4 Semester | from 6000 € total | ||
| Automotive Engineering (Vehicle Engineering), Master of Engineering Distance learning program | Wilhelm Büchner University | 3 Semester | Higher mathematical methods, Embedded Software Engineering, Big Data and Data Science, Methods of scientific work, General Vehicle Technology - Vibrat… | from 6642 € total from 369 € monthly | |
| Mechanical engineering, Master of Engineering Distance learning program | Hamburg Distance University | 4 Semester | Development Management, Robotics and Mechatronic Systems, Methods and Procedures, FEM – Finite Element Method, Materials, Elective Modules, Sheet Meta… | from 9936 € total from 414 € monthly | |
| Computational Engineering, Master of Engineering Distance learning program | Berlin University of Technology | 5 Semester | from 10100 € total | ||
| Process Engineering, Master of Engineering Distance learning program | Centre for Distance Learning in the University Consortium | 4 Semester | Here are the given terms translated into English (en-GB): CFD - Computational Fluid Dynamics, Thermal Separation Technology, Maintenance Management, … | from 10600 € total | |
| Mechanical engineering, Master of Engineering Distance learning program | AKAD University | 4 Semester | Key qualifications for study and profession, bridging course in mathematics and physics for engineers, product and process management for Industry 4.0… | from 12216 € total from 299 € monthly | |
| Applied Plastic Engineering, Master of Engineering Part-time distance learning program | University of Applied Sciences Schmalkalden | 5 Semester | Plastics Engineering and Chemistry of Plastics, Design, Design and Calculation of Plastic Parts, Methodological Aspects, Plastic Processing, Composite… | from 12800 € total | |
| Mechanical Engineering and Management, Master of Engineering Part-time distance learning program | University of Applied Sciences Schmalkalden | 5 Semester | Machine tools, innovative joining techniques and manufacturing processes, automation technology, material selection and lightweight design, business l… | from 12800 € total | |
| Mechanical engineering, Master of Engineering Distance learning program | Wilhelm Büchner University | 4 Semester | Depending on the educational background, there may be a phase of homogenization with elective modules: including Materials Engineering, Technical Mech… | from 15084 € total from 596 € monthly |
Diplom-Ingenieur: the classic German engineering degree
The Diplom-Ingenieur (abbreviated Dipl.-Ing.) is the traditional German engineering qualification that predates the Bologna Process. It is roughly equivalent to an integrated Bachelor's + Master's program (typically 10 semesters). Only two universities still offer it through distance learning: TU Dresden (2,000 EUR total) and University of Mittweida.
While functionally equivalent to a Master's degree for employment purposes, the Dipl.-Ing. carries particular prestige in German industry – especially among traditional manufacturing companies. International students should note that the degree is fully recognised under the European Qualifications Framework (EQF Level 7, same as Master's).
State vs. private: what's the difference?
11 of the 14 universities in this comparison are state-funded – unusual for German distance learning, where private providers typically dominate. State programs cost under 5,000 EUR total but offer less flexibility in exam scheduling and study pace. Private programs (10,000–15,000 EUR) provide more personal support, flexible exam dates, and often shorter response times.
| Factor | Germany (state) | Germany (private) | United States | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's total cost | 1,200–5,200 EUR | 10,458–15,063 EUR | 30,000–80,000 USD | 18,000–37,000 GBP |
| Master's total cost | 1,038–12,800 EUR | 6,642–15,084 EUR | 20,000–60,000 USD | 10,000–25,000 GBP |
| Accreditation | State-accredited, ECTS | State-accredited, ECTS | ABET/regional | IET/BCS |
| Language | German | German | English | English |
Career prospects and salary
Mechanical engineers are among the best-paid professionals in Germany. The following data is based on current surveys by StepStone and gehalt.de.
Starting salary by specialisation
| Role | Entry level | Average | Experienced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical engineer | ~47,700 EUR | ~61,700 EUR | up to 77,000 EUR |
| Automotive engineer | ~50,000 EUR | ~65,000 EUR | up to 80,000 EUR |
| Process engineer | ~48,000 EUR | ~62,000 EUR | up to 78,000 EUR |
| Design engineer / CAD | ~45,000 EUR | ~58,000 EUR | up to 72,000 EUR |
| Project engineer | ~49,000 EUR | ~64,000 EUR | up to 82,000 EUR |
| Production manager | ~52,000 EUR | ~70,000 EUR | up to 90,000 EUR |
Sources: StepStone Salary Report, gehalt.de (2024/2025). All figures are gross annual salary in EUR.
German engineering job market
The German engineering labour market shows a paradox in 2025: companies are cutting jobs due to economic slowdown, yet the structural skills shortage persists. Only 90,000–100,000 engineers graduate annually – not enough to close the demographic gap. 49% of companies report difficulty filling engineering positions, and 25% of the current engineering workforce will retire within the next decade.
For international graduates, Germany offers the EU Blue Card with a salary threshold of around 45,300 EUR for STEM professions – well within the typical starting salary range for mechanical engineers. The Blue Card provides a fast-track residence permit and a path to permanent residency after 21–33 months.
Admission requirements
Admission to German engineering programs follows a structured system. Mechanical engineering programs are generally not restricted by numerus clausus (NC) – no GPA cutoff.
Bachelor's: You need a university entrance qualification recognised in Germany: Abitur (general university entrance qualification), Fachhochschulreife (university of applied sciences qualification), or an equivalent international qualification. Most state universities require the general Hochschulreife for university programs (e.g. TU Dresden), while universities of applied sciences accept the Fachhochschulreife.
Master's: A first degree in mechanical engineering, a related engineering discipline, or natural sciences with at least 180 ECTS credits. Most programs expect a grade average of 2.5 or better (German grading scale, where 1.0 is best). Some programs additionally require professional experience.
Without Abitur: In all German federal states, it is possible to study without a traditional school-leaving certificate: holders of a Meister (master craftsman) or Techniker (state-certified technician) qualification can enrol directly. With a completed vocational training and at least three years of professional experience, admission is possible through an aptitude test or trial study period.
Language requirements: Most programs are taught in German and require proficiency at B2–C1 level (DSH-2, TestDaF 4, or equivalent). A small number of modules or electives may be available in English, but no complete mechanical engineering program in this category is offered entirely in English.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an online mechanical engineering degree take?
A Bachelor's typically takes 7 semesters (3.5 years), a Master's 3–4 semesters (1.5–2 years), and the Diplom-Ingenieur 8–10 semesters. Most programs allow free extensions of up to 50% of the standard study period.
Are German engineering degrees recognised internationally?
Yes. All programs listed here are state-accredited and award ECTS credits recognised throughout the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). The Diplom-Ingenieur is classified at EQF Level 7 (equivalent to Master's). For recognition outside Europe, the degree can be evaluated through credential assessment services such as WES (World Education Services).
Is there a campus attendance requirement?
Most programs include some on-campus components: laboratory practicals, design workshops, and examinations. Frequency varies from single weekends per semester (Wilhelm Büchner, AKAD) to regular Saturday sessions (Verbundstudium). Fully online programs without any on-campus requirement are rare in mechanical engineering due to the importance of laboratory competence.
Can I work while studying?
Yes – all programs are designed for working professionals. The typical workload is 15–25 hours per week alongside full-time employment. Most students take 7–9 semesters for a Bachelor's (vs. 6 semesters full-time) and 4–6 semesters for a Master's (vs. 3–4 full-time).
What is the starting salary for mechanical engineers in Germany?
Entry-level salaries range from 45,000 EUR (design/CAD) to 52,000 EUR (production management), with an average of approximately 47,700 EUR. With a Master's or Diplom and 5–10 years of experience, 70,000–90,000 EUR is realistic. Regional differences are significant: Bavaria averages 80,700 EUR, North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg above 65,000 EUR.
How does the Diplom-Ingenieur compare to a Master's degree?
Functionally, the Diplom-Ingenieur is equivalent to a Master's degree (EQF Level 7). It covers approximately the same academic content as a Bachelor's + Master's combined. In German industry – particularly in traditional manufacturing – the Dipl.-Ing. title sometimes carries even more prestige than a Master's. Only TU Dresden and University of Mittweida still offer it through distance learning.
Related programs
If you are interested in adjacent engineering disciplines, explore these categories:
- Mechatronics – combination of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science
- Electrical Engineering – electrical systems, power engineering, electronics
- Industrial Engineering – engineering meets business administration
- Civil Engineering – construction, structural analysis, building management
About the Author Christian Wolf
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