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Germany’s private universities offer over 1,600 degree programmes across 12 fields of study – from Business and Psychology to Computer Science, Engineering and the Arts. All programmes are state-accredited and open admission (no Numerus Clausus). Study formats range from full-time campus programmes and distance learning to dual studies and part-time models. Total costs start at €864 – with most programmes falling between €10,000 and €25,000.
- Overview of all Courses
- 12 Fields of Study – Which One Fits You?
- How Much Does It Cost to Study at a Private University?
- How Does Studying at a Private University Compare Internationally?
- Study Formats: Campus, Distance Learning, Dual or Part-Time
- Admission Requirements for International Students
- Private vs. Public Universities – What Are the Advantages?
- Salary After Graduation – Is the Investment Worth It?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Private Universities in Germany
- Related Pages
Overview of all Courses
We have a total of 1611 courses in the field of Study programs. The first 20 top courses are displayed. Use the filter function or our search to discover more courses in the field.
Applied Chemistry
- Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- Idstein
- from 595 € monthly
- German
Human Medicine
- Witten/Herdecke University
- 12 Semester
- Witten
- 11 Comments & Questions
- German
Psychology
- Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- Frankfurt/Main, Wiesbaden, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Heidelberg, Hamburg, Cologne or Munich
- from 695 € monthly
- German
Business Administration
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- 2 Comments & Questions
- English
Social Pedagogy & Management
- FHM University of Applied Sciences
- 24 Months
- Bamberg, Bielefeld, Hannover, Cologne, Rostock, Berlin
- German
Applied Psychology
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- German or English
International Business Administration
- BSP Business and Law School
- 7 Semester
- Berlin
- from 590 € monthly
- 2 Comments & Questions
- English
Social Work
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 7 Semester
- Aachen, Augsburg, Berlin, Bielefeld, Brunswick, Bremen, Dortmund, Dresden, Duisburg, Dusseldorf, Erfurt, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hanover, Karlsruhe, Cologne, Leipzig, Mainz, Mannheim, Munich, Munster, Nuremberg, Stuttgart, Bonn, or Virtual Campus
- German
Psychology
- PFH Private University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- Göttingen
- from 700 € monthly
- German
Psychology
- Charlotte Fresenius University
- 6 Semester
- Wiesbaden, Hamburg, Cologne, Dusseldorf or Munich
- from 975 € monthly
- German
Business Psychology
- Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- Wiesbaden, Munich, Cologne, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Heidelberg
- from 750 € monthly
- German
Applied Psychology
- APOLLON University of Health Care Management
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 268 € monthly
- German
Business Administration and Business Psychology
- European Distance Learning University Hamburg
- 7 Semester
- Hamburg
- from 221 € monthly
- German
Computer Science
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- 2 Comments & Questions
- English
Social Work
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- German
Business Psychology
- University of Applied Management
- 3 Semester
- Ismaning bei Munich, Berlin, Hamburg
- from 595 € monthly
- German
Business Administration
- Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- Berlin, Dusseldorf, Heidelberg, Hamburg, Cologne, Munich or Wiesbaden
- from 750 € monthly
- German
Applied Psychology
- German University of Health and Sports
- 7 Semester
- Berlin, Ismaning or Unna
- from 540 € monthly
- 2 Comments & Questions
- German
12 Fields of Study – Which One Fits You?
The 1,600+ programmes span 12 academic fields. Six of them – Economics, Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Information Sciences, Engineering and Media – account for over 95% of all programmes. The remaining six serve specialised niches.
Economics – the Largest Field
Over 500 programmes at more than 70 institutions make Economics the dominant field at private universities. From Business Administration and Marketing to Finance, Human Resources and International Management. The IU International University alone offers over 100 economics programmes. Distance learning options include HFH Hamburg (from €5,220), AKAD University and Euro-FH. Full details: Economics at Private Universities.
Health Sciences – the Fastest-Growing Field
Around 280 programmes in Nursing, Therapy, Health Management, Medical Education and Prevention. The Fliedner University offers the cheapest bachelor (Care and Health, €3,416). APOLLON University specialises in health economics. Fresenius University covers the broadest range, from Physiotherapy to Midwifery. Full details: Health Sciences at Private Universities.
Social Sciences – Psychology, Education and Social Work
Over 210 programmes in Psychology, Social Work, Education, Childhood Education and related fields. Psychology is the most popular subject. The SRH Distance Learning University offers one of the most affordable Psychology bachelors (€7,164). For clinical programmes, MSB Berlin and the Berlin School of Psychology (PHB) are leading providers. Full details: Social Sciences at Private Universities.
Information Sciences – Computer Science, Data Science, IT
Around 180 programmes in Computer Science, Business Informatics, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Media Informatics. The SRH Distance Learning University offers Business Informatics from €7,164. AI and Data Science programmes are growing rapidly – IU, Wedel University and AKAD have specialised offerings. Full details: Information Sciences at Private Universities.
Engineering Sciences – Architecture to Industrial Engineering
Over 170 programmes across 7 specialisations: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Technology Management, Industrial Engineering and Real Estate. Georg Agricola University in Bochum offers the cheapest programmes (bachelor from €1,296). Distance learning is available through Wilhelm Büchner University, AKAD and IU. Full details: Engineering Sciences at Private Universities.
Media Sciences – Design, Film and Communication Design
Around 85 programmes in Media Design, Graphic Design, Film, Game Design and Media Management. Campus programmes are offered by Brand University in Hamburg, Mediadesign University and UE Berlin. Full details: Media Sciences at Private Universities.
Additional Fields
Six more fields serve specialised academic interests:
- Communication Sciences – Journalism, PR, Corporate Communications
- Legal Sciences – Business Law, Law (incl. Bucerius Law School)
- Natural Sciences – Chemistry, Life Sciences, Sustainability
- Humanities – Philosophy, History, Cultural Studies
- Art – Fine Arts, Design, Interdisciplinary Programmes
- Fashion – Fashion Management, Fashion Design, Textile Business
How Much Does It Cost to Study at a Private University?
Tuition at German private universities varies enormously: from €864 (Georg Agricola University, M.Eng. Geoengineering) to over €150,000 (Constructor University, international campus). The typical range for a complete bachelor’s degree is €10,000–25,000. Distance learning programmes are significantly cheaper than campus programmes.
Bachelor: Most Affordable Programmes by Field
| Course | University | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering On-campus program | Georg Agricola University of Technology | from 1422 € total | |
| Care and Health, Bachelor of Arts On-campus program | Fliedner University of Applied Sciences Dusseldorf | from 3416 € total from 488 € monthly | |
| Business Administration for State Certified Business Administrators, Bachelor of Arts Part-time program | Hamburger Fern-Hochschule | from 5220 € total from 290 € monthly | |
| Psychology, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | SRH Fernhochschule - The Mobile University | from 7164 € total from 199 € monthly | |
| Information Systems, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | SRH Fernhochschule - The Mobile University | from 7164 € total from 199 € monthly |
Master: Most Affordable Programmes by Field
| Course | University | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geoengineering and post-mining, Master of Engineering On-campus program | Georg Agricola University of Technology | from 864 € total | |
| Osteopathy, Master of Science On-campus program | Dresden International University | from 5976 € total from 498 € monthly | |
| Human Resource Management, Master of Arts Part-time program | University of Applied Management | from 6426 € total from 357 € monthly | |
| Informatics, Master of Science On-campus program | Wedel University of Applied Sciences | from 6750 € total from 375 € monthly |
Key cost factors: distance learning programmes typically cost €200–400 per month. Campus programmes range from €500–800 per month. Dual study programmes are often fully funded by the employer – students pay no tuition fees.
How Does Studying at a Private University Compare Internationally?
By international standards, German private universities offer competitive tuition fees. A comparison:
- Germany (private): €10,000–25,000 total for a bachelor’s degree (most programmes)
- UK: £9,250 per year (~€27,750 for a 3-year bachelor), plus higher living costs
- US: $30,000–60,000 per year at private universities (~€85,000–170,000 total)
- Netherlands: €2,314/year for EU students (~€7,000 total), €8,000–20,000/year for non-EU
- Australia: AUD 20,000–45,000/year (~€40,000–90,000 total)
German private universities combine European accreditation standards with tuition fees well below Anglo-Saxon markets. Many also offer English-taught programmes, making them accessible to international students.
Study Formats: Campus, Distance Learning, Dual or Part-Time
Private universities in Germany offer unmatched format flexibility. The 1,600+ programmes break down as follows:
- Full-time campus (~40%): Traditional on-campus study in small groups. Strongest in Business, Media, Health and Engineering. Advantage: close contact with lecturers, hands-on projects, campus life.
- Distance learning (~31%): Study from anywhere, often at your own pace. Major providers include IU, Euro-FH, SRH Distance Learning University, AKAD and Wilhelm Büchner. Costs are typically lower than campus programmes. Ideal for working professionals and parents.
- Part-time/career-integrated (~16%): Evening or weekend classes combined with online elements. FOM, University of Applied Management and DIPLOMA are typical providers.
- Dual studies (~11%): Combines academic study with work placements or vocational training. Strong programmes at IU Dual Studies, NORDAKADEMIE, HSBA and CBS. Advantage: income during studies, often no tuition fees.
Not every format is available in every field: Architecture and Art are almost exclusively campus-based. Business Administration and Business Informatics offer the widest format variety.
Admission Requirements for International Students
Private universities in Germany set their own admission criteria. Key requirements:
- Academic qualification: A secondary school leaving certificate equivalent to the German Abitur. The anabin database (maintained by KMK) lists recognised qualifications by country. Some universities accept foundation year certificates.
- Language: German-taught programmes require DSH-2 or TestDaF 4×4. English-taught programmes typically require IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL 80–90. Several universities offer bilingual programmes.
- No Numerus Clausus: Unlike public universities, private institutions do not use grade-based restrictions. Admission is typically based on a motivation letter and interview.
- Visa: Non-EU students need a student visa. Processing takes 6–12 weeks. A blocked account (€11,904/year, 2024/25) is required as proof of financial means.
Private vs. Public Universities – What Are the Advantages?
Around 120 private universities in Germany hold state recognition. Their degrees are legally equivalent to those from public universities. The difference lies in the study experience:
- Open admission: No Numerus Clausus. Admission is based on motivation interviews or aptitude tests, not grades.
- Small class sizes: Typical seminar groups of 20–40 students instead of overcrowded lecture halls. Student-to-staff ratios of 1:30 to 1:50 (public: often 1:80 or higher).
- Practical orientation: Close cooperation with industry, hands-on projects every semester, guest lecturers from the business world.
- Flexibility: Multiple start dates per year (often monthly at distance learning universities), individual study plans, part-time options.
- Career services: Dedicated career centres, alumni networks, internship placements – private universities invest heavily in employability.
The trade-off: private universities charge tuition fees ranging from a few hundred to over €100,000. Whether the investment pays off depends on your field, study format and career goals.
Salary After Graduation – Is the Investment Worth It?
University graduates in Germany earn on average 50–60% more than employees without a degree (sources: IAB, StepStone). But the differences between fields are substantial:
- Economics: €42,000 entry-level, €55,000 median, over €70,000 with experience. Finance and Controlling specialisations pay more.
- Engineering: €45,000–48,000 entry-level, €58,000 median. Industrial Engineering and Electrical Engineering pay the highest.
- Information Sciences: €45,000 entry-level, €56,000 median. Data Science and AI specialisations significantly exceed the median.
- Health Sciences: €35,000–40,000 entry-level, €48,000 median. Health Management and Medical Education pay more than therapeutic professions.
- Social Sciences: €35,000 entry-level, €45,000 median. Psychology (after clinical licence) reaches €55,000–65,000.
- Media Sciences: €32,000–35,000 entry-level, €42,000 median. UX Design and Media Management pay above average.
A master’s degree adds 10–15% to entry-level salaries on average. The financial return on a master’s is strongest in Engineering and Economics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Private Universities in Germany
Yes. All universities listed on privathochschulen.net hold state recognition. Their bachelor’s and master’s degrees are legally equivalent to degrees from public universities, carry ECTS credits, and are recognised by employers in Germany and internationally.
Total costs range from under €1,000 (Georg Agricola University) to over €100,000 (Constructor University, Bucerius Law School). The typical range is €10,000–25,000 for a complete bachelor’s degree. Distance learning programmes cost €200–400 per month. Dual programmes are often employer-funded.
No. All private universities in Germany are open admission (no Numerus Clausus). Admission is based on university-specific selection processes – usually a motivation letter and interview, sometimes an aptitude test or portfolio (for creative programmes). The formal requirement is typically a secondary school certificate equivalent to the German Abitur.
Yes. Many private universities offer English-taught programmes, particularly in Business, Computer Science and Engineering. Some institutions – such as Constructor University, Gisma University and Berlin International – teach primarily in English. Language requirements are typically IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL 80–90.
Yes – and this is one of the key strengths of private universities. Over half of all programmes are designed as distance learning or part-time study. Distance learning universities like IU, AKAD, SRH or Euro-FH offer maximum flexibility: start anytime, study at your own pace, take online exams. EU students can work unlimited hours; non-EU students may work 120 full days or 240 half days per year.
Key options: BAföG (income-dependent state aid), scholarships (Deutschlandstipendium: €300/month, plus university-specific programmes), KfW education loan, tax deductibility (up to €6,000/year for second degrees), instalment plans (most universities offer monthly payments), or employer funding in dual programmes. International students can also apply for DAAD scholarships.
Related Pages
Explore detailed information on all programmes, costs and providers in your preferred field:
- Economics – Business Administration, Marketing, HR, Finance, International Management
- Health Sciences – Nursing, Therapy, Health Management, Medical Education
- Social Sciences – Psychology, Social Work, Education
- Information Sciences – Computer Science, Business Informatics, Data Science, AI
- Engineering Sciences – Architecture, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering
- Media Sciences – Media Design, Film, Game Design, Media Management
About the Author Marcus Schütz
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