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Studying finance at a private university in Germany gives you NC-free access to one of the highest-paying career fields – from banking and controlling to tax advisory and investment management. Around 15 universities offer roughly 40 specialised finance programmes: as distance learning from €259/month, full-time on campus, part-time alongside work, or as dual programmes. The range spans from affordable IU distance learning to the elite finance Masters at WHU, Frankfurt School and EBS.
Good to know: Finance is one of the most diverse fields of study at private universities in Germany – with career paths in banking, controlling, tax advisory, investment banking and FinTech. Specialisation often begins as early as the Bachelor level.
- Overview of all Courses
- What does a Finance degree in Germany cost – and how do you fund it?
- What will you study in Finance – and where can it take you?
- WHU, Frankfurt School, EBS: Are Germany's elite finance schools worth the investment?
- What do you need to get into a Finance programme in Germany?
- What can you earn with a Finance degree in Germany?
- Frequently asked questions
- Related fields of study
Overview of all Courses
We have a total of 36 courses in the field of Finance. The first 20 top courses are displayed. Use the filter function or our search to discover more courses in the field.
Tax Law
FOM University of Applied Sciences · LL.B. · 7 Semester
Taxation, Accounting, Finance
European Distance Learning University Hamburg · M.Acc. · 5 Semester
Controlling
IU International University of Applied Sciences · M.A. · 4 Semester
Finance, Accounting and Taxation
IU International University of Applied Sciences · M.Sc. · 4 Semester
Business Administration - Accounting & Controlling
IU International University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 7 Semester
Finance & Banking
FOM University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 7 Semester
Finance & Accounting
FOM University of Applied Sciences · M.Sc. · 5 Semester
Master of Finance
Frankfurt School of Finance and Management · M.Sc. · 4 Semester
Financial Management and Accounting
NORDAKADEMIE University of Applied Sciences · M.Sc. · 4 Semester
Finance
Allensbach University of Applied Sciences · M.A. · 4 Semester
Controlling and Corporate Governance
Fresenius University of Applied Sciences · M.A. · 5 Semester
Banking and Capital Markets Law
IU International University of Applied Sciences · LL.M. · 2 Semester
Finance
WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management · M.Sc. · 4 Semester
Finance & Management
International School of Management · B.Sc. · 6 Semester
Master in Finance
EBS University for Business and Law · M.Sc. · 4 Semester
FinTech
IU International University of Applied Sciences · B.Sc. · 6 Semester
Corporate Finance & Controlling
Fresenius University of Applied Sciences · M.Sc. · 4 Semester
Finance and Management
European Distance Learning University Hamburg · B.Sc. · 8 Semester
Business Administration - Tax Consulting
IU International University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 7 Semester
Financial Management
IU International University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 6 Semester
What does a Finance degree in Germany cost – and how do you fund it?
Finance programme costs vary significantly depending on format and institution – from €259/month in distance learning to €37,200 total at WHU.
Distance learning
Distance learning offers the widest selection and most affordable entry into finance studies: from IU (from €259/month) and Euro-FH to SRH Fernhochschule and Allensbach. Both Bachelor and Master programmes are available, including specialisations like FinTech, Banking and Capital Markets Law, and FACT (Finance, Accounting, Controlling & Taxation).
Full-time on campus
Full-time programmes range from the sector-specific HfFM in Bonn (from €367/month) through solid universities like Fresenius, CBS and ISM to Germany’s elite finance addresses: EBS (€33,780), Frankfurt School (€36,500) and WHU (€37,200).
Dual programmes
Dual programmes combine academic theory with in-company practice – tuition fees are typically covered by the employer partner.
| Course | University | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration - Accounting & Controlling, Bachelor of Arts Dual studies | IU International University of Applied Sciences | ||
| Business Administration - Tax Consulting, Bachelor of Arts Dual studies | IU International University of Applied Sciences | ||
| Banking, Bachelor of Arts Dual studies | University of Applied Sciences - Bonn | from 22800 € total from 543 € monthly |
Part-time
Part-time programmes are designed for working professionals in the financial industry who want to earn an academic qualification alongside their career. FOM is the largest provider with several programmes from €295/month.
Funding options
International students have several funding options for finance studies in Germany:
- DAAD scholarships: The German Academic Exchange Service offers scholarships for international Master students
- University scholarships: WHU, Frankfurt School and EBS regularly award merit-based scholarships covering 10–50% of tuition
- Erasmus+: EU students can receive Erasmus+ grants when studying at German partner universities
- KfW student loan: Available to EU citizens, up to €650/month regardless of parental income
- Employer sponsorship: Many banks and financial services companies sponsor part-time and dual programmes – especially HfFM programmes, which are frequently funded by savings banks and cooperative banks
- Part-time work: International students may work up to 20 hours/week during term and full-time during breaks. Frankfurt, Germany’s financial capital, offers numerous working student positions in banking and finance
What will you study in Finance – and where can it take you?
A finance programme teaches the skills you need for a career in the financial industry – from financial analysis and accounting to investment and risk management.
Core study content
- Accounting & financial reporting: Bookkeeping, financial statements, IFRS, German GAAP (HGB), consolidated accounting
- Controlling & cost accounting: Operational and strategic planning, budgeting, performance measurement
- Investment & capital markets: Portfolio theory, derivatives, risk management, valuation methods (DCF, multiples)
- Corporate finance: Company valuation, M&A, financing strategies, capital structure
- Tax & business law: Tax law, commercial law, corporate law, compliance
- Banking & financial services: Credit analysis, banking regulation (Basel III/IV), asset management
- Data analytics & FinTech: Financial data analysis, blockchain, AI in finance, algorithmic trading
Career paths
- Banking & financial services: Corporate banking, credit analysis, portfolio management, insurance management – entry at savings banks, private banks or insurance companies
- Controlling & CFO track: Controller, financial manager, business analyst, Head of Finance – in corporations, SMEs and consulting
- Tax & auditing: Tax advisor, auditor, tax manager – at Big Four firms (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC) or independent practice
- Investment banking & M&A: Analyst, Associate, Vice President – at investment banks (Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Deutsche Bank) or boutique advisory firms
- FinTech & innovation: Product manager, data analyst, business developer – at FinTech startups or bank innovation labs
WHU, Frankfurt School, EBS: Are Germany's elite finance schools worth the investment?
For careers in investment banking, asset management or top-tier consulting, Germany’s three leading finance schools offer unmatched access to the industry:
- Frankfurt School of Finance and Management (€36,500): Located next to the ECB and Frankfurt’s banking district – no other location in Germany offers comparable access to the financial industry. FT European Business School Ranking: regularly top 30. Graduates work at Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, ECB and Bundesbank. Strongest finance placement in Germany.
- WHU Otto Beisheim (€37,200): FT Master in Finance Ranking: top 30 worldwide. Excellent alumni network in consulting and finance. Strong placement at McKinsey, BCG and in investment banking. Median starting salary: approximately €70,000.
- EBS University (€33,780): Triple Crown accredited (AACSB, EQUIS, AMBA). Strong specialisation in Real Estate Finance and Asset Management. Located in Oestrich-Winkel in the Rhine-Main region – close to Frankfurt.
All three programmes are taught in English and attract international cohorts. The investment pays off through exclusive alumni networks, recruiting events and a median starting salary well above the industry average.
English-taught programmes
Several finance programmes are taught fully or partially in English, making them accessible to international students:
- WHU Otto Beisheim: Master in Finance (M.Sc., €37,200) – FT top 30 worldwide. The strongest alumni network in German finance, with graduates at Goldman Sachs, McKinsey and leading PE firms.
- Frankfurt School: Master of Finance (M.Sc., €36,500) – directly in Frankfurt’s financial district, next to the ECB. Unmatched banking and finance placement in Germany.
- EBS University: Master in Finance (M.Sc., €33,780) – Triple Crown accredited. Specialisation in Real Estate Finance and Asset Management, with strong connections to the Rhine-Main financial hub.
- CBS International Business School: Global Finance (M.Sc., €34,380) and Controlling and Financial Management (M.A., €34,380) – international focus with strong corporate connections.
- ISM International School of Management: Finance (M.Sc., €25,920) and Finance & Management (B.Sc., €35,820) – multiple campus locations across Germany with international study trips.
Why study finance in Germany?
Germany offers unique advantages for international finance students:
- Europe’s financial centre: Frankfurt am Main is home to the European Central Bank (ECB), Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank and over 200 international banks. After Brexit, Frankfurt has attracted significant financial services business from London.
- EU Blue Card: Finance graduates with a job offer of €41,042+/year (2024 threshold for shortage occupations) qualify for the EU Blue Card – a fast track to permanent residency in Germany.
- 18-month job-seeking visa: Non-EU graduates can stay 18 months after graduation to find employment. Frankfurt’s financial sector actively recruits international graduates.
- CFA preparation: Several programmes (particularly Frankfurt School and WHU) integrate CFA curriculum content, helping you prepare for the Chartered Financial Analyst designation while studying.
- Affordable living: Compared to London, New York or Singapore, German financial centres offer significantly lower living costs while providing access to a €4 trillion economy and the eurozone’s largest financial market.
The Frankfurt advantage: why location matters
For international finance students, where you study matters as much as what you study. Frankfurt-based programmes offer a decisive edge:
- On-campus recruiting: Investment banks (Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Deutsche Bank), the ECB and Big Four firms recruit directly at Frankfurt School and, to a lesser extent, at nearby EBS. These recruiting events are rarely available to distance learners or students at universities in other cities.
- Working student positions: Frankfurt offers by far the highest concentration of finance working student positions (Werkstudent) in Germany – at banks, asset managers and FinTech firms. A working student role at €15–20/hour helps finance your studies while building your CV.
- Networking proximity: Industry events, CFA Society Frankfurt meetups and alumni gatherings happen regularly in Frankfurt’s financial district. Being physically present gives you access to a network that distance learning cannot replicate.
- Post-graduation hiring: Most German finance jobs are in Frankfurt. Studying there means you are already where the jobs are – no relocation needed, and employers can meet you for interviews at short notice.
If budget allows, choosing a Frankfurt-based programme (Frankfurt School, or EBS in nearby Oestrich-Winkel) over a cheaper distance option is one of the highest-return investments for an international finance career in Germany. If budget is the priority, IU and Euro-FH distance programmes from €259/month remain excellent, accredited alternatives – particularly for controlling, tax and corporate finance roles where networking plays a smaller role.
What do you need to get into a Finance programme in Germany?
Private universities in Germany are NC-free – motivation and aptitude matter more than grades.
- Bachelor: Secondary school leaving certificate equivalent to German Abitur. Some universities also accept professional qualifications (e.g., completed banking apprenticeship with work experience). Strong mathematics skills are particularly important for finance programmes.
- Master: First degree, usually in business, economics or a related field. WHU, Frankfurt School and EBS recommend a GMAT score of 650+ points.
- MBA: First degree plus professional experience. The HfFM MBA in Management of Financial Institutions targets senior professionals in the financial industry (taught in German).
- Language: German-taught programmes require B2–C1 German (TestDaF or DSH). English-taught programmes (WHU, Frankfurt School, EBS, CBS, ISM) require TOEFL (80+), IELTS (6.5+) or Cambridge Certificate.
What can you earn with a Finance degree in Germany?
Finance is one of the highest-paying fields of study in Germany. Salaries vary significantly by career path and employer type.
Salaries by career path
- Banking & financial services: €45,000–58,000/year entry, €75,000–130,000 with experience
- Controlling & CFO track: €42,000–52,000/year entry, €70,000–120,000 with experience – CFOs at corporations earn €200,000+
- Tax & auditing: €40,000–50,000/year entry (Big Four), €65,000–110,000 with experience – independent tax advisors often €120,000+
- Investment banking & M&A: €65,000–85,000/year entry (Analyst), €100,000–200,000+ as Associate/VP – plus substantial bonuses
- FinTech & innovation: €45,000–60,000/year entry, €70,000–120,000 with experience – plus equity at startups
- Elite graduates (WHU, FS, EBS): Median approximately €70,000/year entry – well above the industry average
Key salary drivers
The biggest salary drivers in German finance:
- Employer type: Investment banks and Big Four firms pay 20–40% more than regional banks or mid-sized companies
- Location: Frankfurt am Main pays the highest finance salaries in Germany, followed by Munich and Düsseldorf
- Certifications: CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or German tax advisor/auditor qualifications increase salary by 15–25%
- University reputation: Elite graduates (WHU, Frankfurt School, EBS) earn a median 30–50% more than comparable graduates from other universities
Frequently asked questions
Yes. WHU, Frankfurt School and EBS offer their Master in Finance programmes fully in English – these are among the top-ranked finance programmes in Europe (FT top 30). CBS and ISM also offer English-taught finance programmes. For Bachelor level, ISM’s Finance & Management (B.Sc.) is available in English. Distance learning programmes are primarily taught in German.
Financially and career-wise, yes – if you aim for investment banking, asset management or top-tier consulting. Graduates earn a median 30–50% more than comparable graduates from other universities. The key advantage is the network: alumni connections open doors to Goldman Sachs, McKinsey and the ECB. The investment (€33,780–37,200) typically pays for itself within two to three years through higher starting salaries.
Business administration (BWL) is the broad foundation covering all areas of business management. Finance specialises from the start in financial analysis, controlling, tax, investment and capital markets. Key topics like portfolio theory, derivatives, IFRS accounting and banking regulation are covered in much greater depth than in a generalist business administration programme.
Yes – particularly in controlling, tax and banking. IU, Euro-FH, SRH Fernhochschule and Allensbach offer accredited programmes from €259/month. For investment banking and asset management at top-tier firms, however, a campus-based Master at an elite school is recommended, as networking and recruiting events are decisive in these fields.
Excellent. Frankfurt’s status as the eurozone’s financial centre means strong demand for international graduates, especially those with English-taught Master degrees from WHU, Frankfurt School or EBS. Non-EU graduates qualify for the 18-month job-seeking visa and can apply for the EU Blue Card with a finance salary of €41,042+/year. Big Four firms, investment banks and FinTech companies actively recruit international talent.
FACT stands for Finance, Accounting, Controlling & Taxation – a study track that combines all four core areas of financial and management accounting in one programme. The advantage: maximum flexibility for your later career. FACT graduates can enter controlling, tax advisory, auditing or corporate finance. Available as distance learning at IU and SRH Fernhochschule, making it accessible alongside work.
Related fields of study
- Business Administration – the broad business foundation
- Management – leadership, strategy and organisation
- MBA – Master of Business Administration for experienced professionals
- Entrepreneurship – founding and innovation
- International Management – global markets and cross-cultural leadership
- Sustainable Management – sustainability and responsible business
About the Author Christian Wolf
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