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The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Finance, Accounting and Taxation under the number 1113820c. Who this online Master suits — and what you need to get in
This distance-learning M.Sc. is a fit if you want to advance in corporate finance, accounting or taxation while studying fully online from abroad. Typical candidates include: early-career accountants or tax associates aiming for IFRS reporting and corporate taxation expertise; finance analysts or controllers seeking a recognised European Master’s to move into leadership; B.Com/BBA or business graduates who want to deepen finance and data-driven performance management without relocating.
Admission requirements
To qualify, you need a business/economics-oriented first degree and German language skills for the German-taught track:
- Completed Bachelor’s degree with a business or economics focus (at least 180 ECTS) from a state or state-recognised institution; minimum overall grade “satisfactory”.
- If your Bachelor’s grade is lower, alternative routes are possible (e.g. relevant Master/MBA credits of ≥40 ECTS, a completed relevant Master/MBA, or recognised postgraduate/Professional qualifications at DQR7-equivalent level amounting to ≥40 ECTS).
- Subject prerequisite for the German programme: prior knowledge in “Steuerlehre” (taxation) or completion of the IU course in Steuerlehre before starting the degree.
- If your first degree is not in business/economics: possible admission via a Master entrance route by passing two defined modules within 12 months; the passed modules are fully credited.
- Admission with foreign qualifications: international Bachelor’s degrees and postgraduate diplomas are accepted if comparable in level and recognition; credential checks are part of the application.
- German proficiency for the German-taught track (proof required before start; typically not older than 5 years): accepted certificates include TestDaF (TND3, min. 3 in all parts), DSH-1, telc Deutsch B2, or ÖSD B2. Other B2 (CEFR) proofs may be accepted case by case.
Recognition of prior learning is possible; accredited credits can shorten the programme and reduce fees proportionally.
Personal requirements
Online study from abroad demands consistent self-management. Plan for a weekly workload of about 20–40 hours depending on your time model (Part-time II ≈20 h, Part-time I ≈25 h, Full-time ≈40 h). You need reliable internet, a quiet workspace, and confidence with quantitative work (spreadsheets, basic statistics, financial analysis). Good written and spoken German is essential for coursework, seminars and exams; solid English helps with IFRS and international literature.
- Strong self-organisation and persistence over multiple semesters.
- Realistic scheduling around work and family; block time for exams and project work.
- Comfort reading legal and accounting texts; attention to detail for tax and reporting topics.
- Proactive communication online with tutors and peers; readiness to seek feedback early.
If you can maintain a steady study rhythm, handle deadlines, and engage with both conceptual and numerical material, you will be well placed to succeed in this fully online Master’s.
What will you study in the Finance, Accounting and Taxation (M.Sc.) at IU International University of Applied Sciences?
This programme is taught in German. You need proof of German at least at B2 level, accepted certificates include TestDaF (TDN 3 with 3 points in all parts), DSH-1, telc Deutsch B2 or ÖSD B2. Over 90 ECTS and three semesters, you deepen corporate finance, financial reporting under IFRS, and company taxation, and link them with analytics, leadership and change topics.
Finance and corporate decisions: You analyse financing choices, investment appraisal and capital structure in modules such as Corporate Finance and the seminar on selected aspects of corporate finance. You learn to quantify risk, plan liquidity and build value-oriented decision frameworks that stand up in practice.
Accounting and reporting: You work with Accounting and Financial Statement Analysis and International Accounting to prepare, interpret and critically discuss financial statements. Performance steering is addressed through metrics, ratio systems and the design of management reporting that aligns with strategy and compliance.
Taxation and compliance: National and International Taxation and Corporate Taxation focus on company tax planning, cross-border issues and the interaction between tax, financing and accounting. You evaluate tax burdens, compliance requirements and the effects of law changes on corporate decisions.
Data, change and research: With Financial Business Intelligence and Data Analytics, Change Management and Organisational Development, and Research Methodology, you connect financial expertise with data-driven methods and leadership skills. You practise evidence-based reasoning for management decisions and for your Master’s thesis.
Electives to shape your profile: You choose two electives to specialise, for example in AI and Data Science, Banks and Financial Markets, or Law, Governance and Communication. This allows you to tailor the degree towards roles in analytics, financial services, or governance-heavy functions.
Practice and degree quality: Project work (e.g. IFRS-focused tasks), seminars and the Master’s thesis ensure application and research depth. IU is a staatlich anerkannt (state-recognised) private university of applied sciences—Fachhochschule means a practice-oriented university—and the programme is accredited until 2032. As a distance-learning course, it also holds German ZFU approval for online delivery.
How does studying in the Finance, Accounting and Taxation work?
You study 100% online in a distance-learning format designed for working professionals and career changers alike. The standard duration is three semesters (90 ECTS), with flexible pacing options, online teaching and exams either remote or at an exam centre.
Teaching language and the certificates you need
The teaching language is German. For admission to the German-taught track you must provide a recognised German certificate at B2 level (CEFR). Accepted proofs include TestDaF (TDN 3 with at least 3 in all parts), DSH-1, telc Deutsch B2 or ÖSD B2. Certificates typically must be current at the time of enrolment.
Study model and where you learn
This is a distance-learning Master delivered via IU’s online campus. You can start year-round and study from any location—no compulsory on-site classes. IU operates exam centres in Germany and abroad in addition to remote proctoring, so you choose what fits your situation.
Learning format, group sizes and support
You learn with interactive scripts, recorded inputs, live online sessions and self-tests on a digital campus. Typical course cohorts are segmented to keep interaction manageable, and you receive personal support through study services and tutors. Tools such as IU’s learning assistant support you with 24/7 feedback on your progress and identify knowledge gaps.
Exams and how you are assessed
Assessments combine online written exams (available 24/7) or exams at a nearby test centre with project work, case studies, presentations and seminar papers—depending on the module. The programme ends with your Master’s thesis, which demonstrates research and application skills in an area you choose with your supervisor.
International enrolment and relocation
As this is a fully online programme, you do not need to relocate to Germany. If you stay in your home country, a German student visa is typically not required. Should you choose to take exams at a physical centre, plan for travel and potential visa requirements for short stays based on your nationality.
What does the Finance, Accounting and Taxation cost?
For the 90-ECTS track, tuition totals about €13,381, typically paid in monthly rates around €399 per month across the standard three-semester duration. Your actual monthly amount depends on the time model you choose; total tuition remains in a similar range for this 90-ECTS option.
There are no mandatory campus fees because teaching is fully online. Possible extra costs include internet access, optional travel to an exam centre, or supplementary materials if you prefer print. If IU recognises prior learning, you can shorten your study time and reduce tuition proportionally—useful if you bring relevant credits or professional certificates.
Payment from abroad is common in IU’s distance programmes and can be arranged in regular instalments. Because you study online, you avoid relocation and most living costs associated with German campus study. If you do plan to live in Germany during your studies, budget for rent, health insurance and transport; living expenses vary widely by city, with large metros like Munich or Frankfurt significantly above smaller towns.
What careers and recognition does the Finance, Accounting and Taxation offer?
Your degree carries 90 ECTS credits within the Bologna framework. ECTS is the European standard for workload and credit transfer and supports international recognition. IU is state-recognised in Germany, and this Master is accredited until 2024–2032 with no conditions. For employers, this signals a quality-assured curriculum and comparable standards to other European Master’s degrees.
Graduates move into roles across corporate finance, accounting, controlling and tax in Germany, the EU and internationally. Typical paths include:
- Accounting/Reporting Manager or Head of Accounting, responsible for financial statements, consolidation and audit coordination
- Corporate Finance Manager, focusing on investments, valuation, capital structure and M&A support
- Tax Manager in-house or in advisory, handling corporate tax planning and compliance across jurisdictions
- Treasury Manager, overseeing liquidity, cash management and financial risk
- Senior Controller or BI-focused Finance Analyst, building performance dashboards and data-driven steering models
Salaries vary by country, sector and seniority. In Germany, experienced professionals in these tracks often reach upper five- to low six-figure annual gross salaries, with higher bands in regulated industries, large corporates and consulting. The programme offers a solid academic base if you later consider professional examinations; note that regulated titles such as Steuerberaterin/Steuerberater (tax adviser) or Wirtschaftsprüferin/Wirtschaftsprüfer (public auditor) have separate statutory requirements beyond a Master’s degree.
Who is the Finance, Accounting and Taxation right for – and who not?
This Master suits graduates who want to connect corporate finance, IFRS reporting and company taxation with analytics and leadership skills, and who value the flexibility of a rigorous, accredited online format.
- You want an in-depth, German-language Master in finance, accounting and tax to qualify for specialist or leadership roles.
- You prefer distance learning with start-anytime enrolment, online exams and the option to pace studies alongside work.
- You aim to strengthen data skills via modules in financial analytics and business intelligence.
- You appreciate a European degree with clear ECTS crediting and long-term programme accreditation.
There are also clear cases where this programme is not a good match. Read these points carefully before you apply.
- You need an English-taught programme. This track is in German and requires B2-level proof (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, telc, ÖSD).
- You expect a traditional on-campus experience with fixed timetables and daily classroom teaching. This is a fully online degree.
- You must minimise tuition at all costs. Private-university fees are higher than Germany’s public universities, which charge much lower administrative fees but offer far less flexibility.
- You seek direct access to regulated professions (e.g. German tax adviser or public auditor). This Master provides strong foundations but does not replace the separate legal steps and professional exams required.
Lade… 
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