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Marketing is one of the most versatile degree programmes at private universities in Germany – and specialisations are expanding: from Online Marketing and Brand Management to Growth Hacking, Sales and E-Commerce. Around 50 programmes at over 15 universities are available – as distance learning from €259/month (IU), full-time on campus, dual (often free) or part-time at the FOM. All programmes are NC-free (no GPA requirements).
Language note: Most marketing programmes at German private universities are taught in German. English-taught options exist primarily in full-time campus programmes at Brand University, UE, XU, Whitecliffe and CBS. Distance learning requires German proficiency (B2–C1).
- Overview of all Courses
- How much does a marketing degree cost at a private university in Germany?
- Which marketing programmes are taught in English?
- What are the admission requirements?
- Bachelor vs. master in marketing
- How much do marketing graduates earn in Germany?
- Visa and living costs for international marketing students
- Frequently asked questions about studying marketing in Germany
- Related programmes at private universities
Overview of all Courses
We have a total of 47 courses in the field of Marketing. The first 20 top courses are displayed. Use the filter function or our search to discover more courses in the field.
Marketing
IU International University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 7 Semester
Marketingmanagement
IU International University of Applied Sciences · M.A. · 4 Semester
Marketing Management
FHM University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 36 Months
Marketing & Communication
Brand University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 6 Semester
Product Management
IU International University of Applied Sciences · M.A. · 4 Semester
Media Communication and Media Production
SRH University · M.A. · 4 Semester
International Marketing
IU International University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 6 Semester
International Marketing & Media Management
Media University of Applied Sciences · M.A. · 4 Semester
International Marketing Management
accadis University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 6 Semester
Marketing
IU International University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 6 Semester
Customer Centricity
IU International University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 6 Semester
International Marketing
Karlshochschule International University · B.A. · 6 Semester
Business Administration - Marketing Management
SRH University · B.A. · 7 Semester
Business Communication Management
accadis University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 6 Semester
Marketing & Digital Media
FOM University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 7 Semester
Brand & Marketing Management
Brand University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 6 Semester
Online Marketing
IU International University of Applied Sciences · B.A. · 6 Semester
Digital Branding
Brand University of Applied Sciences · M.A. · 3 Semester
Global Marketing Management
accadis University of Applied Sciences · M.A. · 4 Semester
Master Online Marketing
IU International University of Applied Sciences · M.A. · 4 Semester
How much does a marketing degree cost at a private university in Germany?
Costs depend on the study format, university and degree level. Distance learning is the most affordable option, while dual programmes are often completely free for students (the employer pays). For comparison: similar programmes at US or UK universities cost $15,000–50,000/year – German private universities offer significantly better value.
Distance learning: from €259/month
Distance learning offers the most affordable entry into a marketing degree with maximum flexibility. Important: All distance learning marketing programmes are taught in German and require B2–C1 German proficiency. The IU dominates this segment with over ten specialisations from €259/month, including Marketing, Growth Hacking, Online Marketing and Customer Centricity.
Full-time on campus: from €14,500
Full-time programmes offer intensive campus life, agency projects and direct networking. Several programmes are taught entirely in English, making them accessible to international students: Brand University (Brand & Marketing Management, Digital Branding, Brand Strategy), UE (Digital Media & Marketing, Visual & Experience Design), Whitecliffe and CBS (Digital Marketing M.A.). The EBS Master in Marketing (€33,780) is the premium programme.
Dual study: often free
In dual programmes, the partner company typically covers tuition fees. At IU and accadis, bachelor students study for free while earning a salary. Most dual programmes are taught in German. The accadis dual master Global Marketing Management (€950/month) is the only dual master option.
| Course | University | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing, Bachelor of Arts Dual studies | IU International University of Applied Sciences | ||
| International Marketing Management, Bachelor of Arts Dual studies | accadis University of Applied Sciences | ||
| Global Marketing Management, Master of Arts Dual studies | accadis University of Applied Sciences | from 23520 € total from 950 € monthly | |
| Digital marketing and e-commerce, Bachelor of Arts Dual studies | Media University of Applied Sciences | from 30720 € total from 640 € monthly |
Part-time alongside work: from €345/month
Part-time programmes are designed for working professionals studying alongside their career. Most part-time programmes are taught in German and require at least B2-level German proficiency. The FOM offers the most affordable entry (€345/month) with over 30 locations across Germany.
| Course | University | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Media & Online Marketing, Master of Arts Part-time program | University of Applied Management | from 10750 € total from 595 € monthly | |
| Marketing & Digital Media, Bachelor of Arts Part-time program | FOM University of Applied Sciences | from 14490 € total from 345 € monthly | |
| Social Media & Online Marketing, Bachelor of Arts Part-time program | University of Applied Management | from 18900 € total from 450 € monthly |
Funding: scholarships, loans and employer sponsorship
German and EU students are eligible for BAföG (state financial aid). Non-EU students are generally not eligible for BAföG. Other funding options include:
- DAAD scholarships: The German Academic Exchange Service funds international students across all disciplines
- Deutschlandstipendium: €300/month, available to all students regardless of nationality
- KfW student loans: Up to €650/month, available to EU citizens and some non-EU residents
- Dual programmes: The partner company covers tuition and pays a training salary of €800–1,200/month
Which marketing programmes are taught in English?
Unlike MBA programmes, most marketing degrees in Germany are taught in German. However, several full-time campus programmes are fully English-taught:
- Brand University – Brand & Marketing Management B.A., Digital Branding M.A., Brand Strategy M.A., Marketing & Communication B.A. (Hamburg)
- UE – Digital Media & Marketing B.Sc., Visual & Experience Design M.A. (Potsdam, Berlin)
- XU University – Digital Marketing and Social Media B.Sc. (Potsdam)
- Whitecliffe – BA International Management & Marketing (Berlin)
- CBS – Digital Marketing M.A. (Cologne)
- Karlshochschule – International Marketing B.A. (Karlsruhe)
- EBS – Master in Marketing M.Sc. (Oestrich-Winkel)
Choosing by specialisation:
- Branding & luxury marketing: Brand University (Hamburg) – Germany’s only university specialised in brand management
- Digital marketing & data: CBS (Cologne) and XU (Potsdam) – strong focus on analytics, social media and performance marketing
- International marketing & management: Whitecliffe and Karlshochschule – broad international perspective at moderate cost
- Premium & corporate marketing: EBS (Oestrich-Winkel) – research-focused M.Sc. with strong corporate recruiting network
- Creative & design-driven: UE (Potsdam/Berlin) – Digital Media & Marketing B.Sc. and Visual & Experience Design M.A.
German-taught only: All distance learning programmes (IU, Euro-FH, AKAD, Brand University distance, SRH Fernhochschule, FHM), most part-time programmes (FOM, HAM) and several full-time programmes (SRH Heidelberg, HMKW, FHM, Fresenius).
What are the admission requirements?
Private universities in Germany have no NC (Numerus Clausus). All marketing programmes use their own selection process – typically a personal interview or online assessment.
For international applicants
Bachelor: A secondary school leaving certificate equivalent to the German Abitur (e.g., IB Diploma, A-levels, US high school diploma with SAT/ACT). Check anabin.kmk.org for recognition of your qualification.
Master: A first degree (bachelor’s or equivalent), typically in business, marketing or a related field. Some programmes (IU, FHM, SRH) accept non-business degrees with bridging courses. The EBS Master in Marketing requires GMAT or GRE.
Language requirements for English-taught programmes: IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL 80–90+. For German-taught programmes: DSH-2 or TestDaF 4 (B2–C1 level).
Practical advice on learning German: Even if you enrol in an English-taught programme, learning German is essential for your marketing career in Germany. Most marketing jobs – especially in brand management, PR and client-facing roles – require at least B2-level German. Start with A1–A2 before arriving, reach B1 during your first year and aim for B2 by graduation. Free resources like Deutsche Welle, university language centres (Sprachzentrum) and tandem partners make this achievable alongside your studies.
Bachelor vs. master in marketing
| Criterion | Bachelor | Master |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 6–7 semesters (3–3.5 years) | 2–4 semesters (1–2 years) |
| Requirement | Secondary school certificate | First degree (bachelor’s) |
| Distance from | €259/month (IU) | €299/month (IU) |
| Starting salary | ~€34,000–40,000 | ~€40,000–50,000 |
| Typical positions | Junior Marketing Manager, Social Media Manager | Senior Marketing Manager, Head of, Team Lead |
How much do marketing graduates earn in Germany?
Marketing salaries in Germany vary by specialisation, industry, region and company size. For comparison: UK marketing graduates earn £25,000–35,000 starting, US graduates $40,000–55,000.
| Specialisation | Entry (Bachelor) | Entry (Master) | With 5–10 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital & Online Marketing | ~€34,000–40,000 | ~€42,000–50,000 | €60,000–90,000 |
| Brand Management & Communications | ~€32,000–38,000 | ~€40,000–48,000 | €65,000–95,000 |
| E-Commerce & Growth | ~€36,000–42,000 | ~€44,000–52,000 | €65,000–100,000 |
| Sales (incl. commission) | ~€34,000–42,000 | ~€42,000–55,000 | €70,000–120,000 |
| Average (all marketing careers) | ~€35,000 | ~€43,000 | ~€70,000 |
Visa and living costs for international marketing students
EU/EEA citizens need no visa to study in Germany. Non-EU students need a student visa (Studienvisum), which requires proof of admission, health insurance and a blocked account with approximately €11,904/year (~€992/month). During your studies, you may work 120 full days or 240 half-days per year.
After graduation: An 18-month job-seeker visa allows you to stay and find work. Once employed, the EU Blue Card is the fastest pathway to permanent residence: it requires a recognised degree and a job offer meeting a salary threshold of approximately €46,000/year (lower for shortage occupations). The Blue Card leads to permanent residence after just 21 months (with B1 German) or 27 months (with A1 German) – dramatically faster than comparable pathways in the US or UK.
Living costs by city:
- €800–1,000/month in smaller cities (Heidelberg, Riedlingen, Bielefeld, Karlsruhe)
- €1,000–1,200/month in Berlin, Hamburg or Cologne
- €1,200–1,500/month in Munich and Frankfurt
Frequently asked questions about studying marketing in Germany
Partially. Several full-time campus programmes are English-taught: Brand University (Hamburg), UE (Potsdam/Berlin), XU (Potsdam), Whitecliffe, CBS (Cologne), Karlshochschule (Karlsruhe) and EBS (Oestrich-Winkel). However, all distance learning and most part-time programmes require German (B2–C1 level).
Distance learning: from €9,547 (IU). Full-time campus: €14,500–33,780. Dual: free at IU and accadis (employer pays). Part-time: from €345/month (FOM). For comparison: US programmes cost ,000–50,000/year, UK programmes £9,250–30,000/year.
EU/EEA citizens need no visa. Non-EU students need a student visa (Studienvisum), requiring proof of admission, health insurance and a blocked account with ~€11,904/year. After graduation, an 18-month job-seeker visa allows you to find work. Once employed, the EU Blue Card offers permanent residence after just 21–27 months.
Entry salary: ~€35,000/year (bachelor) to ~€43,000/year (master). With 5–10 years experience: €60,000–100,000. Sales roles with commission can exceed €120,000. Digital Marketing and E-Commerce offer the strongest salary growth.
In English-speaking roles at international companies, startups and agencies – yes, especially in Berlin. However, most marketing positions in Germany require at least B2-level German, particularly in brand management, PR and client-facing roles. Learning German significantly expands your career options.
At IU and accadis, yes: the partner company pays tuition fees and also pays students a training salary of €800–1,200/month. However, dual programmes are taught in German and require a cooperation agreement with a German company, which can be challenging for international students.
Related programmes at private universities
- Business Administration – broader business degree with marketing as a possible specialisation
- International Management – management with international focus
- General Management – broader management programme
- Communication & PR – public relations and corporate communications
- Media Management – media industry and content strategy
- E-Commerce – online retail and digital business models
About the Author Christian Wolf
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