Engineering at Private Universities in Germany: over 170 Programmes in 7 Fields

From architecture to industrial engineering – at over 35 universities, via distance learning, dual study or part-time.
 · Last updated 30.04.2026

Private universities in Germany offer over 170 engineering programmes across 7 fields – from architecture and mechanical engineering to electrical engineering and industrial engineering. All programmes are NC-free and nationally accredited. Tuition ranges from €864 (Georg Agricola University of Technology) to over €80,000 (Constructor University), with most programmes costing between €10,000 and €20,000 total.

Overview of all Courses

We have a total of 165 courses in the field of Engineering Sciences. The first 20 top courses are displayed. Use the filter function or our search to discover more courses in the field.

Civil Engineering
Dual studies, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  IU International University of Applied Sciences
  •  7 Semester
  •  Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hanover, Cologne, Mannheim, Munich, Virtual Campus
  •  German
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Mechanical Engineering
Distance learning program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences
  •  7 Semester
  •  online
  • from 294 € monthly
  •  German
More Info  
On-campus program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  RH Cologne – University of Applied Science
  •  7 Semester
  •  Cologne
  •  German
More Info  
On-campus program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  RH Cologne – University of Applied Science
  •  7 Semester
  •  Cologne
  •  German
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Architecture
Dual studies, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  •  IU International University of Applied Sciences
  •  8 Semester
  •  Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart, Düsseldorf, Leipzig
  •  German
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in english
Industrial Engineering and Management
Distance learning program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  IU International University of Applied Sciences
  •  6 Semester
  •  online
  • from 259 € monthly
  •  German or English
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in english
Engineering
Distance learning program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  IU International University of Applied Sciences
  •  6 Semester
  •  online
  • from 259 € monthly
  •  English
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in english
Industrial Engineering and International Management
On-campus program, Master of Science (M.Sc.)
  •  Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
  •  4 Semester
  •  Cologne, Berlin
  • from 880 € monthly
  •  English
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in english
On-campus program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  SRH University
  •  7 Semester
  •  Heidelberg
  • from 650 € monthly
  •  2 Comments & Questions
  •  German or English
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On-campus program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  SRH University
  •  7 Semester
  •  Heidelberg
  • from 650 € monthly
  •  German
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Dual studies, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  hochschule 21 - University of Applied Sciences
  •  7 Semester
  •  Buxtehude
  • from 550 € monthly
  •  German
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Civil Engineering
Distance learning program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  IU International University of Applied Sciences
  •  6 Semester
  •  online
  • from 259 € monthly
  •  German
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On-campus program, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  •  SRH University
  •  7 Semester
  •  Heidelberg
  • from 690 € monthly
  •  German
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On-campus program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  Georg Agricola University of Technology
  •  6 Semester
  •  Bochum
  •  German
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Mechatronics
Distance learning program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences
  •  7 Semester
  •  online
  • from 368 € monthly
  •  German
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On-campus program, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  •  Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences
  •  6 Semester
  •  Alfter
  •  German
More Info  
in english
On-campus program, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  •  Berlin International University of Applied Sciences
  •  8 Semester
  •  Berlin
  • from 745 € monthly
  •  English
More Info  
Distance learning program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  Hamburger Fern-Hochschule
  •  7 Semester
  •  online
  • from 270 € monthly
  •  German
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On-campus program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  RH Cologne – University of Applied Science
  •  7 Semester
  •  Cologne
  •  German
More Info  
Electrical Engineering
Distance learning program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  IU International University of Applied Sciences
  •  6 Semester
  •  online
  • from 259 € monthly
  •  German
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7 fields at a glance: which engineering degree fits?

The 170+ programmes span 7 fields with different focuses, career paths and salary prospects. Industrial engineering is the largest field with over 45 programmes, architecture the most creative, and mechanical engineering the most industrial.

Architecture – designing buildings and spaces

Around 15 programmes in architecture and interior design, available on campus, as distance learning or dual study. IU International University offers architecture and interior design as distance learning from €15,063 – though these degrees are currently not eligible for registration with the German Chamber of Architects. Alanus University in Alfter combines architecture with an artistic-social perspective. Campus programmes are also available at SRH Heidelberg and Berlin International. Detailed information: Architecture at private universities.

Civil engineering – planning and building infrastructure

Over 20 programmes in civil engineering, geotechnical engineering and construction project management. Georg Agricola University of Technology in Bochum is by far the most affordable: campus programmes from €1,296 total. For distance learning, Wilhelm Büchner University (from €14,193) and IU (from €15,063) offer the main programmes. hochschule 21 in Buxtehude offers a dual civil engineering programme. Detailed information: Civil engineering at private universities.

Electrical engineering – energy, electronics, automation

Over 20 programmes spanning classical electrical engineering, mechatronics, energy process engineering and information technology. Georg Agricola University offers the cheapest entry (from €1,422). The three major distance learning universities – AKAD, Wilhelm Büchner and IU – cover the distance learning segment. bbw Hochschule in Berlin has specialised dual programmes for railway technology. Detailed information: Electrical engineering at private universities.

Mechanical engineering – the largest engineering discipline

Over 30 programmes in mechanical engineering, mechatronics, automotive engineering and robotics. Georg Agricola University again offers the cheapest campus entry (from €1,446). In distance learning, AKAD (from €13,284), HFH Hamburg (from €11,830) and Wilhelm Büchner dominate. IU is the only private university offering a standalone B.Eng. Robotics as distance learning. Detailed information: Mechanical engineering at private universities.

Engineering management – bridging technology and leadership

Around 16 programmes, most at master’s level. Engineering management suits engineers seeking leadership positions. Wilhelm Büchner and IU offer Engineering Management as distance learning. SRH Heidelberg provides International Business and Engineering as a campus master’s. Georg Agricola University offers operational safety management and surveying. Detailed information: Engineering management at private universities.

Industrial engineering – the largest field

Over 45 programmes at more than 20 universities – no other engineering field offers as much choice. Industrial engineering combines technical competence with business knowledge. IU offers specialised variants (mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, medical technology). Distance learning providers include AKAD, Wilhelm Büchner, DIPLOMA and HFH Hamburg. Dual programmes are available at NORDAKADEMIE and CBS. Detailed information: Industrial engineering at private universities.

Real estate management – property and facility management

Around 30 programmes in real estate management, property management and facility management. IU offers the most affordable programme (property management for real estate agents, €7,182 via distance learning). EBZ Business School in Bochum specialises in the real estate sector. bbw Hochschule in Berlin offers dual programmes. Detailed information: Real estate management at private universities.

Engineering combines theory and practice: whether on the factory floor, in the office or on the construction site.

How much does an engineering degree at a private university cost?

The price range is enormous: from €864 (Georg Agricola University, M.Eng. Geoengineering) to over €80,000 (Constructor University, B.Sc. Electrical and Computer Engineering). The typical range is €10,000–20,000 total. Distance learning programmes are generally cheaper than campus programmes.

Bachelor’s programmes: cheapest options by field

Most affordable bachelor’s programmes in engineering (selection)
CourseUniversityFees

On-campus program		from 1422 € total

Distance learning program		from 7182 € total
from 259 € monthly

Distance learning program		from 10989 € total
from 247 € monthly

Distance learning program		from 11830 € total
from 270 € monthly

Distance learning program		from 14193 € total
from 381 € monthly

Master’s programmes: cheapest options by field

Most affordable master’s programmes in engineering (selection)
CourseUniversityFees

On-campus program		from 864 € total

Distance learning program		from 9547 € total
from 449 € monthly

Distance learning program		from 9670 € total
from 490 € monthly

Distance learning program		from 10099 € total
from 475 € monthly

Distance learning program		from 13176 € total
from 329 € monthly

Georg Agricola University of Technology in Bochum is a special case: as a private, state-recognised university with a mining tradition, it charges only low tuition fees (from €72/month for bachelor’s, from €54/month for master’s) – significantly below the level of other private universities.

How do costs compare internationally?

Compared to the UK (average £9,250/year for undergraduates) or the US ($38,000+/year at private institutions), German private universities are significantly more affordable. A full bachelor’s degree in engineering costs between €1,296 and €35,760 total at most institutions – often less than a single year at a US private university. Constructor University is the exception, with fees comparable to international standards.

Distance learning, on-campus or dual – which format suits engineering?

Of the 170+ programmes, around 65 are full-time campus, 58 are distance learning, 25 are dual study and over 30 are part-time. The distribution varies significantly by field:

  • Distance learning dominates in: Industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering. AKAD, Wilhelm Büchner, HFH and IU are the leading providers. Cost: from €11,747 total.
  • Dual study strong in: Industrial engineering (NORDAKADEMIE, CBS, IU), civil engineering (hochschule 21), electrical engineering (bbw). Advantage: employers frequently fund tuition fees.
  • Part-time popular in: Real estate management, engineering management and civil engineering. FOM, University of Applied Management and DIPLOMA offer suitable models.
  • Campus only: Architecture (Alanus, SRH, Berlin International), selected specialisations in mechanical engineering (SRH, HDBW) and civil engineering (Georg Agricola University).

What can you earn with an engineering degree?

Engineering is one of the highest-paid academic professions in Germany. The median salary is approximately €58,000 gross per year (sources: gehalt.de, StepStone) – well above the median for all full-time employees (around €44,000). Differences between fields are substantial:

  • Industrial engineering offers the highest starting salaries: €48,000 at entry level, €62,000 median, over €80,000 with experience – because graduates are in demand across consulting, industry and management.
  • Mechanical engineering and electrical engineering are in the upper mid-range: €45,000–46,000 at entry, €58,000–60,000 median. Specialisations in robotics, electromobility or automation pay above average.
  • Civil engineering and real estate management start at €40,000–42,000 and rise to €55,000–72,000 – the real estate sector offers substantial bonuses and commissions.
  • Architecture has the lowest starting salaries (€38,000) but rises to €52,000–68,000 with chamber registration and professional experience.
Civil engineering offers the most stable job market among engineering fields – the skills shortage is particularly pronounced here.

Where can you study engineering at a private university in Germany?

Campus programmes are concentrated in a few cities, while distance learning programmes can be studied from anywhere. The main locations:

  • Bochum – Georg Agricola University (civil, electrical, mechanical engineering, geotechnology), EBZ Business School (real estate)
  • Berlin – bbw Hochschule (electrical engineering, real estate, mechanical engineering), Berlin International (architecture)
  • Heidelberg – SRH University (architecture, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering)
  • Buxtehude – hochschule 21 (civil engineering, mechatronics, dual model)
  • Munich – HDBW (mechanical engineering, industrial engineering)
  • Cologne – RH Cologne (electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering)

For distance learning, IU, AKAD, Wilhelm Büchner University, HFH Hamburg and DIPLOMA are the leading providers – together they offer over 50 distance learning programmes in engineering.

Engineering vs. Computer Science – what makes the difference?

The boundary between engineering and computer science is increasingly blurred – mechatronics, robotics and electrical engineering have significant overlap with computer science content. The key distinction: engineering focuses on physical systems (machines, buildings, installations, energy systems), computer science on digital systems (software, algorithms, data). Those wanting to combine both will find suitable programmes in industrial engineering or media informatics.

Admission requirements for international students

Private universities in Germany typically require:

  • Recognised school-leaving certificate: Your secondary school diploma must be equivalent to the German Abitur. Check equivalence via the anabin database or contact the university’s admissions office.
  • Language proficiency: German-taught programmes require at least B2 German (TestDaF, DSH). Some engineering programmes are taught in English, particularly at Constructor University, Berlin International and SRH. English-taught programmes require IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 80+.
  • No NC: All private universities admit without Numerus Clausus. At public universities, the NC for engineering varies between 1.8 and 3.5 depending on location and field.
  • Mathematics: Engineering programmes expect solid maths skills. Some universities offer preparatory courses or bridge programmes for students needing to strengthen their mathematical foundation.

International students holding a student visa are permitted to work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year alongside their studies.

Frequently asked questions about engineering at private universities

Yes. All programmes listed on privathochschulen.net are nationally accredited by the German Accreditation Council through agencies such as FIBAA, ACQUIN or ZEvA. Bachelor’s and master’s degrees from private universities are legally equivalent to those from public universities and carry ECTS credits recognised across Europe.

Yes – in most fields. Industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering and real estate management are fully available as distance learning. Architecture offers distance learning at IU, but these degrees are currently not eligible for chamber registration. Engineering management is mainly available as a distance learning master’s.

The B.Eng. (Bachelor of Engineering) is the standard degree for engineering programmes with a high practical component. The B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science) is used for more scientific or interdisciplinary programmes (e.g. industrial engineering, energy economics). Both are professionally equivalent.

Total costs range from €864 (Georg Agricola University, master’s) to over €80,000 (Constructor University). The typical range is €10,000–20,000 for a complete degree. Distance learning programmes usually cost between €200 and €400 per month. Dual programmes are frequently funded by the employer.

All engineering fields currently have good to excellent career prospects – the skills shortage affects the entire profession. Electrical engineering (energy transition, electromobility), civil engineering (infrastructure expansion) and industrial engineering (broad applicability) are particularly in demand. Industrial engineering offers the highest starting salaries.

Several programmes are taught in English: Constructor University offers full BSc and MSc programmes in engineering. Berlin International has Architecture in English. SRH offers Architecture and International Business and Engineering in English. Most distance learning programmes at IU are available in German only, but the platform supports English-language study materials for some courses.

Related fields of study

Engineering borders several neighbouring disciplines. Those interested in software development, AI or data analysis will find suitable programmes in Computer Science. For management and business administration without a technical focus, Economics offers alternatives. Those interested in natural sciences in the narrower sense should consider Natural Sciences.

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