Distance learning program Electrical Engineering (B.Eng.) – IU International University of Applied Sciences

👉 You study electrical and electronic circuits, control and sensor technology, programming (Python, C/C++) and embedded systems in a 180 ECTS Bachelor of Engineering. The programme is a fully online distance-learning model with standard duration six semesters and flexible time models (36 / 48 / 72 months). Teaching language is German and the degree is state-recognised and ZFU-registered (ZFU-No. 1117121c). Tuition starts at €249 per month depending on the chosen time model.

Electrical Engineering (B.Eng.) at a Glance

📜 Degree Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
⏳ Duration 6 Semesters, Study effort 20 hours weekly
💶 Fees
from 249 € monthly
from 14364 € total
🏫 University IU International University of Applied Sciences, UAS based in Erfurt (Germany)
IU International University is a private, state-recognised university of applied sciences based in Erfurt, Thuringia, and one of the largest distance-learning providers in Germany. Its programmes span business, IT, health and engineering. For international students, the key draw is its range of fully English-taught online degrees – accredited in Germany, open to applicants worldwide, and studied flexibly from home or alongside work.
📋 Study Format Distance learning program
🎓 Field of Study Engineering SciencesElectrical Engineering
🎯 ECTS 180 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Introduction to Scientific Work, Linear Electrical Engineering, Mathematics: Linear Algebra, Mathematics: Analysis, Collaborative Work, Fundamentals of Physics, Electric Fields and Alternating Current Technology, Fundamentals of Electronics: Semiconductor Physics, Project: Electrical Measurement Technology, Numerics, Laplace and Fourier Transform, Signals and Systems, Introduction to Programming with Python, Digital and Information Technology, Electrostatic Fields, Fundamentals of Electronics: Electronic Circuit Elements, Project: Circuit Simulation, Transistors and Transistor Circuits, Control Engineering, Sensors, Magnetic Fields, Project: Implementation of Circuits, Embedded Systems, Electromagnetic Waves, Operational Amplifiers and Op-Amp Circuits, Project: Programming with C/C++, Project: Microcontrollers and Logical Circuits, Electrical Machines and Power Engineering, Seminar: Current Topics in Electrical Engineering, Elective Module A, Elective Module B, Elective Module C, Bachelor Thesis
📚 Electives Robotics and Automation Technology, Energy Technology, Information Technology, Microelectronics, Electromobility, Renewable Energies, IT Security, Mechatronics, Communications Engineering, Nanoelectronics
📍 Location online
✅ ZFU Approval The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Electrical Engineering under the number 1117121c.
📅 Enrollment Anytime
🔗 More Info https://www.iu.de/en/

Who this online B.Eng. in Electrical Engineering is for – and what you need to get in

This distance-learning programme suits you if you want a state-recognised German B.Eng. while studying fully online. Typical profiles include: working technicians or junior developers in electronics, automation or energy who need a formal degree for progression; career changers from IT or physics aiming to move into embedded systems or power engineering; international school leavers who prefer a structured, maths-strong engineering degree with flexible pacing and online exams. You study in German; solid academic German is essential to follow lectures, solve problem sets and write reports.

Admission requirements

Entry is possible via several routes. International qualifications are assessed for equivalence.

  • Standard entry: German general or subject-restricted higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or university of applied sciences entrance (Fachhochschulreife). International school qualifications (e.g. IB Diploma) are accepted after an equivalency check.
  • Admission without Abitur: possible with a Meister certificate, an advanced vocational qualification (e.g. IHK Fachwirt) or a completed, recognised vocational training of at least two years plus three years of full-time work experience. EU vocational qualifications are reviewed for DQR level 4 equivalence.
  • Language of instruction: German. You must provide B2-level German before enrolment. Accepted proofs include:
    • TestDaF (TND3) with at least 3 points in all subtests
    • DSH-1
    • telc Deutsch B2
    • ÖSD B2
    The certificate is typically required to be no older than five years. Equivalent B2 certificates may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
  • Recognition of prior learning (RPL): relevant prior studies, training or professional learning can be credited to reduce modules and fees (30 € per recognised ECTS). This is optional and separate from admission.

Personal requirements

Success in a remote engineering degree depends on your self-organisation, persistence and comfort with quantitative work. Expect 20–40 hours of study per week depending on the model (about 40 hours in full-time; around 30 or 20 hours in the part-time tracks). Plan realistically for reading German course materials, solving maths/physics problems and preparing for online exams and projects. You should be confident with school-level calculus and linear algebra; programming basics (Python, C/C++) help but can be learned in the course. Build a steady routine, set weekly goals, and keep buffers for tougher modules like signals and systems, electromagnetic fields or control engineering. Clear, professional communication in German—written and spoken—will be crucial for reports, seminars and oral assessments.

What will you study in the Electrical Engineering (B.Eng.) at IU International University of Applied Sciences?

This programme is taught in German. To enrol, you need German at B2 level with one of these accepted certificates: TestDaF (TND3, min. 3 in all parts), DSH 1, telc Deutsch B2 or ÖSD B2 (normally not older than five years). You study for 180 ECTS across six standard semesters and complete with a Bachelor of Engineering.

You build solid fundamentals for modelling fields, circuits and systems. Typical early modules include Mathematics (Analysis and Linear Algebra), Linear Electrical Engineering and Signals and Systems. You connect theory and frequency-domain thinking via Numerics and Laplace/Fourier methods to analyse real components and networks.

Electronics and circuit design take you from semiconductor physics to active devices and op-amp design. You learn how electronic circuit elements, transistors and op-amp circuits behave, and you verify designs through structured circuit simulation before implementing hardware.

Measurement, control and information engineering train you to capture, process and regulate signals. Core topics include Electrical Measurement Technology (as a hands-on project), Digital and Information Technology, Control Engineering and Sensors. You plan measurement setups, evaluate noise and dynamics, and design feedback loops with robustness in mind.

Software and embedded systems skills ensure you can bridge hardware and code. You start with Python, then move to embedded systems and C/C++ for microcontrollers and logical circuits. Projects guide you from concept to tested functions on development boards.

Electromagnetics and energy systems close the engineering loop. You explore electrostatic, magnetic and electromagnetic fields, electromagnetic waves, and then apply that to electrical machines and power engineering, including grid concepts and conversion.

Electives help you specialise. You can focus on Robotics and Automation Technology, Energy Technology, Information Technology or Microelectronics. Further options (e.g. Renewable Energies, Mechatronics, Nanoelectronics, IT Security, Electromobility) allow you to align your profile with fields like Industry 4.0, e-mobility or IoT.

Special features: You study at a Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences) with a practice-oriented design, including multiple project modules, a seminar on current topics and a final bachelor’s thesis. The distance-learning programme is staatlich anerkannt (state-recognised) and approved for distance delivery by the ZFU (registration no. 1117121c).

How does studying in the Electrical Engineering (B.Eng.) at IU International University of Applied Sciences work?

Teaching language and proof of German

The programme is delivered entirely in German. If you did your schooling outside German-speaking countries, you submit a B2 certificate before starting: TestDaF (TND3 with at least 3 points in all parts), DSH 1, telc Deutsch B2 or ÖSD B2. Certificates are generally accepted if issued within the last five years.

Study model: fully online distance learning

You study 100% online with a start “from today” or on your chosen date. No campus attendance is required. IU offers three standard time models: Full-time (36 months), Part-time I (48 months) and Part-time II (72 months). This flexibility suits full-time learners or those studying alongside work or family.

Learning format, resources and personal support

Your learning hub is the digital campus with study scripts, videos, exercises and interactive sessions. You can join live tutorials and community forums for Q&A and peer exchange. IU’s learning AI “Syntea” supports you as an integrated study assistant for explanations and practice feedback. Study and career coaching, an online library and access to tools such as MS Office complement the setup.

Assessments and exam formats

Exams are designed for distance learning. You complete online written exams 24/7, oral online assessments, project work, seminar contributions and written assignments. Many modules offer flexible appointment options. The bachelor's thesis documents your independent engineering work and completes the programme.

Studying from anywhere: presence requirements

The degree has no compulsory on-campus phases. You can complete the entire course and most assessments online from your home country. If you prefer, some exams can be taken at a test centre. The programme structure supports international students who cannot relocate to Germany.

What does the Electrical Engineering (B.Eng.) cost?

The tuition depends on the time model. Over the standard duration, typical totals are: €14,364 in Full-time (36 × €399 per month), €16,512 in Part-time I (48 × €344 per month) or €18,648 in Part-time II (72 × €259 per month). You pay in predictable monthly instalments for the chosen duration.

Additional costs to consider: optional specialist literature and personal equipment (e.g. a capable laptop, development boards for embedded projects), and possible travel if you choose a physical test centre instead of online exams. There is no separate semester fee and no campus housing as this is a distance programme.

Ways to reduce costs: Recognised prior learning (Anerkennung) can shorten your studies and reduce fees—€30 per recognised ECTS. IU also offers guidance on financing options and employer sponsorship. If you study from abroad, check with your bank about international transfer or card fees for monthly payments.

Living costs: As the degree is fully online, you do not need to relocate. If you decide to live in Germany during your studies, plan for typical student expenses such as rent, health insurance, food and transport; these vary widely by city.

What careers and recognition does the Electrical Engineering (B.Eng.) offer?

You graduate from a state-recognised private university of applied sciences in Germany (Fachhochschule). The programme awards 180 ECTS within the Bologna framework, so the degree follows the standard European Bachelor structure and is internationally comparable. As a distance programme, it is also ZFU-approved for quality and suitability of distance delivery (no. 1117121c).

What that means for you: ECTS credits are widely understood across Europe for applications and master’s admissions; the Bachelor of Engineering from a state-recognised institution is a formal first-cycle degree for professional entry or postgraduate study in Germany, the EU and internationally. For protected professional titles, national rules apply; in engineering, employers focus on concrete skills, project experience and recognised degrees.

Typical career paths include:

  • Hardware development engineer: circuit design, simulation, prototyping and verification
  • Embedded systems engineer: firmware in C/C++, drivers, hardware–software integration
  • Automation engineer: robotics, PLCs, sensors and control in Industry 4.0 environments
  • Energy and power engineer: electrical machines, grids, renewables and e-mobility systems
  • Test and validation engineer: measurement setups, test automation and quality assurance

With experience, roles such as systems engineer, technical product manager or solution architect become realistic. Salary levels in Germany and the EU vary by industry (automotive, energy, semiconductor), region and responsibility; engineering careers typically show strong progression with project ownership and leadership.

Who is the Electrical Engineering (B.Eng.) right for – and who not?

This online B.Eng. suits motivated learners who want a rigorous electrical engineering education with strong links to software and embedded systems—without relocating or committing to fixed campus schedules. The modular, project-rich structure helps you build an employable profile in areas from energy to robotics.

  • You want to study flexibly from anywhere with 100% online delivery and 24/7 exams.
  • You value an applied approach at a university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) with project modules.
  • You aim to combine circuits and field theory with programming in Python and C/C++.
  • You plan to specialise through electives such as Energy Technology, Microelectronics or Robotics.
  • You appreciate clear Bologna structure (180 ECTS) and a state-recognised degree for EU careers or a master’s.

There are also clear situations where this programme is not a good match. Read these carefully before you decide.

  • You need an English-taught bachelor’s: this degree is delivered in German and requires German B2 with an accepted certificate.
  • You expect extensive on-campus lab work and fixed presence weeks: the programme is designed for distance learning without compulsory campus labs.
  • You want the lowest possible tuition in Germany: public universities typically charge only semester contributions, but offer far less flexibility.
  • You are looking for a dual study model with employment days in a partner company; this course is not a dual programme.

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