Electrical Engineering at private universities in Germany: from €259/month

Distance learning, dual, part-time or on-campus – NC-free at several private universities
 · Last updated 10.03.2026

Electrical engineering programmes are available at several private universities in Germany – covering general electrical engineering, information technology, energy engineering and railway technology. All are NC-free, starting from 259 € per month. The field has the highest engineer shortage ratio of any discipline: 284 open positions per 100 unemployed (VDI/IW). Three English-taught programmes are available at Constructor University and DIU; all others require German at B2–C1 level.

Overview of all Courses

We have a total of 20 courses in the field of Electrical Engineering.

Distance learning program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences
  •  7 Semester
  •  online
  • from 368 € monthly
  •  German
On-campus program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  RH Cologne – University of Applied Science
  •  7 Semester
  •  Cologne
  •  German
Distance learning program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  IU International University of Applied Sciences
  •  6 Semester
  •  online
  • from 259 € monthly
  •  German
Distance learning program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences
  •  7 Semester
  •  online
  • from 368 € monthly
  •  German
On-campus program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  Georg Agricola University of Technology
  •  6 Semester
  •  Bochum
  •  German
On-campus program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  SRH University
  •  7 Semester
  •  Heidelberg
  • from 260 € monthly
  •  German
Dual studies, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  Private University of Applied Sciences
  •  7 Semester
  •  Diepholz
  •  German
On-campus program, Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)
  •  Georg Agricola University of Technology
  •  6 Semester
  •  Bochum
  •  German
Part-time program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  bbw Hochschule
  •  8 Semester
  •  Berlin
  • from 367 € monthly
  •  German
in english
On-campus program, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  Constructor University
  •  6 Semester
  •  Bremen
  •  English
Distance learning program, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences
  •  6 Semester
  •  Pfungstadt
  • from 352 € monthly
  •  German
Part-time program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  FOM University of Applied Sciences
  •  8 Semester
  •  Munich, Düsseldorf
  • from 350 € monthly
  •  German
in english
On-campus program, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  Constructor University
  •  6 Semester
  •  Bremen
  •  English
Dual studies, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  IU International University of Applied Sciences
  •  7 Semester
  •  Virtual Campus
  •  German
Distance learning program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences
  •  7 Semester
  •  Pfungstadt
  • from 350 € monthly
  •  German
Dual studies, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  bbw Hochschule
  •  6 Semester
  •  Berlin
  • from 470 € monthly
  •  German
Dual studies, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  bbw Hochschule
  •  6 Semester
  •  Berlin
  • from 470 € monthly
  •  German
in english
On-campus program, Master of Science (M.Sc.)
  •  Dresden International University
  •  3 Semester
  •  Dresden
  • from 1100 € monthly
  •  German or English
On-campus program, Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.)
  •  Private University of Applied Sciences
  •  7 Semester
  •  Diepholz
  •  German
Part-time program, Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)
  •  bbw Hochschule
  •  5 Semester
  •  Berlin
  • from 450 € monthly
  •  German

How much does it cost to study electrical engineering at a private university?

Tuition fees range from 259 € to 470 € per month for most programmes. TH Georg Agricola in Bochum is a special case: the full-time programme costs only 1,422 € total – comparable to semester fees at public universities. At the other end of the spectrum, Constructor University charges 60,000–84,000 € for its English-taught programmes (scholarships available).

The most affordable programmes:

CourseUniversityDurationFees

On-campus program
6 Semesterfrom 1422 € total

On-campus program
7 Semesterfrom 11670 € total
from 260 € monthly

Distance learning program
6 Semesterfrom 15063 € total
from 259 € monthly

International tuition comparison

CountryTypical annual tuitionNotes
Germany (private) 3,100–5,700 € NC-free, staatlich anerkannt
United Kingdom £9,250 (home) / £20,000–£38,000 (int’l) Higher for non-UK students
United States $30,000–$55,000 Excludes living costs
Australia AUD 30,000–AUD 48,000 International rate

Financing your studies

  • EU/EEA citizens: BAföG (up to 992 €/month), KfW student loans (up to 650 €/month)
  • Non-EU students: Sperrkonto (blocked account) of 11,904 €/year, instalment plans offered by most universities, scholarships
  • Part-time work: 140 full days or 280 half days per year permitted on a student visa
  • Scholarships: DAAD programmes, Deutschlandstipendium (300 €/month), university-specific awards
Electrical engineers design, develop and maintain electrical systems – from power supply to telecommunications.

Are there English-taught programmes?

Three programmes in this category are taught in English:

CourseUniversityStudy siteDurationLanguageFees

On-campus program
Dresden3 SemesterGerman or Englishfrom 19800 € total

On-campus program
Bremen6 SemesterEnglishfrom 60000 € total

On-campus program
Bremen6 SemesterEnglishfrom 83712 € total

Constructor University in Bremen offers Electrical and Computer Engineering (B.Sc.) and Robotics and Intelligent Systems (B.Sc.) – both fully in English but at significantly higher tuition (60,000–84,000 €). Need-based scholarships covering up to 50 % of tuition are available. DIU offers an MBA in Industrial Management in Microelectronics for professionals in the semiconductor industry.

All other programmes are taught in German and require a language proficiency level of B2 to C1. Accepted certificates include TestDaF, DSH and the Goethe-Zertifikat. You can verify your existing qualifications through the anabin database and apply via uni-assist if your university requires it.

Specialisations: which path suits you?

Electrical engineering at private universities covers four specialisation areas:

SpecialisationFocusCareer fields
General electrical engineering Circuits, controls, drives Automation, power supply, electronics
Electrical & information engineering Signal processing, telecommunications, IT Telecoms, IT systems, media technology
Energy engineering Power generation, distribution, renewables Utilities, wind/solar, grid expansion
Railway technology Signalling, traction power supply Deutsche Bahn, rail transport, signal engineering

General electrical engineering programmes:

CourseUniversityDurationFees

On-campus program
7 Semester

On-campus program
7 Semester

On-campus program
6 Semesterfrom 1422 € total

On-campus program
7 Semesterfrom 11670 € total
from 260 € monthly

Distance learning program
6 Semesterfrom 15063 € total
from 259 € monthly

Specialist programmes (information engineering, energy, railway):

CourseUniversityDurationFees

Distance learning program
6 Semesterfrom 12683 € total
from 352 € monthly

Distance learning program
7 Semesterfrom 14681 € total
from 350 € monthly

Distance learning program
7 Semesterfrom 15456 € total
from 368 € monthly

Dual studies
6 Semesterfrom 16920 € total
from 470 € monthly

Dual studies
6 Semesterfrom 16920 € total
from 470 € monthly

Study advisor: find your format and specialisation

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How would you like to study?

Distance learning, dual or campus: which format suits you?

Private universities offer electrical engineering in four distinct study formats. Your choice depends on your visa situation, work commitments and learning preferences.

FormatStructureDurationCost rangeBest for
Distance learning Online lectures, compact lab sessions 6–7 semesters 259–368 €/month Working professionals
Dual study Alternating university + company 6–7 semesters Employer-funded School leavers
Part-time (campus) Evening, weekend or block sessions 8 semesters 350–450 €/month Employed professionals
Full-time campus Regular daytime lectures 6–7 semesters 260–439 €/month Student visa holders

Distance learning (from €259/month)

Distance learning programmes let you study from anywhere, with flexible scheduling and digital learning platforms. Lab sessions are held as compact on-site blocks at partner facilities. Ideal if you are already working in engineering or cannot relocate to Germany immediately.

CourseUniversityDurationFees

Distance learning program
6 Semesterfrom 12683 € total
from 352 € monthly

Distance learning program
7 Semesterfrom 14681 € total
from 350 € monthly

Distance learning program
6 Semesterfrom 15063 € total
from 259 € monthly

Distance learning program
7 Semesterfrom 15456 € total
from 368 € monthly

Distance learning program
7 Semesterfrom 15605 € total
from 368 € monthly

Dual study programmes

In a dual programme, you alternate between university coursework and practical training at an engineering company. Tuition is typically covered by the employer, and you receive a monthly salary. bbw Hochschule offers unique railway-technology specialisations in cooperation with the transport sector.

Part-time programmes

Part-time programmes are designed for professionals already working in the electrical engineering industry who want to earn a degree alongside their career.

CourseUniversityStudy siteDurationFees

Part-time program
Berlin5 Semesterfrom 13500 € total

Part-time program
Munich, Düsseldorf8 Semesterfrom 16800 € total

Part-time program
Berlin8 Semesterfrom 17640 € total

What will you study?

An electrical engineering degree combines engineering fundamentals with applied and management skills. The exact modules vary by university, but the core curriculum typically covers:

Engineering fundamentals (~60%)Application & management (~40%)
Electrical engineering, electronics Automation technology, robotics
Mathematics, physics Project management, cost estimation
Signal processing, measurement technology Quality management, standards
Control systems, drives Energy management, sustainability
Computer science, programming Business administration, technical English

Future-proof fields: energy transition, semiconductors and AI

From circuit board to system: you learn to design and build electronic systems.

Electrical engineering sits at the centre of several megatrends: the energy transition requires new grids, storage and charging infrastructure – employment in renewables alone grew 7% in 2023, exceeding 400,000 jobs.

Europe’s IPCEI semiconductor programme is creating 3,200 new positions in Germany. And 5G/6G rollout, autonomous driving and AI systems continue to drive demand. Look for modules such as power electronics, embedded systems or smart grids when choosing your programme.

Student visa, health insurance and working in Germany

If you are coming from outside the EU/EEA, here are the key figures for 2026:

TopicDetails
Blocked account (Sperrkonto) 11,904 €/year (992 €/month)
Health insurance ~120 €/month for students under 30
Part-time work 140 full days or 280 half days/year
Transport Deutschlandticket 63 €/month
Post-graduation 18-month job-seeking visa

With a shortage ratio of 284 open positions per 100 unemployed – the highest of any engineering discipline – international graduates with a German electrical engineering degree are in strong demand. The energy transition, semiconductor expansion and 5G/6G rollout create additional opportunities for multilingual engineers in Germany’s export-driven economy. Graduates with a recognised engineering degree can apply for the EU Blue Card, which requires a minimum gross annual salary of 41,041.80 € (2026) for STEM professionals – a threshold most electrical engineering graduates meet at entry level.

What do electrical engineers earn in Germany?

Electrical engineers are among the best-paid professionals in Germany. Salaries vary significantly by industry, region and company size – employees at companies with more than 1,000 staff earn 15–20% more on average than those at smaller firms.

Career stageGross annual salary
Entry level (Bachelor) 45,000–50,000 €
Entry level (Master) 50,000–55,000 €
Mid-career (5–10 years) 60,000–70,000 €
Senior (10+ years) 70,000–92,000 €

Salary by industry

IndustryEntry levelExperienced (10+ years)
Automotive 51,000 € 72,000 €
IT & telecommunications 49,000 € 77,000 €
Energy & renewables 49,000 € 65,000 €
Pharma & medical devices 48,000 € 66,000 €
Electrical engineering (industry) 47,000 € 64,000 €
Engineering consultancy 43,000 € 55,000 €

Typical career paths

  • Hardware design: designing circuits, PCBs and electronic systems
  • Automation engineering: programming controls, robots and production lines
  • Energy engineering: planning and operating grids, storage and charging infrastructure
  • Telecommunications: 5G/6G networks, signal processing, communication systems
  • Quality management: testing electronic products, ensuring compliance with standards
  • Technical sales: advising on and selling complex technical systems

Labour market outlook

Germany’s electrical engineering sector has the highest shortage ratio of any engineering discipline: 284 open positions per 100 unemployed (VDI/IW Q2/2025), compared to 222:100 in mechanical engineering. While overall engineering job postings fell by 22% in 2025 due to a cyclical downturn, the structural shortage persists – driven by the energy transition, semiconductor expansion and digitalisation. By 2034, an estimated 178,000 engineers will retire from the workforce.

Sources: gehalt.de 2025, VDI/IW-Ingenieurmonitor Q2/2025, get-in-engineering.de 2025.

Admission requirements

Bachelor

  • Higher education entrance qualification (Abitur or equivalent) – NC-free at all private universities
  • International qualifications: check recognition via the anabin database; apply via uni-assist if required
  • Solid maths and physics background recommended

Master

  • First degree in electrical engineering, information technology or a related field (minimum 180 ECTS)

Without Abitur

  • Master craftsman or technician: direct entry without further examination
  • Qualified professionals: at least 2 years of relevant work experience plus an aptitude test or trial semester

Frequently asked questions about electrical engineering in Germany

Yes. All private universities listed here are staatlich anerkannt (state-recognised) and their programmes are accredited by agencies such as ASIIN, FIBAA or ZEvA. A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from a private university carries the same legal weight as one from a public university – both in Germany and internationally.

Three programmes are taught in English: Electrical and Computer Engineering (B.Sc.) and Robotics and Intelligent Systems (B.Sc.) at Constructor University in Bremen, plus an MBA in Industrial Management in Microelectronics at DIU. All other programmes require German at level B2 or C1.

Yes, particularly in the long run. Electrical engineering has the highest shortage ratio of any engineering discipline at 284:100. The energy transition, semiconductor industry expansion and 5G/6G rollout create sustained demand that goes beyond economic cycles. By 2034, around 178,000 engineers will retire, further widening the gap.

Electrical engineering focuses on circuits, power systems and drives – primarily hardware and energy applications. Electrical and information engineering adds signal processing, telecommunications and IT systems. Choose E&IT if you want to work in telecoms, 5G or IT-adjacent roles; choose general electrical engineering for a broader foundation in power and automation.

Related programmes at private universities

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