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Technology management programmes at private universities in Germany combine engineering expertise with business leadership skills. Over 15 programmes are available at more than 10 universities – covering technology and innovation management, technical business administration and engineering management. All are staatlich anerkannt (state-recognised), NC-free and start from 219 € per month. Around three quarters are master’s programmes, designed for engineers moving into management. Three programmes are fully English-taught – including a distance-learning M.Eng. at IU; all others require German at B2–C1 level.
- Overview of all Courses
- How much does it cost to study technology management at a private university?
- Are there English-taught programmes?
- Engineering management, industrial engineering or technical business?
- What specialisations are available?
- Distance learning, part-time or on-campus: which format suits you?
- Student visa, health insurance and working in Germany
- What do technology managers earn in Germany?
- Admission requirements
- Frequently asked questions
- Related programmes at private universities
Overview of all Courses
We have a total of 15 courses in the field of Engineering Management.
Engineering Management
IU International University of Applied Sciences · M.Eng. · 2 Semester
International Business and Engineering
SRH University · M.Eng. · 4 Semester
Operational Safety Management
Georg Agricola University of Technology · M.Sc. · 3 Semester
Technology & Management
Provadis School of International Management and Technology · M.Sc. · 4 Semester
Technical Management
RH Cologne – University of Applied Science · M.Eng. · 4 Semester
Business Engineering
Steinbeis University · MBE · 4 Semester
Technical Business Administration
Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences · B.Sc. · 6 Semester
International Technology Transfer Management
bbw Hochschule · M.Sc. · 4 Semester
Engineering Management
Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences · MBA · 2 Semester
Surveying
Georg Agricola University of Technology · B.Eng. · 9 Semester
Innovation and Technology Management
Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences · M.Sc. · 4 Semester
Building Services
hochschule 21 - University of Applied Sciences · B.Eng. · 7 Semester
Non-Destructive Testing
Dresden International University · M.Sc. · 4 Semester
Industrial engineer
FHM University of Applied Sciences · B.Eng. · 28 Months
Civil Engineering
FHM University of Applied Sciences · B.Eng. · 32 Months
How much does it cost to study technology management at a private university?
Tuition fees vary by format and degree level. Distance learning starts from 219 € per month (bachelor’s) or 299 € (master’s). 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.
| Format | Monthly | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Distance learning | 219–475 € | from approx. 10,000 € |
| Part-time | 610–895 € | from approx. 14,600 € |
| Full-time campus | 685–909 € | from approx. 1,422 € (TH Georg Agricola) |
| Dual | on request | employer-funded |
The most affordable programmes:
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Management, Master of Engineering Distance learning program | IU International University of Applied Sciences | 2 Semester | from 10099 € total from 475 € monthly | |
| Technical Business Administration, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences | 6 Semester | from 12215 € total from 320 € monthly | |
| International Business and Engineering, Master of Engineering On-campus program | SRH University | 4 Semester | from 20160 € total |
International tuition comparison
| Country | Typical annual tuition | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Germany (private) | 2,600–5,700 € | 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
- 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
Are there English-taught programmes?
Three programmes in this category are fully taught in English:
| Course | University | Study site | Duration | Language | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Management, Master of Engineering Distance learning program | IU International University of Applied Sciences | online | 2 Semester | English | from 10099 € total | |
| International Technology Transfer Management, Master of Science On-campus program | bbw Hochschule | Berlin | 4 Semester | English | from 16440 € total | |
| International Business and Engineering, Master of Engineering On-campus program | SRH University | Heidelberg, Hamm, Hamburg | 4 Semester | English | from 20160 € total |
The IU offers an M.Eng. Engineering Management as a distance learning programme – ideal for working professionals who cannot relocate. The SRH Heidelberg offers an M.Eng. International Business and Engineering on campus, and the bbw Hochschule in Berlin has an M.Sc. International Technology Transfer Management.
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.
Engineering management, industrial engineering or technical business?
These terms sound similar but target different audiences. If you are unsure which path fits your profile, here is a comparison:
| Feature | Technology/Innovation Mgmt | Industrial Engineering | Technical Business Admin. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering share | ~40% | ~50% | ~20% |
| Management share | ~60% | ~50% | ~80% |
| Typical degree | Master (M.Sc./M.Eng./MBA) | Bachelor + Master | Bachelor (B.Sc./B.A.) |
| Target audience | Engineers → management | Starters who want both | Business-minded with tech interest |
| Entry salary | approx. 50,000–60,000 € | approx. 53,000–58,000 € | approx. 42,000–48,000 € |
In short: If you already have an engineering degree and want to move into management, a technology management master’s is the right choice. If you want an equal balance of engineering and business from day one, look at industrial engineering instead – the programme selection is significantly larger. Technical business administration suits those who want a primarily business-focused degree with enough technical literacy for industry roles.
Study advisor: find the right programme for your profile
What describes you best?
What specialisations are available?
Programmes fall into four clusters:
Technology and innovation management (core)
The heart of this category: you learn to evaluate technology trends, manage R&D projects and shape innovation processes. Programmes are available as distance learning, part-time and full-time.
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technical Management, Master of Engineering On-campus program | RH Cologne – University of Applied Science | 4 Semester | ||
| Engineering Management, Master of Business Administration Distance learning program | Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences | 2 Semester | ||
| Innovation and Technology Management, Master of Science Distance learning program | Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences | 4 Semester | ||
| Engineering Management, Master of Engineering Distance learning program | IU International University of Applied Sciences | 2 Semester | from 10099 € total from 475 € monthly | |
| Technology & Management, Master of Science Part-time program | Provadis School of International Management and Technology | 4 Semester | from 14640 € total from 610 € monthly |
Technical business administration
A business degree with enough technical depth for industry roles – without the heavy engineering mathematics. Available as distance learning.
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technical Business Administration, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences | 6 Semester | from 12215 € total from 320 € monthly |
Specialised programmes
For engineers with a specific career goal: DIU in Dresden offers an M.Sc. Non-Destructive Testing (taught in German and English). TH Georg Agricola has an M.Sc. Operational Safety Management.
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operational Safety Management, Master of Science Part-time program | Georg Agricola University of Technology | 3 Semester | ||
| Non-Destructive Testing, Master of Science On-campus program | Dresden International University | 4 Semester | from 21800 € total from 909 € monthly |
Distance learning, part-time or on-campus: which format suits you?
Private universities offer technology management in four formats. Since most students are working professionals, distance learning and part-time programmes dominate.
| Format | Structure | Duration | Cost range | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance learning | Online, flexible scheduling | 2–6 semesters | 219–475 €/month | Working professionals |
| Part-time | Evening, weekend or block sessions | 3–4 semesters | 610–895 €/month | Employed engineers |
| Full-time campus | Regular daytime lectures | 3–4 semesters | 685–909 €/month | Student visa holders |
| Dual | Alternating university + company | 7 semesters | Employer-funded | School leavers |
Distance learning (from €219/month)
Distance learning lets you study from anywhere, with flexible scheduling and digital platforms. Ideal if you are already working in engineering and want to add management qualifications without relocating.
| Course | University | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Management, Master of Business Administration Distance learning program | Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences | 2 Semester | ||
| Innovation and Technology Management, Master of Science Distance learning program | Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences | 4 Semester | ||
| Engineering Management, Master of Engineering Distance learning program | IU International University of Applied Sciences | 2 Semester | from 10099 € total from 475 € monthly | |
| Technical Business Administration, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences | 6 Semester | from 12215 € total from 320 € monthly |
Part-time and full-time programmes
Part-time programmes take place in the evenings, at weekends or in block sessions. Full-time master’s programmes are available at several campuses, including the English-taught options at SRH Heidelberg and bbw Hochschule in Berlin. hochschule 21 offers a dual programme in building services, and TH Georg Agricola has a surveying bachelor’s (semester fees only).
Student visa, health insurance and working in Germany
If you are coming from outside the EU/EEA, here are the key figures for 2026:
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Graduates with a technology management degree qualify for the EU Blue Card, which requires a minimum gross annual salary of 41,041.80 € (2026) for STEM professionals – a threshold most graduates in this field meet at entry level. The combination of engineering knowledge and management skills makes these graduates particularly attractive to Germany’s export-driven industry.
What do technology managers earn in Germany?
Professionals with a combined engineering and management profile earn around 19% more than the general engineering median (79,200 vs. 66,600 €/year according to the German Federal Employment Agency).
| Role | Entry level | Experienced (10+ years) |
|---|---|---|
| Technical project manager | 48,000–55,000 € | 85,000–107,000 € |
| Technology manager | ~55,000 € | 86,000 €+ |
| Innovation manager | 55,000–60,000 € | 98,000 €+ |
| Production manager | ~63,000 € | 97,000–135,000 € |
| Technical director | 60,000–70,000 € | 120,000 €+ |
Typical career paths
- Technology management: evaluating technology portfolios, developing R&D roadmaps
- Innovation management: shaping innovation processes from idea to market launch
- Technical project management: planning and delivering complex engineering projects
- Production management: optimising manufacturing, lean management, Industry 4.0
- Technical sales: advising on and selling complex technical solutions
- Management consulting: developing technology strategies for industrial companies
Sources: gehalt.de, StepStone, Glassdoor 2024/2025. German Federal Employment Agency 2024.
Admission requirements
Master (main target group)
- First degree in engineering, technology or a natural science (minimum 180 ECTS)
- MBA programmes typically recommend 1–2 years of professional experience
- Some programmes (SRH, bbw, IU) also accept business or economics degrees
- International qualifications: check recognition via the anabin database; apply via uni-assist if required
Bachelor
- Higher education entrance qualification (Abitur or equivalent) – NC-free at all private universities
- No technical background required – engineering fundamentals are taught in the programme
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
Technology management programmes are more management-focused (~60% management, ~40% engineering) and primarily target working professionals with an engineering background (master’s level). Industrial engineering balances technology and business equally (~50:50) and is available at both bachelor’s and master’s level. If you want an equal mix from the start, industrial engineering offers a much wider programme selection.
Yes. Three programmes are fully English-taught: the M.Eng. Engineering Management at IU (distance learning), the M.Eng. International Business and Engineering at SRH Heidelberg, and the M.Sc. International Technology Transfer Management at bbw Hochschule in Berlin. All other programmes require German at B2 or C1 level.
An MBA in Engineering Management is most valuable for engineers aiming for leadership positions. Hybrid profiles earn around 19% more than the general engineering median. The real return comes with experience: an MBA combined with 5–10 years of practice opens doors to positions above 100,000 €. The MBA at Wilhelm Büchner costs 351 € per month – one of the more affordable options.
Related programmes at private universities
About the Author Marcus Schütz
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