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The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Mechanical Engineering under the number 1166824. Who this online B.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering suits — and what you need to get in
This programme is ideal if you want a recognised German Bachelor of Engineering (180 ECTS) delivered fully online in German. Typical profiles include: working technicians in manufacturing, maintenance or plant operations who wish to upskill into engineering roles without leaving their job; recent secondary-school graduates with strong maths and physics who prefer a flexible online route into mechanical engineering; and holders of a relevant college diploma or vocational training seeking a German-taught degree with the option to have prior learning recognised.
Admission requirements
To enrol you need a suitable higher education entrance qualification, a six-week pre-study internship, and—if you did not complete school in Germany—proof of German language skills. Key points at a glance:
- University entrance: general or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (Abitur), or entrance to universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulreife). International school-leaving certificates (e.g. IB, national boards) are admitted after an equivalency check.
- Admission without Abitur: possible via one of the following:
- Master craftsperson certificate, or an advanced professional qualification (e.g. IHK Fachwirt), or
- A recognised at least two-year vocational training plus at least three years of full-time work experience. Depending on your background, you may start with a trial study phase or provide additional proof of study readiness. EU vocational qualifications are accepted if equivalent to DQR level 4.
- Mandatory pre-study internship: a field-related six-week internship (30 working days) must be completed before you start. It can be waived with proven equivalent prior practicals, relevant training, or related professional experience.
- Language of instruction: German. Required certificates (one of):
- TestDaF (digital TND3), at least 3 points in all parts
- DSH 1
- telc Deutsch B2
- ÖSD B2
- Format and recognition: 100% online distance learning with no compulsory on-site classes; programme accredited until 31/03/2031.
Personal requirements
Success in a remote engineering degree hinges on solid self-organisation, consistent study habits and realistic time planning. Expect about 20–40 hours per week depending on your chosen study track (72, 48 or 36 months). You need reliable internet and a computer suitable for CAD and numerical tools, confidence with mathematics and physics, and the willingness to build coding literacy for script-based technical tasks. Because all materials, exams and support are in German, B2-level comprehension and writing are essential for problem sets, lab-like projects and assessments. Be ready to arrange the six-week practical placement in a relevant company in your country before you start. Steady perseverance, the ability to learn independently, and timely communication with tutors will make the online format work to your advantage.
What will you study in the Mechanical Engineering (B.Eng.) at IU International University of Applied Sciences?
The programme is taught in German. You need proof of German at roughly upper-intermediate level, typically TestDaF (min. 3 in all parts), DSH-1, telc Deutsch B2 or ÖSD B2. Over 180 ECTS, you build a full engineering toolkit from maths and physics to design, production and automation, culminating in the Bachelor thesis.
You start with the scientific and mathematical core of engineering: linear algebra and analysis, fundamentals of physics and chemistry, and engineering mechanics (statics, elastostatics, kinematics/dynamics). Materials science rounds off the basis so you can select and dimension parts with a view to loads and properties.
Design and computation come next. You learn fundamentals of construction, machine elements and numerics (incl. Laplace/Fourier methods), and work in a hands-on CAD project to turn concepts into manufacturable models. This is supported by an introduction to computer science and collaborative scientific work.
Energy and flow topics cover technical thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, and fluid mechanics. Together they prepare you for tasks in drives, process and plant engineering where energy conversion and flow phenomena matter.
Production, automation and mechatronics bring you to the shop floor: manufacturing processes in the context of Industry 4.0, measurement, control and regulation technology (incl. a practice project), mechatronic systems, automation technology, and scripting-based technical programming. With data science and human–machine interaction you connect classical mechanical engineering to digitalisation.
Method and management modules such as project management, collaborative work and scientific methods ensure you can organise development processes and document results professionally.
Electives: You choose three elective blocks (A, B, C) to specialise, for example in production technology/lean (Production Excellence, CAM and machine tools, digital production), robotics (handling systems, embedded systems, service robots), or process engineering (mechanical/thermal processes, plant engineering). Other options include sustainability and quality management, or a targeted English module.
Special features: The distance-learning programme is approved by the German state authority ZFU (no. 1166824) and the degree is accredited until 31/03/2031. A six-week pre-study internship in a relevant company is required before you start. IU is a Fachhochschule – a university of applied sciences focused on practice. It is staatlich anerkannt – state-recognised – which is a key trust signal for employers and further study in Germany and the EU.
How does studying in the Mechanical Engineering work?
This is a flexible distance-learning Bachelor. You study fully online via IU’s digital campus, choose your tempo (36, 48 or 72 months) and take exams online 24/7 or at a test centre. No compulsory on-site classes are required.
Teaching language and proof of language
The teaching language is German. For admission to the German-taught track you provide B2-level evidence, accepted tests include TestDaF (min. 3 in all sections), DSH-1, telc Deutsch B2 or ÖSD B2. The certificate must be presented before you start your studies.
Study model and where you will study from
You study online from anywhere. IU lists the programme as Fernstudium (distance learning) with no attendance requirement; exams are available online or at IU’s exam centres. There is no specific campus for this format, so you do not need to relocate to Germany to complete coursework.
Learning format, group sizes and personal support
Learning happens on the digital campus with scripts, videos, exercises and interactive online sessions. You have access to an online library, MS Office, study and career coaching, and exchange with lecturers and fellow students. The focus as a university of applied sciences is on applied learning through projects and problem-solving tasks.
Exams and assessment
Many modules offer remote online exams around the clock; alternatively, you can sit exams at a nearby test centre. In addition to written exams, you will complete project work (e.g. CAD; measurement, control and regulation), seminar work and your Bachelor thesis.
Enrolment and non-EU students
Because this is a 100% online programme, enrolment does not require on-campus attendance. If you plan to move to Germany for personal reasons, you handle residence and financing formalities separately from the online study process.
What does the Mechanical Engineering cost?
Your monthly tuition depends on the time model you choose. In the regular models, plan for €399 per month (36 months), €344 per month (48 months) or €259 per month (72 months). Over the standard durations this equals approximately €14,364, €16,512 or €18,648. Shorter duration means higher monthly rate but lower total; longer duration lowers the monthly rate but increases the total.
There are no travel or relocation costs for classes, as study and exams are available online. Budget for personal study materials or optional travel to a physical exam centre if you prefer that format. If you receive recognition of prior learning (Anerkennung), modules can be waived and your overall tuition reduced because fewer ECTS are billed.
Tuition is typically paid in monthly instalments. The university offers guidance on financing and checks for recognition of prior learning; both can help you plan costs. As the programme is online, you can study from your current location and avoid German living expenses. If you choose to live in Germany during your studies, factor in rent, health insurance, food and local transport in your personal budget.
What careers and recognition does the Mechanical Engineering offer?
The IU degree carries 180 ECTS credits and follows the Bologna structure, making it internationally comparable for Master’s admission and mobility. IU International University of Applied Sciences is state-recognised (staatlich anerkannt) and the programme “Maschinenbau, B.Eng.” is accredited from 01/04/2023 to 31/03/2031. Distance-learning delivery is approved by the ZFU (no. 1166824). For employers and universities, this signals quality assurance and transparent learning outcomes.
With its applied focus and elective depth, the programme prepares you for engineering roles in Germany, across the EU and worldwide. Typical entry points include:
- Design engineer in mechanical or plant engineering (CAD, machine elements, materials selection)
- Development engineer working on components, systems or test rigs in R&D
- Production or process engineer focusing on manufacturing, Industry 4.0, lean and digitalisation
- Automation or robotics engineer in handling systems, embedded control or service robotics
- Quality, maintenance or operations engineer ensuring reliability and continuous improvement
Career development often leads to project or team leadership. A consecutive Master’s (M.Eng./M.Sc.) can deepen specialisations such as mechatronics, production or process engineering and broaden opportunities in research or management.
Who is the Mechanical Engineering right for – and who not?
This degree suits you if you want a solid, application-oriented mechanical engineering education you can complete from anywhere, and if you are ready to study in German. The online model allows you to combine studies with work or family while still building strong engineering fundamentals and practical project experience.
- You are comfortable studying in German (B2) and want a recognised European B.Eng. with 180 ECTS.
- You prefer a fully online format with flexible pace, 24/7 online exams and no attendance requirement.
- You value electives to position yourself in production/lean, robotics/automation or process/plant engineering.
- You like structured problem-solving and practical projects (CAD, control and automation) rather than purely theoretical study.
- You aim to work in Germany or the EU and want a state-recognised, accredited degree from a university of applied sciences.
Equally important: there are cases where another route may fit better. Read the points below carefully before you decide.
- You do not speak German at the required level and cannot provide an accepted certificate (TestDaF, DSH, telc/ÖSD B2) – the programme is taught in German.
- You expect a classic on-campus experience with extensive laboratory time and workshops; this is a distance-learning programme with online delivery.
- You need the very lowest tuition fees typical of German public universities; private tuition here is higher, though it offers flexibility and support.
- You want a study visa and campus life in Germany as part of your degree; this specific format does not require you to relocate or attend on site.
Lade… 
Advisory Service
Have questions about Academic Programs Mechanical Engineering? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution IU International University of Applied Sciences or the editorial team will answer you.
You’re asking whether the distance learning Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering at IU International University of Applied Sciences covers enough Engineering Mechanics (about 6 ECTS) to meet the admission requirements for a Mechatronics/Robotics master’s at a German technical university.
Here’s what I can tell you: In the course content, Engineering Mechanics is covered in multiple modules: for example, first semester (Technical Mechanics: Statics), second semester (Technical Mechanics: Elastostatics), and third semester (Mechanics – Kinematics and Dynamics). Each module at IU typically carries 5 ECTS. Altogether, this means the degree provides clearly defined engineering mechanics modules, adding up to what should meet or exceed the 6 ECTS threshold you mentioned.
However, since universities interpret ECTS criteria individually and sometimes request a syllabus, I recommend: Collect module descriptions and transcripts from IU (the university provides detailed module guides upon request). Present these to the university where you want to apply for your master’s degree. Most German universities’ admissions offices or examination boards will then assess whether your coursework in “Engineering/Technical Mechanics” is sufficient and counts toward the formal requirement.
Do you already have transcripts or module guides from IU, or are you just gathering info right now? If you need links to the official IU study guidance or would like details on how to request module syllabuses, just let me know—happy to help with next steps.