English 
Deutsch 
Germany has more English-taught bachelor programmes at private universities than most international students realise. Over 120 accredited programmes cover Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Media, Psychology and more – from €9,600 total tuition to premium residential campuses. No Numerus Clausus, no German language requirement to start, and an 18-month post-study work visa after graduation.
This page compares every English-taught bachelor at a private university in Germany: tuition fees, study formats, locations, and career prospects.
- Overview of all Courses
- What Can You Study in English at a Private University?
- Where to Study – Big City, Small Town or Online?
- How Much Does an English-Taught Bachelor Cost?
- Fully English vs. Bilingual – What You Need to Know
- Admission Requirements
- Career Prospects – Working in Germany with an English Degree
- Frequently Asked Questions
Overview of all Courses
We have a total of 124 courses in the field of English-Taught Bachelor. The first 20 top courses are displayed. Use the filter function or our search to discover more courses in the field.
Business Administration
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- 2 Comments & Questions
- English
Applied Psychology
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- German or English
International Business Administration
- BSP Business and Law School
- 7 Semester
- Berlin
- from 590 € monthly
- 2 Comments & Questions
- English
Computer Science
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- 2 Comments & Questions
- English
Computational Business Analytics
- Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
- 7 Semester
- Frankfurt am Main
- English
Aviation Management
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- English
International Healthcare Management
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- English
Management, Philosophy and Economics
- Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
- 7 Semester
- Frankfurt am Main
- English
Business Administration
- Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
- 7 Semester
- Frankfurt am Main
- German or English
Industrial Engineering and Management
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- German or English
Engineering
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- English
Data Science
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- English
Industrial Engineering
- SRH University
- 7 Semester
- Heidelberg
- from 650 € monthly
- 2 Comments & Questions
- German or English
Business Psychology
- University of Europe for Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- Hamburg, Iserlohn or Berlin
- from 708 € monthly
- German or English
Communication, Culture & Management
- Zeppelin University
- 8 Semester
- Friedrichshafen
- from 895 € monthly
- German or English
Architecture
- Berlin International University of Applied Sciences
- 8 Semester
- Berlin
- from 745 € monthly
- English
Media Management
- Mediadesign University of Applied Sciences
- 7 Semester
- Berlin
- from 685 € monthly
- English
Business and IT
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- German or English
International Business Administration
- SRH University
- 7 Semester
- Berlin
- from 590 € monthly
- English
Software Development
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- German or English
What Can You Study in English at a Private University?
Private universities in Germany offer English-taught bachelors across five main fields. The range is broader than at public universities, where most bachelor programmes still require German. Around two thirds of the programmes are fully English; the rest are bilingual (German/English) – a useful distinction if you plan to work in Germany after graduation.
Business & Economics
The largest field with around 50 programmes. Options range from general International Business and Management to specialised degrees in Finance, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Aviation Management and Sports Management. GISMA offers the cheapest entry at €9,600. IU has the broadest selection in distance learning. Constructor University and ISM focus on small-group campus teaching with mandatory international semesters.
| Course | University | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holocaust Communication and Tolerance, Master of Arts On-campus program | Touro University Berlin | from 3120 € total | |
| Management and Leadership, Master of Business Administration On-campus program | accadis University of Applied Sciences | from 8400 € total from 700 € monthly | |
| Digital Transformation Management, Master of Arts On-campus program | XU Exponential University of Applied Sciences | from 8640 € total from 720 € monthly | |
| Business Management, Bachelor of Science On-campus program | Gisma University of Applied Sciences | from 9600 € total from 267 € monthly | |
| Computer Science, Bachelor of Science On-campus program | Gisma University of Applied Sciences | from 9600 € total from 267 € monthly |
Computer Science & IT
Around 29 programmes cover Software Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security and Information Systems. Berlin is the hub: CODE University teaches exclusively through real-world projects, GISMA starts at €9,600. Constructor University Bremen runs a rigorous Computer Science B.Sc. with a residential campus. IU offers the only fully online English-taught CS programmes in Germany.
Engineering
14 programmes in Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Energy Engineering and Construction Management. Constructor University and SRH Heidelberg lead the campus segment. IU provides online options for Industrial Engineering and Robotics. Engineering programmes carry the B.Eng. or B.Sc. degree – both are internationally recognised.
Media, Design & Communication
Over 15 programmes in Game Design, Digital Media, Film & Motion Design, UX Design and Media Management. Mediadesign University of Applied Sciences (Berlin, Munich, Düsseldorf) and Macromedia University are the main campus providers. UE covers Photography and Film. IU has online options in Digital Media and Marketing.
Psychology, Health & Other Fields
Around 27 programmes spanning Psychology, Health Management, Sports Management, Liberal Arts and Natural Sciences. UE and Touro University Berlin offer Psychology in English. Constructor University has unique programmes in Biochemistry, Earth Sciences and Computational Social Sciences. Bard College Berlin runs a Liberal Arts B.A. with a German-American double degree – the only programme of its kind in Germany.
Where to Study – Big City, Small Town or Online?
Location shapes your student experience, your budget and your career network. Germany offers three distinct models for English-taught bachelor students – and each has clear advantages.
Major Cities – Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Munich
Berlin alone hosts over 24 English-taught bachelor programmes. The city’s startup scene, tech companies and cultural diversity make it the top destination for international students. Hamburg, Frankfurt and Munich add programmes in Business, Media and Management. The trade-off: higher living costs (€850–1,200/month for rent and expenses) and a competitive housing market.
Key universities in major cities:
- GISMA University of Applied Sciences – Berlin/Potsdam, from €9,600
- CODE University – Berlin, project-based tech programmes
- Berlin International University of Applied Sciences – Berlin
- University of Europe for Applied Sciences – Berlin, Hamburg, Potsdam
- International School of Management – Hamburg, Frankfurt, Munich, Cologne, Dortmund
- Macromedia University of Applied Sciences – Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, Stuttgart
Focused Campuses – Bremen, Heidelberg, Potsdam, Karlsruhe
Smaller university towns offer what many international families value most: safety, focus and community. Marketing teams at private universities report that families from China, India and the Middle East increasingly prefer smaller German cities – lower distractions, a tight-knit international community, and significantly lower living costs (€600–900/month).
Constructor University in Bremen stands out with a self-contained residential campus housing students from over 100 countries. SRH Heidelberg combines a historic city with modern, small-group teaching. Both deliver the academic rigour of a top institution without the noise of a metropolis.
- Constructor University – Bremen, residential campus, over 100 nationalities
- SRH University Heidelberg – Heidelberg, CORE teaching model
- Karlshochschule – Karlsruhe, critical management & social sciences
Distance Learning – Study from Anywhere
IU International University of Applied Sciences is the only German provider offering fully online English-taught bachelors. All 17 distance programmes cost €15,063 total (€259/month). You can start without a student visa and relocate to Germany later if you want to use the post-study work visa. Fields include Business, Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Psychology, Healthcare and more.
- IU International University of Applied Sciences – 17 English-taught online bachelors
How Much Does an English-Taught Bachelor Cost?
Total tuition for an English-taught bachelor at a private German university ranges from around €3,000 to over €127,000. The median sits around €30,000 for three years. Here are the most affordable options across fields:
| Course | University | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Management, Bachelor of Science On-campus program | Gisma University of Applied Sciences | from 9600 € total from 267 € monthly | |
| Computer Science, Bachelor of Science On-campus program | Gisma University of Applied Sciences | from 9600 € total from 267 € monthly | |
| Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | IU International University of Applied Sciences | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Applied Psychology, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | IU International University of Applied Sciences | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| International Healthcare Management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | IU International University of Applied Sciences | from 15063 € total from 259 € monthly | |
| Graphic Design and Visual Communication, Bachelor of Arts On-campus program | Media University of Applied Sciences | from 23040 € total from 640 € monthly |
Budget Tiers
| Tier | Total tuition | Monthly | Typical providers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | €9,600–15,000 | €160–259 | GISMA, IU (distance) |
| Mid-range | €15,000–30,000 | €259–500 | SRH, UE, Macromedia, Berlin International |
| Premium | €30,000–50,000 | €500–850 | ISM, Munich Business School, CODE |
| Top-tier | €50,000+ | €850+ | Constructor University |
Total Cost of Ownership
Tuition alone does not tell the full story. Add living expenses to get the real investment:
| Scenario (3 years) | Tuition | Living costs | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| IU distance (from home country) | €15,063 | €0* | €15,063 |
| GISMA Berlin (budget campus) | €9,600 | €36,000 | €45,600 |
| SRH Heidelberg (mid-range, small city) | €23,940 | €25,200 | €49,140 |
| Constructor Bremen (premium residential) | €83,712 | included | €83,712 |
*Living costs in your home country not included.
International Comparison
Compared to the UK, US, Australia or the Netherlands, Germany offers strong value – especially at private universities that cost a fraction of comparable institutions abroad:
- UK: £27,750–38,000/year international tuition (€32,000–44,000)
- US: $35,000–60,000/year at private colleges
- Netherlands: €8,000–15,000/year at private institutions
- Germany (private): €3,200–28,000/year – with some under €5,000/year
Fully English vs. Bilingual – What You Need to Know
Not every “English-taught” programme is 100% English. Around 85 of the 135 programmes are fully English – all lectures, exams and materials in English, no German required. The remaining 50 are bilingual: some courses in German, some in English, or a gradual shift from English to German over the semesters.
Fully English programmes are ideal if you have no German at all and want to start immediately. Most IU, GISMA, Constructor, Berlin International and CODE programmes fall into this category.
Bilingual programmes are a strategic choice if you plan to work in Germany long-term. Many employers outside the startup and tech sectors still expect professional German. A bilingual degree builds your language skills while you study – and makes you more competitive on the German job market.
Admission Requirements
Private universities in Germany set their own admission criteria. There is no centralised application system like UCAS (UK). Requirements vary by university, but the following elements are standard:
Academic Qualifications
- School leaving certificate: equivalent to the German Abitur. Most countries’ secondary school diplomas are accepted. Check your country’s equivalency at anabin.kmk.org.
- No NC: Private universities do not use the Numerus Clausus. Admission is based on your application, not your GPA cutoff.
- Aptitude assessment: Some universities conduct interviews or ask for motivation letters. Design programmes may require a portfolio.
Language Requirements
- Fully English programmes: IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL 80–90 (iBT). Some accept Duolingo English Test (105+). Native English speakers from the UK, US, Canada, Australia etc. are usually exempt.
- Bilingual programmes: English requirement (see above) plus basic German (A2–B1). Some programmes accept beginners and include intensive German courses in the first semesters.
Visa & Blocked Account
- Student visa: Non-EU students need a student visa before arrival. Apply at the German embassy in your home country with your admission letter.
- Blocked account (Sperrkonto): You must deposit €11,904/year (2024/25 rate) into a blocked account to prove you can cover living expenses. This money is released monthly (€992/month).
- Health insurance: Mandatory. Public insurance costs around €120/month for students under 30.
- Distance learning exception: If you study fully online (e.g. at IU), you do not need a student visa to start. You can apply for a visa later if you want to relocate to Germany.
Career Prospects – Working in Germany with an English Degree
Germany grants every graduate from a German university an 18-month post-study work visa (Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Arbeitsplatzsuche). This applies to all accredited programmes, including those taught in English. During these 18 months you can take any job – it does not have to match your degree.
Which Sectors Hire English-Speaking Graduates?
- Tech & IT: English is the working language at most startups and tech companies in Berlin, Munich and Hamburg. B.Sc. graduates in Computer Science or Data Science find jobs without fluent German.
- Consulting & Finance: International consulting firms (McKinsey, BCG, Big Four) recruit in English. Business graduates with analytical skills are in high demand.
- Engineering: German engineering companies increasingly use English in R&D departments. However, production and client-facing roles often require German.
- Startups & E-Commerce: Berlin’s startup ecosystem operates largely in English. Marketing, product management and design roles are accessible without German.
Salary Expectations
| Field | Entry-level | After 5 years |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science & IT | €48,000 | €65,000–82,000 |
| Engineering | €48,000 | €62,000–80,000 |
| Business & Finance | €42,000 | €55,000–75,000 |
| Media & Design | €35,000 | €45,000–60,000 |
| Psychology & Health | €36,000 | €48,000–62,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Over 120 bachelor programmes at private universities are taught fully or partially in English. You do not need German for admission or for completing the degree. However, learning German improves your daily life and your career prospects after graduation.
Yes. All private universities in Germany are state-recognised and their programmes are accredited by agencies like FIBAA, ACQUIN or ZEvA. Bachelor and master degrees carry the same legal status as those from public universities and are recognised worldwide.
Total tuition ranges from €9,600 (GISMA) to over €127,000 (Constructor University, room and board included). Most programmes cost between €15,000 and €35,000 for three years. Add €25,000–43,000 for living expenses if you study on campus in Germany.
Yes. Non-EU students on a student visa may work 120 full days or 240 half days per year. EU students have no restrictions. Most English-taught programmes are structured to allow part-time work alongside your studies.
After graduating from any accredited German university, non-EU citizens receive an 18-month residence permit to search for a job. During this period you can take any employment – it does not need to match your degree. Once you find a qualifying job, you can switch to a regular work permit.
IU International University offers 17 English-taught bachelors fully online, all at €15,063 total. Distance learning makes sense if you want to start studying without relocating, save on living costs, or work alongside your degree. The trade-off: no campus experience and fewer networking opportunities in Germany.
Most universities require IELTS (6.0–6.5) or TOEFL iBT (80–90). Some accept the Duolingo English Test (105+) or Cambridge certificates. Native English speakers and graduates from English-taught secondary schools are usually exempt. Check the specific requirements on each university’s admission page.
About the Author Christian Wolf
Study Advice
Questions about the topic? Use our study advisory service, we are happy to help.