Study Sport in Germany: Private Unis from €219/Month

Are there English-taught sport programmes in Germany?

The honest answer: very few. Only two sport-related programmes at private German universities are taught entirely in English:

All other sport programmes are taught in German and require language proficiency at B2–C1 level. This includes all bachelor’s programmes, all distance programmes, and most master’s programmes.

Language preparation: Accepted German language certificates include TestDaF (level 4 in all sections), DSH-2, and the Goethe-Zertifikat C1. Most private universities offer language preparatory courses or can recommend partner institutions. Budget 6–12 months for reaching B2 from scratch.

Sports management, sports science or sports therapy: which path?

Sport programmes at private German universities fall into three broad categories, each with different career outcomes and salary prospects:

Sports management (business focus)

Sports management is the largest category, offered at over a dozen private universities including IU, IST, FHM, CBS, UE and ISM. These programmes combine business fundamentals (marketing, finance, law) with sport-specific modules such as sponsorship management, event organisation and sports marketing. Graduates earn the highest median salary in the sport sector at €4,740 gross per month (entry: €4,191, experienced: €5,319+). Major employers include Bundesliga clubs, sportswear brands like adidas and Puma, sports marketing agencies and international federations.

Sports science and coaching

Sports science programmes focus on the science behind athletic performance: training methodology, biomechanics, performance diagnostics and coaching. BSP Business and Law School stands out with specialised coaching degrees in football and basketball – unique in Germany. DHGS and MSH offer broader sports science programmes. Median salary: €4,154/month.

Fitness, prevention and sports therapy

This is a growing field driven by Germany’s ageing population and rising health consciousness. Germany’s fitness industry generates €5.82 billion in annual revenue and employs around 157,700 people. Programmes at DHfPG, IU and FH Potsdam cover exercise science, health promotion and rehabilitation. Many are offered as dual programmes in partnership with fitness studios and health centres. Median salary: €3,461/month.

Niche specialisations: football, eSports and more

One of the key advantages of private universities over state institutions is their ability to offer highly specialised degrees that respond quickly to industry demand. Several niche sport programmes are available exclusively at private universities in Germany:

• Football management: Germany’s Bundesliga generates €6.33 billion in annual revenue. The University of Applied Management (HAM) offers football management as a bachelor and master (part-time), while BSP provides football coaching degrees and DHGS a distance option.
• eSports management: A rapidly growing sector – the HAM offers eSports Management as a part-time bachelor covering tournament organisation, team management and streaming business models.
• Golf and outdoor management: Both offered at the HAM as part-time bachelor programmes for students targeting leisure and outdoor sports industries.
• Club and association management: Also at the HAM – programmes tailored to managing sports clubs, federations and non-profit sports organisations.

These niche programmes typically have small cohorts, providing direct access to industry contacts and practical placements.

How to get in: admission without NC or fitness test

Two significant advantages of private universities for sport applicants:

1. No Numerus Clausus (NC): At public universities, sports science often has an NC of 1.7–2.5, meaning you need a strong secondary school GPA. Private universities have no GPA requirement – admission is based on motivation and fit.
2. No Sporteignungsprüfung (fitness test): Most public German universities require a demanding physical fitness test for sport programmes. Private universities do not require any fitness test.

Requirements for bachelor’s programmes:

• A secondary school leaving certificate equivalent to German Abitur or Fachhochschulreife, or an international equivalent recognised by anabin
• For non-EU applicants: credential evaluation through uni-assist
• Language: German B2–C1 for German-taught programmes; English proficiency for the two English-taught master’s at accadis and ISM

Without Abitur: Germany recognises alternative pathways including vocational qualifications (Meister/Techniker), professional development certificates, or several years of relevant work experience plus an aptitude test. Check directly with your chosen university for specific requirements.

For master’s programmes: A first degree in a related field (sport science, business, health science – typically 180 ECTS). Some programmes accept graduates from non-sport backgrounds with relevant professional experience.

Student visa, health insurance and working in Germany

If you are coming from outside the EU, here is what you need to know for 2026:

Post-graduation: After completing your degree, you can apply for an 18-month job-seeking visa – no employer sponsorship needed during this period. Germany’s sports industry is growing at around 6% annually, and the combination of a German degree plus local work experience during your studies makes you a competitive candidate.

Tip: Start your visa application at least 3 months before your programme begins. Credential evaluation through uni-assist takes 4–6 weeks, and the visa process itself can take 6–12 weeks depending on the German embassy in your country.

What do sport graduates earn in Germany?

Salaries for sport graduates depend on specialisation, role and whether you work in the commercial or public sector:

Gross monthly salaries in euros. Sources: gehalt.de 2025, StepStone Gehaltsreport 2025, DSSV Industry Report 2025. Salaries vary by region, company size and negotiation.

Labour market: Germany’s sports economy employs approximately 1.24 million people, with annual growth of around 6%. The highest-paying roles are in sports marketing, sponsorship management and professional club management. Munich, Hamburg and Frankfurt offer the best salaries; eastern German cities have lower pay but also significantly lower living costs.

Company size matters: At large corporations with over 20,000 employees (adidas, Puma, DFL), the median salary for sports managers exceeds €6,300/month – about 33 % above the overall median.

Frequently asked questions about studying sport in Germany

Related programmes at private universities

If you are interested in fields adjacent to sport, consider these related programmes:

• Health Management – management in the healthcare and wellness sector
• Physiotherapy – clinical movement therapy and rehabilitation
• Nutrition Science – dietetics, sports nutrition and food science
• Business Administration – general business degree with elective sport modules
• Marketing – digital marketing, branding and communication