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You want to study IT in Germany – but which field fits? Private universities offer over 190 programmes across five IT specialisations: Computer Science, Business Informatics, Data Science & AI, IT Management and Media Informatics. All programmes are admission-free (no numerus clausus), tuition starts from €199/month. Formats range from online distance learning to campus study and dual programmes. This page helps you find the right field.
- Overview of all Courses
- Which IT degree fits you? – 5 fields compared
- How much does an IT degree cost at a private university?
- How AI is changing all 5 IT fields
- Campus, online or dual – which format for which IT field?
- Salary comparison: what do the 5 IT fields pay?
- Admission requirements for IT programmes
- Are degrees from private universities recognised?
- Frequently asked questions about IT degrees at private universities
- The 5 IT fields in detail
Overview of all Courses
We have a total of 182 courses in the field of Information Sciences. The first 20 top courses are displayed. Use the filter function or our search to discover more courses in the field.
Computer Science
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- 2 Comments & Questions
- English
Computer Science
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 7 Semester
- Berlin, Düsseldorf, Virtual Campus
- German
Computational Business Analytics
- Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
- 7 Semester
- Frankfurt am Main
- English
Applied Data Science
- Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
- 4 Semester
- Frankfurt
- English
Data Science
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- English
Data Science
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 2 Semester
- online
- from 475 € monthly
- English
Cyber Security
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 4 Semester
- online
- from 329 € monthly
- German or English
Business and IT
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- German or English
Software Development
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- German or English
Applied Computer Science - Smart Systems
- FHDW University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- Paderborn, Bergisch Gladbach, Bielefeld, Mettmann, Marburg
- from 670 € monthly
- German
Computer Engineering
- Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences
- 7 Semester
- online
- from 331 € monthly
- German
Digital Transformation
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 2 Semester
- online
- from 449 € monthly
- German
Game Design
- Mediadesign University of Applied Sciences
- 4 Semester
- Berlin
- from 650 € monthly
- German
Informatics
- Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 333 € monthly
- German
IT Management
- European Distance Learning University Hamburg
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 279 € monthly
- German
Computer Science
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 4 Semester
- online
- from 329 € monthly
- English
Digital Business
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- German or English
Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
- Wedel University of Applied Sciences
- 3 Semester
- Wedel
- German
Digital Health Management
- Medical School Berlin
- 4 Semester
- Berlin
- from 625 € monthly
- English
Game Design
- Mediadesign University of Applied Sciences
- 7 Semester
- Munich, Düsseldorf or Berlin
- from 785 € monthly
- German and English
Which IT degree fits you? – 5 fields compared
The five IT fields at private universities differ fundamentally – in mathematics intensity, programming share, career paths and salary. The following table shows the key differences at a glance.
| Criterion | Computer Science | Business Informatics | Data Science & AI | IT Management | Media Informatics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core question | How do I build software that works? | How do I bridge IT and business? | How do I extract knowledge from data? | How do I lead IT teams and strategy? | How do I build software that works AND looks great? |
| Programming | Very high | Medium to high | High (Python, R, SQL) | Low | High (web, games, apps) |
| Mathematics | High (theory, logic) | Medium (applied) | Very high (statistics, linear algebra) | Low | Medium (applied) |
| Business share | Low | High (~50%) | Medium (business analytics) | Very high (~60%) | Low |
| Design/creativity | Low | Low | Low | Low | High (UX/UI, games) |
| AI relevance | High (building AI systems) | Medium (AI in processes) | Very high (AI is the core) | High (AI strategy, AI Act) | High (generative AI, AI tools) |
| Entry salary (DE) | ~€50,000 | ~€48,000 | ~€58,000 | ~€57,000–64,000 | ~€40,000–44,000 |
| Best for | Tech enthusiasts, analytical minds | IT+business bridge builders | Maths lovers, data detectives | Leaders, strategists | Creatives with technical affinity |
Already know your direction? Jump to the detailed pages:
- Computer Science (46 programmes)
- Business Informatics (50 programmes)
- Data Science & AI (35 programmes)
- IT Management (37 programmes)
- Media Informatics (15 programmes)
How much does an IT degree cost at a private university?
Tuition fees vary significantly – by field, university and study format. Distance learning programmes are typically much more affordable than campus programmes.
| Field | From/month | To/month | Lowest total | Highest total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Informatics | €199 | €880 | ~€7,200 | ~€28,500 |
| IT Management | €199 | €950 | ~€8,300 | ~€28,500 |
| Computer Science | €219 | €1,150 | ~€6,750 | ~€41,400 |
| Data Science & AI | €259 | €820 | ~€7,100 | ~€57,400 |
| Media Informatics | €259 | €1,650 | ~€11,100 | ~€33,000 |
Funding: Tuition fees at private universities in Germany are tax-deductible. Distance learning programmes are often eligible for Bildungsgutschein (education voucher) funding, Master’s programmes for Aufstiegs-BAföG (career advancement grants). For dual programmes, the employer typically covers tuition. Many universities (including IU, AKAD, WBH) offer credit for prior learning and work experience – this can shorten study time by up to one semester and reduce costs. Detailed cost comparisons for each field are available on the respective specialisation pages.
How AI is changing all 5 IT fields
Artificial Intelligence is no longer a standalone subject – it permeates all IT fields. But AI impacts each field differently. Anyone studying IT today should understand how AI is reshaping their chosen specialisation.
| Field | How AI is changing the field | Example tools | New job profiles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | Building AI systems, AI coding assistants boosting productivity | GitHub Copilot, PyTorch, TensorFlow | ML Engineer, AI Software Architect |
| Business Informatics | AI-driven process automation, intelligent ERP systems | SAP AI, UiPath, Celonis | AI Process Consultant, RPA Developer |
| Data Science & AI | AI is the core: training, deploying, evaluating models | Python, R, Hugging Face, OpenAI API | Data Scientist, ML Ops Engineer, Prompt Engineer |
| IT Management | AI strategy, EU AI Act compliance, AI governance | MS Copilot, AI Ethics Frameworks | AI Governance Manager, CDO, AI Strategist |
| Media Informatics | Generative AI for design, procedural game generation, AI prototyping | Midjourney, DALL-E, Figma AI, Unity ML | AI-augmented Designer, Creative Technologist |
Bottom line: If you want to build AI models, study Data Science & AI or Computer Science. If you want to steer AI strategy, choose IT Management. If you want to use AI as a creative tool, Media Informatics is the right fit.
Campus, online or dual – which format for which IT field?
Not every IT degree works equally well in every format. The distribution across 190+ programmes shows: distance learning (69) and full-time campus (68) dominate, followed by dual (30) and part-time (25).
| Field | Distance | Full-time | Dual | Part-time | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 20 | 20 | 10 | 4 | All formats available – widest selection |
| Business Informatics | 10 | 9 | 16 | 11 | Strongest dual offering of all IT fields |
| Data Science & AI | 17 | 18 | 1 | 2 | Distance learning works well, hardly any dual |
| IT Management | 19 | 10 | 2 | 7 | Distance & part-time dominate |
| Media Informatics | 3 | 11 | 1 | 1 | Campus recommended (studios, labs) |
Rule of thumb: Theory-heavy fields (Data Science, IT Management) work well as distance learning. Practice-heavy fields (Media Informatics, especially Game Design) benefit greatly from campus studios and labs. Business Informatics has by far the broadest dual study offering – ideal if you want the employer to cover tuition.
Time commitment: Distance learning and part-time programmes require 15–20 hours per week alongside work. Full-time campus programmes require 35–40 hours including self-study. Dual programmes alternate between workplace phases and study phases.
Salary comparison: what do the 5 IT fields pay?
IT is among the highest-paying professional fields in Germany – according to Bitkom, 109,000 IT positions are currently unfilled. But salaries vary significantly by specialisation.
| Field | Entry (0–2 yrs) | Mid-level (3–5 yrs) | Senior (10+ yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Science & AI | €57,500–60,000 | €68,000–74,000 | €83,000–102,000 |
| IT Management | €57,000–64,000 | €68,000–77,000 | €83,000–97,000+ |
| Computer Science | ~€50,000 | €60,000–70,000 | €75,000–90,000 |
| Business Informatics | ~€48,000 | €55,000–65,000 | €70,000–85,000 |
| Media Informatics | €36,000–44,000 | €46,000–55,000 | €54,000–89,000* |
* Media Informatics salaries vary greatly by specialisation: Frontend Developers can reach €89,000, Game Designers up to €66,000.
How do salaries compare internationally? Entry-level IT salaries in Germany are lower than in the US ($70,000–120,000) or the UK (£35,000–55,000), but the cost of living is significantly lower. Germany’s IT industry is concentrated in Berlin, Munich, Hamburg and Frankfurt, offering strong career ecosystems for IT graduates.
Sources: Stepstone, Hays IT Salary Report 2025, gehalt.de, Glassdoor, PwC AI Jobs Barometer (2025/2026).
Admission requirements for IT programmes
All IT programmes at private universities in Germany are admission-free (no numerus clausus). Admission is based on each university’s own selection process.
Bachelor’s requirements:
- Secondary school diploma qualifying for university entry (Abitur, A-Levels, IB Diploma, or equivalent)
- Study without traditional diploma possible: with completed vocational training and at least 3 years of work experience
- Programming skills are not required – fundamentals are taught from the start
- For English-taught programmes: IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 72+ (varies by university)
How much maths is involved? This is the most common concern – and the answer depends heavily on your chosen field:
- Maths-heavy: Data Science (statistics, linear algebra, probability) and Computer Science (discrete mathematics, logic, analysis)
- Applied maths: Business Informatics and Media Informatics – maths is taught through practical problems
- Little maths: IT Management – focuses on strategy, leadership and business
Visa and residence permit: Non-EU students need a student visa (Studienvisum) and a blocked account (Sperrkonto, approximately €11,904/year) to prove sufficient funds. Private universities typically support the visa application process. After graduation, international students can apply for an 18-month job-seeking visa. Working while studying: International students may work 120 full days or 240 half days per year alongside their studies.
Standard study duration: Bachelor’s programmes typically take 6–7 semesters (3–3.5 years), Master’s programmes 3–4 semesters (1.5–2 years). In distance learning, study duration can often be extended free of charge or shortened through intensive study.
Master’s requirements: A completed Bachelor’s degree (180–210 ECTS) in a related field. Many programmes also accept career changers with a non-related Bachelor’s plus bridging courses.
Are degrees from private universities recognised?
Yes. All private universities listed on privathochschulen.net are state-recognised (staatlich anerkannt) and their programmes are accredited. A degree from a German private university is legally equivalent to a degree from a public university. German degrees are recognised worldwide through the Bologna Process and ECTS system.
In the IT industry, skills and experience often matter more than the university name. Private universities stand out with small class sizes, intensive project work and strong industry connections.
Frequently asked questions about IT degrees at private universities
Computer Science focuses on technology: programming, algorithms, software architecture, operating systems. Business Informatics combines IT with business – SAP, ERP systems, process optimisation, IT project management. If you are passionate about the technical side, choose Computer Science. If you see IT as a bridge between technology and business, Business Informatics is the better fit.
It depends on the field. Data Science and Computer Science require solid maths skills (statistics, logic, analysis). Business Informatics and Media Informatics teach maths in an applied context. IT Management has the least maths. Private universities often offer preparatory courses and smaller class sizes to help with the transition.
Yes. Most private universities accept students with completed vocational training and at least 3 years of work experience. Some universities also offer aptitude tests as an alternative admission pathway.
Data Science & AI and IT Management lead with entry salaries of €57,000–64,000. Computer Science follows at ~€50,000, Business Informatics at ~€48,000. Media Informatics starts at €36,000–44,000 but offers high senior potential in specialisations like Frontend Development (up to €89,000). AI competence boosts salaries across all fields.
IT Management (19 distance programmes), Computer Science (20) and Data Science (17) have the broadest distance learning offerings. Business Informatics offers 10 distance programmes plus the strongest dual study offering. Media Informatics is the exception – only 3 distance programmes, as Game Design and 3D media benefit from campus studios.
Yes. Several programmes across all five fields are taught in English, particularly at IU International University, Constructor University, German International University, Gisma University and SRH Heidelberg. Check the individual programme pages for language of instruction. English-taught programmes are available both online and on campus.
The 5 IT fields in detail
Each field has its own detailed page with full cost comparison, all programmes, career prospects and FAQ.
Computer Science – 46 programmes
The broad technical foundation: programming, algorithms, software architecture, operating systems, cyber security. For those who want to build software and systems. Formats: distance learning from €219/month, campus, dual. View all Computer Science programmes →
Business Informatics – 50 programmes
The bridge between IT and business: SAP, ERP, process optimisation, IT project management, cyber security management. Strongest dual study offering (16 programmes) of all IT fields. Distance learning from €199/month. View all Business Informatics programmes →
Data Science & AI – 35 programmes
The future field: machine learning, deep learning, big data, statistics, training and deploying AI models. Highest maths intensity but also the highest entry salaries (~€58,000). Distance learning from €219/month. View all Data Science programmes →
IT Management – 37 programmes
Strategy over code: IT governance, digital transformation, e-commerce, AI governance, project management. Little programming, strong focus on business and leadership. Top salary potential (entry up to €64,000). Distance learning from €199/month. View all IT Management programmes →
Media Informatics – 15 programmes
Creativity meets code: UX/UI Design, game development, web development, digital media. For creatives with technical affinity. Mostly campus programmes (studios, motion capture labs). Distance learning from €259/month. View all Media Informatics programmes →
About the Author Marcus Schütz
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