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Private universities in Germany offer around 50 computer science programmes across more than 20 institutions – from general CS and software engineering to cyber security, cloud computing and AR/VR development. All study formats are available: distance learning from €219/month, on-campus from €260, dual programmes often employer-funded, and part-time options for working professionals. No GPA or NC requirement at any private university.
With IT entry-level salaries starting at around €46,000 and over 100,000 unfilled IT positions in Germany, computer science offers one of the strongest career prospects of any field.
- Overview of all Courses
- How much does it cost to study computer science privately in Germany?
- Which CS programmes are taught in English?
- What can you study? Specialisations at a glance
- CS and AI: is a degree still worth it?
- How to get in: admission without NC
- Student visa, health insurance and working in Germany
- What do CS graduates earn in Germany?
- Frequently asked questions
- Related programmes
Overview of all Courses
We have a total of 45 courses in the field of Computer Science. 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
Informatics
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 7 Semester
- Augsburg, Berlin, Bremen, Dresden, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Hannover, Cologne, Leipzig, Mainz, Munich, Nuremberg, Virtual Campus
- German
Cyber Security
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 4 Semester
- online
- from 329 € monthly
- German or English
Computer Engineering
- Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences
- 7 Semester
- online
- from 331 € monthly
- German
Applied Computer Science - Smart Systems
- FHDW University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- Paderborn, Bergisch Gladbach, Bielefeld, Mettmann, Marburg
- from 670 € monthly
- German
Software Development
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- German or English
Informatics
- Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 333 € monthly
- German
Computer Science
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 4 Semester
- online
- from 329 € monthly
- English
Information Technology - Blockchain Technology
- SRH University
- 4 Semester
- Heidelberg
- from 770 € monthly
- English
Computer Science
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- German
Informatics
- Wedel University of Applied Sciences
- 7 Semester
- Wedel
- from 260 € monthly
- German
Information Technology
- SRH University
- 4 Semester
- Heidelberg
- from 770 € monthly
- English
Computer Science
- Constructor University
- 6 Semester
- Bremen
- from 796 € monthly
- English
Cyber Security
- IU International University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- online
- from 259 € monthly
- German or English
Software Engineering
- CODE University of Applied Sciences
- 6 Semester
- Berlin
- from 1150 € monthly
- English
Computer Engineering
- Wedel University of Applied Sciences
- 7 Semester
- Wedel
- from 520 € monthly
- German
Applied Computer Science
- NORDAKADEMIE University of Applied Sciences
- 7 Semester
- Elmshorn
- from 534 € monthly
- German
Informatics
- Wedel University of Applied Sciences
- 3 Semester
- Wedel
- from 375 € monthly
- German
IT Engineering
- Wedel University of Applied Sciences
- 3 Semester
- Wedel
- from 750 € monthly
- English
Applied Computer Science
- Wilhelm Büchner University of Applied Sciences
- 7 Semester
- online
- from 219 € monthly
- German
How much does it cost to study computer science privately in Germany?
Tuition at private German universities varies widely depending on the study format. Here is how costs compare – and how they stack up internationally.
| Format | Monthly | Total (Bachelor) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distance learning | €219–360 | €12,200–15,200 | Study from anywhere, flexible schedule |
| On-campus | €260–1,150 | €9,600–41,400 | Varies widely by institution |
| Dual (work-study) | €0–670 | €0–28,100 | Often fully employer-funded |
| Part-time | €409–445 | €12,900–19,200 | While keeping your job |
International comparison: Even the most expensive private CS programme in Germany (€41,400 at CODE Berlin) costs less than a single year at many US or UK universities. Distance programmes at €12,000–15,000 total are a fraction of what comparable online degrees cost in the US ($30,000–80,000) or UK (£18,000–35,000).
Scholarships: The Deutschlandstipendium provides €300/month regardless of nationality. DAAD scholarships are available for international students. Many private universities offer their own merit-based scholarships – always ask the admissions office directly.
Which CS programmes are taught in English?
Several private universities offer computer science programmes entirely in English – ideal for international students who do not speak German.
| University | Programme | Format | Degree | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IU | Computer Science, Cyber Security | Distance | B.Sc., M.Sc. | Online |
| Fresenius | Computer Science | On-campus | B.Sc., M.Sc. | Cologne |
| CODE | Software Engineering | On-campus | B.Sc. | Berlin |
| Constructor | Computer Science | On-campus | B.Sc. | Bremen |
| Gisma | Computer Science, Software Eng. | On-campus | B.Sc. | Potsdam |
| GIU Berlin | Information Engineering | On-campus | B.Sc., M.Sc. | Berlin |
| SRH | Information Technology | On-campus | B.Sc. | Heidelberg |
What can you study? Specialisations at a glance
CS programmes at private German universities cluster into four main areas:
| Specialisation | Key topics | Available formats | Example universities |
|---|---|---|---|
| General CS / Software Engineering | Algorithms, databases, web development, software architecture | Distance, on-campus, dual, part-time | AKAD, WBH, IU, FH Wedel, CODE, Gisma |
| Cyber Security | Network security, cryptography, ethical hacking, risk management | Distance, on-campus, dual | IU, FH Wedel, HDBW, Leibniz-FH |
| Applied CS / AR/VR / Cloud | AR/VR development, cloud architecture, smart systems, IoT | Distance, on-campus, dual | IU, FH Wedel, FHDW |
| Technical CS / IT Engineering | Embedded systems, networks, hardware-software integration | Distance, on-campus, dual | WBH, FH Wedel, AKAD, GIU, NORDAKADEMIE |
If your primary interest is in data analysis, machine learning and AI applications rather than building systems and infrastructure, consider Data Science & AI as an alternative.
CS and AI: is a degree still worth it?
With AI tools writing code, a fair question in 2026 is whether a CS degree still makes sense. The answer: absolutely – perhaps more than ever.
AI is changing what CS graduates do, not whether they are needed. Routine coding (boilerplate, simple CRUD) is increasingly automated. But system architecture, security, infrastructure, and AI integration itself require deep CS knowledge – exactly what a degree provides. New roles like MLOps, AI engineering, responsible AI and AI security did not exist three years ago.
Germany’s IT labour market makes the case clearly: over 100,000 IT positions remain unfilled (Bitkom 2025), and 42% of companies say AI is creating additional demand for IT professionals. The average time to fill an IT position is almost 8 months. CS graduates in Germany have an unemployment rate under 4% – among the lowest of any field.
A CS degree teaches you to build the tools, not just use them. Algorithms, data structures and systems design remain foundational – AI tools assume this knowledge rather than replacing it.
How to get in: admission without NC
Private universities in Germany do not use the Numerus Clausus (NC) for computer science. At public universities, the NC for CS is often 1.9–2.5 – meaning you need a strong GPA. At private institutions, admission is based on motivation and fit rather than grades.
Requirements for Bachelor’s:
- A secondary school leaving certificate equivalent to German Abitur, Fachhochschulreife, or an international equivalent recognised by anabin
- For non-EU applicants: credential evaluation through uni-assist
- English proficiency (typically IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 80+ for English-taught programmes)
Without a traditional school diploma: 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: A first degree in CS or a related field (typically 180 ECTS). Some universities offer bridge courses for career changers.
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:
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Blocked account (Sperrkonto) | €11,904/year (€992/month) – required for your visa application to prove you can support yourself |
| Health insurance | ~€120/month (public, mandatory for all students under 30) |
| Working while studying | 140 full days or 280 half days per year (no work permit needed) |
| Post-graduation | 18-month job-seeking visa after graduation – no employer sponsorship needed during this period |
| Public transport | Deutschlandticket: €63/month for unlimited regional and local transport nationwide |
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 CS graduates earn in Germany?
IT professionals in Germany earn roughly 38% above the national average. Here are typical salaries for CS graduates by role:
| Role | Entry level | 5+ years | 10+ years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineering | €48,000–52,000 | €57,000–62,000 | €68,000–80,000 |
| Cyber Security | €50,000–55,000 | €62,000–67,000 | €72,000–85,000 |
| Data Science / AI | €49,000–56,000 | €58,000–65,000 | €80,000–95,000 |
| IT Consulting | €50,000–57,000 | €60,000–72,000 | €80,000–90,000 |
Gross annual salaries in euros. Sources: StepStone Gehaltsreport 2026, get in IT, Lohnspiegel (Hans-Böckler Foundation). Salaries vary by region, company size and negotiation.
Regional variation: Munich pays up to 44% above the national average for IT roles. Frankfurt and Stuttgart pay 5–16% above average. Eastern German cities (Leipzig, Dresden) pay 15–20% below average but have significantly lower living costs.
International comparison: While German IT salaries are lower than in the US or UK in absolute terms, the combination of lower taxes (especially for singles earning under €60,000), free/low-cost healthcare and affordable living costs means that purchasing power is often comparable – especially outside Munich.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Several private universities offer CS programmes entirely in English, including IU (distance and campus), Fresenius (Cologne), CODE (Berlin), Constructor (Bremen), Gisma (Potsdam), GIU (Berlin) and SRH (Heidelberg). Most English-taught programmes are available at both Bachelor’s and Master’s level. Distance programmes from IU can be completed from anywhere in the world.
German CS degrees are recognised worldwide. All programmes listed here are accredited by agencies like FIBAA, ACQUIN or ZEvA under the European Bologna system. This means your Bachelor’s (180 ECTS) or Master’s (120 ECTS) is compatible with qualifications from the UK, EU, Australia and most other countries. In the tech industry, practical skills and portfolio projects often matter as much as the institution name.
Most private universities accept applications on a rolling basis – there is no single deadline. However, for visa processing, plan at least 3–4 months before your programme starts. Popular start dates are October (winter semester) and April (summer semester). Credential evaluation through uni-assist takes 4–6 weeks. Visa processing varies by country but typically takes 6–12 weeks.
Yes. IU Internationale Hochschule offers Computer Science (B.Sc. and M.Sc.) and Cyber Security (B.Sc. and M.Sc.) as fully online distance programmes in English, starting from €259/month. These programmes can be completed entirely remotely from any country. Exams can be taken online or at test centres worldwide.
Related programmes
- Business Informatics – IT meets business administration
- Data Science & AI – specialise in data analysis and machine learning
- IT Management – IT strategy, project management and digital transformation
- Media Informatics – CS meets UX design and media technology
About the Author Christian Wolf
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