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The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Computer Science under the number 1113720. Who is this B.Sc. for – and what you need to apply
This online, English-taught B.Sc. suits you if you want a recognised Computer Science degree with flexible pacing. Typical profiles are: working professionals in IT support or QA aiming to move into software development; recent high-school or IB graduates abroad who prefer a fully online start; career changers from business or engineering who need a structured CS foundation for roles in data, cloud or product/IT management.
Admission requirements
Entry is NC-free. You qualify via one of the following routes:
- University entrance qualification: general or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification, or university of applied sciences entrance qualification.
- International school leaving certificates: admission with foreign credentials after an equivalence check (e.g. IB Diploma and other secondary certificates are assessed for comparability).
- Admission without Abitur: possible with a German Meister qualification; an advanced professional qualification (e.g. IHK Fachwirt); or a completed, recognised 2-year vocational training plus at least 3 years of full-time work experience. For vocational pathways completed within the EU (outside Germany), equivalence at DQR level 4 is required.
- English language proof (programme language: English): TOEFL iBT min. 80; IELTS overall min. 6.0; Duolingo English Test min. 95; or Cambridge English min. overall grade B. Certificates must be issued within the last five years and be provided before study start. Exemptions apply if English is your native language or your prior degree was fully taught in English.
- Recognition of prior learning (RPL): previously earned ECTS or relevant qualifications can be credited, reducing workload and tuition accordingly.
The degree is state-recognised and accredited (180 ECTS). Study start is flexible.
Personal requirements
Success in a remote, project-based CS degree depends on consistent self-management. Plan with realistic weekly workloads by time model: about 40 hours (full-time, 36 months), 30 hours (part-time I, 48 months), or 20 hours (part-time II, 72 months). You need reliable internet, a quiet study space, and the discipline to learn regularly and sit online exams.
Mathematics, logic and analytical thinking are central to first-year modules (Mathematics I–II, statistics, algorithms). Be ready to read technical literature in English, write assignments clearly and collaborate online. Curiosity for programming (Java, Python), perseverance across multi-week projects, and the ability to break down complex problems will help you progress. Set weekly goals, use the digital campus tools proactively, and schedule buffer time around assessments to keep momentum in this fully online study format.
What will you study in the Computer Science (B.Sc.) at IU International University of Applied Sciences?
You build a broad computer science foundation and then specialise through electives. Core themes include programming and algorithms, data and databases, computer systems and networks, plus software engineering with projects. You also cover cyber security, IT law and agile project management. The degree awards 180 ECTS and concludes with a Bachelor’s thesis.
Foundations and programming: you start with Introduction to Computer Science, academic work methods, Mathematics I–II and Statistics. You learn to code in Java and Python, work with data structures and practice collaborative development in team projects.
Systems and networks: you study Computer Architecture and Operating Systems, then move to Computer Networks and Distributed Systems. Theoretical Computer Science and Mathematical Logic deepen your understanding of computability and formal reasoning.
Data and persistence: you model and implement databases, use SQL to build a data mart, and explore Business Intelligence topics. This gives you the skills to design data pipelines, query performance and analytics-ready models.
Software engineering and operations: you cover Requirements Engineering, Specification, Software Quality Assurance and IT Service Management, each with a hands-on project module. Agile project management links development and delivery, so you learn how software is actually shipped and run.
Security, law and society: you examine Data Protection and Cyber Security, Cryptography, IT Law and the role of computing in society. This embeds ethics, compliance and privacy into your technical skill set.
Electives let you sharpen your profile in areas such as Mobile Software Engineering, Big Data & Cloud Technologies, Business Intelligence, Software Engineering with Python, IT Project & Architecture Management, and the Salesforce ecosystem. Newer options include AWS cloud specialisation and AI prompting techniques. A general studies track and career development modules are available if you want broader, transferable skills.
IU is a Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences) and is staatlich anerkannt (state-recognised). The distance-learning format is approved by the German ZFU (Zulassungsnummer 1113720). Practice is built in through multiple project modules and a capstone Bachelor’s thesis.
How does studying in the Computer Science (B.Sc.) work?
The programme runs fully online with flexible pacing. Teaching is in English and you can start any time. You study on IU’s digital campus, use multimedia materials and take exams online around the clock or at a nearby test centre. Support includes study and career coaching and an extensive e-library.
Teaching language and proof of English
The programme is taught entirely in English. Accepted language certificates include TOEFL iBT 80, IELTS 6.0, Duolingo English Test 95 or a Cambridge certificate (overall grade B). Certificates must be issued within the last five years. If you completed a prior degree in English or are a native speaker, the test requirement can be waived.
Study model and where you will study
This is a distance-learning degree: 100% online, designed for full-time or part-time study. You learn on IU’s virtual campus from wherever you live. Interactive online teaching, the Syntea learning assistant, and digital tools structure your week. If you prefer, some assessments can be taken at a physical exam centre near you.
Learning experience and personal support
You’ll work with digital scripts, recorded content, interactive sessions and an online library with thousands of e-books and databases. The Syntea learning AI helps you plan and revise. Study coaches, lecturers and peer forums provide feedback; LinkedIn Learning content complements selected modules.
Exams and assessments
Most exams are available as 24/7 online exams. Depending on the module, you will also complete projects, coursework, seminar contributions and written assignments. Where exam centres are available, you may choose an in-person sitting instead of online proctoring.
Pacing options and workload
Choose one of three tracks: full-time (36 months), part-time I (48 months) or part-time II (72 months) — all lead to 180 ECTS. As an orientation, weekly study time ranges from roughly 40 hours (full-time) to around 20 hours (part-time II). Free extensions within the rules add planning security.
What does the Computer Science (B.Sc.) cost?
Tuition is paid in monthly instalments and depends on your time model. Over the standard durations, totals are approximately €14,364 (36 months at €399 per month), €16,512 (48 months at €344 per month) or €18,648 (72 months at €259 per month). The distance-learning package typically includes learning materials and access to online exams; travel costs only arise if you choose a physical exam centre.
Recognition of prior learning can reduce both cost and duration: for each recognised ECTS credit, fees are reduced by €30 and the corresponding modules can be skipped. Payment in monthly instalments is standard; you study from home, so no relocation costs are required. If you already work, the longer part-time tracks spread tuition over more months with the same total study volume.
Living costs are largely independent of IU because this is an online degree. If you stay in your current city or country, budget for your local housing and expenses. Should you travel to a test centre, add occasional transport costs.
What careers and recognition does the Computer Science (B.Sc.) offer?
The degree awards 180 ECTS and follows the Bologna framework, making it internationally comparable for jobs and for Master’s admission. IU International University of Applied Sciences is state-recognised (staatlich anerkannt). The programme is accredited until 30 September 2028 and the distance format is approved by Germany’s ZFU. These are key trust signals for employers and universities in Germany and across the EU.
With a practice-oriented curriculum and projects, you are prepared for entry-level roles in software development, data and cloud, operations and product-facing IT. In Germany and the EU, demand for computer science graduates is consistently high across industries — from software and consulting to manufacturing, healthcare and the public sector.
- Software developer (backend, frontend or mobile) building and maintaining applications and services
- IT project manager or Scrum master, coordinating delivery and stakeholder communication
- Business analyst focusing on requirements, processes and data-driven improvements
- Data engineer or BI developer, designing databases, data pipelines and analytics models
- IT service manager, implementing and operating ITSM processes and service levels
As a next step, many graduates pursue a Master’s in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security or IT Management to deepen specialisation and access more senior roles.
Who is the Computer Science (B.Sc.) right for - and who not?
This degree suits you if you want a flexible, English-taught computer science education with strong software engineering, data and security components. It is designed for first-time students, career changers and working professionals who prefer a structured online path to a recognised European degree.
- You want to study fully online with 24/7 exam options and fit your study time around work or life.
- You value English-medium teaching and a curriculum spanning programming, databases, networks and security.
- You prefer practical modules with real projects over purely theoretical study.
- You want an accredited Bachelor’s with 180 ECTS that connects to Master’s programmes in the EU.
- You plan to tailor your profile via electives such as Mobile, Cloud/Big Data, BI, Python SE or Salesforce.
It will not be ideal in every situation. Consider other options if the study format or language does not match your needs.
- You want a German-taught programme — this degree is delivered in English and asks for B2-level proof.
- You seek daily campus life with regular on-site classes and labs — this is a distance-learning model.
- Your top priority is the lowest tuition possible — German public universities are usually cheaper, though less flexible.
- You need a programme that provides access to a regulated profession (e.g. medicine, law) — computer science is non-regulated and does not confer such licences.
Lade…
Advisory Service
Have questions about Academic Programs Computer Science? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution IU International University of Applied Sciences or the editorial team will answer you.
It is important that the IU is a state-recognized German university and that the course is offered completely online as a distance learning course without compulsory attendance. However, many German diplomatic missions abroad require that the course is completed on site or that regular attendance is planned. As this course is completely online and does not require attendance, you should check with the German embassy or consulate responsible for you whether this is recognized for a study visa.
If you are already living in Germany or have a visa, distance learning is possible without restrictions. To apply for a visa, I advise you to contact the diplomatic mission in your country directly and clarify the specific requirements with reference to online-only studies.
If you have any questions about admission and enrollment, you can also contact the IU Student Advisory Service: Phone: +49 3031198810.
Do you have more information about your country of origin and your previous visa status? Then I can help you more specifically.