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The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Computer Science under the number 1100119. Who this online B.Sc. in Computer Science suits — and what you need to apply
This German-taught, fully online degree fits if you want a recognised German Bachelor while staying in your home country. Typical profiles include: working professionals in tech support or QA who aim to move into software engineering; career changers from maths, physics or business with coding ambition; or recent international school leavers seeking a flexible route into IT before relocating to Europe. You study from anywhere, sit exams online and progress at your pace (36/48/72 months), which helps you combine studies with a job or family commitments.
Admission requirements
Entry is possible with standard school qualifications, recognised foreign diplomas, or relevant professional routes. There is no numerus clausus (NC).
- General or subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or university of applied sciences entrance (Fachhochschulreife) — direct entry.
- International school qualifications (incl. IB and other foreign diplomas): admission after formal equivalence check (Anabin/uni assessment).
- Admission without Abitur: Meister certificate; an advanced professional qualification (e.g. IHK Fachwirt/in); or a completed recognised 2-year vocational training in Germany plus at least 3 years of full-time work experience. EU vocational qualifications can be accepted after level check (e.g. comparable to DQR 4).
- Teaching language: German. You must prove German at least B2 (CEFR) before enrolment. Accepted certificates include:
- TestDaF (digital TND3, minimum 3 in all parts)
- DSH (DSH-1)
- telc Deutsch B2
- ÖSD B2
- Mode and recognition: 100% distance learning with online exams; state-recognised degree, ZFU approval no. 1100119.
Personal requirements
Success in a remote programme depends on your routines and tools. Expect around 20–40 hours per week depending on your time model. Plan fixed study blocks, keep a calendar for assignment and exam windows, and align workload with peak periods (project modules, statistics, algorithms).
- Self-organisation and perseverance: long projects (software engineering, databases) require steady weekly progress.
- Language readiness: solid academic German reading and writing for scripts, forums and exams; conversational ability for live sessions helps.
- Quantitative mindset: comfort with mathematics, logic and problem-solving is essential for algorithms, data structures and statistics.
- Technical setup: reliable broadband, a current laptop, and a quiet space for proctored online exams.
- Realistic pacing: choose 36, 48 or 72 months to match your job and life — adjusting early avoids burnout and rework.
If you bring relevant prior learning or professional experience, apply for credit transfer to shorten your path and reduce fees. Most of all, be ready to learn independently while using the online campus, tutorials and coaching offers whenever you need them.
What will you study in the Computer Science (B.Sc.) at IU International University of Applied Sciences?
This programme is taught in German. For admission you need proof of German at roughly B2 level, accepted via certificates such as TestDaF (min. 3 in all parts), DSH-1, telc Deutsch B2 or ÖSD B2. You study at a private Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences) that is staatlich anerkannt (state-recognised) and delivers a 180 ECTS Bachelor over six semesters.
You build a broad, practice-oriented CS foundation across programming, systems, data and software engineering. From the start, theory is tied to projects and seminars, so you learn to design, implement and operate reliable software systems.
Programming and software engineering: You start with object-oriented programming (e.g. Java) and progress to web application development and C/C++. You cover requirements engineering, agile methods and quality assurance to translate specifications into testable, maintainable code.
Algorithms, mathematics and theory: Two mathematics blocks (analysis/linear algebra and statistics) and a module in theoretical computer science with mathematical logic sharpen your ability to model problems precisely and reason about algorithmic efficiency and correctness.
Data and distributed systems: You learn data modelling and SQL, build data marts, and study operating systems, computer networks and distributed systems. The goal: store, process and move data securely and efficiently across modern architectures.
Security, law and IT operations: You address data protection and IT security from fundamentals to security architectures. IT service management introduces frameworks and process thinking for running IT in production; IT law builds compliance awareness for real-world projects.
Practice, seminars and thesis: Project modules in software engineering and IT service management simulate end-to-end delivery, while seminars train scientific argumentation. You close with a Bachelor’s thesis. As a distance-learning course, it is admitted by Germany’s ZFU (state approval for distance learning), reinforcing the structured, examinable setup for remote study.
Electives and specialisation: You shape your profile with electives such as Python programming, cloud computing and DevOps, cybersecurity (e.g. cryptography, security standards), data science and AI/ML (including deep learning), mobile development, UI/UX and XR, Internet of Things, blockchain/FinTech, and business-focused options. A distinctive feature: a 30 ECTS optional internship in place of a practice module block lets you gain company experience and reflect on it academically.
How does studying in the Computer Science at IU International University of Applied Sciences work?
You study fully online with flexible pacing and exam windows. Start dates are rolling. Choose full-time or one of two part-time tracks and switch your pace if life changes. The digital campus bundles learning content, live formats and support.
Teaching language and language proof
The teaching language is German. Non-native speakers must provide a recognised certificate before starting: TestDaF (at least 3 in all parts), DSH-1, telc Deutsch B2 or ÖSD B2. The university may accept equivalent B2 certificates at its discretion. Strong German helps in seminars, projects and written exams.
Study model and where you study
This is a distance-learning Bachelor. You study via IU’s online campus from anywhere, with no mandatory on-site attendance. You can take exams online around the clock; alternatively, test centres are available if you prefer a supervised venue. Because there is no fixed campus location, you can stay in your current city or country.
Learning formats, support and cohort experience
Materials combine scripts, videos and interactive elements with virtual classrooms. You learn largely self-paced, supported by tutors, forums and live sessions. Study coaching, career coaching and an extensive online library are part of the package. IU’s learning assistant “Syntea” helps you structure and revisit content. Project modules and seminars ensure collaboration and practical application.
How you will be assessed
Assessment formats match the applied focus: online written exams, programming assignments, project reports, presentations and seminar papers. Several designated project modules walk you through requirements, implementation, testing and reflection. The programme concludes with your Bachelor’s thesis.
What enrolment means for you as an international, non-EU applicant
As the programme is delivered 100% online with no attendance requirement, you can complete it from abroad without relocating. If you choose to be in Germany during your studies, plan your residence and health insurance independently; the degree format itself does not require on-campus enrolment.
What does the Computer Science cost?
Tuition is charged monthly and depends on your time model. The regular, undiscounted fees are: €399 per month in the 36-month track (about €14,364 in total), €344 per month in the 48-month track (about €16,512 in total), or €259 per month in the 72-month track (about €18,648 in total). You pay in instalments, which makes planning easier if you study alongside work or family duties. In addition, there's a one-time graduation fee of €699.
Digital learning materials and the online campus are included. Because exams can be taken online, most students incur no travel costs. If you opt for a physical test centre or company internship, factor in any travel or accommodation you choose to undertake. You will also need suitable hardware and a stable internet connection.
Financing typically combines personal funds, employer support or private student loans, depending on your country. As this is distance learning, there are no relocation or campus housing costs; you can live where it is most affordable for you. If you intend to reside in Germany during your studies, plan for rent, health insurance and living expenses in your chosen city.
What careers and recognition does the Computer Science offer?
The degree carries 180 ECTS credits under the Bologna framework and is awarded by a state-recognised private Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences). The programme itself is approved for distance learning by the German regulator (ZFU). IU states programme accreditation; in practice this signals external quality checks on curriculum and outcomes. ECTS credits enable recognition in the EU and support applications to Master’s programmes internationally.
Graduates move into development, data and operations roles across industries in Germany, the EU and worldwide. Entry-level salaries in Germany vary by region and sector; the strongest drivers are your specialisation, internship experience and tech stack.
- Software developer (frontend, backend, mobile): building, testing and deploying applications and services
- IT consultant or technical consultant: requirements, architecture and solution roll-outs at clients
- DevOps or cloud engineer: CI/CD, infrastructure as code, observability and cloud security
- Data engineer or BI developer: data pipelines, warehousing, SQL/NoSQL and analytics foundations
- IT security specialist: security concepts, threat modelling, hardening and audits
For leadership or research-adjacent roles, a Master’s in Computer Science, Data Science, AI, Cybersecurity or Information Systems is a common next step. Vendor certifications (cloud, security, agile) complement your academic profile for the German and EU job markets.
Who is the Computer Science right for – and who not?
This programme suits motivated learners who want a recognised European CS degree with maximum flexibility. It rewards good self-organisation and a genuine interest in programming, data and systems – in German.
- You want a flexible online Bachelor with 24/7 exams and no attendance requirement
- You meet the German B2 language level and want to study core CS topics in German
- You value practice: project modules and an optional 30 ECTS internship in industry
- You aim to specialise, e.g. in AI/ML, Cloud & DevOps, Security, Mobile, UI/UX, IoT or Data
- You prefer predictable monthly fees and the option to study full-time or part-time
It is not the best match if your expectations or circumstances conflict with the programme’s language and delivery model. Read these points carefully if you are applying from abroad.
- You need an English-taught Bachelor – this programme is delivered in German with B2 proof required
- You want a classic on-campus experience with daily labs and face-to-face lectures – this course is distance learning
- You seek the lowest possible tuition in Germany – public universities usually charge only small semester fees
- You dislike mathematics, logic and algorithms – these are central and exam-relevant here
Lade… 
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