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The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Data Science under the number 1110120. - Flexible distance learning without compulsory attendance at Germany's largest university
- Start of studies possible at any time, no semester operation
- no numerus clausus, no admission restriction
- Interesting specialisations, for example as a Data Engineer, Data Analyst or AI Specialist
These are the prerequisites for the Bachelor Data Science
You can be admitted to the part-time distance learning programme Data Science at IU International University if you have either a Abitur (the general university entrance qualification), a Fachabitur or the Fachgebundene Hochschulreife.
In addition, you can also study Data Science without an Abitur. In order to be admitted to the IU distance learning programme without an Abitur, you must present a completed advanced training course, for example as a state-certified business economist, or a master craftsman's certificate. You can also be admitted if you have completed vocational training and worked full-time for at least 3 years following this training.
Get to know IU! You can also find out everything about the distance learning programme in Data Science in the information brochure for this Bachelor's programme. The brochure informs you in detail about the prerequisites, course content, procedure and tuition fees. Request brochure now ...This is what you will study in the Data Science online degree programme
This Bachelor's degree at IU comprises about 31 modules, which you take and complete in the course of 6 semesters of standard study time. Each module has a scope of 5-10 credit points (ECTS) and concludes with an examination such as a term paper or an exam. In total, you will earn 180 credit points from module to module and from semester to semester.
The typical study plan for full-time studies in Data Science is as follows:
- Semester 1: Introduction to Data Science, Introduction to Academic Work, Introduction to Programming with Python, Mathematics: Analysis, Collaborative Work, Statistics - Probability and Descriptive Statistics
- Semester 2: Object Oriented and Functional Programming with Python, Mathematics: Linear Algebra, Intercultural and Ethical Decision-Making, Statistics - Inferential Statistics, Database Modeling and Database Systems, Project: Build a Data Mart in SQL
- Semester 3: Business Intelligence, Project: Business Intelligence, Machine Learning - Supervised Learning, Machine Learning - Unsupervised Learning and Feature Engineering, Data Science Software Engineering, Project: From Model to Production
- Semester 4: Agile Project Management, Big Data Technologies, Data Quality and Data Wrangling, Explorative Data Analysis and Visualization, Cloud Computing, Seminar: Ethical Considerations in Data Science
- Semester 5: Time Series Analysis, Neural Nets and Deep Learning, Elective A, Elective B
- Semester 6: Elective C, Introduction to Data Protection and IT Security, Model Engineering, Bachelor Thesis
The special feature of the Bachelor's degree programme in Data Science at IU is the many opportunities to delve into topics according to one's own interests and professional fields in the elective area.
As the first specialisation, you can choose from these exciting modules: Data Engineer, Data Analyst, AI Specialist.
As your second specialisation, you choose one of these study modules: International Marketing and Branding, Applied Sales, Supply Chain Management, Smart Factory, Automation and Robotics, Autonomous Driving.
As a third specialisation you take one of these modules: Data Engineer, Data Analyst, AI Specialist, International Marketing and Branding, Applied Sales, Supply Chain Management, Smart Factory, Automation and Robotics, Autonomous Driving, Foreign Language, Studium Generale.
This is how flexible the standard period of study is in the Data Science distance learning programme
At IU International University, you can choose one of 3 study models for part-time distance learning:
- In the full-time study, the standard period of study is 6 semesters or 36 months. You can extend the standard period of study by up to 2 semesters or 12 months at no additional cost. The full-time study programme in Data Science is particularly suitable for those who do not work or only work a few hours a week.
- In the Part-time study I, the standard period of study is 8 semesters or 48 months. You can extend the standard period of study by up to 2 semesters or 12 months at no additional cost. Part-time study I is suitable, for example, if you work part-time alongside your studies.
- In Part-time study II the standard period of study is 12 semesters or 72 months. You can extend the standard period of study by up to 2 semesters or 12 months at no additional cost. Part-time study II is particularly suitable if you are heavily involved in your career in addition to your distance learning.
By the way, you can also take a vacation semester during the course of your studies, at no additional cost.
How does online study at IU work?
There is no compulsory attendance in the Data Science distance learning programme at IU International University - you study continuously from home, in the library of your choice or wherever you can learn best.
You take your modules and courses when you want. As a rule, you can flexibly arrange your study plan and semester schedule yourself.
Central to the IU distance learning programme are your interactive learning scripts. You receive the scripts in printed form as well as digitally as a PDF and for your tablet. The smart app IU Learn gives you access to the scripts for your study in Data Science as well as scripts from all other distance learning programmes at IU.
You can also access additional materials, such as videos, via myCampus, IU's online campus. You can exchange information with your lecturers and fellow students in virtual live formats, for example, about the interactive courses.
And exams? If you wish, you can write them as online exams. You can take an online exam around the clock as soon as you feel sufficiently prepared for the course material. Alternatively, you can take the exam at one of the IU's numerous exam centres throughout Germany.
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Advisory Service
Have questions about Academic Programs Data 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.
Hi Chris,
yes, there are several possible ways to reduce the cost of the IU B.Sc. Data Science distance learning programme, also if you are based outside the EU. The key point is: the exact eligibility always has to be confirmed by IU, because discounts, scholarships and country-specific payment options can change and depend on your personal documents.
For IU distance learning, the main options are:
1. IU scholarships and funding
IU lists its own partial scholarships for distance learning students. These include, for example, scholarships for people with disabilities, Women in Tech, single parents and career changers. IU states that these are 50% scholarships. There is also a FirstGen funding option of €3,000 if you would be the first in your family to pursue a university degree.
For the B.Sc. Data Science, the Women in Tech scholarship may be relevant if you meet the personal criteria, because Data Science belongs to the IT/technology field.
2. Current tuition discounts
IU also regularly offers promotional tuition discounts. At the time of our check, IU listed a €1,444 discount plus a free iPad for applications submitted by 30 June 2026 with the code LERNEN26. These promotions are time-limited, so you should check the current offer directly with IU before applying.
3. Recognition of previous achievements
Since you already work in IT support, it may be worth asking IU whether any previous education, training, professional experience or completed courses can be recognised. IU states that recognised prior achievements can reduce tuition fees by €30 per recognised ECTS point and may also shorten the study duration. This is not automatic; IU reviews the documents and learning outcomes.
How the scholarship application works:
For IU’s own scholarships, you should apply before you start studying at IU. IU’s checklist says that your studies must not yet have started. You fill out the scholarship application form, select your desired study programme and upload the required documents.
IU asks for:
a motivation letter as PDF, maximum one A4 page
a CV
proof of your university entrance qualification
additional proof depending on the scholarship type, for example disability proof, a child’s birth certificate for single parents, or a written statement for FirstGen funding
IU says the documents must be uploaded within 24 hours in step 2 of the scholarship application form. The application is only valid for the month in which you submit it. IU then informs applicants about acceptance or rejection by the 15th of the following month. If successful, you receive a personal discount code by email. This code must then be redeemed within six weeks in the online application, and the study contract must be signed in time; otherwise the scholarship expires.
So practically, the best order is:
Check which scholarship or discount could apply to you.
Prepare your motivation letter, CV and education documents.
Apply for the scholarship before starting the programme.
Wait for IU’s decision and discount code.
Use the code in the IU online application and sign the study contract within the deadline.
For normal admission to the Bachelor’s programme, IU also reviews whether your school-leaving qualification is equivalent to a German university entrance qualification. For international certificates, IU carries out an equivalency assessment. If your certificates are not in English or German, IU may require an official German translation. For enrolment, IU also lists an ID copy, possible proof of language proficiency and, depending on your route into the programme, employment references or a CV.
A motivation letter is therefore mainly relevant for the scholarship application, not necessarily for standard Bachelor admission. For admission itself, the important documents are usually your education certificates, proof of identity and any documents needed to assess your eligibility.
Because you are applying from outside the EU, I would strongly recommend contacting IU’s study advisory team before submitting the final application. Ask them to confirm three things in writing:
whether your country of residence is eligible for the scholarship or discount you want to use
whether your school or vocational qualification is sufficient for admission to the B.Sc. Data Science
which payment methods are available from your country
That way you avoid applying with incomplete documents or missing a discount deadline.