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The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course Public Management under the number 1124221. Are you a good fit for this Master in Public Management?
This online Master suits you if you want to move into leadership in the public and nonprofit sector while studying in German with full flexibility. It is designed for graduates with a related Bachelor and for professionals aiming to upskill in governance, law and digital transformation of public organisations.
Admission requirements
Who can apply? You need a first degree and German-language study readiness. Typical formal criteria:
- Completed Bachelor’s degree (at least 180 ECTS) from a state-recognised university in Public Management/public administration, Business Administration, Social Work/Social Management, or fields from HR, Law or Business Psychology.
- Minimum final grade “satisfactory”. If your grade is lower, admission is possible with additional evidence, e.g. 40 ECTS of relevant Master-level study, a completed relevant Master/MBA, or recognised postgraduate/professional qualifications at DQR7-equivalent (details assessed case by case).
- If your first degree is in another field, you can qualify via a Master entrance test by passing two specified modules within 12 months; the modules count towards the programme.
- Admission with international degrees: applications with foreign university qualifications are accepted when the awarding institution is recognised; equivalence and relevance are reviewed individually.
- Abitur is not required for a Master – your undergraduate degree is the key requirement.
Language of instruction: German. For non-native speakers you must provide one of these B2-level certificates (issued within the last five years):
- TestDaF (TND3) – at least 3 points in all parts
- DSH 1
- telc Deutsch B2
- ÖSD B2
Personal requirements
Success in a fully online, German-taught Master depends on consistent self-management and realistic weekly planning. In the recommended part-time model, plan about 20–25 hours per week; in full-time phases up to 40 hours. You should be comfortable reading legal texts, working with numbers (budgeting/controlling) and writing structured academic German (seminar papers, project work). A stable internet connection, a quiet space for proctored online exams, and reliable time-blocking are essential when you study from abroad across time zones.
This programme rewards perseverance, curiosity about public sector reform, and the ability to collaborate online. Strong communication skills, basic proficiency with productivity tools, and the discipline to meet rolling assignment and exam dates will help you keep momentum. If you already work in administration or an NGO, set expectations with your employer early to protect study time; if you are switching fields, allow extra hours in the first term to close knowledge gaps in public law and finance.
Target group examples
- Public-sector or NGO professionals seeking progression into project, strategy or leadership roles while studying alongside work.
- Business, HR or legal graduates aiming to transition into the public and nonprofit domain with a management-focused, German-taught Master.
- International residents in Germany (or abroad) who meet B2 German and want a flexible, recognised route into digital public management, procurement or controlling.
What will you study in the Public Management (M.A.) at IU International University of Applied Sciences?
This distance-learning Master is taught in German. You need proven German at least at B2 level before you start. Accepted certificates include TestDaF (min. 3 in all parts), DSH-1, telc Deutsch B2 or ÖSD B2. The programme combines public law, governance and leadership with data-informed management for the public and nonprofit sectors.
You will first consolidate your foundation in state and administrative frameworks. Typical topics include public law and the steering of authorities, administrative procedures and procurement structures. This gives you the legal language and judgement you need to operate confidently in German-speaking administrations.
A second block focuses on management and organisation. You will work with project and process management, leadership and change management to plan reforms and run programmes. Controlling and public financial management train you to translate policy goals into measurable outputs and to manage budgets responsibly.
Digital transformation is another pillar. You engage with e-government, information security and data protection so that you can design citizen-centred services securely and in line with EU/German regulation. Intercultural and ethical competences help you navigate stakeholder interests and the public value mission.
Methodological depth supports all of this: research methods and seminar work sharpen your analytical skills, while case studies and applied projects link theory to real administrative challenges such as EU cohesion policy and funding management.
Electives let you tailor the Master to your career plan. In the 60-ECTS track, options include fields like foreigners’ affairs, intervention management and performance management. You finish with a Master’s thesis that demonstrates your ability to solve a practice-relevant problem with academic methods.
IU is a Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences) and staatlich anerkannt (state-recognised). That status underpins the value of your degree in Germany and the EU.
How does studying in the Public Management (M.A.) work?
Teaching language and proof of German
The teaching language is German. For admission to the German-taught track you submit a recognised B2 certificate, e.g. TestDaF (3/3/3/3), DSH-1, telc Deutsch B2, or ÖSD B2. The certificate must be valid at the time of enrolment. Your study materials, assessments and academic communication are in German.
Study model and where you will learn
You study as a distance learner, fully online. There is no campus attendance requirement and you can start at flexible dates. The online campus gives you access to study scripts, videos, practice exercises and a large digital library around the clock. If you live near one of the university’s test centres, you can optionally use it for exams.
Learning format, interaction and support
The programme combines guided self-study with interactive online elements. Expect multimedia content, virtual seminars and forums for exchange with lecturers and fellow students. Personal support includes study and career coaching and an online learning assistant. This format suits professionals or students outside Germany who need schedule and location flexibility.
Exams and assessments
Assessments include online exams (bookable 24/7), written assignments and project work, presentations, seminars and the Master’s colloquium. Wherever possible, exams can be taken online from home; alternative on-site sessions at a nearby test centre are available for selected formats.
What enrolment means if you live outside Germany
Because the programme runs online without compulsory on-site classes, you can complete it from your home country. A German student visa is typically relevant only if you plan to relocate to Germany for on-campus study or work; this distance model does not require relocation.
What does the Public Management (M.A.) cost?
For the 60-ECTS distance-learning track, tuition is shown as €449 per month, adding up to €9,547 in total over the standard duration. This covers teaching, the digital campus and regular assessments. Plan a small budget for extras such as optional use of physical test centres, specialist literature, or fees charged by external bodies if you pursue add-on certificates.
Payment from abroad is possible in monthly instalments, which spreads the cost if you continue to work alongside your studies. IU also operates scholarship and employer-sponsorship routes; check availability early if you need financial support. If you have prior academic achievements recognised, your study time and total tuition can be reduced accordingly.
Living costs: as an online programme with no compulsory campus phases, you do not need to relocate. Your living expenses remain those of your current location. If you choose to move to Germany during your studies, typical monthly costs in large cities can range widely for rent, insurance and transport; factor this in separately from tuition.
What careers and recognition does the Public Management (M.A.) offer?
Your degree is awarded by IU International University of Applied Sciences, a state-recognised (staatlich anerkannt) private university of applied sciences. The distance course is approved for delivery by the German regulator for distance learning (ZFU). The Master follows the Bologna system and awards ECTS credits, which supports recognition across the EU and by many international employers and institutions.
What this means for you: state recognition confirms IU’s right to award academic degrees in Germany; ZFU approval ensures the distance-learning format meets quality standards; and ECTS credits make your workload transparent internationally. Together, these are strong signals for employers in Germany and the EU public sector, consultancies, and NGOs.
Typical roles after graduation include:
- Project manager in public administration (digitalisation, sustainability or organisational reforms)
- Officer for procurement and contracting or public grants management
- Controller or performance manager in municipal or regional authorities
- Information security or data protection officer in a public body
- Policy officer or staff specialist for smart government and open data
In Germany’s public service context, salaries depend on responsibility, federal state and whether you work as a public employee (TVöD/TV-L pay scales) or in public companies/NGOs. With a Master’s and relevant experience, moving into E10–E13-equivalent roles or comparable salary bands in public enterprises and consultancies is realistic over time.
Who is the Public Management (M.A.) right for – and who not?
This Master suits people aiming to lead projects and manage change in administrations, public companies or nonprofits. It blends law, governance and management with digital topics, and it is designed for flexible online study alongside work or from abroad.
- You already work in the public or third sector and want to progress into project, staff or leadership roles.
- You want to combine public law and finance with performance management, procurement and e-government.
- You prefer a fully online programme with flexible exams and no mandatory campus attendance.
- You plan a career in Germany, Austria or Switzerland and can study and write professionally in German.
There are also clear cases where another programme may fit better. Read the following points carefully before you decide.
- You need an English-taught Master now. This programme is conducted in German only and requires a B2 certificate.
- You require a degree that automatically grants a specific civil service “Laufbahnbefähigung” (regulated career track). This Master alone does not replace state-specific requirements.
- You want a classic on-campus experience with laboratory work, regular face-to-face classes or compulsory internships. The format here is online distance learning.
- Your priority is the lowest possible tuition at a German public university. Private university fees are higher than the semester contributions at state institutions.
Lade… 
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