Are There English-Taught Early Childhood Education Degrees at Private Universities in Germany?

Hi, the honest answer is: English-taught Early Childhood Education degrees at private universities in Germany are currently very hard to find – and in our database there is no clear private English-taught Bachelor in this field.

Private universities in Germany do offer several Early Childhood Education / Kindheitspädagogik programmes, but the relevant programmes are taught in German. Examples are:

• IU International University: Kindheitspädagogik, B.A. – online, German-taught.
• Hochschule Fresenius: Kindheitspädagogik, Leitung und Management, B.A. – online, German-taught.
• DIPLOMA Hochschule: Frühpädagogik – Leitung und Management in der frühkindlichen Bildung, B.A. – online/part-time, German-taught.
• SRH University: Inklusive Kindheitspädagogik, B.A. – campus-based, German-taught.

The same is largely true for public universities and universities of applied sciences. Germany has several state-run Early Childhood Education / Childhood Pedagogy programmes, for example at universities of applied sciences or universities of education, but DAAD listings also show them mainly with German as the language of instruction. So switching from private to public universities usually does not solve the language issue. It may reduce tuition costs, but for early childhood education in Germany you should still plan for strong German skills required.

This is not just a random gap in the market. Early childhood education in Germany is closely linked to German law, childcare institutions, documentation, parent communication, safeguarding, internships and, depending on the programme, state recognition as a childhood educator. For that reason, German language skills are usually essential, especially if you want to work directly with children in German daycare centres, kindergartens or family-support settings.

If your German is still basic, you have three realistic options:

• Improve German first and then apply for a German-taught Early Childhood Education degree. For many programmes, B2 or C1 German may be required, especially for international applicants.
• Look for broader English-taught programmes in education, psychology, social sciences or management – but these usually do not qualify you directly for early childhood education work in Germany.
• Consider an English-taught programme outside Germany if your priority is a fully English Early Childhood Education degree and you do not necessarily need German professional recognition.

Important: If your goal is to work in a German Kita, preschool or early childhood setting, do not choose a random English-taught education degree just because it sounds similar. Check whether the degree leads to the professional recognition you need in the German federal state where you want to work.

For now, the practical answer is: Early Childhood Education at private universities in Germany is mainly available in German, not English. English-taught alternatives may exist in related fields, but they are usually not a direct replacement for a German Kindheitspädagogik degree.

You can still check current options here: Studyfinder for private universities. If you need help checking whether a specific programme would match your career goal in Germany, you can ask our virtual study advisor Sophie for support.