What you get for free
Information on study content & electives
Information on career prospects
Information on financing options
Distance LearningBachelor
Betriebswirtschaftslehre (B.A.)
180 ECTS credits. Language: German.
Duration:6 semesters・180 ECTSDepending on model
Accreditation:state-approvedZFU: 147011c
Start your studies. Get your discount. Shape your future.
Apply with ZIEL26 by July 30th & secure €1,444 discount + iPad.
Start your distance learning bachelor’s programme in ”Betriebswirtschaftslehre (BWL)” today
The environment in which businesses operate is becoming ever more dynamic. In the bachelor's in "BWL”, you'll gain a contemporary overview of economic contexts and specialise in a practical field of your choice.
How your studies get you ahead:
You’ll combine thorough basics in business administration with a high level of practical relevance and modern specialisations that sharpen your profile and qualify you across various industries.
You'll develop a deep awareness of current issues such as sustainability, digitalisation, and artificial intelligence, and learn to respond flexibly to change.
After graduation, you'll be versatile and able to work – depending on your personal preference and specialisation – in all sectors and companies of any size in a wide variety of positions.
With completed vocational training as "Industriekaufmann:frau" (Industrial Clerk), "Bankkaufmann:frau" (Bank Clerk), or "Kaufmann:frau für Büromanagement" (Management Assistant for Office Management), you benefit both time-wise and financially during your studies: You save at least 50 ECTS credits.
Study flexible
Study flexible
anytime and anywhere with 24/7 online exams, full- or part-time.
Learn innovatively
Learn innovatively
on your digital campus with your own AI study assistant and multimedia tools.
State-recognized
State-recognized
Benefit from an accredited degree with excellent career prospects.
Summary
Your study programme summed up
Study programme & degree
B.A., 180 ECTS credits
Language: de
Full-time or part-time, 100% flexible
Starting date
Start today with Comfort Start – or start any time on your preferred date
Study duration & extension
36, 48, 72 months, depending on model Extension possible free of charge
Locations
Study programme independent of time & place, no mandatory attendance, innovative study tools available on online-campus, AI study assistant Syntea, exams online or at nearest examination centre
Study fees
Starting at 249€/month, depending on model
Recognition & Approval
Study program is state-approved, accredited & internationally renowned, 180 ECTS - DE: AR-Siegel, ZFU: 147011c
Getting your degree with vocational training
With relevant vocational training "Industriekaufmann:frau" (Industrial Clerk), "Bankkaufmann:frau" (Bank Clerk), or "Kaufmann:frau für Büromanagement" (Management Assistant for Office Management), recognition of 50 to 90 ECTS credits is possible.
Start today: try us out for 1 month
Apply now and start today – or choose your starting date flexibly. You can then test IU for 1 month free of charge. Fees only apply if you decide to continue.
Course Content
Your course overview in distance learning Business Administration (BWL)
During your studies, you will acquire a broad knowledge base in the field of economics and at the same time have the opportunity to focus on a specialist area of your choice, depending on your personal interests. The extensive range of compulsory electives offers you a total of 10 specializations, such as Accounting and Controlling, Retail and Sustainability Management, Digital Business or Corporate Management.
Our Bachelor's degree program has a modular structure, i.e. you study based on subject areas that are divided into modules. After successfully completing the modules, you will be credited with ECTS points (European Credit Transfer System), which document your achievements. These ECTS points are internationally comparable and of course recognized.
Compulsory elective modules: In compulsory elective areas A, B and C, you choose two compulsory elective modules each. Compulsory elective area D: Decide at the beginning between an internship at a company or modules from compulsory elective area D. You complete the internship with a practical reflection. If you opt for the modules from compulsory elective area D, all modules from this area must be completed. Mixed forms between internship and elective area D are not possible.
| Module | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Betriebswirtschaftslehre | 5 |
| Einführung in das wissenschaftliche Arbeiten für Wirtschaft, Management und Kommunikation | 5 |
| Managerial Economics | 5 |
| Wirtschaftsmathematik | 5 |
| Projekt: Agiles Projektmanagement | 5 |
| Wahlpflichtmodul D | 5 |
| Module | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Marketing | 5 |
| Buchführung und Bilanzierung | 5 |
| Steuerlehre | 5 |
| Statistik | 5 |
| Projekt: Corporate Social Responsibility | 5 |
| Wahlpflichtmodul D | 5 |
| Module | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Kosten- und Leistungsrechnung | 5 |
| Recht | 5 |
| Leadership 4.0 | 5 |
| Grundlagen im Management | 5 |
| Projekt: Wirtschaftspolitik | 5 |
| Wahlpflichtmodul D | 5 |
| Module | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Investition und Finanzierung | 5 |
| Unternehmensplanung und -kontrolle | 5 |
| Seminar: Aktuelle Themen der Betriebswirtschaftslehre | 5 |
| Personal und Unternehmensführung | 5 |
| Projekt: Unternehmensgründung | 5 |
| Wahlpflichtmodul D | 5 |
| Module | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Projekt: Digitale Business-Modelle | 5 |
| Wahlpflichtmodul A | 10 |
| Wahlpflichtmodul B | 10 |
| Wahlpflichtmodul D | 5 |
| Module | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Projekt: Megatrends im Unternehmenskontext | 5 |
| Wahlpflichtmodul C | 10 |
| Wahlpflichtmodul D | 5 |
| Bachelorarbeit | 10 |
| Module | ECTS credits |
|---|---|
| Wahlpflichtmodul A (es sind 10 ECTS Punkte zu wählen) | |
| Controlling | 5 |
| Digital Finance und Controlling | 5 |
| Aktuelle Themen im Sozialmanagement | 5 |
| Einführung in die Soziale Arbeit | 5 |
| Transport, Umschlag und Lagerung | 5 |
| Supply Chain Management | 5 |
| Grundlagen Handelsmanagement | 5 |
| Internationale Marktforschung | 5 |
| Interkulturelles Management | 5 |
| Internationale Marktforschung | 5 |
| Einführung in das Pflegemanagement | 5 |
| Einführung in die Gesundheitsökonomie | 5 |
| Nachhaltigkeits- und Qualitätsmanagement | 5 |
| Nachhaltige Technologien | 5 |
| Digital Future Commerce | 5 |
| Digital HR | 5 |
| Projektmanagement | 5 |
| Programmmanagement und Projektcontrolling | 5 |
| Gesprächsführung und Verhandlungstechniken | 5 |
| Projekt: Organisationsentwicklung | 5 |
| Abgabenordnung und Erbschaftssteuer | 5 |
| Körperschaft -und Gewerbesteuer | 5 |
| Personalmarketing und -entwicklung | 5 |
| Digital HR | 5 |
| Onlinemarketing | 5 |
| Social-Media-Marketing | 5 |
| Digital Future Industry | 5 |
| Produktentwicklung 4.0 | 5 |
| Banken und Versicherungen | 5 |
| Projekt: Banken und Versicherungen | 5 |
| Grundlagen der IT- und ERP-Systeme | 5 |
| Data Analytics und Big Data | 5 |
| Business Intelligence | 5 |
| Artificial Intelligence | 5 |
| Projekt: Artificial Intelligence | 5 |
| Financial Services Management I | 5 |
| Fremdsprache Englisch | 5 |
| Einkauf, Beschaffung und Distribution | 5 |
| Corporate Finance | 5 |
| Kollaboratives Arbeiten | 5 |
| Projekt: Interkulturelle Herausforderungen im International Business | 5 |
| Wahlpflichtmodul B (es sind 10 ECTS Punkte zu wählen) | |
| Governance, Compliance und Risikomanagement | 5 |
| Projekt: Unternehmensbewertung | 5 |
| Sozialpsychologie | 5 |
| Sozialrecht | 5 |
| Green und Social Logistics | 5 |
| Seminar: Aktuelle Themen des Logistikmanagements | 5 |
| E-Commerce I | 5 |
| Supply Chain Management | 5 |
| Globale Unternehmen und Globalisierung | 5 |
| Internationales Personalmanagement | 5 |
| Qualitätsmanagement in der Pflege | 5 |
| Rahmenbedingungen des Gesundheitsmarktes | 5 |
| Green und Social Logistics | 5 |
| Nachhaltigkeit aus Konsumentenperspektive | 5 |
| Innovation im Digital Environment | 5 |
| Projekt: Marketing Analytics | 5 |
| Projekt: Neue Formen der Zusammenarbeit | 5 |
| Projekt: Projektsimulation | 5 |
| Wirtschaftspsychologie | 5 |
| Advanced Leadership I | 5 |
| Projekt: Einkommensteuer | 5 |
| Seminar: Verkehrssteuern | 5 |
| Projekt: New Work | 5 |
| Internationales Personalmanagement | 5 |
| Digital and Mobile Campaigns | 5 |
| Projekt: Marketing Analytics | 5 |
| Fertigungsverfahren Industrie 4.0 | 5 |
| Digitalisierung in der Produktion | 5 |
| Corporate Finance | 5 |
| Finanzmanagement | 5 |
| Grundlagen des Datenschutzes und der IT-Sicherheit für nicht-technische Studiengänge | 5 |
| Advanced Data Analysis | 5 |
| Projekt: Business Intelligence | 5 |
| Einführung in Data Science | 5 |
| Einführung in die Programmierung mit Python | 5 |
| Projekt: Objektorientierte und funktionale Programmierung mit Python | 5 |
| Einkauf, Beschaffung und Distribution | 5 |
| Business Consulting I | 5 |
| Business Consulting II | 5 |
| Fremdsprache Englisch | 5 |
| Projektmanagement | 5 |
| Kollaboratives Arbeiten | 5 |
| Projekt: Generative KI im Unternehmenskontext | 5 |
| Projekt: Internationales Management | 5 |
| Wahlpflichtmodul C (es sind 10 ECTS Punkte zu wählen) | |
| International Accounting | 5 |
| Konzernrechnungswesen | 5 |
| Sozialmanagement | 5 |
| Sozialwirtschaft und Sozialökonomie | 5 |
| Logistics Operations Management | 5 |
| Entwurf und Planung logistischer Systeme | 5 |
| Customer Relationship Management | 5 |
| Internationale Handelsstrategien | 5 |
| Internationales Vertragsmanagement | 5 |
| Internationale Handelsstrategien | 5 |
| Pflegecontrolling | 5 |
| Handlungsansätze im Pflegemarkt | 5 |
| Seminar Nachhaltiges Management | 5 |
| Circular Economy | 5 |
| Webshop und Plattformen | 5 |
| Digital Finance und Controlling | 5 |
| Projekt: Design Thinking | 5 |
| Spezialaspekte des Projektmanagements | 5 |
| Projekt: Agile Transformation in Organisationen | 5 |
| Unternehmensplanspiel | 5 |
| Internationales Steuerrecht | 5 |
| Konzernrechnungswesen | 5 |
| Personalcontrolling und Payroll | 5 |
| Personalpsychologie | 5 |
| Customer Relationship Management | 5 |
| Projekt: Cross Media Marketing | 5 |
| Grundlagen der industriellen Softwaretechnik | 5 |
| Seminar: Aktuelle Themen der Industriebetriebslehre | 5 |
| Seminar: Nachhaltiges Management | 5 |
| Nachhaltigkeit und Innovation im Finanzwesen | 5 |
| Betriebssysteme, Rechnernetze und verteilte Systeme | 5 |
| Qualitätssicherung im Softwareprozess | 5 |
| Einführung in die Programmierung mit Python | 5 |
| Advanced Data Analysis | 5 |
| Cloud Computing | 5 |
| Projekt: KI-Exzellenz mit kreativen Prompt-Techniken | 5 |
| Fremdsprache Italienisch | 5 |
| Fremdsprache Französisch | 5 |
| Fremdsprache Spanisch | 5 |
| Fremdsprache Englisch | 5 |
| Project: Salesforce Fundamentals | 5 |
| Project: CRM with Salesforce Service Cloud | 5 |
| Angewandter Vertrieb I | 5 |
| Angewandter Vertrieb II | 5 |
| Personalwesen Spezialisierung I | 5 |
| Personalwesen Spezialisierung II | 5 |
| Persönlicher Karriereplan | 5 |
| Persönlicher Elevator Pitch | 5 |
| Project: Dynamics 365 Business Central - Financial Company Setup | 5 |
| Project: Dynamics 365 Business Central - Business Processes with Focus on Sales and Distribution | 5 |
| Project: SAP S/4HANA - Financial Company Setup incl. Human Capital Management | 5 |
| Project: SAP S/4HANA - Business Processes | 5 |
| Financial Services Management I | 5 |
| Einkauf, Beschaffung und Distribution | 5 |
| Corporate Finance | 5 |
| Projektmanagement | 5 |
| Lebenslanges und digitales Lernen: Kompetenzen und Praktiken | 5 |
| Green Branding & Marketing: Strategien, Herausforderungen und Praktiken | 5 |
| Biodiversität: Herausforderungen, Handlungsfelder und Lösungsansätze | 5 |
| Klimawandel: Herausforderungen, Handlungsfelder und Lösungsansätze | 5 |
| Self-Leadership: Kompetenzen und Praktiken | 5 |
| Büromanagement: Einführung | 5 |
| Büromanagement: Vertiefung | 5 |
| Kollaboratives Arbeiten | 5 |
| Project: Process Innovation with Copilot | 5 |
| Studium Generale I | 5 |
| Studium Generale II | 5 |
| Projekt: Sustainable Finance | 5 |
| Wahlpflichtmodul D - wenn Du Dich für das Praktikum entscheidest: | |
| Praktikum: Wirtschaft & Management | 30 |
| Wahlpflichtmodul D - wenn Du Dich für die sechs Module entscheidest: | |
| Interaktion und Kommunikation in Organisationen | 5 |
| Interkulturelle und ethische Handlungskompetenzen | 5 |
| Personal Skills | 5 |
| Kollaboratives Arbeiten | 5 |
| Projekt: Public Speaking | 5 |
| Konfliktmanagement und Mediation | 5 |
Boost your career: Do an (optional) internship!
Do you want a flexible study programme that's also practical? You're in the right place: at IU, you have the possibility to deepen your knowledge in an integrated internship in the field of your programme (30 ECTS credits). Alternatively, you can expand your expertise in practice-oriented modules (30 ECTS credits). Simply decide in the first semester, which type of practical knowledge suits you and your goals. If you already have work experience or gain it during your studies, you can have this credited or recognised under certain conditions – saving you time and money.
Specialisations
To give you guidance in selecting your modules, we have put together some possible specialisations you can follow. However, if you want to put together your modules completely freely, that is also possible.
Elective Module: Salesforce Platform Management
Salesforce is the world's most-used software solution for Customer Relationship Management (CRM). The tool stands out because it offers very many functions and integrates the latest technologies. As the elective module is conducted in cooperation with Salesforce, you will also be prepared for certifications as part of the module.
Mastering AI.
Did you know? During your studies, you have the opportunity to take our new AI module*. Here, you will learn everything you need to know about AI to be prepared for the professional world of tomorrow.
*Further information can be found in your module handbook.
Career
Your career prospects with a degree in "Betriebswirtschaftslehre"
With a degree in the field of business administration, you will become a sought-after all-round talent and can work with your solid know-how in all industries and companies of any size in various positions. For example, you may work as a(n):
As an executive assistant, you actively accompany central development processes in the company. You support management with strategic questions and take care of preparation and follow-up of meetings and conferences. You are also responsible for creating analyses and decision templates. The implementation, controlling and analysis of projects also fall within your remit. In addition, you organise appointments and travel, clarify personnel questions and help out your supervisor in daily business.
As an entrepreneur, it is your task to turn your business idea into a reality and start a new company. You are responsible for all processes and decisions – holding all the strings in your hands from the beginning. This also includes the challenge of securing funding for the business and leading the company in all its functions.
As a project staff member, you are responsible for cost monitoring, meeting deadlines and achieving objectives within your project. You have the technical responsibility for the project team and manage the project activities. This includes preparing and conducting project meetings and the creation and updating of the project plan. Adherence to guidelines and procedures is a matter of course for you.
Fees
Study model and prices for the online Bachelor's study programme in Betriebswirtschaftslehre
Only until 30.07.2026
Full-Time
Duration 36 Months
Perfect for students who want to hit the ground running and shorten the period of study by increasing their studying pace.
€399
€379 /mtl.Apply by July 30th and use the code ZIEL26 to get €1,444 discount and a free iPad.
Only until 30.07.2026
Part-Time I
Duration 48 Months
Excellent for talented all-rounders who want to give their studies everything they’ve got while holding down a job and keeping down their monthly costs at the same time.
€344
€329 /mtl.Apply by July 30th and use the code ZIEL26 to get €1,444 discount and a free iPad.
Only until 30.07.2026
Part-Time II
Duration 72 Months
Ideal for students who would like to take their time completing their course on top of their job and everyday life and keep down the monthly costs of their studies.
€259
€249 /mtl.Apply by July 30th and use the code ZIEL26 to get €1,444 discount and a free iPad.
All our study programmes include the following services
Begin today with Comfort Start – or start any time on your preferred date
Free trial month*
Optional semester abroad
Access to MS Office
Opportunities to exchange with teachers and fellow students
Online library with 60,000 E-books and access to Statista
Eduroam internet access at over 20,000 locations worldwide
Study and career coaching
Access to over 14,000 courses and 1,800 video tutorials via LinkedIn Learning
Holiday semesters and free extension for up to 12 months
*The fees for this period only apply if you continue your studies with us.
We are here for you
Do you need help with your decision? Your personal study advisor is happy to help you!
Recognition
Benefit from your vocational training
Did you know that with your completed vocational training, you can save a significant amount of time and money? In the bachelor's degree "Betriebswirtschaftslehre”, you particularly benefit from vocational training as "Industriekaufmann:frau (IHK)" (Industrial Clerk), "Bankkaufmann:frau (IHK)" (Bank Clerk), or "Kaufmann:frau für Büromanagement" (Office Management Clerk) – and save between 50 and 90 ECTS credits by having it recognised.
You can also benefit from other vocational training. Simply submit your application for recognition online to find out more – no strings attached.
With completed vocational training as an "Industriekaufmann:frau IHK" (Industrial Clerk), you save 88 ECTS credits in the Bachelor’s of PR & Communication with A-levels or 78 ECTS credits without A-levels.
With completed vocational training as a "Bankkaufmann:frau" (IHK) (Bank Clerk IHK), you save 72 ECTS credits in the Bachelor’s of Business Administration with A-levels or 62 ECTS credits without A-levels.
With completed vocational training as a "Kaufmann:frau für Büromanagement" (Management Assistant for Office Management), you save 65 ECTS credits in the Bachelor’s of Business Administration with A-levels or 55 ECTS credits without A-levels.
To have your vocational training recognised towards your studies, simply fill out our application for recognition – without commitment and 100% online. To secure all the advantages of our recognition, you should definitely submit the application before the end of the trial month. Even if your vocational training is not listed above, you can save time and money through recognition.
Need help with your recognition application? Our recognition guide brings together all the key information you need.
Admission requirements
Admission requirements
We make it possible: At IU International University of Applied Sciences you can start your desired study programme - without NC, state-recognised, with or without a general A-level!
With vocational or high school diploma With a general university entrance qualification (high school diploma) or an entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences (vocational diploma: academic and practical part), you can enter our Bachelor's study programme* directly.
Graduates from Waldorf schools and vocational colleges in Baden-Württemberg must have their entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences confirmed by the relevant authority in order to be able to study in another federal state. This also applies if you want to study in a federal state other than Thuringia. Additional achievements may be required. Our student advisory team will answer any questions about this.
* For applicants with international school diplomas (e.g. IB-Diploma) or degrees earned abroad, the institution conducts an equivalence test (according to Anabin).
You can also study at IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) without a high school diploma. To do so, you simply need:
A master craftsman's certificate or
Advanced professional training (e.g. as an IHK business administrator) or
At least two years of recognized vocational training in Germany, followed by at least 3 years of professional experience (full-time)*: Depending on the focus of your training and professional activity and what you want to study, you can start directly with a trial phase or prove your aptness in other ways.
*If you have completed your vocational training and professional experience within Europe, but outside of Germany, the university will carry out an equivalency assessment. EU qualifications can be accepted as equivalent if your vocational qualification is comparable to a German vocational qualification at level DQR 4.
We require proof of your German language skills from prospective foreign students for the German language study programme. You can prove this to us as follows:
TestDaF (TND3, min. 3 points in all sections, level B2)
DSH (DSH1, level B2)
Telc (Telc B2, level B2)
ÖSD (ÖSD B2, level B2)
Please note: The proof must be submitted before the start of the study programme and must not be older than five years as a rule.
Start today: try us out for 1 month
Apply now and start today – or choose your starting date flexibly. You can then test IU for 1 month free of charge. Fees only apply if you decide to continue.
Request free study brochure
Voices on distance learning
Soziale Arbeit (B.A.)
Stefanie
Sehr empfehlenswert
Insgesamt ein super Studium, ich bin sehr zufrieden und fühle mich rundum gut betreut und aufgehoben. Es wird sich viel Mühe um die Zufriedenheit der Studenten gegeben und auch die Dozenten sind super nett und engagiert. Man kann jederzeit Fragen klären und hat immer einen Ansprechpartner der einem weiterhilft. Ich würde jederzeit wieder an der IU studieren und kann es nur weiterempfehlen!
Posted on 22.05.2026 on fernstudiumcheck.de
Angewandte Psychologie (B.Sc.)
Albena
Flexibilität im Fernstudium neben dem Beruf
Ich habe bisher sehr gute Erfahrungen im Fernstudium ‚Angewandte Psychologie‘ gemacht. Besonders gut gefällt mir die Flexibilität bei der IU, weil ich neben dem Studium zu 100 % arbeite. Ich kann selbst entscheiden, wann und wie viel ich lerne. Sehr zufrieden bin ich auch damit, dass ich keinen Druck habe, wann ich mit dem Studium fertig sein muss, und dass ich kostenlos verlängern kann. Dadurch kann ich das Studium besser mit meinem Berufsleben vereinbaren.
Posted on 20.04.2026 on fernstudiumcheck.de
International Management (M.A.)
Djo
Bin ein großer Fan der IU
Ich bin ein großer Fan der IU und habe dort in letzter Zeit unglaublich viel gelernt. Die Möglichkeiten, die Studierenden geboten werden – insbesondere im Fernstudium – sind sehr vielfältig und flexibel. Dadurch macht das Lernen nicht nur Spaß, sondern lässt sich auch hervorragend in den Alltag integrieren. [...] Für mich gehört die IU zu den besten Anbietern für Fernstudiengänge in Deutschland. Ich kann sie aus voller Überzeugung jederzeit weiterempfehlen.
Posted on 03.06.2026 on fernstudiumcheck.de
Awards, accreditations and certifications
