- Founded
- 2013
- Students
- 4,797
- Programmes
- 20
- Taught in English
- 1
About IST-Hochschule für Management
IST-Hochschule für Management is a private, state-recognised university of applied sciences founded in 2013 and based in Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia. The institution is institutionally accredited by the Wissenschaftsrat (German Science Council) and holds FIBAA programme accreditation. It specialises in distance and blended-learning degree programmes, combining self-study course materials with online lectures, tutorials, and a learning app, supplemented by optional in-person seminars at exam centres across Germany and Austria.
The university organises its programmes across four subject clusters: Sport & Management, Fitness & Health, Tourism & Hospitality, and Communication & Business. Both bachelor and master degrees are offered as full-time, part-time, and dual-study variants, with the dual-study track typically employer-funded. One English-taught master programme is available (Exercise Science & Sports Nutrition); all other programmes are delivered in German.
With approximately 4,800 enrolled students, IST-Hochschule is one of the larger private distance-learning universities in Germany. Its programmes are consistently ranked among the most popular distance-learning offerings on platforms such as FernstudiumCheck. The university is classified as a Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences), emphasising practical, industry-facing competencies over research.
State-recognised private university of applied sciences in Düsseldorf, founded 2013
Institutional accreditation by the Wissenschaftsrat; FIBAA-accredited bachelor and master programmes
Four subject clusters: Sport & Management, Fitness & Health, Tourism & Hospitality, Communication & Business
Flexible study formats: full-time, part-time, and dual-study (blended/distance learning)
One English-taught master's programme available (Exercise Science & Sports Nutrition)
Ranked most popular distance-learning university in Germany on FernstudiumCheck 2026
Key facts
- Type
- Fachhochschulen / HAW
- Founded
- 2013
- Students
- 4,797
- Faculties
- 4
- Programmes
- 20
Study programmes
20 accredited degrees at IST-Hochschule für Management, 1 of them taught in English.
No programmes match these filters.
Try removing one, or browse every degree at this university.
Clear filtersAdmissions & fees
What it costs
IST-Hochschule is a private institution; tuition fees apply to all students regardless of nationality. Bachelor programmes: €379/month (6-semester full-time track, total approx. €13,644) or €319/month (8-semester part-time track, total approx. €15,312). Master programmes: €445/month (4-semester full-time) or €325/month (6-semester part-time); dual master programmes approx. €415/month over 5 semesters (typically employer-funded). All study materials and online campus access are included in the monthly fee; no additional semester contribution. There is no tuition-free public-university status here - this is a private Fachhochschule.
Admission requirements
Applicants must hold a recognised German Hochschulzugangsberechtigung (university entrance qualification) or an equivalent foreign qualification. International applicants are processed through uni-assist for credential evaluation. For Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese applicants, an APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate is required as part of the visa and admission process - the IST-Hochschule international office references APS and uni-assist for non-European applicants. Language proficiency in German is required for all German-taught programmes (specific level not stated on the official site - verify with the institution). The one English-taught master's programme requires B2 English. Application is submitted via the online portal at anmeldung.ist-hochschule.de. The international office contact is Nina Jestaedt.
Application deadlines
Bachelor's and MBA programmes accept applications year-round with no fixed deadline (distance learning, flexible start). Master's programmes have a winter-semester application deadline of 30 September.
How international applicants apply
Used - uni-assist in VPD mode plus the university's own online registration. IST-Hochschule appears on uni-assist's official member list with the note that applicants obtain the Vorpruefungsdokumentation (VPD) from uni-assist and then submit their application with the VPD directly to the university; its International Office publishes a dedicated uni-assist information sheet for applicants with foreign education certificates (linked from the Incoming Students section) and advises non-EU dual-study applicants on 'Uni Assist und VPD', APS certificates and blocked accounts. The degree application itself is filed via IST's own online registration (anmeldung.ist-hochschule.de); because delivery is distance-based, studying entirely from abroad (digital exams or exams at Goethe-Instituts worldwide) is possible.
Languages of instruction
German (all programmes except one). One English-taught master's programme: Master's Program in Exercise Science & Sports Nutrition. MBA programmes require B2-level English proficiency.
Entry requirements, intake dates and language levels differ for every degree.
Scholarships at IST-Hochschule für Management
2 schemes run or administered by the university. Always confirm current amounts and deadlines on the official page.
Deutschlandstipendium
EUR 300 monthly income-independent grant co-funded by private sponsors and the federal government; selection weighs grades ('gut'...
Amount: EUR 300 per month
Deadline: Application window opens 15 July and closes 15 August (2026 cycle)
bachelor, master
IST-Stipendienprogramm (own scholarship programme)
Performance-independent scholarship aimed at socially engaged or disadvantaged applicants, people with family obligations or excep...
bachelor, master
Campuses & locations
Erkrather Str. 220 a-c, D-40233 Düsseldorf. Primary administrative and academic hub.
Living in Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf is the state capital of North Rhine-Westphalia and one of Germany's major business and media hubs, home to fashion, advertising, and corporate headquarters. The city has a large international community and excellent transport links, including a major international airport. For distance-learning students at IST-Hochschule, physical presence in Düsseldorf is minimal; exam sittings are available across nine German cities and Innsbruck (Austria).
Student life & support
Because IST-Hochschule operates primarily as a distance-learning institution, traditional on-campus student life is limited. Students interact mainly through an online campus platform, digital tutorials, and web-based training. Optional in-person seminars and exams are held at partner locations across Germany. The university has a dedicated support structure for high-performance athletes who combine study with competitive sport careers.
Want our guides higher up in Google?
Mark GradGermany as a preferred source and Google gives our pages more room when you search about studying in Germany. Takes one tap, and you can undo it any time from the same screen.
More universities in Nordrhein-Westfalen
View all in Nordrhein-Westfalen →Alanus Hochschule
Kunst- und Musikhochschulen · 25 programmes
Bergische Universität Wuppertal
Universitäten · 291 programmes
CBS University of Applied Sciences
Fachhochschulen / HAW · 51 programmes
Deutsche Hochschule der Polizei
Hochschulen eigenen Typs · 2 programmes
Deutsche Sporthochschule Köln
Universitäten · 30 programmes
EBZ Business School - University of Applied Sciences
Fachhochschulen / HAW · 8 programmes
Interested in Studying at
IST-Hochschule für Management?
Our team can help you with the application process, documentation, and everything you need to get started.