Your First Degree. Without Detours.

Six to eight semesters is the rule. Those who get prior learning credited (work experience, IHK advancement, certificates, previous studies) can shorten this to four to five semesters. The advertising claim 'bachelor in 36 months' only applies if you really invest 20+ hours per week and don't switch programs.

Yes, in all three DACH countries. In Germany there are three paths: master craftsman or comparable advancement qualification, professionally qualified with relevant work experience, or aptitude test. In Austria the standard route is called Studienberechtigungsprüfung. In Switzerland, professionals use the Passerelle or part-time FH access programs. Which path fits you, we clarify in the initial consultation.

Up to 50 percent of a degree program is possible, so up to 90 ECTS in a 180-ECTS bachelor. Some universities flat-rate 30 to 60 ECTS for several years of relevant work experience. Individual recognition via qualification proof can go beyond. The Lisbon Convention obligates universities to credit if no substantial differences exist. The burden of proof lies with the university, not with you.

In Germany between 8,000 and 25,000 euros total for the entire degree, depending on private or state university. In Austria 4,000 to 18,000 euros. In Switzerland 6,000 to 20,000 CHF. State FH are cheaper, private offer more service and flexibility. Most of it is tax-deductible.

Both degrees are equivalent at 180 ECTS under Bologna. In the private sector, after five years on the job no one asks about FH or university anymore, what matters is experience and results. In public service and strongly regulated professions, the university variant can have advantages because it leads more easily to a doctorate.

Realistically 15 to 25 hours per week, more during exam phases. The university framework calculates 30 ECTS per semester at 25 to 30 hours of effort per ECTS. In my consulting I say it openly: those who can't find 15 hours fail or extend. That needs honest checking in advance.

In Austria yes, automatically via the Bologna agreement. In Switzerland the degree is evaluated by SBFI (CHF 350, takes up to ten months). For regulated professions like nursing or teaching, additional professional recognition is needed. For non-regulated professions (business, marketing, IT), the Bologna degree usually suffices without evaluation.

Part-time programs allow leave semesters and extensions. For illness, parental leave, or peak job phases you can pause. Important: tuition fees continue at some private universities, clarify this before enrolling. State programs are more lenient here.

For classical computer science yes, linear algebra, statistics, and discrete math are mandatory. For applied variants like business informatics or media informatics, solid school math is enough. Those with math gaps should take a preparatory course before starting, most universities offer this for free.

No. For licensure as a psychotherapist you need a consecutive degree of bachelor and master in psychology under the reformed Psychotherapy Act. Business psychology qualifies you for HR, coaching, market research, but not for clinical treatment. Those who want to become a psychotherapist need the classical psychology track.

On average, academics in DACH earn 30 to 50 percent more than non-academics, and the gap grows with career length. With 12,000 euros in study costs and 6,000 euros additional salary per year, the investment is amortized after three years. More important than the number is professional fit: a business bachelor in a position without advancement potential doesn't pay off, alongside a shift leader role or as a career changer to specialist it does.

Six criteria I work through in the initial consultation: accreditation and recognition in your target country, program structure (mandatory and elective), tuition fees plus hidden costs, format (online, blended, on-site phases), credit transfer practice (lenient or restrictive), and service (study advice during the program). After the conversation you have three to five programs to choose from that really fit.