You already have a degree but are considering studying again? You're not alone. More and more professionals are choosing a second degree. The reasons are as varied as the people themselves: career change, subject-matter deepening, or the desire for an academic qualification in a new field.
When Is a Second Degree Worth It?
Not everyone needs a second degree. Sometimes professional development or a certificate is enough. But in these situations, a second degree makes sense:
- Career change: You want to move into a completely different professional field and need the formal qualification.
- Subject-matter specialisation: Your first degree was too broad, and you want to deepen your expertise in a specific area.
- Advancement within your company: Certain positions require a specific degree as a prerequisite.
- Personal development: You want to explore a topic academically that interests you both professionally and personally.
The Tax Advantage of a Second Degree
An important point that many overlook: in Germany and Austria, a second degree counts as business expenses for tax purposes. This means you can fully deduct tuition fees, academic literature, laptop, and travel costs from your taxes. For a first degree without prior vocational training, costs can only be deducted as special expenses, capped at 6,000 euros per year. For a second degree, this cap doesn't apply.
Good to Know
Even if you completed vocational training before your first degree, that first degree already counts as a second qualification for tax purposes. So the tax advantage doesn't only kick in from the second university degree onwards.
Getting ECTS from Your First Degree Recognised
Your first degree wasn't in vain. Many universities transfer ECTS credits from previous qualifications. Especially for related subject areas, 30 to 60 ECTS can be carried over. This saves you modules, exams, and above all time. In a personal consultation, I check in advance which credits can be transferred for your desired programme.
Second Bachelor's or a Master's Instead?
I hear this question often. The answer depends on your goal:
Second bachelor's: Makes sense when you're switching to a completely new subject area. For example: first bachelor's in business administration, second in computer science. Or: you don't yet have an academic qualification in the field that will advance your career.
Master's: Often the better choice if you already have a bachelor's in a related field. A master's builds on existing knowledge, deepens it, and is shorter (2 to 4 semesters). Many employers value a master's higher than a second bachelor's.
Anyone who already holds a bachelor's should always check whether a master's achieves the goal faster than a second bachelor's.
Time Savings Through Academic Experience
Anyone who has studied before knows the system. Academic writing, exam preparation, time management. With a second degree, the adjustment period falls away. You know how universities work and can focus on the content from day one. In my experience, second-degree students complete their programme significantly more often than first-time students.
Finding the Right Subject for Your Second Degree
Don't start with the programme. Start with the goal. What do you want to do after graduating? Which position are you aiming for? Which skills are you missing? The answers to these questions point to the right subject. In a free initial consultation, I work out a clear plan with you: which programme fits, how long it takes, and what costs to expect.
Conclusion
A second degree is worth it when there's a clear professional goal. The tax advantages, the possibility of ECTS credit transfer, and your existing academic experience make the second degree more efficient than the first. Whether a second bachelor's or a master's is the right path depends on your starting point. Let's figure it out together.