Secure a loan online to finance distance learning: your guide
18/07/2025
12
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
Distance learning can significantly improve your career prospects, but the cost of up to €20,000 is a hurdle. How can you finance this investment without jeopardising your financial stability? This guide shows you the way.
The topic in brief and concise terms
The cost of a distance learning programme varies depending on the provider and qualification, ranging from €1,500 to over €20,000.
The KfW student loan (up to 650 euros per month) is an income-independent financing option for students up to the age of 44.
A classic instalment loan is often advantageous for employed people, as a fixed income improves creditworthiness and leads to better interest rates.
Cost analysis: Understanding the real costs of distance learning
The total cost of a distance-learning degree varies greatly depending on the institution and qualification. A bachelor’s distance-learning course at a state university such as the University of Hagen costs between €1,600 and €2,400. Private providers often charge between €10,000 and €15,000 for a comparable qualification.
In addition to tuition fees themselves, there are other items that are often overlooked. Factor in additional spending of around €500 per year for learning materials. One-off enrolment or examination fees, which can be as much as €650, must also be taken into account.
Many underestimate the travel and accommodation costs for just a few attendance sessions, which can quickly add up to more than €1,000. A detailed household budget helps to determine the actual financing requirement precisely. This careful planning is the first step towards finding the right financing.
Government funding: using KfW loans as the foundation of financing
The Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) offers two key funding options for students. The KfW student loan (174) is particularly attractive, as it is granted regardless of income. Students up to the age of 44 can apply for monthly disbursements of up to 650 euros.
The state education loan is another option, but it is aimed at students in the advanced stages of their education. It can close the funding gap for the final 24 months of study. However, funding here is usually only possible for full-time study, which presents a hurdle for working professionals.
Here are the key differences at a glance:
KfW student loan: Funding for up to 14 semesters, also for part-time and work-based degree programmes.
Education loan: Funding only for the final years of education, usually only on a full-time basis.
Application process: The KfW loan is applied for via distribution partners (banks), while the education loan is applied for directly through the Federal Administrative Office.
Flexibility: The KfW loan offers flexible repayment over a period of up to 25 years.
For most distance-learning students who study alongside work, the KfW student loan is the more suitable form of state support. Next, we look at private loan options that offer even more flexibility.
The classic instalment loan: secure maximum flexibility for working professionals
A conventional instalment loan from a bank is an excellent alternative to state funding. This is often the best solution, especially for part-time students, as their regular income significantly improves their creditworthiness. Banks view a fixed salary as important security, which leads to lower interest rates.
Unlike subsidised loans, the purpose of the loan can be freely chosen. With a loan for any purpose, you can finance not only tuition fees of, for example, €12,000, but also a new laptop for €1,500. Repayment can be arranged flexibly, for example over a term of 72 months, to keep the monthly burden low.
Another advantage is the rapid availability. After a positive assessment, you can often access the loan amount within 48 hours. This gives you the room you need to concentrate fully on your studies. But which documents do you need for the application?
Check requirements: Compile the necessary documents in four steps
A well-prepared application speeds up loan approval considerably. Regardless of the type of loan, certain documents are always required. For a KfW loan, you will need at least your ID card, your current registration certificate and your university enrolment certificate.
For a personal instalment loan, additional documents are required to prove your financial situation. Banks usually ask for your last three payslips as well as bank statements for the last four weeks. Self-employed applicants often have to provide their most recent management accounts (BWA).
Make sure all documents are complete and up to date to avoid follow-up questions. A digital loan enquiry simplifies this process, as you can upload the documents conveniently. Good preparation is half the battle on the road to financing.
Expert tips: Reduce financial burden by up to 50 percent through clever planning
In addition to the loan itself, there are other ways to reduce the financial burden. One crucial advantage is the tax deductibility of your distance learning programme. If it is a second qualification (e.g. a Master's or a Bachelor's after an apprenticeship), you can claim all costs as tax-deductible work-related expenses without limit. This can reduce your tax bill by several thousand euros per year.
Also speak to your employer about possible financial support. Many companies support their employees' continuing education because they benefit directly from it. A contribution of 50 per cent or more is not uncommon.
Also consider these options for easing the financial burden:
Education grant: Under certain income thresholds, you can receive a government grant of up to 500 euros.
Scholarships: Numerous foundations award scholarships specifically for part-time degree programmes.
Education funds: This is a financing model in which repayment is linked as a percentage to your later income.
Provider discounts: Many distance-learning universities offer discounts for certain groups or for upfront payment of the full fees.
By combining these measures, you can often significantly reduce the overall financial burden. The final step is then taking out the loan.
The digital application: In just a few steps to an online loan with instant approval
The route to a student loan is now fully digital and often takes less than 30 minutes. The process begins with an online comparison of various loan offers. This enables you to quickly find a provider with an effective annual interest rate of under five per cent. You then complete the loan application directly on the bank’s website.
Verification can be carried out conveniently from home via a video identification process. All you need is your smartphone and a valid ID document. The entire process usually takes no longer than five minutes. The decisive advantage is the digital signing of the contract using a qualified electronic signature (QES).
This eliminates the need for postal delivery entirely, and you often receive a binding approval within just a few minutes. An online loan with instant approval ensures that the loan amount is usually paid out within just 24 hours. This means you can focus on your distance learning without delay.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation checked free of charge and receive specific suggestions for improvement.
More useful links
BAföG Digital offers information and the option to submit applications directly for the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG).
The KfW provides comprehensive information on the KfW student loan, a government-subsidised loan for students.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) offers statistics and detailed information on universities in Germany.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) publishes publications and reports on universities and students.
The Consumer Advice Centre provides comprehensive information on financing education and studies.
The Consumer Advice Centre offers specific information on studying with a student loan.
The Hochschulkompass provides information on tuition fees and various options for financing studies.
FAQ
How much does a distance learning course cost on average?
The costs vary considerably. Public institutions (e.g. FernUni Hagen) charge around 2,000 euros for a bachelor’s degree. Private universities usually charge between 10,000 and 15,000 euros. There are also fees for examinations and materials.
Which loan is best for a part-time distance learning programme?
Both the KfW student loan and a conventional instalment loan are suitable. The instalment loan can often offer more favourable interest rates and greater flexibility thanks to your fixed salary, as the purpose of the loan is not restricted.
Can I claim tax relief on the costs of my distance learning course?
Yes. If it is a first degree course, you can deduct the costs as special expenses of up to €6,000 per year. For a second degree course (e.g. a Master's), the costs can be deducted without limit as income-related expenses, which can lead to significant tax savings.
What requirements do I need to meet for the KfW student loan?
You must be between 18 and 44 years old, enrolled at a state-recognised German higher education institution, and have your place of residence in Germany. No specific income or collateral are required.
What happens if I can’t repay the loan straight away?
The KfW study loan includes a repayment-free period (grace period) of up to 23 months after the final disbursement. With instalment loans, you can often make special repayments or agree a payment break, depending on the contract terms.
Is a loan for a distance learning course worth it?
A higher qualification statistically leads to a significantly higher lifetime income. A loan for education is therefore an investment in your professional and financial future, which in most cases pays off in the long term.
