Secure credit for financing an online distance learning course: Your Guide
18 Jul 2025
7
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
A distance learning course can significantly improve your career prospects, but the costs of up to 20,000 euros are a hurdle. How can you manage this investment without jeopardising your financial stability? This guide shows you the way.
The topic in brief and concise terms
The costs for distance learning range between €1,500 and over €20,000, depending on the provider and qualification.
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 traditional installment loan is often advantageous for professionals, as a fixed income improves creditworthiness and leads to better interest rates.
Cost Analysis: Understanding the Real Expenses of Distance Learning
The total cost for distance learning varies greatly depending on the institution and degree. A bachelor’s distance learning degree at a public university like FernUniversität Hagen costs between 1,600 and 2,400 euros. Private providers often charge between 10,000 and 15,000 euros for a comparable degree.
In addition to the pure tuition fees, there are additional items that are often overlooked. Plan for additional expenses of around 500 euros per year for learning materials. Also consider one-time enrollment or examination fees, which can amount to up to 650 euros.
Many underestimate the travel and accommodation costs for a few on-campus sessions, which can quickly add up to over 1,000 euros. A detailed budget calculation helps to accurately determine the actual financial needs. This precise planning is the first step in finding the right financing.
Government Subsidies: Use KfW Loans as the Foundation of Financing
The Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) offers two central forms of support for students. The KfW Student Loan (174) is particularly attractive because it is granted independently of income. Students up to the age of 44 can apply for monthly disbursements of up to 650 euros.
The government education loan is another option, but it is aimed at students in the advanced stages of their studies. It can bridge the funding gap for the last 24 months of study. However, funding is usually only available for full-time studies, which poses a hurdle for working students.
Here is an overview of the main differences:
KfW Student Loan: Up to 14 semesters of support, also available for part-time and work-study programmes.
Education Loan: Support only for the final years of studies, usually full-time only.
Application Process: The KfW loan is applied for through distribution partners (banks), while the education loan is applied for directly at the Federal Office of Administration.
Flexibility: The KfW loan offers flexible repayment over a period of up to 25 years.
For most distance learning students who study alongside their jobs, the KfW Student Loan is the more suitable state support. Next, we will look at private loan options that offer even more flexibility.
The classic installment loan: Ensuring maximum flexibility for working professionals
A traditional installment loan from a bank is an excellent alternative to government funding. Especially for students who study alongside their careers, this is often the best solution as their regular income significantly improves creditworthiness. Banks consider a steady salary as important security, which leads to better interest rates.
Unlike subsidy loans, the use purpose is freely selectable. With a loan with flexible usage, you can finance not only the tuition fees of, for example, 12,000 euros but also a new laptop for 1,500 euros. The repayment can be arranged flexibly, such as with a term of 72 months, to keep the monthly burden low.
Another advantage is the quick availability. After a positive assessment, you can often access the loan amount within 48 hours. This gives you the necessary freedom to fully concentrate on your studies. But what documents do you need for the application?
Check prerequisites: Gather the necessary documents in four steps
A well-prepared application significantly accelerates the credit approval process. Regardless of the type of loan, certain documents are always required. For a KfW loan, you will need at least your ID card, the current registration certificate, and your university enrolment certificate.
For a private installment loan, additional documents are required to prove your financial situation. Banks usually request the last three payslips and the bank statements from the past four weeks. Self-employed individuals often need to provide their latest business analysis (BWA).
Ensure that all documents are complete and up-to-date to avoid further inquiries. A digital credit request simplifies this process, as you can easily upload the documents. Proper preparation is half the battle on the way to financing.
Expert Tips: Reduce Financial Burden by Up to 50 Percent Through Clever Planning
In addition to taking out a loan, there are other ways to reduce your cost burden. A key advantage is the tax deductibility of your distance learning programme. If it's a second qualification (e.g., a Master's or a Bachelor’s degree after an apprenticeship), you can claim all costs as business expenses without limit. This can reduce your tax liability by several thousand euros per year.
Additionally, discuss potential financial support with your employer. Many companies encourage their employees' further education, as they directly benefit from it. Covering 50 percent or more of the costs is not uncommon.
Also consider these relief options:
Education bonus: You may be eligible for a government grant of up to 500 euros under certain income limits.
Scholarships: Numerous foundations offer scholarships specifically for part-time degree programmes.
Education funds: This is financing where repayment is linked to a percentage of your future income.
Provider discounts: Many distance learning universities offer discounts for specific groups or for paying the full fees in advance.
By combining these measures, you can often significantly reduce your overall financial burden. The final step is then completing the actual loan agreement.
The digital application: In just a few steps to an online loan with instant approval
The path 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 way, you quickly find a provider with an effective annual interest rate of less than five percent. You then fill out the loan application directly on the bank's website.
The identification process is conveniently done from home via video identification. All you need is your smartphone and a valid ID. The entire procedure usually takes no longer than five minutes. The key advantage is the digital signing of the contract using a qualified electronic signature (QES).
This eliminates postal delays completely, and you often receive a binding commitment within minutes. An online loan with instant approval ensures that the loan amount is typically disbursed within just 24 hours. This allows you to focus on your distance learning without delay.
Now request an individual risk analysis: Have your insurance situation reviewed for free and receive specific suggestions for optimization.
More useful links
BAföG Digital offers information and the opportunity to apply directly for the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG).
The KfW provides comprehensive information about the KfW student loan, a government-supported loan for students.
The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) offers statistics and detailed information on the topic of 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 Higher Education Compass provides information on tuition fees and various options for financing studies.
FAQ
What does a distance learning course cost on average?
The costs vary greatly. Public offerings (e.g., FernUni Hagen) are around €2,000 for a Bachelor's degree. Private universities typically charge between €10,000 and €15,000. There are also additional fees for exams and materials.
Which loan is best for a part-time distance learning course?
Both the KfW student loan and a classic installment loan are well-suited options. The installment loan can often offer lower interest rates and more flexibility due to your fixed salary, as the purpose of use is not restricted.
Can I deduct the costs of my distance learning from my taxes?
Yes. For a first degree, you can deduct the costs as special expenses up to 6,000 euros per year. In the case of a second degree (e.g., a Master's), the costs are unlimitedly deductible as business expenses, which can lead to significant tax savings.
What requirements do I need to meet for the KfW student loan?
You must be aged between 18 and 44, be enrolled at a state-recognised university in Germany, and reside in Germany. No specific income or collateral is required.
What happens if I can't repay the loan immediately?
The KfW student loan includes a repayment-free period (grace period) of up to 23 months after the last disbursement. With instalment loans, you can often make special repayments or agree on a payment break, depending on the contract terms.
Is it worth taking out a loan for distance learning?
A higher qualification statistically leads to a significantly higher lifetime income. Therefore, a loan for education is an investment in your professional and financial future, which in most cases pays off in the long term.
