Can I do a part-time or distance master's while working?

Yes, there are several ways to do a master's alongside work in Germany:

• Master's for working people (berufsbegleitend): Classes in the evenings, at weekends or in blocks of a few days. Mostly at HAWs and private universities. Some require a few years of work experience.
• Distance learning (Fernstudium): Most teaching is online; exams and some meetings are in person. FernUniversität in Hagen, a public university, is a low-cost option; there are private distance universities too.
• Studying a regular programme part-time: Some public universities let you study regular master's programmes part-time; classes may be during the day.

Cost: Regular consecutive master's programmes at public universities usually have no tuition fees. "Weiterbildend" master's programmes that require work experience often charge extra fees, even at public universities, and more at private institutions.

Reducing the cost: Ask your employer for support or time off for class days; many companies have a training budget. In Berlin you're entitled to up to 5 days of paid educational leave (Bildungsurlaub) a year, which can be used for eligible courses. You can claim education costs as work expenses in your tax return.

Residence permit: If you live here on a work permit, you don't need separate permission to study alongside your job. Distance or part-time programmes usually aren't enough to get a student permit.

When choosing: Check that the programme is state-recognised and accredited. Find out in advance how many hours a week you'll need and when the in-person sessions are.