Register now: Unlock Insights, Unlock Knowledge
Get in Touch

FAQ - Find your answers

Navigate your questions, unlock clarity.

All about the Scheer School

Welcome to the frequently asked questions at Scheer School of Digital Sciences at Saarland University.

As a modern, international educational institution in the heart of Europe, we combine academic excellence with practical application and prepare you for the digital future. Our innovative programs are designed to equip professionals and leaders with the skills needed in tomorrow’s changing world of work.

Here you will find answers to the most important questions about our programs, costs, application procedures and opportunities for companies.

Why Scheer School?
The Scheer School offers you a modern, practice-oriented learning environment that is developed in close cooperation with industry, public administration and science. Our programs specifically teach the skills required to actively shape digital transformation processes. Course content is taught by academic and practice experts. You will be supported by our Learner-Lifecycle Team throughout the entire learning process.
The Scheer School of Digital Sciences is a joint initiative of Saarland University and the August-Wilhelm Scheer Institute. Our goal is to train specialists who can actively shape the digital transformation through practice-oriented and innovative educational programs.
Everything you need to get ahead in the digital world: from data skills and digital design to entrepreneurial thinking – including basic knowledge and application expertise in the field of artificial intelligence. Plus: We strengthen your self-development – so that you remain flexible, find new paths and help shape the future.
Blended Learning means learning with structure – but flexibly.
Our courses combine online sessions and attendance days (approx. 20%) and self-directed learning (approx. 80%).
This means that you can organize the majority of your learning time individually – and benefit from interactive live sessions at the same time. This way, learning adapts to your everyday life.
All certificates and study programs are quality-checked and accredited by the system accreditation of Saarland University.
We regularly offer compact lunch webinars on selected topics. Participation is free of charge and open to anyone interested in our programs or individual specialist topics. A great opportunity to get to know the content, formats and people behind the Scheer School. If you would like individual advice now, you can simply make an appointment.

Certificate programs

Our certificate programs are accredited by Saarland University and are based on the ECTS credit system.

You can choose between:

  • 3 ECTS I 4 weeks
  • 6 ECTS I 8 weeks

The courses combine self-directed learnings (approx. 80%) with online sessions and attendance days (approx. 20%). A particular advantage: all certificates are 100% creditable towards our Master’s degree program.

What are certificates?
Certificates are compact programs that provide you with targeted specialist knowledge and skills. You can collect ECTS points – ideal for later recognition during your studies.
(ECTS stands for European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System, a system recognized throughout Europe, whereby one point corresponds to approx. 30 hours of work).
Click here for our program overview.
Self-study, group work and practical projects – all in a flexible blended learning format.
Depending on the topic, the certificates last 4 to 8 weeks and combine online sessions, attendance days (20%) and self-directed learning (80%). This allows you to integrate the certificates perfectly into your everyday life.
The workload is approx. 90 hours for a program duration of 4 weeks or approx. 180 hours for 8-week certificates. You can find a sample weekly schedule on the respective program pages of the certificates.
Depending on the topic and learning objective, a certificate lasts 4 or 8 weeks.
The courses are usually held in German, but the learning material is in English. A good understanding of both languages (at least B2 level) is therefore an advantage.
If you feel more comfortable in English, that’s no problem: by individual arrangement, you can take the final exam in English, for example, or use English in your exchanges with teachers and supervisors.
We endeavor to respond flexibly to individual needs in terms of language.
Whether you are an individual or a company – everyone is welcome:
– Do you want to further your personal training? Simply register & get started.
– Companies can book complete courses for their team – customized and flexible.
All students must have a university entrance qualification or a vocational training with at least 2 years of professional experience and be able to prove language skills in German or English at B2 level.
Under Our programs you will find all the information you need and can book an appointment for a non-binding information session.
Unter Unsere Programme findest du alle nötigen Infos und kannst dir einen Termin für ein unverbindliches Info-Gespräch buchen.
All certificates and study programs are quality-checked and accredited by the system accreditation of Saarland University.
No, in order to enable the greatest possible learning success, our certificates are structured in a blended learning format. Around 80% of the content is taught online and asynchronously – ideal for self-study independent of time and place. The remaining 20% takes place in the form of synchronous online sessions and compact attendance phases in Saarbrücken. In this way, we combine maximum flexibility with practical interaction and personal exchange.
You can register for any of our certificates directly via our website.
Registration should take place at least one week before the start of the certificate.
All you have to do is enter your personal details in our application form and confirm that you meet the entry requirements (B2 level German or English and university entrance qualification).

Yes, if you take part in a certificate course at the Scheer School, you can secure educational leave for this.

What does that mean in concrete terms?

  • A 4-week certificate allows up to 3 days.

  • For an 8-week certificate even up to 5 days.

You can find out more here.

Regular attendance is a central component of the course. If the participant is unable to attend, they should proactively contact the LLCM team as early as possible. Absences of more than one day (≙ 6 hours) lead to the loss of the participation requirements; in this case, a discussion with the LLCM team is required.

In addition to the content, it is also about exchange, networking and joint learning – a key added value of the programs.

Yes, weekly assignments must be submitted on time. Late submissions jeopardize the participation requirement.

Master of Science:
Master for Digital Transformation.

In addition to our certificates, we also offer a Master’s program that specifically prepares students for the requirements of digital transformation. Practical, interdisciplinary and with direct applicability in the professional environment.

to our Master's program

Costs & funding opportunities

The costs for our programs vary depending on the scope and duration.

You can choose between:

  • 3 ECTS I 4 weeks I 2.000 €
  • 6 ECTS I 8 weeks I 3.250 €
  • Master: 120 ECTS I 2 years I 7.250 € per year / 1.850 € per quarter
What are the costs for the certificates and the Master´s program?
The fees vary depending on the program:
  • Certificate programs: 3 ECTS, 4 weeks, 2.000 € per person
  • Certificate programs: 6 ECTS, 8 weeks, 3.250 € per person
  • Master: 7.250 € per year / 1.850 € per quarter
Basically, the following applies:
  • For the Master’s degree, there is the option of taking advantage of student grants (Bafög)
  • You can also find out about scholarships: Scholarship for pupils and students.
  • More information: ASTA UdS , Studierendenwerk Saarland
  • After individual consultation with your employer, it is possible that the costs for a certificate or the Master’s degree will be covered.
If you still have questions, you can make an individual appointment.
You can pay via PayPal or bank transfer.
This is possible – many of our learners clarify the assumption of costs directly with their employer. Whether this also works for you depends on the company. It’s best to ask internally. We will also be happy to help you plan the next steps with your employer.
Just make an appointment.

Master of Science:
Digital Sciences for Transformation

The Master’s degree program Digital Sciences for Transformation (120 ECTS) starts in the winter semester 2025/26 and prepares you specifically for digital management tasks. The program combines theory and practice through real company projects and can be flexibly designed thanks to its modular structure with a mix of online and attendance phases. International partnerships provide you with insights into global developments, while you learn in an interdisciplinary way in exchange with academic and practice experts and develop practical solutions. Prerequisites for admission are a Bachelor’s degree with one year of professional experience or training with at least two years of relevant professional experience, English language skills at B2 level and an entrance test.

Master of Science:
Application

How does the Master's application process work?
You send us your documents – we take a close look at them. If everything fits, you will receive an invitation to the access test. Then it’s a short wait until we let you know whether you’ve been accepted.
You can find out all about our Master’s program here.
Click here to apply for the Master’s program: Apply Now!
The application deadline for the start of the winter semester 2025/26 is August 31, 2025.
To complete the Master’s degree with us, you need a Bachelor’s degree with at least one year of professional experience or an vocational training with at least two years of relevant professional experience. You must also have at least B2 level English and pass an entrance test to assess your prior knowledge in the relevant subject areas.
Yes, you can apply if you are about to complete your current degree. If you meet all other requirements and succeed in the application process, you will receive conditional admission.  After successful completion, the admission requirement is considered fulfilled and is no longer relevant.
We do not have a numerus clausus – i.e. an admission restriction based on the final grade of the undergraduate degree. However, our places are limited.
We are already on hand to advise you during the application process so that you can submit a complete and informative application. First, we check the formal entry requirements. This process can take up to two weeks. If you meet the formal entry requirements, you will be invited to take an entrance test. The overall result will be presented to a selection committee, which will decide on admission. You can contact the Learner-Lifecycle Team at any time during the entire process at lifecycle@scheer-school.com and ask about the current status of your application.
You must submit the following documents with your application:
  • CV
  • academic transcripts
  • Proof of your English language skills (at least B2) (e.g. TOEFL, Cambridge, school leaving certificate)
  • Identification document such as identity card or passport
  • Proof of health insurance
  • for international students: Transcript of Records or similar as proof of equivalence with a German degree
The entrance test consists of multiple-choice questions and is held in English. To pass, you must answer at least 60% correctly. You have 30 minutes to complete the test. The test is conducted digitally, usually via video call. The subjects areas covered are as follows:
  • Statistics (Complex thinking)
  • Software development (apply and integrate software)
  • Project management (process and data management)
  • Business administration (entrepreneurial thinking, new product development and innovative design)
  • Law (living and working in a digital society)

Permitted aids for the access test are pen and paper, as well as a calculator. The use of artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT or Claude, during the access test is not permitted.

Yes, you can have certificates you have already completed at the Scheer School credited towards your Master’s degree.
No, you do not have to prove a certain minimum grade in your Bachelor’s degree. However, after completing your Bachelor’s degree, you must also provide proof of at least one year of relevant professional experience.
No, vocational training with at least two years of relevant professional experience is sufficient. In this case, an additional entrance test is carried out. This consists of the assessment of a portfolio and a 30-minute oral examination.
In the case of foreign degrees, proof of equivalence with a German degree must be uploaded to the portal.

Master of Science:
Structure and content

Can I freely choose the topic of my Master's thesis?
You agree the topic of the thesis with the supervising expert of your choice. As a rule, the topic is based on your Personal Transformation Journey, which will help you identify and achieve your personal goals throughout the Master’s program. Our Learner Lifecycle Team will also be on hand to advise you on the topic.
The average workload for a certificate or module in the Master’s program is approx. 22 hours per week. As several modules take place in parallel or overlap in the Master’s program, the average workload is 36-40 hours per week. This can usually be easily combined with a working student job (up to 20 hours/week), as approx. 80% of the content is completed as self-study independent of time.
The standard duration of study for the Master’s degree is four semesters. We recommend that full-time employees agree a reduction in working hours with their employer or choose a part-time study model.
The courses in our Master’s program take place in a blended learning format. Blended learning means learning with structure – but flexibly. Our courses combine online sessions and on-site attendance days (approx. 20%) as well as self-study time (approx. 80%). This means that you can organize the majority of your learning time individually – and benefit from interactive live sessions at the same time. This way, learning fits in with your everyday life.
You agree the topic of your thesis with the supervising expert. As a rule, the topic is based on questions with direct practical relevance – whether from your current professional environment or from a field of application relevant to you. This ensures that your work is not only scientifically sound, but also valuable for your professional development. Our Learner Lifecycle Team will also be on hand to advise you in finding a topic.
No, the course always starts in the winter semester. Due to our module structure, we do not have traditional semesters.

There are about 30 attendance days per semester.

Monday and Tuesday from 15:00 – 21:00, Fridays possibly with slightly more flexible times. No lessons on Saturday.

Synchronous online appointments will again take place from 5 – 7 pm.

Basically, the effort and the learning workload varies from person to person, depending on the learning speed and learning goal. We recommend approx. 20 hours per week, which would also be feasible for working people.

Due to the late attendance times, the study can also be combined with a full-time job. Half days of vacation are usually sufficient, and educational leave is also possible.

One excused day of absence per course is possible (approx. 6 hours). Early and proactive communication to the Learner-Lifecycle Management (our student secretariat) is desirable in this case. An individual solution can also be found in the event of prolonged illness.

Project work is the standard. There are no written exams or term papers – except for the final Master’s thesis. Depending on the module, there may be different formats, although these are always based on project-based examinations.

Depending on the agreed framework, deliveries are generally made on Sundays until 10 pm. Extensions are possible in individual cases, but must be applied for. In the case of group work, one group member submits the project work.

No, the workload is spread evenly over the semester. There is also no lecture-free period.

The following dates apply:

Winter semester: 01.10. to 31.03.

Summer semester: 01.04. to 30.09.

However, there is no lecture-free period.

Yes, these can be issued on request – e.g. for employers, BAföG or the employment agency.

Master of Science:
Language

In which language does the Master's course take place?
The modules are all held in English.
As our programs are offered in English, proof of English language proficiency (at least level B2) is required. German-speaking students will learn another foreign language (other than English) during the course of their studies.
You can enclose proof of your language skills with your application.
Standardized English tests such as TOEFL or IELTS are accepted as well as proof of comprehensive language skills in the form of diplomas or course certificates.
And: language certificates can be submitted later if necessary. So if your certificate is no longer up to date, you can still catch up without missing the start of your studies.
If English is your native language or you have completed your previous education in English, you can be considered a native speaker. Proof of this is required (e.g. degree certificate).
No prior knowledge of German is required to start the course. The language of instruction is English and the learning materials are also in English.
You will learn German as a foreign language during your studies and have the opportunity to further develop your language skills through various activities.
In this case, another foreign language is part of your Master’s degree program. Together with the Learner-Lifecycle team, we will find out which one best suits you and your professional goals.
You can also find more information on foreign languages that you can learn as part of your studies on the Saarland University Language Center website.
Yes, our programs are open to international students. To help you get off to the most relaxed start possible on your learning journey, the Learner-Lifecycle team will support and advise you on questions relating to visas, accommodation, travel and integration at lifecycle@scheer-school.com.

Master of Science:
Tuition fees/financing

How much does the Master's program cost?
You have two payment options:
  • 7.250 € per year
  • 1,850 per quarter (from the 3rd year)

The annual amount of € 7,250 is due at the beginning of the academic year. From the third year onwards, quarterly payment is also possible.

Basically, the following applies:
  • For the Master’s degree, there is the option of taking advantage of student grants (Bafög)
  • You can also find out about scholarships: Scholarship for pupils and students.
  • More information: ASTA UdS , Studierendenwerk Saarland
  • After individual consultation with your employer, it is possible that the costs for a certificate or the Master’s degree will be covered.
If you still have questions, you can make an individual appointment.
Yes, you can generally deduct all costs for training and further education from your taxes.
If the employer covers the costs, you can deduct the travel costs, for example.

Master of Science:
Others

Do I have the option of taking a break from my studies?
Yes, leave of absence are possible.
Yes, you will receive a student card and can use all the facilities on the Saarland University campus, where the Scheer School is located.
Yes, our degree programs are system-accredited and quality-assured by Saarland University. This means that the degree is equivalent to a traditional Master’s degree and meets all the requirements of a recognized university degree.
As with all degree programs, recognition abroad depends on the respective country and the responsible authority.
Our programs are also designed to not only meet academic standards, but also to meet industry expectations – providing employers with clear proof of quality.
Yes, we offer support in finding a job in the region, finding accommodation, visa matters and integration into life in Saarland. You can make an appointment with us at lifecycle@scheer-school.com.
more information: Campus Life
The recognition of prior achievements is possible after individual examination.

Unlock the Future

Digital competencies that open doors.

Our brochure
Our Brochure

Company

The Scheer School offers companies practical training solutions for digital transformation – tailored, flexible and directly applicable. The aim is to prepare employees specifically for digital challenges such as skills shortages, process inefficiency or the use of AI. With our “Bring your own…” approach, specific company issues are incorporated directly into the learning process. Our programs are developed in close cooperation with practitioners and create real added value. The Scheer School offers companies from the region in particular a strong platform for sharing knowledge, contributing projects and retaining specialists in the Saarland economy in the long term.

What is the Scheer School of Digital Sciences?
The Scheer School of Digital Sciences is a joint initiative of Saarland University and the August-Wilhelm Scheer Institute. Our goal is to train specialists who can actively shape the digital transformation through practice-oriented and innovative educational programs.
We offer a variety of programs, including:
  • Certificate programs: Compact courses such as “Foundations in Trusted AI”, “Foundations in Future Skills”, “Foundations in Data” and “Foundations in AI”, each with 3 ECTS credits and a duration of 4 weeks, 2,000 euros per person
  • Certificate programs: 8-week programs such as “Discover AI-Potentials for Digital Strategy” with 6 ECTS credits, EUR 3,250 per person
  • Master’s program: “Digital Sciences for Transformation” with 120 ECTS credits, 7,250 euros per year
  • Learning-centered: Self-organized learning activities and collaborative learning
  • Transformative: agile, project-based work with real case studies
  • Empowering: use of digital tools, self-management and continuous feedback
We focus on the mediation of:
  • Complex thinking
  • Application and integration of software
  • Innovative design and product development
  • Entrepreneurial thinking
  • Process and data management
  • Living and working in a digital society
  • Industry-integrated curriculum: programs developed in collaboration with industry leaders
  • Focus on future skills: Teaching skills for the digital world
  • Innovative education: Interactive, interdisciplinary programs with strong partnerships
  • Lifelong learning: programs for continuous professional development
  • International environment: commitment to diversity and inclusion
Companies have the opportunity to register individual employees or entire groups of employees for our certificate courses.
Students can apply for the Master’s program via the following link: Master’s application
Yes, companies have the opportunity to book customized certificate courses that are tailored to their specific challenges.
Internal company issues can be actively introduced into the course and worked on together with our experts. In this way, further training becomes a direct solution to real problems.

Sharing
the key to tomorrow's
success.

Get in touch
Scroll to Top

the key to the news

Mit unserem Newsletter bleibst du immer auf dem Laufenden. Melde dich jetzt an und erhalte exklusive Lerninhalte, Webinare und Event-Infos vor allen anderen.