State funding
In Germany, BAföG is the best-known form of support, tied to conditions such as age, income and mode of study. It does not always apply to part-time distance learning, and more often to full-time distance learning. There is also Aufstiegs-BAföG for certain forms of continuing training, as well as scholarship programmes that also address part-time students.
The exact rates and conditions are adjusted by the legislator on an ongoing basis. The binding position is the one held by the responsible office, which is linked below.
Loans and employers
Education and student loans spread the costs over the study period. Pay attention to interest, the start of repayment and flexibility for early repayment.
Employer contributions are often underestimated. If your studies benefit the company, many employers contribute to the fees or grant study time. In return, a minimum period of commitment is sometimes agreed. A matter-of-fact conversation with a clear benefit argument almost always pays off.
Tax as a quiet lever
Tax deductibility noticeably reduces the actual burden and is often forgotten. A distance-learning degree that serves continuing education in your current or intended profession can often be claimed as income-related expenses or business expenses. For a second degree the scope is usually greater than for a first degree.
Because it depends on your individual case, you should clarify the details with your tax adviser. This is not tax advice, but a pointer to a real lever.
Combining the building blocks cleverly
The strongest effect comes from the combination: crediting prior learning shortens the study time and lowers the total, an employer contribution covers part of it, and tax brings something back at the end of the year. Work through your personal model in full once, before you decide on a provider.