Studying at the only German state distance learning university, FernUni Hagen, is relatively inexpensive, but not free. In addition to basic fees per semester, students are required to pay what are known as enrollment fees. This article provides an overview of the costs of distance learning at FernUni.

Tuition Fees

Since 2014/2015, FernUni has been charging tuition fees. According to the Fee Regulations for FernUniversität in Hagen dated March 3, 2021, fees, contributions, and cost reimbursements (levies) incurred in distance learning are collected.

Until WS 2021, students at FernUni only paid so-called course fees or material fees. The calculation basis was the "semester credit hours" (SWS) of a module or course (one semester credit hour corresponds to a lecture time of 45 minutes per week).

Since WS 2021 (updated in 2023), a new fee structure applies at FernUni:

• Students pay a basic fee of 60,- euros per semester
• Students also usually pay a student union contribution of 9 euros per semester (which is currently suspended for the winter semester 2025/26)
• In addition, students pay an enrollment fee of 11 euros per enrolled ECTS point

This means that distance learning at FernUni averages 390,- euros per semester for full-time students and 225,- euros per semester for part-time students.

Below are all the details regarding the costs:

Basic Fee and Student Union Fee

As of 2023, the basic fees amount to 60,- euros per semester. In addition, there is the student union fee of 9,- euros per semester. Each semester, FernUni Hagen students pay at least 69,- euros – regardless of the modules taken.

In the cost model before WS 2021, there were no basic fees. Ultimately, the basic fees ensure that one studies more efficiently because the longer one takes, the more expensive the study becomes. Due to the basic fee, part-time studies are more expensive than full-time studies.

Enrollment Fees

Enrollment fees were introduced in WS 2021, replacing material fees. Students pay 11,- euros per enrolled ECTS point.

That means: For full-time studies with 3 modules of 10 ECTS points each semester, in addition to the 60,- euros basic fee, students pay 330,- euros in enrollment fees.

For part-time studies with 2 modules of 10 ECTS points each semester, in addition to the 60,- euros basic fee, students pay 220,- euros in enrollment fees.

Issuing and Late Fees

In addition to the subscription fees, various administrative fees may apply, which are listed below:

• Fee for late application for admission or enrolment: €25
• Fee for late (written application) re-registration, leave of absence, course registration or cancellation of course registration: €15
• Fee for late (online application) re-registration, leave of absence, course registration or cancellation of course registration: €5
• Fee for late payment of fees, student union fees and charges: €25
• Fees for a returned direct debit (recall after direct debit authorization has been granted): €5 + external bank fees
• Fee for non-participation or late cancellation of a registered examination: €25 per examination

Additional Costs of Distance Learning

Distance learning can incur a variety of additional costs that should not be overlooked and should be factored into the budget from the beginning. These include:

• Travel and accommodation costs for face-to-face seminars and exams
• Costs for additional literature
• Potential costs for equipment like a notebook or webcam
• Potential costs for software like word processing programs (MS Office)
• Costs associated with the final thesis, such as editing, printing, and binding

Total costs of individual courses

The following overview is based on the number of hours per semester or the modules and courses that must be completed for each course of study. Therefore, these are approximate costs for distance learning, intended to represent the minimum costs. The costs were taken from the FernUni website. They are not to be paid all at once, but gradually per semester, depending on the course enrollment.

Bachelor's courses

Master's courses

Cost reductions

Under certain conditions, FernUni grants reductions on its fees based on need. Reductions are generally only granted until the acquisition of a first professional university degree, e.g. not for a second degree. The reduction also does not apply to secondary students (i.e. parallel studies at two different universities).

Requirements for eligibility:

• Main residence in Germany at the time of application
• Receipt of BAföG, a scholarship, or federal training assistance

Each semester, especially the enrollment fees and the student body contribution, will be waived.

Study Financing

The costs for distance learning at FernUni Hagen are manageable. For many students, financing should not be a problem, especially when studying alongside work. Nevertheless, additional ways to finance distance learning should not be overlooked.

Examples of options for study financing:

• Funding according to the Federal Training Assistance Act of Germany (BAföG)
• Scholarships (e.g. from the German Academic Exchange Service DAAD)
• Educational loans (e.g. from the KfW Credit Institute)
• Funding by the employer
• National education bonuses
• Tax deductibility (e.g. as employment maintenance costs or special expenses)

More information can be found here: Cost of Distance Learning: Tuition Fees + Hidden Costs + Financing