All Distance Learning Universities in Germany at a Glance

All universities, all courses
  • 27Universities
  • 57UAS
  • 8Academic Institutions
  • 1Art school
  • 54Public
  • 38Private
  • 1Religious

In Germany, there is only one state distance university, FernUni Hagen. There are less than 15 distance-specific universities, meaning universities that exclusively offer distance learning programs. And there are more than 50 universities of applied sciences that offer individual distance learning programs.

All these universities and their distance learning programs are listed here on fernstudi.net. Additionally, you will find numerous tips here on choosing the right distance university and the right distance learning program.

Enjoy browsing. Your editorial team from fernstudi.net.

All Universities & UAS at a Glance

We have a total of 91 providers in our database. The first 50 top providers are displayed. Use the filter function or our search to discover more providers.

University · Public

  • Hagen, North Rhine-Westphalia
  • 72458 Number of Participants
  • Business informatics, Pedagogy, Natural Sciences, Humanities, Psychology, Economics, Computer Science, Law, Business psychology, Data Science & AI, Social work
  • Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws, Staatsexamen, Master of Laws
  • 29 Courses in directory

The University of Hagen is the only public distance learning university in Germany, offering a flexible, location- and time-independent study program with full academic degrees. With around 70,000 students, it is the largest public university in the country. The wide range of subjects is offered across five faculties: Mathematics/Computer Science, Law, Economics, Cultural and Social Sciences, and Psychology. The FernUni relies on digital learning platforms and modern examination formats. With low tuition fees, it is a cost-effective alternative to private distance-learning universities.

  • Erfurt, Thuringia
  • 130000 Number of Participants
  • Business psychology, HR Management, Social Management, Data Science & AI, Business engineering, Computer Science, Logistics, Mechanical engineering, Management, Real Estate Management, Humanities, Med…
  • Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Arts, Master of Engineering, Master of Business Administration, Master of Laws, Bachelor of Laws
  • 170 Courses in directory
  • 1 Review

Studying, anytime and anywhere – according to your own rules: The distance learning at IU International University (IU) not only makes this possible, but is constantly meeting individual learning needs and providing the latest gadgets for a maximally flexible study. The state-recognized bachelor's and master's programs, which can be completed part-time or full-time, are intended to adapt to the students' everyday lives – whether alongside work, during parental leave, or while traveling the world. Self-directed learning has never been easier: from the innovative learning app IU Learn, through the online campus with live formats, to the in-house and thus first AI-based university chatbot Syntea. Currently, there are over 130,000 students enrolled at IU – making IU the largest German university.

  • Idstein, Hesse
  • 16028 Number of Participants
  • Business engineering, Data Science & AI, Therapy Sciences, Pedagogy, IT Management, Media studies, Humanities, MBA, Psychology, Business psychology, Nutritional Science, Business Administration, Touri…
  • Master of Engineering, Master of Management in Artificial Intelligence, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration, Master of Sci…
  • 40 Courses in directory

Quality since 1848 - also in distance learning! The department onlineplus brings the range of on-campus courses of the Fresenius University of Applied Sciences to an online distance learning format. This way, the Fresenius University of Applied Sciences is positioning itself towards the future by embracing the new possibilities of teaching and learning: studies become digital, the campus becomes mobile, and the way of studying becomes more flexible.

  • Göttingen, Lower Saxony
  • 4974 Number of Participants
  • Business psychology, Management, Psychology, Design & Layout, MBA, Business Administration, Economics, Law, HR Management, Business engineering, Tourism & Hospitality
  • Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Master of Business Administration, Master of Laws, Bachelor of Engineering
  • 15 Courses in directory

The PFH Private University of Göttingen is the oldest private, state-recognized university in Lower Saxony. With 55 practice-oriented degree programs, an international focus, and its D3 concept (Digitalization, Decarbonization, Demographic Development), it prepares around 4,800 students optimally for the challenges of the future. As part of the Galileo Global Education Group, it offers innovative and globally oriented educational programs.

  • Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia
  • 3444 Number of Participants
  • Data Science & AI, Finance Sciences, Business psychology, Management, Marketing
  • Master of Science, Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts
  • 5 Courses in directory
The International School of Management (ISM) is a private, state-recognised business school that has stood for the highest quality of education for over 30 years. As part of the ESO Group, ISM is one of the leading private business schools in Germany. With 7 locations, 4,500 students, and over 600 l…
  • Hamburg, Germany
  • 10034 Number of Participants
  • Management, Business informatics, Social Management, Psychology, Nutritional Science, Media studies, Data Science & AI, Law, Logistics, MBA, Tourism & Hospitality, HR Management, Business psychology, …
  • Master of Science, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Business Administration, Master of Accountancy, Master of Laws, Bachelor of Engineering
  • 66 Courses in directory

The Euro-FH - European Distance-Learning University Hamburg is a state-recognized private distance-learning university with over 70 courses of study and further education programs. It enables a flexible, practice-oriented study program that optimally combines work, family, and studies. With its innovative study models, international orientation, and focus on sustainability, the Euro-FH offers a future-oriented academic education.

  • Koblenz, Rhineland-Palatinate
  • 6400 Number of Participants
  • Electrical Engineering, Social work, Computer Science, Pedagogy, Medicine, Natural Sciences, Business engineering, Real Estate Management, Marketing, MBA, Finance Sciences, Business Administration, Me…
  • Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Computer Science, Bachelor of Science, Master of Engineering, Master of Science, Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts
  • 35 Courses in directory
Founded in 1995, the Center for Distance Learning in the University Consortium - zfh based in Koblenz is the largest provider of distance learning courses at universities of applied sciences with academic degrees nationwide. As the central academic institution of the states of Hesse, Rhi…
  • Darmstadt, Hesse
  • 5442 Number of Participants
  • Design & Layout, Data Science & AI, Mechatronics, Mechanical engineering, Business engineering, Business informatics, Natural Sciences, Nutritional Science, Computer Science, Media Informatics, Electr…
  • Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science, Master of Arts
  • 72 Courses in directory

The Wilhelm Büchner University (WBH) is the largest private university for technology in Germany and specializes in part-time distance learning courses in the fields of computer science, engineering, industrial engineering, environmental technology, and design. It offers a particularly flexible study model that can be started at any time and has no fixed semester times. Thanks to the modern online campus with multimedia learning materials, interactive tools, and the AI-based learning assistant WBH A[ssist], students can tailor their studies individually. Examinations can be taken online or at 15 examination centres, and personal support from lecturers and study advisors ensures optimal assistance. The WBH focuses on practical content, close links with the economy, and high recognition of its qualifications, making it an ideal choice for professionals who want to further their academic qualifications flexibly.

  • Bremen, Germany
  • 3969 Number of Participants
  • Psychology, Nutritional Science, Nursing Science, Health management, Medicine, Tourism & Hospitality, Social work, Social Management, Therapy Sciences
  • Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, Master of Health Management, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science
  • 21 Courses in directory

The APOLLON University of Health Sciences in Bremen is a state-recognized private university specializing in distance learning courses and certificate programs for the health and social economy since 2005. With 21 accredited degree programs, over 70 certificate courses, and approximately 4,000 students, the university offers flexible, practice-oriented further education opportunities for professionals. As part of the Klett Group, the APOLLON University impresses with modern digital learning formats, high quality standards, and numerous awards.

  • Kaiserlautern, Rhineland-Palatinate
  • 17017 Number of Participants
  • Sports Science, Psychology, Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Management, Social Management, Finance Sciences, Law, HR Management, Medicine, Pedagogy, Business Administration, Economics
  • Master of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Engineering, Master of Laws
  • 18 Courses in directory
The Rhineland-Palatinate Technical University Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU) offers a comprehensive range of academic further education programmes through distance learning. The Distance and Independent Studies Center (DISC) is the central academic institution for distance learning courses and has ove…
  • Wismar, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
  • 7599 Number of Participants
  • HR Management, Business engineering, IT security, Business informatics, Sports Science, Law, Social Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Marketing, Management, MBA, Health management, Logistic…
  • Bachelor of Arts, Master of Engineering, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Master of Arts, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Business Administration, Master of Laws, Bachelor of Engineering, Diplom-Be…
  • 33 Courses in directory

WINGS, the further education institute of the University of Wismar, offers flexible and practice-oriented distance learning courses and further education programs. With 5,100 active students, 41 programs, and an innovative online study format, WINGS enables part-time learning with state-recognized degrees. As part of the prestigious University of Wismar, WINGS stands for academic excellence, digital innovation, and practical relevance.

UAS · Private

  • Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg
  • 6370 Number of Participants
  • Data Science & AI, Computer Science, IT Management, Nutritional Science, MBA, Management, Marketing, Business informatics, Mechanical engineering, Business Administration, Business engineering, Commun…
  • Master of Science, Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts, Master of Engineering
  • 67 Courses in directory

Over 71,000 graduates in the past 60 years! The AKAD University offers more than 70 part-time distance learning courses with degrees in Bachelor, Master, MBA, and university certificate in the fields of Business & Management, Engineering & Computer Science, Communication & Culture, and Health & Social Sciences. All courses are accredited by ACQUIN or ZeVA and have been reviewed and approved by the Central Office for Distance Learning (ZFU).

  • Hamburg, Germany
  • Nursing Science, Business engineering, Psychology, Mechanical engineering, Health management, Mechatronics, Therapy Sciences, MBA, Business Administration, HR Management, Business psychology, Social w…
  • Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Science, Master of Engineering, Master of Business Administration, Master of Science, Master of Arts
  • 21 Courses in directory
The HFH · Hamburger Fern-Hochschule is one of the largest private distance learning universities in Germany, offering a comprehensive range of part-time bachelor's and master's degree programs as well as opportunities for doctoral studies. The study offering is complemented by module-based academic …
  • Iserlohn, North Rhine-Westphalia
  • Law, Data Science & AI, Business informatics, Electrical Engineering, Natural Sciences, Mechanical engineering, Social Management, Business engineering, Mechatronics, MBA, Nursing Science, Pedagogy, M…
  • Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science, Master of Engineering, Master of Arts, Master of Laws, Bachelor of Laws
  • 21 Courses in directory
Interuniversity study offerings for combined on-site and distance learning courses at universities of applied sciences in North Rhine-Westphalia. Offering universities of applied sciences: FH Bielefeld FH Münster FH Dortmund FH South Westphalia FH Cologne HS Lower Rhine HS Bochum …
  • Schmalkalden, Thuringia
  • 2580 Number of Participants
  • Law, Business informatics, Electrical Engineering, Business engineering, Management, Entrepreneurship, Business Administration, Mechanical engineering, Computer Science
  • Bachelor of Laws, Master of Laws, Bachelor of Science, Master of Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Science, Master of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Public Administration
  • 13 Courses in directory

The University of Schmalkalden is a state university with its headquarters in the green heart of Germany in the middle of Thuringia. In addition to 12 bachelor's and master's degree programs in the fields of business, computer science, and engineering, the university offers numerous certificate programs. Distance learning with the University of Schmalkalden is a particularly personal form of distance learning with small study groups, regular block seminars, and personal exchanges between teachers and students.

  • Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia
  • 4632 Number of Participants
  • Sports Science, Media studies, Business Administration, MBA, Tourism & Hospitality, Health management, Communications Studies, Management, Marketing
  • Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration
  • 18 Courses in directory

The IST University of Management is officially recognized as a state-approved university by the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Research of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The distance learning courses offered in the exciting areas of sports, fitness, health, tourism, hospitality, events, media and communication are characterized by high scientific quality and a strong practical relevance.

  • Riedlingen, Baden-Wuerttemberg
  • 8746 Number of Participants
  • Business Administration, Business engineering, Medicine, Natural Sciences, Psychology, Nutritional Science, Law, Social Management, Design & Layout, MBA, Business psychology, Management, Media Informa…
  • Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Laws, Master of Arts, Master of Science
  • 39 Courses in directory
The SRH Distance Learning University, with over 25 years of experience and more than 12,000 students annually, is one of the leading providers in the field of distance learning. It offers 74 state-recognized bachelor's and master's programs as well as over 149 university certificates. As part of a f…
  • Saarbrücken, Saarland
  • 6506 Number of Participants
  • Sports Science, Nutritional Science, Therapy Sciences, Health management
  • Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts
  • 11 Courses in directory
The German University for Prevention and Health Management (DHfPG) is a state-recognized private university that specializes in dual bachelor's and master's degree programs. With around 8,000 students and over 4,300 partner companies, it is one of the largest private universities in Germany. DHfPG o…

University · Public

  • Potsdam, Brandenburg
  • MBA
  • Master of Business Administration
  • 1 Course in directory
The University of Potsdam, founded in 1991, has established itself as a research-intensive institution in the German academic landscape. With more than 20,000 students, it is the largest university in the state of Brandenburg. It is divided into seven faculties: the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, Law,…

UAS · Private

  • Bad Sooden-Allendorf, Hesse
  • 6283 Number of Participants
  • Business Administration, Law, Business engineering, Business informatics, Sports Science, Psychology, Design & Layout, Mechatronics, Management, MBA, Therapy Sciences, Social work, Business psychology…
  • Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration, Master of Laws
  • 41 Courses in directory
The DIPLOMA University, headquartered in Bad Sooden-Allendorf, is a privately run, state-recognized university. It offers more than 40 degree programmes with bachelor's and master's degrees in the fields of Health & Psychology, Social Work & Education, Business & Law, Engineering, and Design & Media…

University · Public

  • Berlin, Germany
  • 32553 Number of Participants
  • Humanities
  • Master of Arts
  • 1 Course in directory

University · Public

  • Brig, Valais
  • Psychology, Humanities
  • Master of Science, Master of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science
  • 4 Courses in directory
The FernUni Switzerland is a university accredited under the Higher Education Funding and Coordination Act (HFKG), and is one of the leading providers of distance learning courses in Switzerland. Since its founding in 1992 and federal recognition in 2004, FernUni Switzerland has offered flexible stu…
  • Berlin, Germany
  • 14156 Number of Participants
  • Mechanical engineering, Real Estate Management, MBA, Economics
  • Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts
  • 4 Courses in directory
The University of Applied Sciences for Engineering and Economics Berlin (HTW Berlin) is the largest university of applied sciences in the capital city of Germany. Founded in 1994, HTW Berlin offers more than 80 degree programmes in the fields of business, engineering, computer science, design, and c…
  • Konstanz, Baden-Württemberg
  • 640 Number of Participants
  • MBA, Pedagogy, Business Administration, Finance Sciences
  • Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts, Bachelor of Arts
  • 4 Courses in directory

The Allensbach University is a state-recognized university in the state of Baden-Württemberg, offering various part-time Bachelor's and Master's programmes in the field of economics. The university emerged in 2015 from the WHL Scientific University Lahr, which was founded in 1996, so you benefit from our many years of experience in distance learning with over 1000 successful graduates.

  • Wolfenbüttel, Lower Saxony
  • 12420 Number of Participants
  • MBA, Media Informatics, Social Management, Mechanical engineering, Economics
  • Master of Business Administration, Master of Science, Bachelor of Science, Master of Social Management, Master of Engineering, Bachelor of Arts
  • 6 Courses in directory
state university with headquarters in Lower Saxony the largest university in Lower Saxony with around 12,500 students more than 90 degree courses, including numerous online and distance learning courses Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences is a state university based in Lower Saxony. The uni…

University · Public

  • Koblenz, Rhineland-Palatinate
  • 1000 Number of Participants
  • Natural Sciences, MBA, Communications Studies, HR Management, Pedagogy
  • Master of Science, Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts
  • 6 Courses in directory
The Centre for Distance Learning and University Continuing Education (ZFUW) at the University of Koblenz was founded in 1991 and is the oldest distance learning institution in Rhineland-Palatinate. It offers postgraduate distance learning courses leading to a Master's degree, certificate courses, as…

University · Public

  • Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein
  • Pedagogy
  • Master of Arts
  • 1 Course in directory
The Christian-Albrechts-University in Kiel (CAU), founded in 1665, is the only full university in Schleswig-Holstein. Offering a wide range of subjects from agricultural sciences to dentistry, it provides a comprehensive academic education in a total of 190 courses. The CAU follows the motto "Pax Op…

University · Public

  • Nordrhein-Westfalen, Bochum
  • Law
  • Master of Arts
  • 1 Course in directory
  • Freiburg, Baden-Württemberg
  • 21000 Number of Participants
  • Computer Science
  • Master of Science
  • 1 Course in directory
Bridges between Science and Profession In addition to teaching and research, continuing education alongside work is an important task of the University of Freiburg. The interdisciplinary offer opens up new opportunities for the profession scientifically and practically, up to a specialist reorienta…
  • Berlin, Germany
  • Law, Management, Economics
  • Master of Arts, Master of Laws, Master of Public Administration, Master of Science
  • 7 Courses in directory
The Berlin School of Economics and Law (HWR) belongs to the largest universities in Berlin with over 11,800 students and enjoys an excellent reputation nationwide in the management sector. The HWR Berlin stands for interdisciplinary teaching with a strong practical orientation, intensive research, h…
  • Köthen, Saxony-Anhalt
  • Nutritional Science, Mechanical engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Medicine, Business engineering
  • Master of Engineering, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Science, Master of Business Administration
  • 14 Courses in directory

University · Public

  • Krems, Krems-Land
  • HR Management
  • Master of Arts
  • 1 Course in directory
  • Dresden, Saxony
  • 32857 Number of Participants
  • Civil Engineering, Mechanical engineering
  • Diplom-Ingenieur, Bachelor of Science
  • 4 Courses in directory
The Dresden University of Technology (TUD), founded in 1828, is one of the largest technical universities in Germany and is among the eleven universities of excellence in the country. With over 30,000 enrolled students, of which around 18% are from abroad, and around 9,000 staff from 89 nations, TUD…

Academic institution · Public

  • Lübeck, Schleswig-Holstein
  • Business informatics, Business engineering, Media Informatics
  • Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Science
  • 4 Courses in directory
oncampus gives you access to online study and further education at German and international universities via the internet. You study from your PC, supervised by qualified university lecturers, along with your fellow students. You gain solid knowledge and up-to-date information for your professional …
  • Jena, Thuringia
  • 4501 Number of Participants
  • Nursing Science, Pedagogy
  • Master of Science, Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts
  • 3 Courses in directory
The Ernst-Abbe-Hochschule Jena (EAH Jena) was founded in 1991 as a University of Applied Sciences and is one of the first universities of this kind in the New Federal States. Today, it is the largest and most research-intensive university of its kind in Thuringia. With around 4,300 students and appr…

University · Public

  • Weimar, Thuringia
  • 4116 Number of Participants
  • Natural Sciences, Civil Engineering, Media studies
  • Master of Science, Master of Arts
  • 4 Courses in directory
The Bauhaus University Weimar, an international institution based in the cultural city of Weimar, builds on the historical legacy of the State Bauhaus, founded in its main building in 1919. This influential design school of the 20th century revolutionized education by combining art, technology, and …
  • Berlin, Germany
  • 12813 Number of Participants
  • Mechanical engineering, Business informatics, Media Informatics, Medicine
  • Master of Engineering, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science
  • 6 Courses in directory

Academic institution · Public

  • Saarbrücken, Saarland
  • Humanities, Natural Sciences, Law
  • Master of Arts, Master of Science
  • 3 Courses in directory
The CEC Saar is a joint institution of Saarland University and the University of Applied Sciences for Technology and Economics, specializing in scientific further education. The goal is to combine the activities of both universities and support the development, marketing, and organization of further…
  • Linz, Upper Austria
  • Law
  • Magister/Magistra iuris
  • 1 Course in directory
The Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU) was founded in 1966 and is now one of the leading universities in Austria. With its four faculties - the Faculty of Social Sciences and Economics (SOWI, since 1966), the Faculty of Law (RE, since 1975), the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences (TN, si…

University · Public

  • Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia
  • Business informatics, Electrical Engineering, IT Management
  • Master of Science
  • 3 Courses in directory

Academic institution · Private

  • Wismar, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
  • Business informatics, Business Administration
  • Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts
  • 2 Courses in directory
The European Higher Education Consortium (EHV) is a state-recognised institution for further education that offers both academic and non-academic programmes for working professionals. In close collaboration with various universities and institutes, the EHV develops distance learning concepts that en…
  • Brig, Valais
  • Nutritional Science
  • Bachelor of Science
  • 1 Course in directory
  • Neubrandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
  • 2200 Number of Participants
  • IT Management, Business Administration, Pedagogy
  • Master of Arts, Bachelor of Arts
  • 4 Courses in directory
The University of Neubrandenburg, founded in 1991, offers a practice-oriented academic education focused on the application of scientific knowledge and methods. With around 2,100 students, it is characterized by a familiar atmosphere and intensive support, aided by small seminar groups and easy acce…

University · Public

  • Kassel, Hesse
  • 25538 Number of Participants
  • Psychology
  • Master of Arts
  • 1 Course in directory
  • Hamburg, Germany
  • 1282 Number of Participants
  • Media studies
  • Master of Arts
  • 1 Course in directory
  • Zwickau, Saxony
  • 2893 Number of Participants
  • Business informatics, Civil Engineering, Business engineering, Nursing Science, MBA
  • Diplom-Ingenieur, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Business Administration
  • 6 Courses in directory
The West Saxon University of Applied Sciences Zwickau (WHZ) positions itself under the motto "University of Mobility" as a multidisciplinary academic educational and research institution. Its range of programs combines engineering, business, and social science courses with a special focus on sustain…
  • Wiesbaden, Hesse
  • 13195 Number of Participants
  • Social work
  • Master of Arts
  • 1 Course in directory
  • Bielefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia
  • 5550 Number of Participants
  • Sports Science, Nutritional Science, Business engineering, Management, Nursing Science, Business Administration, Media studies, Psychology, HR Management, Communications Studies, IT Management, Pedago…
  • Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science
  • 20 Courses in directory
The University of Applied Sciences for SMEs (FHM) is a private, state-recognised university with nine locations throughout Germany and the FHM Online University. It tailors its range of study programmes specifically to the needs of SMEs and offers bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and continuing educa…
  • Mittweida, Saxony
  • 6996 Number of Participants
  • Electrical Engineering, Management, IT security, Mechanical engineering
  • Diplom-Ingenieur, Master of Science, Bachelor of Science
  • 5 Courses in directory
The Mittweida University looks back on a history of over 150 years, which began with the founding of technical educational institutions in 1865. Its origins are closely linked to the pioneers Wilhelm Heinrich Uhland and Carl Georg Weitzel. While Uhland founded the first technical college in Mittweid…
  • Marburg, Hesse
  • 25945 Number of Participants
  • Humanities, Pedagogy, Medicine
  • Master of Arts, Master of Science
  • 3 Courses in directory
The Philipps University of Marburg, founded in 1527 by Landgrave Philipp the Generous, is one of the oldest universities in Germany, combining tradition with modern research and teaching. With 16 departments, 12 interdisciplinary research centers, and a university hospital, it offers a wide variety …

Tips for Choosing the Right University for Distance Learning

Choosing the right university for your distance learning is an important process. Take enough time, especially for this step. Consider these factors when making your decision:

  • University or University of Applied Sciences? University programs are usually more theoretical and comprehensive; University of Applied Sciences programs are more practice-oriented.
  • Private or public? Public universities are usually more affordable. Private universities often offer better study materials and more intensive support.
  • Establishment of the university. The longer a university exists, the more successful graduates it has produced. But be careful: the founding date is especially important for pure distance universities. Universities that offer individual distance learning programs often have less experience in organizing distance education.
  • Specialization. There are universities that specialize in individual subject areas, such as the Wilhelm Büchner University, which specializes in IT distance learning programs. This can be a guarantee of high-quality programs.
  • Reputation. Reputation is not a guarantee of quality in teaching. However, it can be beneficial, especially in later application processes.
  • Location. For smaller universities, location is more important when it comes to traveling to on-site phases. Larger universities operate study centers throughout Germany.
Building of the FernUni Hagen in North Rhine Westphalia. FernUni Hagen is the largest German university and at the same time the only German distance university.
© DRFEU1117_CC_BY-SA 4.0

Distance University vs. University of Applied Sciences: Which University Should I Choose?

Most distance learning programs in Germany are offered by universities of applied sciences. Few universities offer distance learning programs, foremost among them is FernUni Hagen. But does it actually make a difference whether one studies at a university or a university of applied sciences?

Universities offer these advantages:

  • Diverse range of programs. The range of programs at a university is usually broader, at least at normal on-site universities. At universities, you can study, for example, humanities. For instance, at FernUni Hagen, there is the distance learning program in Cultural Studies, which leads to a Bachelor of Arts.
  • Research focus. Programs at universities are usually more "comprehensive", theoretical, and provide a broader knowledge base.
  • Doctoral rights. Universities are allowed to award doctorates. For example, at FernUni Hagen, you can work while earning a PhD.

Universities of Applied Sciences, on the other hand, offer these advantages:

  • Specialized program offerings. Programs at universities of applied sciences, like the universities themselves, are usually focused on specific subject areas. This is especially true for private distance universities. Examples include the European Distance University of Hamburg, with a focus on distance learning programs in business administration, the Wilhelm Büchner University with a focus on engineering programs, and the IST University of Management with a focus on health and sports sciences.
  • Practical relevance. Programs at universities of applied sciences are usually much more practice-oriented than university programs. Therefore, most distance learning programs at universities of applied sciences are particularly suitable for working professionals who want to study part-time.
  • Intensive support. Most universities of applied sciences are smaller than universities. Accordingly, students at universities of applied sciences can receive more intensive support – even in distance learning!

What is better for me: a private university or a public one?

The offering of distance learning programs has been growing for years, especially in the private sector. This is good for students, as distance learning programs at private universities are becoming more affordable. Private universities not only entice with better support and study materials, but also with financing models tailored specifically to working professionals.

So where should you study, at a public or private university? Here are some criteria for decision-making:

Costs. The decisive factor for most prospective distance learners is the cost factor. Especially Bachelor's programs at public universities like FernUni Hagen are unbeatable in terms of affordability. For example, for a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration at FernUni, you pay hardly more than 2000-3000 euros. At a private university, you would pay around 10000-15000 euros for a Bachelor's in Business Administration. However, in return, you would receive more study materials, access to online lectures, live tutorials, and sometimes coaching.

Range of programs. There are programs that can only be studied at private universities. For example, the Bachelor's program in Cultural Studies at FernUni Hagen. Other distance learning programs are only available at private distance universities, like the innovative Bachelor's in New Work at IU. Generally, the programs at private universities are more tailored to specific professional and target groups – not least because private distance universities are exclusively universities of applied sciences.

Support. Thanks to tuition fees, private universities can provide more intensive support. For example, at Fresenius University and IU, there are even coaching programs designed to help students overcome motivational slumps. On the other hand, many Master's programs at public universities of applied sciences are smaller and sometimes have restricted admission, so that intensive support can also be provided at public universities of applied sciences.

Start of studies. Most public universities operate on a semester basis. The summer semester usually starts in spring, and the winter semester in autumn. Programs often start in the winter semester, typically once a year. Private universities are much more flexible. At many private universities, you can enroll at any time; there is no typical semester schedule.

Campus of IU International University in Bad Honnef. IU is the largest German university with over 85,000 distance learners, but also offers part-time programs, such as in Berlin.

Distance Learning vs. On-Campus Study: Am I Suitable for Distance Learning?

Not everyone is suitable for distance learning. The drop-out rate of distance learning programs is extremely high. Many new students underestimate the effort required for distance learning.

Example: The Bachelor of Business Administration at IU International University requires a total of 180 credit points. With the so-called ECTS (European Credit Transfer System), the effort that universities demand from their students is quasi-standardized. 1 credit point is equivalent to approximately 30 hours of study. In essence, in full-time study, you will need to dedicate about 30 hours per week to your studies.

Therefore, it is hardly possible to balance full-time distance study with a full-time job. An alternative is to study part-time. Many private universities offer various part-time models, allowing students to complete a Bachelor's degree in 8 to 9 semesters, i.e., in 4-5 years. That's 4 years of double the workload due to studying, work, and possibly family!

You should be clear about this before starting a distance learning program. Distance learning is a marathon, not a sprint. Only with good planning, a lot of motivation, and perseverance can a part-time distance study be achieved.

How Recognized is Distance Learning Actually?

All universities that we present here are state-recognised and offer accredited degree programs. Accordingly, the degrees from distance universities are absolutely equivalent to those from on-site universities.

But how recognized is distance learning in the business world, actually? Unfortunately, the question cannot be answered positively or negatively across the board.

On the one hand, surveys suggest that HR managers appreciate distance learners for their determination, self-motivation, ambition, and so on.

On the other hand, many distance learners struggle with the double burden of work and study. HR managers and supervisors generally care that the burden of part-time further education does not affect professional performance.

Anzeige

Study Advice

Questions on the topic? Use our study advice, we are happy to help.

Say something here...
or post as a guest
Loading comment... The comment will be refreshed after 00:00.