Englisch 
Deutsch HFH · Hamburger Fern-Hochschule: Distance learning with study centres and clear subject focus
HFH · Hamburger Fern-Hochschule is a private, state-recognised university of applied sciences based in Hamburg. It was founded in 1997 and is one of Germany’s established distance-learning universities. Its programmes are aimed primarily at working professionals, trainees, parents and people who want to study alongside work or family commitments.
The HFH focuses on three main subject areas: healthcare and nursing, engineering, and business and law. Its portfolio also includes programmes in psychology, social work, education and management.
- Type of institution: private, state-recognised university of applied sciences
- Subject focus: healthcare & nursing, engineering, business & law
- Degrees: Bachelor, Master, MBA
How distance learning at the HFH works
The HFH combines self-study, digital learning and regional study centres. Students work with printed and digital study materials as well as the university’s WebCampus. Depending on the programme, online seminars, on-site classes, examinations or practical components may also be part of the study model.
This means that the HFH is not a purely online university. Personal contact and regional study centres play a more important role than at some fully digital distance-learning providers.
Who is the HFH suitable for?
The HFH is particularly suitable for people looking for a structured, part-time distance-learning programme. This applies especially to professionals from healthcare, nursing, engineering, social services and business.
- Nurses who want to move into nursing management or healthcare management
- Professionals with commercial experience who want to earn a business degree
- Technicians who want to gain an engineering-related academic qualification
- Professionals in social work or healthcare who want to take on leadership roles
- Experienced professionals without a traditional university entrance qualification
Admission without a traditional school-leaving certificate may be possible, depending on your previous education and work experience. The exact requirements depend on the individual degree programme.
Which degree programmes does the HFH offer?
On fernstudi.net, HFH programmes are listed across several subject areas. The strongest areas include healthcare, nursing, engineering, business, psychology and social work.
| Course | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berufspädagogik für Gesundheits- und Sozialberufe, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | 7 Semester | from 14280 € total from 340 € monthly | |
| Betriebswirtschaft, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | 7 Semester | from 15120 € total from 360 € monthly | |
| Gesundheits- und Sozialmanagement, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | 7 Semester | from 15120 € total from 360 € monthly | |
| Management im Gesundheitswesen, Master of Arts Distance learning program | 5 Semester | from 12300 € total from 410 € monthly | |
| Maschinenbau, Master of Engineering Distance learning program | 4 Semester | from 12000 € total from 500 € monthly | |
| Maschinenbau, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | 7 Semester | from 12780 € total from 247 € monthly | |
| MBA General Management, Master of Business Administration Distance learning program | 5 Semester | from 13500 € total from 450 € monthly | |
| Pflegemanagement, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | 7 Semester | from 15120 € total from 360 € monthly | |
| Psychologie, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | 6 Semester | from 12780 € total from 276 € monthly | |
| Soziale Arbeit, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | 8 Semester | from 14400 € total from 300 € monthly | |
| Therapie- und Pflegewissenschaften, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | 6 Semester | from 11988 € total from 333 € monthly | |
| Wirtschaftsingenieurwesen, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | 6 Semester | from 14760 € total from 290 € monthly |
The HFH does not offer as broad a portfolio as some large online universities. Its profile, however, is clearly defined: it is aimed at people looking for an applied, career-related degree programme.
Certificate programmes and academic continuing education at the HFH
In addition to Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes, the HFH also offers academic continuing education through distance learning. These continuing education options are based on modules from HFH Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes. Subject areas include healthcare, nursing, social work, business, law, engineering, psychology and education.
Certificate programmes are particularly relevant for working professionals who need current academic knowledge for their field or want to test whether a later Bachelor’s or Master’s programme would fit their personal situation.
- focused continuing education in specific subject areas
- designed for part-time distance learning
- selection of modules at Bachelor’s and Master’s level
- completion with a participation certificate or qualified university certificate
- ECTS credits when completing the module with a university certificate
- possible later recognition towards a regular degree programme
Study centres: advantage or limitation?
One distinctive feature of the HFH is its network of study centres. Depending on the programme, these centres may host seminars, examinations, counselling sessions or opportunities to meet lecturers and other students.
This can be helpful if you do not want to study entirely on your own. Study centres add structure and can make it easier to connect with others.
At the same time, study centres can also mean fixed dates and travel. If you work shifts, care for relatives, have young children or live far away from the nearest location, you should check this point carefully.
- Where is the nearest study centre for my programme?
- Which sessions are optional and which are compulsory?
- Can I take exams online, or only on site?
- How well do the dates fit my work, family and travel situation?
- Could travel or accommodation lead to additional costs?
What speaks in favour of the HFH?
The HFH is especially interesting if you are looking for a distance-learning programme that is not organised only online, but also includes personal support and fixed structures.
- many years of experience in distance learning
- clear subject focus
- part-time study models for working professionals
- regional study centres
- practice-oriented degree programmes
- options for recognising prior professional learning
Recognition of prior learning can be particularly important for working professionals. If you have completed relevant vocational training or further education, individual modules may be recognised. This can reduce both study time and costs. The final decision is always made by the university on a case-by-case basis.
What should you check critically?
The HFH is not automatically the best choice for everyone who wants to study flexibly. What matters is how well the specific programme fits your life situation.
| Question to check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Total costs | Monthly instalments may look manageable, but the total programme cost is what matters. |
| Compulsory attendance | On-site sessions can mean fixed dates, travel time and additional costs. |
| Exam formats | Online exams and on-site exams vary depending on the programme. |
| Recognition of prior learning | Professional experience or previous qualifications may shorten the programme, but this must be assessed individually. |
| Start dates | Not every programme can be started at any time. |
| Subject fit | The HFH is strong in healthcare, nursing, engineering and business, but not equally broad in every subject area. |
FAQ about HFH · Hamburger Fern-Hochschule
Yes. HFH · Hamburger Fern-Hochschule is a private, state-recognised university of applied sciences based in Hamburg. Its distance-learning programmes are also subject to approval requirements under German distance-learning regulations.
Not necessarily. The HFH combines self-study, digital learning and offers at regional study centres. Depending on the programme, on-site sessions, exams or practical components may be required. You should therefore check the study and examination regulations of the specific programme.
The HFH is suitable for working professionals, trainees, parents and professionally qualified applicants who are looking for a structured distance-learning programme with support. It is particularly relevant for people from healthcare, nursing, engineering, business, social work and management.
This may be possible. Depending on the programme, admission can be based on professional qualifications, such as advanced vocational training or completed vocational training with relevant work experience. The exact requirements depend on the individual programme.
The HFH offers Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees as well as an MBA. Depending on the subject, degrees include Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Engineering and Master of Business Administration.
The programmes are designed to be studied alongside work, but they are not always fully flexible. Flexibility depends strongly on the programme. Exam formats, on-site dates, start dates and possible extension options are especially important.
Check the total costs, possible on-site requirements, exam locations, recognition of prior learning and the expected weekly workload. It is also useful to compare the HFH with other distance-learning universities in the same subject area.
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