University of Hagen (FernUniversität in Hagen)
Hagen, Germany
FernUniversität in Hagen (University of Hagen)
Hagen, Germany
Founded
1974
Institution Type
Public
Total Students
72,000+
Learning Format
Distance Learning
Discover FernUniversität in Hagen: Germany's Leading Distance University
Discover FernUniversität in Hagen: Germany's Leading Distance University
The FernUniversität in Hagen is Germany's only state-funded distance-learning university, founded on December 1, 1974, under North Rhine-Westphalia state law. With approximately 72,000 enrolled students, it is one of the largest universities in Germany by student enrollment, offering bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs across five faculties.
Inspired by Britain's Open University, the FernUniversität was established to provide flexible higher education access to working adults, regional students, and anyone unable to attend traditional on-campus institutions. Its blended learning approach combines printed and digital study materials with optional in-person seminars, enabling students to study when and where they choose.
The university operates around 30 study centers across Germany, Austria, and Central and Eastern Europe, providing face-to-face advising and examination facilities. Its degree programs carry the same academic recognition as those from traditional German universities, and the institution is a pioneer in lifelong learning and distance education research.
Key Milestones
- 1974: FernUniversität officially founded on December 1 under NRW state law, with departments of economics and mathematics.
- 1975: Teaching began with 1,330 students in the winter semester 1975/76, operating from rented rooms across Hagen.
- 2004: Major restructuring reorganized academic departments into four faculties covering humanities, economics, mathematics, and law.
- 2018: Faculty of Psychology established as the fifth independent faculty, building on over 40 years of psychology teaching.
Academic Structure and Faculties
Academic Structure and Faculties
The FernUniversität in Hagen is organized into five faculties offering a diverse range of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. All programs follow a blended learning model that combines digital study materials with optional in-person components, allowing maximum flexibility for students worldwide.
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
This faculty covers a broad spectrum of disciplines including education, history, philosophy, political science, and sociology. It is one of the university's founding academic units and supports interdisciplinary research.
- B.A. in Education Science
- M.A. in European Modern History
- M.A. in Philosophy
Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science
Offering programs in pure mathematics, applied mathematics, and computer science, this faculty is known for research in spatial databases, cryptography, and distance education technologies.
- B.Sc. in Mathematics
- B.Sc. in Computer Science
- M.Sc. in Practical Computer Science
Faculty of Business Administration and Economics
One of the most popular faculties with over 4,000 students, it combines departments of business administration, finance, and business informatics to offer a comprehensive scientific portfolio.
- B.Sc. in Business Administration and Economics
- M.Sc. in Business Administration
- M.Sc. in Business Informatics
Faculty of Law
The Faculty of Law offers both academic degrees and preparation for the First State Examination in Law, providing a pathway to the German legal profession through flexible distance learning.
- LL.B. in Law
- LL.M. (Master of Laws)
- First State Examination in Law
Faculty of Psychology
Established as an independent faculty in 2018, it builds on over 40 years of psychology teaching at the university. The faculty offers accredited programs in psychology with both theoretical and applied research components.
- B.Sc. in Psychology
- M.Sc. in Psychology
- Doctoral Programs in Psychology
Interdisciplinary Research Centers
The university hosts several interdisciplinary research centers and institutes, including the FTK Research Institute for Telecommunication and Cooperation, supporting applied research across multiple academic domains.
- Distance Education Research
- Open Access Continuing Education Courses
- eTeaching Certificate Program
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admission
- School-Leaving CertificateGerman Abitur or equivalent foreign qualification recognized by ZAB
- Numerus ClaususNot required — programs are not admission-restricted
- Vocational QualificationRelevant professional qualifications can also qualify for admission
- Language RequirementMost programs taught in German; some modules available in English
- Application FormatOnline application with digital document upload via the university portal
Graduate Admission
- Prior DegreeBachelor's degree or equivalent with minimum 6-semester standard duration
- Credential EvaluationForeign qualifications assessed by ZAB (Central Office for Foreign Education)
- Subject PrerequisitesVaries by program — check specific faculty requirements
- Language ProficiencyGerman proficiency required for most programs; check program-specific requirements
- Application FormatOnline application with digital document upload; processing takes 2-4 weeks
Application window runs from June 1 to July 31 for the winter semester starting October 1.
Application window runs from December 1 to January 31 for the summer semester starting April 1.
The winter semester officially begins on October 1 each year. Study materials are distributed at the start of the semester.
The summer semester officially begins on April 1 each year. Enrolled students receive their course materials promptly.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
As a state-funded distance-learning university, FernUniversität in Hagen charges significantly lower fees than most traditional universities. The same fee structure applies to all students regardless of nationality or place of residence.
| Fee Component | Full-Time (per semester) | Part-Time (per semester) |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Fee | EUR 60 | EUR 60 |
| Student Body Contribution | EUR 9 | EUR 9 |
| Course Fees (EUR 11 per ECTS) | EUR 330 (30 ECTS) | EUR 220 (20 ECTS) |
| Estimated Total per Semester | EUR 399 | EUR 289 |
| Total | EUR 399 | EUR 289 |
Fee Discount for Students in Need
The FernUniversität offers a fee discount for students who demonstrate financial need. Eligible full-time students can receive a deduction of up to EUR 330 per semester on course fees, while part-time students may receive up to EUR 220.
- Eligibility: Full-time and part-time students who demonstrate financial need
- Maximum Discount (Full-Time): EUR 330 per semester
- Duration: Available for the entire standard period of study
Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship)
The Deutschlandstipendium is a nationwide scholarship program that provides EUR 300 per month to talented students. Half of the funding comes from private donors and the other half from the German federal government.
- Award Amount: EUR 300 per month
- Funding Source: 50% private donors, 50% federal government
- Eligibility: Outstanding academic performance and social engagement
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
The FernUniversität's main campus is located in Hagen near the A45 and A46 motorways. While most students study remotely, the campus serves as the administrative and academic heart of the university, with modern buildings, a comprehensive library, and research facilities.
The modern campus near Hagen's motorway junction houses administrative offices, lecture halls, and research centers across multiple buildings.
The centrally located library holds over 850,000 printed volumes and more than 150,000 digital media items, supporting both on-campus and distance learners.
The Villa Bechem served as the university's original headquarters in 1974 and remains a cherished part of the campus landscape today.
Study Centers and Support
Regional Study Centers
The FernUniversität operates approximately 30 study centers across Germany, Austria, and Central and Eastern Europe, offering face-to-face advising, seminars, and examinations.
- In-person advising and mentoring sessions
- On-site examination facilities
- Study group meeting spaces
Digital Learning Infrastructure
As a distance university, the FernUniversität provides extensive digital platforms for course delivery, collaboration, and student support, enabling learning from anywhere in the world.
- Online learning management system (Moodle-based)
- Digital and printed study materials distribution
- Virtual seminars and online working groups
Student Life at FernUniversität in Hagen
Student Life at FernUniversität in Hagen
Student life at FernUniversität is uniquely shaped by its distance-learning model. While most students study remotely alongside their careers, the university fosters a vibrant community through digital platforms, regional study groups, and on-campus events in Hagen.
Hagen: Gateway Between the Ruhr and Sauerland
Hagen: Gateway Between the Ruhr and Sauerland
Living and Studying in Hagen
Hagen is a city of approximately 189,000 people in North Rhine-Westphalia, situated at the meeting point of four rivers — the Ruhr, Lenne, Volme, and Ennepe. Known as the greenest city in its state, with 42% of its area covered by woods and forests, it offers an excellent quality of life with affordable living costs and easy access to major cities like Dortmund, Düsseldorf, and Cologne.
Excellent Transport Links
Hagen Hauptbahnhof is a major rail junction connecting to cities throughout Germany. The city sits at the crossing of three motorways (A1, A45, A46), and Dortmund and Düsseldorf airports are within an hour's drive.
Cultural Attractions
The city's Kunstquartier (Art Quarter) features the Osthaus Museum with Art Nouveau architecture by Henry van de Velde and the Emil Schumacher Museum of modern art. The LWL Open-Air Museum showcases historic crafts and trades.
Nature and Recreation
Surrounded by hills and forests at the edge of the Sauerland region, Hagen offers excellent hiking trails, cycling along the Ruhr valley, and access to scenic water reservoirs and lakes.
Affordable Living
Compared to larger German cities, Hagen offers significantly lower costs of living, making it an attractive base for students who choose to study near the campus or attend in-person events.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Notable Alumni and Career Paths
Practical Information for Students
Practical Information for Students
For International Students
The International Student Office reviews foreign credentials according to ZAB assessments and supports international applicants through the enrollment process. No special admission procedure is required for foreign applicants.
International students can study from their home country without relocating to Germany. Study materials are delivered digitally, and examinations can often be arranged at regional study centers or partner institutions abroad.
The university provides extensive language support and advising services. While most programs are taught in German, some modules are available in English. Personal counseling is available via phone, email, and in-person appointments.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
University Rankings
University Rankings
As Germany's only state distance-learning university, FernUniversität in Hagen occupies a unique position that often excludes it from conventional university rankings. However, several ranking bodies have evaluated the institution, and it is included in the CHE University Ranking for multiple subject areas.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts & Social Sciences | EduRank | 61st in Germany |
| Computer Science | EduRank | 67th in Germany |
| Business | EduRank | 64th in Germany |
| Mathematics | EduRank | 68th in Germany |
Features
1. Distance Learning Model\nFernUniversität in Hagen specializes in distance education, offering flexible study options that combine digital and printed study materials with online resources. Students can study remotely while balancing work and personal commitments.\n\n2. Blended Learning Approach\nWhile primarily distance-based, the university includes essential in-person components such as seminars, workshops, and exams held at regional study centers across Germany and Europe. This supports practical learning and direct interaction.\n\n3. Wide Range of Programs\nThe university offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs across five faculties: Humanities and Social Sciences, Psychology, Mathematics and Computer Science, Economics and Business Administration, and Law.\n\n4. Large Student Body\nWith over 70,000 enrolled students, FernUni Hagen is the largest university in Germany by enrollment, serving a diverse and international student population.\n\n
Accommodation
FernUniversität in Hagen does not provide on-campus housing. However, students can access various accommodation options:\n\nBildungsherberge: Operated by the university's student union, offering single rooms at €39 per night and double rooms at €49 per night.
Work While Studying
While FernUniversität in Hagen doesn't offer direct employment services, students can find work opportunities through:\n\nUniversity Job Portal: The university's career portal lists various positions, including student assistant roles in departments like the Centre for Learning and Innovation.\n\nErasmus+ Program: This program provides funding for internships and study visits at partner universities, which may include work placements.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Internships are integral to certain programs at FernUniversität in Hagen:\n\nComputer Science Program: Offers various forms of internships, including home-based, virtual, and industry placements.\n\nErasmus+ Program: Supports students in securing internships abroad, with funding and guidance provided.\nStudents are encouraged to plan internships well in advance, as securing placements, especially abroad, can be time-consuming.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
June - July
Location
Hagen is located in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen) in western Germany. It is part of the Ruhr region, one of the country’s largest urban and industrial areas.
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