Fern-Fachhochschule Hamburg is Germany's largest private distance-learning university, offering state-accredited degrees in business, engineering, and health sciences for working adults. It provides flexible, self-paced online learning with study centres across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
HFH · Hamburger Fern-Hochschule is Germany's largest privately organised distance-learning university of applied sciences, founded in 1997. It offers state-recognised bachelor's and master's degrees in business, engineering, and health sciences, designed for working adults who need flexible scheduling. Learning takes place via self-study materials, live online seminars, and optional weekend sessions at regional study centres. HFH is accredited by ACQUIN and monitored by the ZFU, guaranteeing the quality and marketability of its degrees. With over 10,000 enrolled students and roughly 70 study centres, the university is a proven path to a recognised qualification without interrupting a career.
Student life at HFH is largely self-directed and remote. Online forums, virtual study groups, and regular webinars keep students connected. Regional study-centre weekends offer face-to-face interaction with peers and tutors. The university supports working adults with flexible deadlines and personalised academic counselling.
HFH charges a monthly contribution rather than a lump-sum semester fee. A one-month free trial is available before formal enrolment. No state BAföG is available for private distance-learning programmes.
State-accredited and quality-assured by ACQUIN. Distance-learning content supervised by ZFU (Staatliche Zentralstelle für Fernunterricht).
Non-EU/EEA students must obtain a national student visa (Type D) before arrival and then convert it to a student residence permit at the local Foreigners’ Authority (Ausländerbehörde). To prove financial self-sufficiency, most applicants open a blocked account (Sperrkonto) holding €11,904 — €992 per month for twelve months — an amount in effect since 2024 and unchanged for 2026. The blocked account caps monthly withdrawals at €992 so the funds last the year.
Non-EU international students may work up to 140 full days or 280 half-days per calendar year without approval from the Federal Employment Agency — an allowance raised from the previous 120/240-day limit under the 2024 skilled-immigration reform. A shift of more than four hours counts as a full day. Student-assistant roles at the university (Hiwi positions) generally fall outside this cap, and hours during semester breaks count toward the same annual allowance.
After completing a degree at a German university, non-EU graduates are entitled to an 18-month residence permit to seek work under the Residence Act, during which any employment is allowed. Separately, the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte), introduced in June 2024, lets qualifying non-EU nationals enter to look for work for up to a year using a points system, with limited part-time work permitted. Recent German graduates qualify for the 18-month post-study permit directly, without the points test.
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Health and Social Management is offered by the Hamburger Fern-Hochschule, gemeinnützige GmbH. This distance learning program is designed for students who want to gain expertise in managing organizations within the health and social sectors. It provides a comprehensive understanding of business administration principles applied to these specific fields. The program aims to equip graduates with the necessary skills to navigate the complex and evolving landscape of health and social services management.
This distance learning Bachelor's program in Data Science equips you with the skills to interpret data, master AI technologies, and translate information into strategic decisions. You will become a driving force in the digital transformation, learning to transform data into knowledge and drive AI innovation. The program is ideal for those who want to understand how to convert data into insights, what powers AI advancements, and how information leads to action. You will gain a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education in Statistics, Computer Science, and Business Analytics, preparing you for the challenges of the data-driven era. The curriculum focuses on teaching you techniques and methods to generate new insights from large datasets using both classical statistical models and artificial intelligence approaches.
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) program in Berufspädagogik für Gesundheitsfachberufe (Pedagogy for Health Professions) is offered by Hamburger Fern-Hochschule, gemeinnützige GmbH. This distance learning program is designed for individuals seeking to work in vocational education within the health sector. It spans 7 semesters and awards 180 ECTS credits. The program focuses on equipping students with the pedagogical and practical skills necessary to teach and train professionals in various healthcare fields. As a distance learning program, it offers flexibility for students who may be working or have other commitments, with study centers available across Germany and Austria.
This Bachelor of Engineering program focuses on the integration of digital technologies into production processes. You will learn to design and implement data-driven networking solutions for modern manufacturing, utilizing skills in areas like industrial 3D printing and laser technology. The program combines fundamental engineering principles with advanced expertise in contemporary production systems, offering an exciting blend of disciplines to prepare you for the future of manufacturing.
The distance learning Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Mechanical Engineering program at Hamburger Fern-Hochschule (HFH) is designed for those looking to advance their expertise in a leading industrial sector. The program focuses on key areas like development management, methods and procedures, finite element analysis, robotics, mechatronic systems, and materials. This master's degree equips graduates with advanced technical skills and management knowledge highly sought after in the global mechanical engineering industry. The program is delivered entirely online, offering flexibility for working professionals and international students. The curriculum allows for individual specialization through elective modules, ensuring students can tailor their studies to their career aspirations. Graduates are well-prepared for roles in innovation and development within the mechanical and plant engineering sectors, a field where Germany is a recognized world leader. The program structure is geared towards practical application and research, culminating in a master's thesis.
full fundingOpen to applicants who hold or expect a Master's degree in Computer Science or a related field, with strong coding skills, an interest in large-scale software projects and the ability to write and present in English (no German required). Candidates should be passionate about high-quality academic research, willing to mentor undergraduate students, and have a long-term vision and persistence for deep research. Positions are filled on a rolling basis as suitable candidates are identified.
full fundingOpen to international students of all nationalities with a strong academic background in computer science, data science, or a related field, or a degree in a domain science (such as life sciences, medicine, health, earth observation, or robotics) or interdisciplinary fields (such as geoinformatics or bioinformatics) with a strong data science emphasis. Applicants need a passion for applying state-of-the-art data science techniques to real-world scientific challenges. Selection is based on academic record, research potential, and motivation.
full fundingOpen to applicants who hold a Master's degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering or a related field, with strong knowledge of metallurgy, slip/twinning mechanisms and the mechanical behaviour of metals. Experience with magnesium (Mg) alloys, micro-compression or SEM techniques is an advantage. Candidates need strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in an interdisciplinary, international environment. The post is a salaried PhD position open to international applicants.
Open to applicants of all nationalities who hold a Master's degree in soil science, geosciences, environmental sciences or a closely related field, are proficient in written and spoken English, and are physically fit for extended fieldwork in tropical regions (Ghana and India). Experience with soil analysis, spectral tools and drone operations is an advantage but not mandatory.
full fundingOpen to international applicants who hold a master's degree in Chemical, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or a related field with strong academic performance, with experience in electrochemical modelling and simulation, knowledge of PEM and AEM electrolyser technology, skills in automation and data analysis (Python, LabVIEW), and proficiency in German and English.
full fundingFor researchers from abroad — postdoctoral (normally within 4 years of a PhD) or experienced (within 12 years of a PhD) — to carry out a long-term research stay in Germany with a host of their choice. Selection is on academic record and research potential; applications can be submitted at any time.
International students can expect tuition contributions of approximately €300–€600 per month, translating to an annual cost of roughly €3,600–€7,200 depending on the program and study pace. The university charges a monthly contribution rather than a semester fee.
For bachelor's programs, a 'Fachhochschulreife' or equivalent qualification is required. For master's programs, a bachelor's degree is necessary. While relevant professional experience is recommended, it is not always mandatory for admission.
Yes, Fern-Fachhochschule Hamburg is Germany's largest privately organised distance-learning university of applied sciences. It offers flexible learning through self-study materials, live online seminars, and optional weekend sessions at regional study centres.
The average cost of living for a single student in Hamburg is estimated to be between €900 and €1,200 per month.
Yes, the university offers a one-month free trial period before formal enrollment, allowing you to test any program risk-free before committing.