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GERMANY · HAGEN

Fernuniversität Gesamthochschule Hagen

public · Founded 1974 · Languages: de, en

In short

FernUniversität in Hagen is Germany's only state-funded distance learning university, offering flexible and affordable German degree programs accessible from anywhere in the world. Admission is open, and international students benefit from reduced living costs by studying remotely.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1974
Students: 64,000
International students: 6,000
Acceptance rate: 90%
Tuition (intl): €1–4k/yr
Languages: DE, EN
Location: Hagen, Germany

FernUniversität in Hagen is Germany's only state-funded distance learning university. Offering a flexible approach to higher education, it allows students to pursue academic degrees from anywhere in the world, accommodating various life circumstances like work or family commitments. The university provides a blended learning system that combines online study materials, virtual lectures, and digital support, alongside optional on-site examinations. Designed for maximum flexibility, FernUniversität enables students to tailor their study pace, whether full-time or part-time. It offers a range of Bachelor's and Master's programs, as well as state examination studies and open access courses. The university is committed to providing a recognized German degree, utilizing a robust digital infrastructure and decentralized student support to ensure a high-quality educational experience. While the primary language of instruction and assessment is German, the university's model makes it an accessible option for international students seeking a German qualification without needing to relocate. Support is available for those with foreign qualifications, ensuring a smooth application process.

Why study here

Gain a recognized German university degree from a state-run institution.
Benefit from maximum flexibility, allowing you to adapt your studies around work, family, or other commitments.
Access comprehensive digital learning resources, including online seminars, virtual lectures, and a digital university library.
Enroll without a numerus clausus (minimum grade) requirement, provided you meet the formal qualifications.
Study from your home country, as the distance learning model supports international students without requiring a student visa for Germany.

Student life

As a distance learning university, FernUniversität in Hagen offers a unique student experience focused on flexibility and digital interaction. While there isn't a traditional on-campus student life, students benefit from an extensive online community, virtual seminars, and learning platforms that facilitate engagement with peers and instructors. The university provides decentralized technical and administrative support, and some on-site examinations are offered at various campus locations. The university fosters a supportive environment for students balancing studies with professional and personal commitments, as highlighted by testimonials from students who appreciate the flexibility and quality of support.

Fees

InternationalTotal costs for a Bachelor's degree are approximately 2,000 to 2,700 euros, a Master's degree around 700 to 1,800 euros, and state examination studies around 3,600 to 3,900 euros for the standard period of study. Semester costs vary based on study load: full-time (30 ECTS) is 406 euros, part-time (20 ECTS) is 296 euros, and part-time (15 ECTS) is 241 euros. These costs consist of a basic fee (60 euros per semester) and a document fee (11 euros per ECTS point).

HomeFor students residing in Germany, semester costs range from roughly 241 euros (15 ECTS part-time) to 406 euros (30 ECTS full-time), making it one of the most affordable routes to a recognised German degree.

LivingStudents studying from abroad are generally not required to take out German health insurance and can continue to reside in their home country, significantly reducing living costs associated with studying in Germany. Studying at the FernUniversität does not qualify for a student visa for Germany, further implying that on-campus living expenses are typically not incurred by international students.

The stated fees cover the unique teaching model of distance learning, including study materials, learning platforms, technical infrastructure, and decentralized support. If a module is repeated within four semesters of initial payment, no additional fee is charged for that module. For the summer semester 2025/2026, the student body contribution will not be charged.

Admissions

University Entrance QualificationEquivalent to the German Abitur for Bachelor's programs, or a German university degree equivalent for Master's programs. Foreign certificates are evaluated by the International Student Office.

Proof of IdentificationIdentity card, passport, or residence permit.

Health Insurance (for Germany residents)Digital notification of insurance status (M-10) from a statutory health insurance company (transmission number H0001901). Specific rules apply for privately insured persons and those residing abroad (who are not required to have German health insurance if studying from abroad).

Online Self-Assessment (for Psychology or Mathematics)Certificate of participation in studyNAVI Psychology or studyNAVI Mathematics.

TestDaF / DSHGerman-language proof required for German-taught programmes; level depends on the programme

Rankings

Largest university in GermanyBy enrolment (60,000+ students)

SpecialisationLeading German centre for open and distance education

University scholarships

Deutschlandstipendium300 EUR/month

Accreditation

As a state university in North Rhine-Westphalia, FernUniversität in Hagen is publicly funded and state-recognised.

For international students

Germany

Student visa & funds

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.

Working while you study

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 you graduate

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.

English tests

IELTS6.0–6.5 for English-taught bachelor’s; 6.5–7.0 for most master’s
TOEFL iBT80–90 for most programs; competitive universities (e.g. TUM) 88–95
German (TestDaF/DSH)German-taught programs require TestDaF level 4 (TDN 4) or DSH-2

Main intakes

OctoberApril

The FernUniversität in Hagen offers a wide range of Master's degree programs delivered entirely through distance learning. These programs allow you to deepen or specialize your knowledge, building on a previous Bachelor's degree. Successful completion awards an academic title such as Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.Sc.), or Master of Laws (LL.M.), which is equivalent to the former 'diplom' and 'magister' degrees and qualifies you to pursue a doctorate. Most Master's programs have a standard duration of 4 semesters (approximately 2 years) when studied full-time, but part-time study can be arranged to suit your individual circumstances. Please note that all Master's degree programs at the FernUniversität are taught and assessed in German.

Master's

Level

For 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.

Frequently asked questions

What are the approximate total costs for international students at FernUniversität in Hagen?

Total costs for a Bachelor's degree are approximately 2,000 to 2,700 euros, a Master's degree around 700 to 1,800 euros, and state examination studies around 3,600 to 3,900 euros for the standard period of study. These fees cover study materials, learning platforms, and technical infrastructure.

Do international students need to reside in Germany to study at FernUniversität?

No, FernUniversität in Hagen is a distance learning institution, allowing students to study from anywhere in the world. Students studying from abroad are not required to take out German health insurance or incur on-campus living expenses.

What are the admission requirements for international students?

Admission generally does not require a numerus clausus. Applicants need a University Entrance Qualification equivalent to the German Abitur for Bachelor's programs or a German university degree equivalent for Master's programs, along with proof of identification and required German language proficiency.

Is the university primarily taught in German?

Yes, the primary language of instruction and assessment is German. International students need to provide proof of German language proficiency, such as TestDaF or DSH, for German-taught programs.

What are the benefits of studying at Germany's only state-funded distance learning university?

Studying at FernUniversität offers a recognized German university degree with maximum flexibility to adapt studies around work or family. Students benefit from comprehensive digital learning resources and can enroll without a numerus clausus, provided formal qualifications are met.

Last updated 3 July 2026