FernUniversität Hagen offers distance learning programs that enable students to study for a degree without attending seminars or lectures. The only distance university in the German-speaking countries was founded in 1974 when it began delivering specialist knowledge to students’ homes every two weeks in the form of study units, assignments, CD-ROMs or over the Internet. 55,000 students are currently taking this opportunity to study subjects such as electrical engineering, mathematics and economics in an extremely flexible way. The qualifications offered – diplomas and bachelor’s degrees – are comparable with those at conventional universities. However, students are not just left to their own devices. In addition to the course tutors in Hagen, counsellors are also available at 70 study centres that the university has set up across Europe for its students.

FACTS

Students: 55,000

Foreign students: 4,170

Professors: 100

Departments: 6

Year of foundation: 1974

Study centres: 70