Hagen Distance University (Fernuniversität in Hagen)
For a long time, the Hagen Distance University (Fernuniversität in Hagen) was the most famous German university specializing exclusively in distance learning. As noted by Deutsche Welle, it is the first and only public distance university in Germany. In some faculties, you can even defend a doctoral dissertation. In the winter semester of 2016/2017, it had 76,000 students. This popularity is explained by a wide range of study programs, a high level of education, and an affordable price.
However, over the past decade, a number of other higher education institutions have appeared on the German market that can compete with it – if not in price, then in quality of services. Every year, the German portal FernstudiumCheck.de publishes a ranking of the best educational institutions in Germany offering distance learning.
The evaluation is based on reviews from current and former students of these universities. Their work is assessed according to criteria such as the range of educational programs, quality of study materials, organization of online learning and face-to-face seminars, as well as the price-performance ratio. In 2017, the situation was analyzed in 40 universities. We introduce those that made it into the top 5.
So, this year, the first place went to the Distance Learning Center at the public Technical University of Kaiserslautern. It has been on the education market for 25 years. It offers 18 master's programs and advanced training courses in three main areas: human resources, management and law, science and engineering. These include English-language specializations "Nanotechnology" and "Software Engineering."
Survey participants positively noted the work of the teachers, quick support, and the fact that the study material reflects reality and is applicable in practice. The training usually lasts four semesters and ends with a master's degree. Its cost depends on the specialization – for example, the English-language program Software Engineering will cost 2000 euros per semester, management in the cultural sector – 850 euros.
The second place in the ranking is occupied by Apollon Hochschule. The Bremen private higher education school for distance learning was founded ten years ago, and today has more than 3,000 students. Its profile is health economics. It offers 11 not only master's but also bachelor's programs, as well as courses that end with a certificate. Exams and seminars can be taken in nine German cities, Zurich, and Vienna. The disadvantage that immediately catches the eye is that the cost of training can only be found out after registering on the website.
The third place went to the IST University of Management. Here you can get a bachelor's degree (about 2000 euros per semester) or a master's degree (2600 euros per semester) in one of four areas: fitness and health, sports and management, tourism, and communication management. In addition, this private university offers advanced training courses. Along with online classes, attendance of face-to-face seminars in Düsseldorf is mandatory.
The list of five universities with the best student reviews also includes the European Distance Learning University (Euro-FH) in Hamburg. Its focus is on economics and law. This school cooperates with universities in six countries where you can study abroad. To find out what the curriculum looks like and how much educational services cost in Hamburg, you can also only after registering on the website. So for a first impression, you have to rely on student reviews.
The second public university in the list of five best is the International Distance Learning Center (WINGS) at the Wismar University of Applied Sciences. Training is conducted at bachelor's and master's levels in areas such as economics, computer science, law, design, and architecture. Interactive video lectures and webinars are supplemented by face-to-face block seminars in 10 different German cities. Well-structured material, competent staff, tuition fees lower than in private schools – these are the main advantages noted in the ranking. You can get a master's degree for 2400 euros per semester, a bachelor's for a thousand less.