German universities offering distance education
The only state university in Germany that specializes solely in distance education is the University of Hagen (Fernuniversität in Hagen).
The university has four faculties – law, economics, cultural and social sciences, and mathematics and computer science. Currently, 85,000 students study at the University of Hagen. One of the main structural components of this university is several dozen regional distance learning centers located in Germany and abroad.
In addition to the University of Hagen, distance learning departments (Fernstudium) also operate at a number of other state universities in Germany – at the universities of Kaiserslautern, Hanover, Hildesheim, Bielefeld, Koblenz, Leipzig, and many others. In addition, there are private universities in Germany that offer distance learning. Among them are the European Distance University of Hamburg (Europäische Fernhochschule Hamburg), the Wilhelm Büchner Institute in Darmstadt (Wilhelm Büchner Hochschule), and others.
Specializations and tuition fees
You can study remotely in Germany both at the bachelor's and master's levels. Overall, the specializations that can be studied on a distance basis are predominantly engineering and economics, computer science and mathematics, and management. Humanities and languages are offered less frequently.
For example, the Wilhelm Büchner Institute awards bachelor's degrees in computer science, mechatronics, mechanical engineering, and also in industrial engineering. At the University of Kaiserslautern, based on a first higher education degree, you can study management in education and healthcare, medical physics, nanobiotechnology, and a number of other disciplines.
Distance programs at state universities are the most affordable. For instance, at the University of Hagen, the semester fee is 61 euros; additionally, students pay for the materials sent to them, which amounts to about 12 euros per course. Since students choose their own pace of study, their costs per semester may vary.
Students not residing in Germany have the option to take exams at the regional branches of the Goethe Institute. In this case, they may be charged a fee ranging from 90 to 120 euros per exam, depending on the format.
Overall, the cost of a full bachelor's program for different specializations ranges from 1,500 (mathematics) to 2,400 euros (law). Master's students study for a shorter period, so their education is cheaper: from 700 (computer science) to 1,200 euros (psychology). Students from Eastern European countries may apply for scholarships from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
Admission requirements
To enroll in a distance learning department at a German university, a student must submit a number of documents. First, a certified translation of the secondary school leaving certificate into German. Due to the difference in the length of schooling in domestic and German secondary schools, our school graduates enter "adult life" one to three years earlier than German students. Therefore, German universities do not recognize our certificates as evidence of full secondary education and usually require these missing years to be compensated by two successfully completed years at a domestic university. So, when applying for a bachelor's program, do not forget to send a translated copy of your grade book along with the certificate. If your goal is a distance master's program, then in addition to the school leaving certificate, you must attach a copy of your diploma (also in German translation).
The second important requirement is proof of sufficient knowledge of the German language. Typically, accepted certificates include TestDaF, DSH, as well as certificates from the Goethe Institute: Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung, Kleines Deutsches Sprachdiplom, or Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom. In addition, depending on the program, the applicant may be required to submit a motivation letter, letters of recommendation, and a resume with details of education and work experience. However, overall, the requirements for applicants to distance learning departments are somewhat lower than for full-time programs. This applies in particular to German language knowledge.
The study process
At the beginning of each semester, students receive lecture notes for self-study, which replace traditional lectures. Additionally, many materials are made available online by instructors. For example, the University of Hagen provides each student with a "virtual study space" where they can handle organizational matters (e.g., register for the next semester) and access course materials.
However, it is still not possible to study without ever going to the university. As a rule, part of the classes for distance students are held in the university's classrooms, its branches and study centers, as well as at partner educational institutions. Students also take exams there.