FernUniversität in Hagen

FernUniversität in Hagen is Germany's only state distance university (staatliche Fernuniversität), founded in 1974 and located in Hagen, North Rhine-Westphalia. With approximately 78,000 enrolled students, it is one of the largest universities in Germany by enrolment. The university offers more than 30 state-recognised and accredited Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes as well as doctoral programmes (Promotion) and a broad range of continuing education certificates across five faculties: Kultur- und Sozialwissenschaften, Mathematik und Informatik, Psychologie, Wirtschaftswissenschaft, and the Rechtswissenschaftliche Fakultät (including the Erste Juristische Prüfung / State Law Exam). Teaching is conducted entirely in German via a Blended Learning model combining digital study materials, an online learning environment (Moodle), and optional in-person support at 13 campus locations across Germany and international centres in Austria, Hungary and Switzerland. As a state university, fees are substantially lower than private distance providers: approximately €240–300 per semester for part-time study, with total Bachelor costs around €2,100–2,400. All programmes are admission-free (no numerus clausus); students with a university entrance qualification are guaranteed a place. Need-based fee reductions and various scholarships and funding programmes are available.