In Hagen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, stands a unique institution of higher learning—FernUniversität in Hagen. It has no bustling campus crowds or fixed class bells, yet it is Germany’s largest university. As Germany’s only state-run distance learning university, FernUniversität in Hagen has been redefining the meaning of “attending university” since its founding in 1974, freeing academic pursuits from the constraints of time and space.
👨🏫 Faculty: Scholars and Pioneers
The university’s faculty members possess not only profound academic expertise but also serve as trailblazers in distance education. Take current President Professor Stefan Stürmer, for example. A social psychologist, he has held the Chair of Social Psychology at FernUniversität since 2007. His research focuses on the impact of student diversity in computer-assisted learning environments, exploring how students from different backgrounds achieve success in virtual learning groups and how learning analytics technologies can optimize the fairness and personalization of electronic exam formats. An Easy Way to Obtain a German Diploma
Professor Stürmer’s academic credentials are impressive: he served as the founding Dean of the Faculty of Psychology (2018-2020) and is a member of the Executive Committee of the CATALPA Research Center. This interdisciplinary research center brings together leading experts in psychology, learning sciences, and computer science, dedicated to developing evidence-based support programs for diverse student populations. At Hagen University, professors not only impart knowledge but also create it—Professor Stürmer’s research team has published numerous papers in international journals in recent years on computer-supported collaborative learning, test anxiety, and academic procrastination, directly feeding academic research back into teaching practice.
Another prominent figure is Professor Torsten Lins, who has held the Chair of Numerical Mathematics since 2011 and will assume the role of Vice President for Research, Internationalization, and Sustainability in June 2025. His academic journey spans the UK, Ireland, and the Czech Republic, bringing extensive international collaboration experience. This globally diverse faculty background solidifies Hagen University’s international outlook.
💻 Teaching Model and Signature Programs: Flexibility at the Core
As a distance learning university, Hagen University’s teaching model revolves around one core principle: flexibility. The institution adopts a “blended learning” approach, seamlessly integrating printed materials with digital platforms. At the start of each semester, students receive learning materials mailed to their homes while simultaneously accessing digital content, participating in discussions, and completing exercises on online platforms like Moodle.
This flexibility permeates every aspect: students can pace their studies according to personal needs, choosing either full-time enrollment or part-time study while working. The university explicitly targets the following groups as its primary service recipients: working professionals, family caregivers, high school graduates, prospective students without a high school diploma, individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses, international students, K-12 students, competitive athletes, refugees, incarcerated individuals, and military personnel. It can be said that almost anyone can find a suitable learning path at Hagen University.
Hagen University is also at the forefront in digital teaching tools. The School of Economics uses an online exercise system for semester assignments, and online exams and thesis processes are also completed entirely on digital platforms. All online resources are accessed through the central system “studyPORT.” This comprehensive digital support ensures that distance learning is no longer a solitary endeavor.
Notably, the university operates 13 learning centers across Germany and 7 overseas centers, providing localized guidance and support. Final exams are typically held at partner universities nationwide, with oral exams conducted via video conferencing. Overseas students can take exams at local Goethe Institutes or German embassies/consulates.
🎉 Student Life and Community Culture: Remote, Yet Not Alone
Some might wonder: Does a distance university even have student life? The answer is a resounding yes—just in a different form.
The student body at Hagen University itself reflects a diverse microcosm. The Faculty of Economics currently enrolls approximately 11,820 students, including over 5,400 master’s candidates. Around 9% of students reside abroad, truly embodying “borderless learning.” With an average age of 37.5, nearly 80% are working professionals, and almost half hold prior higher education degrees. This diversity presents both challenges and opportunities—the university continually refines teaching and support methods to foster a learning environment that respects individual differences.
While daily learning is primarily remote, student connections remain strong. Learning centers worldwide regularly organize in-person meetups and study groups, offering opportunities for face-to-face interaction. Additionally, the school maintains a student self-governance organization (Student Union) that provides channels for student voices and mutual support platforms. In CHE university rankings, the School of Economics received positive evaluations for “learning support” and “tutoring quality.”
For students seeking greater interaction, the university encourages forming virtual study groups through online learning platforms, where they can connect with like-minded peers in discussion forums. These communities transcending geographical boundaries foster a unique sense of belonging—as you may encounter fellow learners from another country rather than just classmates from the next classroom.
🌍 International Cooperation and Exchange: An Academic Network Without Borders
As a “university without walls,” Hagen University maintains a global network of international partnerships. It operates overseas learning centers in Austria, Hungary, and Switzerland, providing localized support for students in German-speaking regions. In Linz, Austria, a collaboration with Johannes Kepler University spanning over three decades currently enables approximately 3,000 Austrian students to study at Hagen University through this platform.
The School of Economics’ dual-degree programs stand out. Collaborating with Hungary’s University of Pécs and University of Szeged, as well as Russia’s St. Petersburg State University of Economics, the school offers dual-degree programs. Students complete on-site studies at partner universities while pursuing distance learning at Hagen University, ultimately earning degrees from both institutions. This blended online-offline, cross-border learning model provides working professionals with a rare international experience.
International collaboration also extends deeply into research. Professor Torsten Lins’s personal journey exemplifies this: he completed his undergraduate studies at Northumbria University in the UK, earned his PhD at University College Cork in Ireland, and conducted research at the Czech Academy of Sciences and the University of Limerick. This mobile academic career brings continuous international perspectives to Hagen University.
Currently, the university maintains a dedicated Vice President position overseeing research, internationalization, and sustainable development, elevating international collaboration to a strategic priority. For students, this translates to expanded opportunities for overseas study and broader global networks.
