Information for Prospective International Students
Studying at the FernUni from Abroad
You can study at the FernUniversität from anywhere in the world! Our blended learning system makes it possible for you to study for a German degree even if you live abroad. You can register for your course either digitally or by post. We will send your study materials pack to you – regardless of where you live. Not only that: you can also make use of digital media including online seminars and virtual lectures, teaching and learning tools such as Wikis and blogs and also access the digital services provided by the university library. Many of our information events take place online too.
Students abroad are not required to take out German health insurance. Studying at the FernUniversität does not qualify you for a student visa for Germany.
Taking Exams while Studying Abroad (page in German)
Studying with Foreign Qualifications
If you have finished your school education abroad and would like to start studying at the FernUniversität in Hagen, the International Student Office should be your first port of call. Here you will find out how you can apply to study at the FernUni and what requirements you need to fulfill.
University Admission via TestAS
If your high school qualification doesn’t meet the requirements for studying in Germany, there are alternative pathways available. One option is to attend a preparatory college in Germany and pass the assessment test. Another route is through the Test for Academic Studies, TestAS, a subject-specific higher education entrance exam that qualifies you to enroll in a bachelor’s degree program.
TestAS is a standardized aptitude test designed to assess cognitive abilities essential for academic success. By taking TestAS, you can evaluate your readiness to pursue studies at a German university. The test comprises a general core section and a subject-specific module tailored to your chosen degree program. Depending on your field of study, you will need to complete the relevant test module.
TestAS Regulations of the FernUniversität (PDF 153 KB)
Test Dates for TestAS
Enrolment via the TestAS is possible for the following degree programs at the FernUniversität (this list will be expanded as further subjects get added to the new program):
B.Sc. Psychology
B.Sc. Computer Science
B.Sc. Mathematics
B.Sc. Mathematical-Technical Software Development
How do I find out whether I have the right qualifications and whether I am eligible to study in Germany?
You can use the anabin database, which provides the evaluation guidelines of the Central Office for Foreign Education of the Federal Kultusministerkonferenz (The Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs).
Preparing for your Studies
With studyFIT – Fit for Distance Learning, the FernUniversität offers a wide range of courses and activities to support or prepare you for your studies. Certainly! Whether you’re looking to plug gaps in your knowledge through bridging courses, enhance your academic skills, or connect with peers, studyFIT has something for everyone!
Check out the range of StudyFIT offerings (in German)
Are you interested in studying at the FernUni? Then try out our self-test and find out if a distance-learning course with us is right for you! Our studyNAVI International is available in English, Russian and Ukrainian.
If you would like to improve your German language skills for your studies, take a look at our studyBRIDGE program and apply for one of our free, online German courses.
Studying as a Guest/Exchange Student
Are you an international student interested in studying at the FernUniversität for a short time? You will find an overview of our exchange programs here:
Our Open Access Studies program allows you try out courses or modules from the FernUniversität’s offerings. There are no specific prerequisites for participation in this program.
More information (in German)
Working in Germany
Are you interested in gaining working experience by doing an internship in Germany?
- Take a look at our internship exchange! (in German)
- IAESTE is an international organization that can help you find internships in Germany.
- Are you in terested in doing an internship at the FernUniversität in Hagen? As the local IAESTE support office, the International Office at the FernUniversität will be happy to help you.
If you have a university degree, your chances of finding employment in Germany are generally very good. As a citizen of an EU or EEA country, you have free access to the German labor market. But even citizens from non-European states can apply for a visa and a residence permit to live and work in Germany. The website www.make-it-in-germany.com is a great source of information and also offers a job exchange.
Contact
International Office
Email: international