Distance learning in Germany: facts and figures

Distance learning is becoming increasingly popular in Germany. This is indicated by all the statistics available on this topic. In this article you will find current facts and figures on the subject of distance learning in Germany.

Distance learning in Germany: the proportion of online students is growing

The fact that distance learning is enjoying growing popularity in Germany is also a Consequence of technical progress. Distance learning today usually means, study online. Almost all educational institutions have now started to make their teaching content available on the internet. The constant availability of teaching materials increases the attractiveness of distance learning considerably, as - unlike in the past - it is now possible to study from any location. All that is needed is an internet-enabled device.

According to the statistics portal Statista around 2.8 million women and men were enrolled at German universities in the 2017/18 winter semester. The number of distance learning students is around 160,000, resulting in a share of around 6 percent results. A survey by the International University of Applied Sciences Bad Honnef (IUBH) shows that the number of distance learning students in Germany is increasing by around 7 percent annually. This means that the growth rates are far higher than in the area of face-to-face universities, which record annual growth of one to three percent.

Distance learning in Germany: public and private providers

The only state distance learning university in Germany is the Fernuniversität Hagen. The number of students is around 76,000 (winter semester 2018/19). This means that almost every second distance learning student is enrolled at the University of Hagen, which is a member of the European University Association (EUA). Founded in 1974, the university has an annual budget of 87 million euros. By way of comparison, the largest face-to-face university in Germany, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), had a budget of 682 million euros (without clinic).

In contrast, the budgets of private distance learning universities are rather modest. In many cases, the annual budget is in the single-digit million range. Not only do the educational institutions have to make do with less money than face-to-face universities, they are also in competition with each other, which makes Regular investment in new degree programs and the further development of the technical infrastructure necessary. This is another reason why tuition fees at private distance learning universities are usually higher than at the state distance learning university in Hagen.

On the other hand, private distance learning universities offer a Close supervision by experienced lecturers. The quality of teaching is at least as high as at face-to-face universities. Quite a few students are even of the same opinion, that the quality of education is sometimes higher than at face-to-face universities. One thing is certain: the many good reviewsThe high ratings that private distance learning universities such as Allensbach University receive on relevant portals are one reason why distance learning is becoming more popular in Germany from year to year.