Starting Open Access Studies

Would you like to try out the Open Access Studies program at the FernUniversität in Hagen? It’s open to all and there are no academic admission requirements. We will show you how to submit your online application.

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Trying out a course, preparing to study, need a refresher? At the FernUniversität, guest auditor studies are called Open Access Studies. There are many course units (with a few exceptions), the so-called modules, that you can take individually and outside of a curricular degree program – even without a university entrance qualification! To do this, simply submit an application for admission during the enrollment period.

Admission to Open Access Studies

Application is possible during the following periods:

Summer semester: 1 December – 31 January
Winter semester: 1 June – 31 July

Open to All – No Entry Requirements

Open Access Studies are open to everyone with an inquisitive mind. You do not need to provide proof of compliance with admission requirements, as you are not enrolled in a degree program and therefore do not obtain a university degree. By taking part in the Open Access Studies program, you can, for example, get a taste of an academic subject while you’re still at school or it can help you prepare yourself for a master’s degree course.

To the Open Access Studies info page

Documents for Admission

Start by filling out the enrollment application form online. Then download your application as a PDF file. Now you have two options: Either print it out and submit it together with your other documents by post (or hand them in in person). Or submit them conveniently via our upload portal for digital processing – the choice is yours!

Find out more

To enroll in Open Access Studies, we require the following documents from you:

Your personal application document (this will be generated by the system after you have entered all your data online)
Proof of identity (e.g., a copy of your identity card, passport or residence permit)

Depending on your personal and educational biography, additional documents may become relevant:

Doctoral certificate, if applicable (e.g., copy of your doctoral certificate, if you wish to use your Dr. title during distance learning and this is not evident from your proof of identification)
General consent for minors, if applicable (written consent of parents or legal guardians. Download PDF)
SEPA direct debit mandate, if applicable (only if applicant and account holder are not identical. Download PDF)

Taking Modules

At traditional face-to-face universities, guest students are only offered a few lectures to listen in on. As an Open Access Studies student, however, you can choose and study most modules freely from the range of courses on offer. One special feature of the FernUniversität is that you can even complete some modules with an examination.

Find out more

As an Open Access Studies student, you do not have to follow a specific curriculum and are free to choose your courses according to your individual needs. This requires a certain degree of care when selecting modules. We therefore recommend that you consider the following points when searching:

• Please check whether the faculty also offers the module you have selected as part of the Open Access Studies program.

Open Access Studies at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (KSW)
Open Access Studies at the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Sceince (M+I)
Open Access Studies at the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics (WIWI)
Open Access Studies at the Faculty of Law (REWI)
Note: The modules for the First State Examination in Law cannot be studied via Open Access Studies.
The Faculty of Psychology (PSY) does not offer any courses in the Open Access Studies program

• Please be aware of the scope of the module(s) you are taking. You can study one to two modules worth 15 to 20 ECTS (corresponding to a weekly study load of approx. 20 to 30 hours) per semester in part-time studies and a maximum two to three modules worth a maximum of 30 ECTS (weekly study load approx. 40 hours) per semester in full-time studies.

More information about taking modules

• If you are planning to take an exam, please check the exam options on the faculty pages listed above in advance.

Costs

Your individual module selection will affect the amount of the semester costs. At a cost of between EUR 240 and 400 for an entire six-month semester, you are investing in your own education and personal development. We have compiled information on the composition of study costs, payment options and discounts on a separate website.