FAQs – Studying with a Foreign Qualification

No. The admissions procedure is the same as for applicants with domestic (German) qualifications.

At the FernUniversität in Hagen, the decision is made by the International Student Office on the basis of the assessments of the Central Office for Foreign Education and the respective examination regulations for the degree program you want to study.

To be admitted to our bachelor’s degree programs, you must be able to provide (educational) certificates equivalent to the German Abitur.

For this reason, we check each application on a case-by-case basis, taking into account all of the relevant details (school leaving certificate and transcript, if applicable, detailing the number of completed years of study, in the original language and also in translated form if not issued in English) to see whether you meet the respective admission requirements. You also need to provide proof of your German language skills. You can find an overview of recognized German language qualifications here: Recognized German language qualifications (PDF 73 KB)

To be admitted to a master’s degree programs you must be able to provide evidence that you have completed an undergraduate degree equivalent to the required German degree. Prospective students who have acquired their qualification abroad must submit all the relevant documentation (degree certificate and list of subjects and grades in the original language and in translated form) so we can check on a case-by-case basis whether the respective admission requirements have been met. You also need to provide proof of your German language skills. You can find an overview of recognized German language qualifications here: Other recognized language certificates (PDF 73 KB)

Yes, as long as your vocational training is recognized as equivalent to that provided in Germany and you have three years of subsequent professional experience. You may need to apply to the relevant authority (e.g. IHK, the German Chamber of Commerce) for a certificate of equivalence for your training.

Yes, if your educational qualification was not obtained at a German-speaking institution, proof of language proficiency must be submitted upon enrollment. You can find the accepted certificates here: Recognized certificates of German language proficiency (PDF 73 KB)

Abroad, the German embassies and consulates are the only authorities besides the local FernUniversität study centers that are authorized to confirm both the accuracy of a photocopy and the accuracy of a translation.

Note:

This does not apply to German-speaking countries (e.g. Austria, Switzerland and Luxembourg). In these countries, an official certification can also be carried out by a competent authority or an officially appointed notary.

No, because you are not legally required to have German insurance.

All certificates/transcripts that have not already been issued in German or English.

No, we can also accept these in the English version.

No, that is not permitted. The translation must be carried out by a sworn translator.

The same charges apply as for domestic shipping addresses. You can find out more about fees here.

Distance-learning students who are permanent residents of a non-neighboring country have the opportunity to take their FernUniversität examinations under supervision at an official German office abroad. You can find out more here.

No. A student visa is not usually issued for distance learning because the course can also be completed from abroad. Exceptions may be made for on-campus seminars, internships, etc. This is decided by the competent authority.