About Europäische Fernhochschule Hamburg
The Europäische Fernhochschule Hamburg (Euro-FH) is a private distance-learning university of applied sciences based in Hamburg and part of the Klett group of companies. It specialises in flexible, work-compatible (berufsbegleitend) bachelor's, master's and MBA programmes delivered primarily as distance study (Fernstudium), with an online evening-study format and university certificate courses also on offer.
The Senate of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg has granted the Euro-FH state recognition, which guarantees that its degrees are equivalent to those of state universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen). The university is institutionally accredited by the German Council of Science and Humanities (Wissenschaftsrat) and, since March 2024, holds system accreditation from the German Accreditation Council, allowing it to accredit its own study programmes internally. Its distance programmes and certificate courses are also state-approved by the ZFU (Staatliche Zentralstelle für Fernunterricht, Cologne).
Study is designed for maximum flexibility: there is no fixed semester structure, students can enrol and start at any time, test the programme free for four weeks, and sit module examinations monthly either online or at one of ten nationwide examination locations. Master's degrees additionally open access to the higher civil service (Höherer Dienst) and to subsequent doctoral study.
Key facts
State-recognised by the Hamburg Senate; degrees equivalent to those of state universities of applied sciences
Institutionally accredited by the Wissenschaftsrat and system-accredited by the German Accreditation Council (since March 2024)
Described as Germany's best-known private distance-learning university (forsa 2025)
Fully flexible distance study with no semester system: start any time and a free four-week trial
Optional two-week International Seminars at partner institutions in Denmark, the UK, Poland, Spain and China, with possible DAAD funding
Master's degrees give access to the higher civil service and to subsequent doctoral study
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
As a private university, the Euro-FH charges tuition fees (Studiengebühren) for its programmes; it is not tuition-free and does not levy a public-university semester contribution. Exact fees depend on the chosen programme and are provided in the programme-specific information material and price lists rather than as a single figure on the site. Credit for prior learning (Anrechnung von Vorleistungen) can reduce study duration and fees, and promotions/discounts are periodically offered.
Admission requirements
As a distance university governed by the Hamburg Higher Education Act, admission is oriented to working professionals rather than the typical international-applicant pathway. Bachelor's entry routes: (1) with Abitur or Fachhochschulreife (direct enrolment); (2) without Abitur, via a subject-specific advanced vocational qualification (e.g. Fachwirt/in, staatlich geprüfte/r Betriebswirt/in, Meister/in, Techniker/in) plus a short advisory interview with the university's expert commission; (3) without Abitur, with completed vocational training plus at least three years' professional experience, starting as a guest student and passing an entrance examination (German plus reasoning/judgement) within ten months. A Master's-entry programme allows access to many master's degrees without a first degree for applicants with vocational training plus at least 10 years' professional experience, including at least 6 in a leadership role. The official site does not publish an APS-certificate requirement or standardised English-test (IELTS/TOEFL) thresholds; prospective international applicants should confirm individual requirements with the study advisory service ([email protected]).
Application deadlines
There are no fixed application deadlines or winter/summer intakes. The Euro-FH operates without a semester system, so students can enrol and begin their distance studies at any time, and start with a free four-week trial period.
Languages of instruction
Programmes are taught in German and aimed primarily at German-speaking working professionals; distance materials and examinations are in German. There is no general English-taught degree track. International exposure is provided through optional two-week International Seminars at partner institutions abroad and individual business-English certificate courses.
Campuses & locations
Doberaner Weg 20, 22143 Hamburg; located directly at the Hamburg-Rahlstedt station. Main administrative and advisory site; in-person consultation appointments possible here.
Ten exam centres across Germany: Berlin, Bremen, Frankfurt a.M., Göttingen, Hamburg, Köln, Leipzig, München, Nürnberg and Stuttgart. Examinations can alternatively be taken online.
Living in Hamburg
Hamburg is Germany's second-largest city and a major northern port and economic hub, home to a large student population across several universities. The Euro-FH headquarters sits in the Rahlstedt district in the east of the city, directly at the Hamburg-Rahlstedt rail station. Because the Euro-FH is a distance-learning institution, most students study remotely from across Germany (and abroad) rather than relocating to Hamburg.
Student life & support
Student support centres on intensive personal supervision: a dedicated study advisor plus tutors and professors, an online campus, and a 24/7 AI learning companion (KILEA). Examinations are flexible (online or at ten German exam centres) with a 'free attempt' on early modules. Because it is a distance university aimed at working professionals, there are no on-campus dormitories or a conventional campus student life; the main in-person elements are occasional compact seminars (usually online) and the optional International Seminars abroad. DAAD scholarship support is available for the International Seminar.
100
Accredited Programmes
50
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
47
Master
3
Magister Artium, M.A.
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