About Wilhelm Büchner Hochschule
Wilhelm Büchner Hochschule (WBH) is a state-recognised private distance-learning university based in Darmstadt, Hessen, specialising in technology and design. It claims to be Germany's largest private university of applied sciences for technical programmes, serving more than 8,000 enrolled students. The institution is part of the Klett Group, one of Europe's leading education enterprises operating across 24 countries.
WBH holds permanent state recognition from the state of Hesse (granted 2008), institutional accreditation by the German Wissenschaftsrat (since 2016), and system accreditation by the Akkreditierungsrat (since 2024). All programmes are offered exclusively as distance learning (Fernstudium) or online evening study, designed for working professionals who study alongside employment.
The university organises its academic offer across five departments covering Computer Science, Engineering Sciences, Energy/Environment/Process Engineering, Business Engineering and Technology Management, and Design. Degrees awarded include B.Sc., B.Eng., B.A., M.Sc., M.Eng., M.A., and MBA.
Key facts
- Students
- 8,000
- Faculties
- 5
Germany's largest private distance-learning university for technology and design programmes (own claim)
Over 8,000 enrolled students studying fully online or via distance learning
Permanent state recognition from Hesse since 2008; system-accredited by Akkreditierungsrat since 2024
Five academic departments covering CS, Engineering, Energy/Environment, Business Engineering, and Design
60+ bachelor programmes including B.Sc., B.Eng., and B.A. tracks
Part of the Klett Group, a pan-European education enterprise active in 24 countries
Admissions & costs
Tuition & fees
WBH is a private institution and charges tuition fees. Three pricing models are offered (Sprint, Standard, Comfort) with different monthly payment rates; the monthly fee remains fixed for the entire duration of study with no price increases guaranteed. Specific fee amounts are listed on individual programme pages rather than centrally. No semester contribution or non-EU surcharge is described on the official website. A 4-week free trial period is available before financial commitment.
Admission requirements
Standard entry requires a German Abitur or equivalent higher education entrance qualification (Hochschulreife). Alternatively, professionally experienced applicants may be admitted without a traditional university entrance qualification under specific conditions ('Studieren ohne Abitur'). Credit for prior learning (Anrechnung von Vorleistungen) is offered. As a German-taught distance-learning institution, applicants are expected to have sufficient German language proficiency; no dedicated international admissions track or APS requirement is stated on the official site. International applicants should contact the admissions advisory team directly. No fixed application deadlines apply — enrolment is possible at any time ('jederzeit starten').
Application deadlines
No fixed application or enrolment deadlines. Students may begin at any time throughout the year.
Languages of instruction
All programmes are taught in German. No English-taught degree programmes are listed on the official website. International students without proficiency in German will need to meet German-language requirements before enrolling.
Campuses & locations
Administrative headquarters; all study delivery is via distance learning and online formats — no on-campus attendance required.
Living in Hessen
Darmstadt is a city of approximately 165,000 residents in southern Hessen, around 30 km south of Frankfurt am Main. It has a strong identity as a science and technology hub, home to institutions such as TU Darmstadt, the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC), and numerous technology companies. The city is well connected by rail to Frankfurt Airport and the wider Rhine-Main region.
Student life & support
Because WBH operates exclusively as a distance-learning university, there is no traditional on-campus student life. Students interact through an Online-Campus learning management system, live webinars, and an AI-powered learning assistant (KILEA). A student alumni network and referral programme exist. No on-campus housing, on-site international office, or in-person German language courses are described on the official website. Support is provided via phone (06151 3842 404, Mon–Fri 08:00–19:00) and email.
90
Accredited Programmes
62
Bachelor/Bakkalaureus
28
Master
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