AKAD vs HFH
Two distance-learning universities side by side, by the same criteria and with the same primary sources, so you can see where they really differ.
AKAD or HFH: which one suits whom?
AKAD is purely online and lets you start at any time, HFH works with fixed dates and also offers blended learning. HFH is a non-profit and one price level cheaper. Nursing, law and social work are only at HFH, industrial engineering and communication only at AKAD.
Subject information refers to the focus areas recorded in this portal, not to the complete programme catalogue. Which university suits your situation depends on prior education, available time and goal.
AKAD and HFH in detail
The same criteria for both, every entry sourced. The information provided by the university is binding.
| Criterion | AKAD | HFH |
|---|---|---|
| Country | DE | DE |
| Operator | private | private (non-profit) |
| Location | Stuttgart | Hamburg |
| Founded | 1959 | 1997 |
| Format | online | online, Blended Learning, part-time / alongside work |
| Start of studies | any time | fixed dates |
| Without Abitur | Yes | Yes |
| Recognition | State-recognised (Baden-Württemberg), ZFU-approved, Bologna-compliant | State-recognised (since 1997), approved under the Distance Learning Protection Act, Bologna-compliant |
| Price level | ||
| Price example | from approx. EUR 219/month (Bachelor in Business Administration) | EUR 290 to 410/month (Bachelor) |
What the table does not show
Exams. At AKAD: Online exams with proctoring or on-site exams at examination centres. At HFH: Exams either online or at one of the study centres.
Accreditation. AKAD is institutionally accredited via German Council of Science and Humanities (Wissenschaftsrat) (2006, re-accredited 2023), with programme accreditation via Programmes accredited by ACQUIN and ZEvA; ZFU-approved. HFH is institutionally accredited via State-recognised since 1997, with programme accreditation via Programme accreditation by ACQUIN.
Subjects. Both offer Business Administration. Only AKAD additionally offers Technology, Computer Science, Industrial Engineering, Communication, Health, Management. Only HFH additionally offers Law, Technology and Engineering, Health and Nursing, Psychology, Social Work.