FernUni Hagen vs UniDistance Suisse
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.
FernUni Hagen or UniDistance Suisse: which one suits whom?
Both are university-level distance institutions with fixed semesters, one in Germany, the other in Switzerland. Hagen is larger and cheaper. UniDistance Suisse charges in Swiss francs per semester and has history and artificial intelligence in its profile.
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.
FernUni Hagen and UniDistance Suisse in detail
The same criteria for both, every entry sourced. The information provided by the university is binding.
| Criterion | FernUni Hagen | UniDistance Suisse |
|---|---|---|
| Country | DE | CH |
| Operator | state | federally accredited university-level institution (HFKG) |
| Location | Hagen | Brig |
| Founded | 1974 | 1992 |
| Format | print-based, online, Blended Learning | Blended Learning, online |
| Start of studies | fixed dates | fixed dates |
| Without Abitur | Yes | Yes |
| Recognition | State university of the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Bologna-compliant | Federally recognised university institution (Switzerland), accredited under the HFKG; regular admission with the Matura, without the Matura via a separate admission route (sur dossier) |
| Price level | ||
| Price example | approx. EUR 2,100 to 2,400 total (Bachelor) | approx. CHF 1,300 per semester (example: Bachelor in Mathematics) |
What the table does not show
Exams. At FernUni Hagen: Mostly written on-site exams at regional and campus centres, some online exams. At UniDistance Suisse: Blended learning combining supervised online teaching and self-study; fixed semester start on 1 February and 1 August; module exams at study centres.
Accreditation. FernUni Hagen is institutionally accredited via State university, established by state law (North Rhine-Westphalia), with programme accreditation via Programmes accredited by FIBAA and AQAS (per programme). UniDistance Suisse is institutionally accredited via Swiss Accreditation Council, 2020 (first university institution for distance learning under the HFKG), with programme accreditation via No separate programme accreditation required, covered by the institutional accreditation.
Subjects. Both offer Psychology, Computer Science, Mathematics. Only FernUni Hagen additionally offers Business Administration, Economics, Legal Studies, Educational Science. Only UniDistance Suisse additionally offers Law, Business, History, Artificial Intelligence.