FernUni Hagen vs Wilhelm Büchner
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 Wilhelm Büchner: which one suits whom?
Both offer computer science, but otherwise much separates them. Hagen teaches the subject at university level, at very low cost and with fixed semesters. Wilhelm Büchner is a private technology university with a start at any time and also offers engineering, energy technology and industrial engineering.
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 Wilhelm Büchner in detail
The same criteria for both, every entry sourced. The information provided by the university is binding.
| Criterion | FernUni Hagen | Wilhelm Büchner |
|---|---|---|
| Country | DE | DE |
| Operator | state | private (Klett Group) |
| Location | Hagen | Darmstadt |
| Founded | 1974 | 1997 |
| Format | print-based, online, Blended Learning | online, print-based |
| Start of studies | fixed dates | any time |
| Without Abitur | Yes | Yes |
| Recognition | State university of the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Bologna-compliant | State-recognised (since 2008, Hesse), Bologna-compliant |
| Price level | ||
| Price example | approx. EUR 2,100 to 2,400 total (Bachelor) | approx. EUR 12,000 to 15,000 total (Bachelor) |
What the table does not show
Exams. At FernUni Hagen: Mostly written on-site exams at regional and campus centres, some online exams. At Wilhelm Büchner: Exams at examination centres across Germany, some online exams; rolling enrolment.
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). Wilhelm Büchner is institutionally accredited via German Council of Science and Humanities (Wissenschaftsrat) (2016, re-accredited 2022); system-accredited by the Accreditation Council since 2024, with programme accreditation via Programme accreditation by ACQUIN and ZEvA.
Subjects. Both offer Computer Science. Only FernUni Hagen additionally offers Business Administration, Economics, Psychology, Mathematics, Legal Studies, Educational Science. Only Wilhelm Büchner additionally offers Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Technology Management, Energy Engineering, Design.