Wilhelm Büchner 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.
Wilhelm Büchner or HFH: which one suits whom?
Both are options for technology alongside work. Wilhelm Büchner specialises in it and lets you begin at any time. HFH offers technology and engineering as one of six fields, is a non-profit and works with fixed dates. Both are on the same price level.
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.
Wilhelm Büchner and HFH in detail
The same criteria for both, every entry sourced. The information provided by the university is binding.
| Criterion | Wilhelm Büchner | HFH |
|---|---|---|
| Country | DE | DE |
| Operator | private (Klett Group) | private (non-profit) |
| Location | Darmstadt | Hamburg |
| Founded | 1997 | 1997 |
| Format | online, print-based | online, Blended Learning, part-time / alongside work |
| Start of studies | any time | fixed dates |
| Without Abitur | Yes | Yes |
| Recognition | State-recognised (since 2008, Hesse), Bologna-compliant | State-recognised (since 1997), approved under the Distance Learning Protection Act, Bologna-compliant |
| Price level | ||
| Price example | approx. EUR 12,000 to 15,000 total (Bachelor) | EUR 290 to 410/month (Bachelor) |
What the table does not show
Exams. At Wilhelm Büchner: Exams at examination centres across Germany, some online exams; rolling enrolment. At HFH: Exams either online or at one of the study centres.
Accreditation. 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. HFH is institutionally accredited via State-recognised since 1997, with programme accreditation via Programme accreditation by ACQUIN.
Subjects. Only Wilhelm Büchner additionally offers Computer Science, Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Technology Management, Energy Engineering, Design. Only HFH additionally offers Business Administration, Law, Technology and Engineering, Health and Nursing, Psychology, Social Work.