Online Campus

Self-Test

Am I the type for distance learning?

To help you determine whether distance learning is right for you, we offer two options:

With our self-assessment, you can find out what kind of student you are in about 10 minutes. And with the checklist, you can easily explore the key aspects of distance learning.

What is the difference between distance learning and other study models?

Learn more about distance learning at FERNFH.

Am I the type for distance learning?

Distance learning sounds exciting! But is it right for you?
Take the test and find out in just a few minutes whether FERNFH’s flexible study model is right for you.

Start the self-test

How Your Score Compares to FERNFH

Type of Distance Learning Program

Our programs are tailored specifically to you: an online campus, flexible learning periods, and personalized support.

Flexible Type

With us, you'll experience the best of both worlds: digital freedom combined with valuable in-person days.

Attendance Type

Even if you prefer learning in person—you might be surprised at how personal and accessible distance learning can be.

Checklist

Our checklist will help you determine whether distance learning is right for you. It shows you at a glance which prerequisites and qualities are helpful for studying successfully.

Open the checklist

Our Academic Model

Flexible, smart, and personalized


At FERNFH, we combine the best of both worlds: asynchronous online sessions on the digital campus and in-person daysat our campus in Wiener Neustadt. 

The in-person sessions are intentionally kept short and offer opportunities for discussion, teamwork, and personalized support.

This allows you to balance your studies with work and family life.

Roadmap for Distance Learning

Is distance learning right for you? Perfect!
Here's what to do next: Find a program, learn more, and get advice.
Then you can start your application.

  • 1. Find a degree program or continuing education course

    Take your time to look around and find the right offer for you.
    Tip: Each offer has an FAQ section with answers to common questions.

    View all educational programs

  • 2. Online Information Session

    Program directors and faculty members are here to provide information and answer your questions.
    Tip: Many information sessions are recorded and available online.

    View upcoming events

  • 3. Visit the Infocenter

    All the information you need, conveniently in one place. From initial orientation and a self-assessment for distance learning to the application process—find the educational path that’s right for you.

    Continue to the Info Center

  • 4. Start your application

    Once you've found the degree program or continuing education course you're looking for, start your application.

    Start your application

Take advantage of these opportunities to make sure that distance learning is really right for you—and start your academic future well prepared!

CHECKLIST

Am I the type for distance learning?

Distance learning offers flexibility, but it also requires self-discipline and organization. Before you decide to pursue it, you should consider whether this form of learning is truly right for you. The following checklist will help you assess whether distance learning is a good fit for you and your study preferences. It covers key aspects such as motivation to learn, time management, and technical requirements.

Take a moment to go over these points—that way, you can make an informed decision.

1. High level of self-motivation and self-discipline

  • You're good at motivating yourself, even without set office hours.
  • You stay on top of things, even when no one is directly supervising you.
  • You reliably meet deadlines without much outside supervision.

2. Effective time management & organizational skills

  • You plan your study time in a structured way and stick to your plans.
  • You're good at balancing your career, personal life, and studies.
  • You're used to setting your own priorities.

3. Enjoy studying independently and flexibly

  • You prefer to learn at your own pace.
  • You feel comfortable working through course material on your own.
  • You're good at engaging with online materials, videos, and digital learning methods.

4. Technical Proficiency & Digital Learning

  • You have no trouble with online platforms, digital course materials, and virtual seminars.
  • You're ready to learn about and use new digital tools.
  • You are comfortable with online communication (e.g., emails, forums, video conferences).

5. High resilience & stamina

  • You're good at managing stress and stay motivated even during challenging times.
  • You have a realistic understanding that distance learning takes time and energy.
  • You can pursue long-term goals, even if it gets tough at times.

6. Less need for direct interaction with fellow students

  • You can study just fine without daily face-to-face contact with your fellow students.
  • You use digital networks or online group work to stay in touch.
  • You don't need regular in-person classes to stay motivated.

CONCLUSION

A distance learning program is ideal for you if...
  • You have a high level of self-discipline and can organize yourself independently.
  • You want to stay flexible and prefer to study online rather than in lecture halls.
  • You work while attending school, have time-consuming hobbies, or have other commitments
  • You want to study from anywhere —whether from home or on the go.
  • You're comfortable using digital media and online learning platforms.

📢 Tip for your next step: You'll find all the information you need in one place at the FERNFH Infocenter.

Step 1 of 16

Here's how the test works:

If you can't decide between two possible answers:

  • Select the option that best applies to you.
  • Think about your experiences over the past few months— not about an ideal or one-time situation.
  • If you really can't decide, choose the middle answer (B)— it often reflects a neutral assessment.

Here's an example based on the first question:
Question: "How well can you organize yourself?"

  • If you're usually well-organized but sometimes struggle with procrastination, then option B ("Most of the time, but I need a little nudge now and then") would be the best choice.
  • If your performance fluctuates a lot—sometimes very good, sometimes very bad—then you can think about which one is more accurate.

READY?

TAKE THE TEST NOW!

ANALYSIS

What kind of student are you?
First things first: This test doesn't determine what's "better" or "right." Everyone has their own specific preferences, so any type is fine. The result simply shows which study style suits you best.

DISTANCE LEARNING TYPE

Independent, flexible, and digitally savvy

You're the type of person who thrives on distance learning—which means you have the ideal qualities to succeed in a flexible, digital learning environment. But what exactly makes you the perfect candidate for a distance learning program? 

1. Independent Learning as the Key to Success

Distance learning requires initiative and self-discipline. Since you’ll be studying without set class times, you’ll need to be able to,

  • to structure your own study plan,
  • to work regularly and diligently, and
  • manage their own deadlines and exam periods.

This ability sets you apart from traditional students, who are provided with a fixed structure through regular in-person classes.

2. Discipline & Motivation – The Driving Force Behind Your Studies

Without direct supervision from professors or fellow students, it can sometimes be hard to motivate yourself to study. But you have the discipline needed to engage with the material regularly, even without external pressure.

A distance learning program is right for you because:

  • You can motivate yourself, even when things get tough.
  • You are used to working on tasks independently.
  • Keep your goals clearly in sight and stay the course over the long term.

3. Flexibility – Learn at your own pace

One of the biggest advantages of distance learning is the flexibility it offers in terms of time and location. Since you aren't tied to fixed class schedules or a specific location, you can tailor your studies to fit your daily routine.

Whether you study early in the morning, in the evening after work, or on the weekend— you decide when and where you study! That’s what makes distance learning particularly appealing for:

  • Working people
  • Parents
  • People with caregiving responsibilities
  • People who live in rural areas
  • People who travel a lot
  • People who want to be flexible
  • People whose lifestyle requires independence
  • People with mobility impairments
  • People who are pursuing further education while working
  • People who consider the long commutes to traditional lecture halls a waste of time
  • People with irregular work schedules
  • People who, for health reasons, are unable to attend classes on campus regularly
  • And many others

For all of you—and, of course, many others as well—distance learning offers the right conditions.

4. Digital learning—it's right up your alley!

Distance learning relies heavily on digital tools like these:

  • Online Lectures & Webinars
  • Digital Learning Platforms & Course Materials
  • Virtual Group Work & Forums

Since you’re comfortable in a digital environment, you can use these tools efficiently and take advantage of the wide range of opportunities offered by modern online education. At FERNFH, these digital tools are centrally organized through the online campus, so you always have everything at a glance. And best of all, they’re combined with in-person sessions on campus, which allow you to have direct contact with your instructors and fellow students.

🎯 Conclusion: A distance learning program is the perfect fit for you!

You have the right attitude, the necessary discipline, and an affinity for digital learning to succeed in a distance learning program. Your independent learning style makes you the ideal candidate for this flexible form of study.

FLEXIBLE PROGRAM TYPE

Between Structure and Freedom

You’re a flexible learner, which means you need both structured routines and a certain amount of freedom to learn successfully. Distance learning might be a good fit for you—but only if you’re willing to take charge of your own schedule. Let’s take a closer look at what that means for you.

1. Structure gives you security—but not too much of it

It's important to you that your studies have clear guidelines and a common thread. Completely free, unstructured learning isn't your thing, but rigid guidelines aren't your style either.

For you, this means:

  • You'll benefit from predefined modules and study plans that guide you through your studies.
  • You like deadlines and clear exam periods because they help you stay organized.
  • You need regular check-ins or online seminars to monitor your learning progress.

2. Freedom is important to you—but within certain limits

You appreciate being able to decide for yourself when, where, and how you study. The ability to flexibly adapt your studies to your daily routine is a major advantage for you.

For you, this means:

  • You don't want to sit in lectures at set times every day.
  • You want to decide for yourself whether you study in the morning, in the evening, or on the weekend.
  • Digital learning platforms and online materials give you the freedom to study from anywhere.

So you'll need a bit of self-discipline to make the most of that freedom and avoid procrastinating or losing track of things.

3. Self-organization is the key to your success 🔑

Since you need a balance of structure and freedom, self-organization is especially important to you. A distance learning program can work for you if you’re willing to:

  • Create your own study plans so you don't lose sight of your academic goals.
  • To exercise self-discipline when there are no set class times.
  • Use digital tools to make your daily learning routine more efficient.

It helps you set realistic weekly goals and make the most of your community of fellow students and study groups to stay motivated! This is, of course, part of your studies at FERNFH.

🎯 Conclusion: A distance learning program is right for you if …

… you find a good balance between freedom and structure! You need a study program that provides you with a framework but still remains flexible.

A distance learning program is right for you because:

  • You can expect clear modules, work packages, and deadlines
  • Throughout the semester, you’ll regularly attend live seminars, lectures, or online meetings for orientation and to interact with your fellow students and instructors.
  • The online campus connects you with your knowledge, your fellow students, and your instructors.  

TRADITIONAL ON-CAMPUS STUDY PROGRAM

Traditional Form of Study

On-campus study is the traditional way of studying: You attend lectures, participate in seminars, and learn through direct interaction with professors and fellow students. If you’re the on-campus type, then you prefer a structured learning environment, direct contact with faculty, and a strong academic community. Let’s take a closer look at what defines an on-campus student.

Characteristics of a Typical On-Campus Student

1. Prefers structured learning environments

  • You learn best in structured courses with regular lectures and seminars.
  • You need a clear schedule that sets the pace for your day.
  • It's easier for you to stay motivated when you're physically at the university.

2. Benefit from direct interaction with instructors

  • You like to ask questions directly during lectures or office hours.
  • Personal explanations and discussions help you understand complex topics.
  • You need close support to feel confident in your studies.

3. Enjoy learning in groups and through social interaction

  • You benefit from learning in groups or by exchanging ideas with others.
  • You enjoy discussing things with your classmates, studying, and motivating each other.
  • Everyday university life—with the cafeteria, library, and campus life—is important to you.

4. Requires an external structure for effective learning

  • You find it difficult to organize yourself without clear guidelines.
  • Exams and regular assessments help you stay on track.
  • A set course of study provides you with security and guidance.

5. Use digital learning methods as a supplement, not as the main source

  • You use online materials, but prefer to use them as a supplement rather than as your primary method of learning.
  • You'd like to learn the material in a classroom setting rather than just through self-study.
  • You benefit from being physically present in libraries or study groups.

6. Is willing to commute to college regularly or move there

  • You have no problem attending classes at the university every day.
  • You are willing to accept a longer commute or to move to attend college.
  • You appreciate the atmosphere of campus life with direct access to all resources.

On-campus study program?
Here's how to succeed in FERNFH's hybrid study model!

So, do you prefer to learn within a structured environment, value direct interaction with professors and fellow students, and benefit from a clear class schedule? If so, a purely online program might be a challenge for you at first.

But FERNFH's hybrid study model combines the best of both worlds:

👉 Flexible online learning for most of the semester
👉 3 short in-person sessions per semester for direct interaction and in-depth study

The following 5 strategies will help you successfully master this model :

Strategy 1: Make the most of the in-person sessions

The three in-person sessions per semester give you the opportunity to interact in person with professors and fellow students. To help you get the most out of them:

  • Preparation: Read through the relevant material beforehand, make a note of any questions you have, and bring them with you.
  • Get actively involved: Take advantage of this opportunity for group work, discussions, and in-depth exercises.
  • Building Stronger Connections: You don’t study alone; instead, in many courses you’re part of a team of students—especially during the online phases. But during the in-person phases, you have direct contact with one another and can also discuss topics beyond the course material. FERNFH students value this highly.

Strategy 2: Create a clear study plan for the online phases

Since you prefer set schedules, you should create your own structure for online learning:

  • Schedule set study times —set specific days and times for your studies.
  • Keep a to-do list – Write down what course material you want to complete by the next in-person session.
  • Working with Deadlines – Set interim goals to avoid falling behind schedule.

Strategy 3: Keep in touch with professors and fellow students

You can stay in touch with others even when you're not on campus:

  • Use online forums and group chats to ask questions and discuss the material together.
  • Create digital study groups to review content regularly.
  • Be active in online seminars —ask questions, participate in discussions, and stay visible.

Strategy 4: Consciously Shape Your Learning Environment

Since you're used to studying in lecture halls or libraries, you should also create a good study environment for yourself at home:

  • Set up a quiet study area that's free from distractions.
  • Use technical aids, such as a second monitor for online lectures.
  • Use both analog and digital methods, such as taking notes on paper and using online tools for summaries.

Strategy 5: View the online phases as an opportunity for flexibility

Even if you feel more comfortable in a more structured learning environment, you can still take advantage of the flexibility of the hybrid model:

  • Plan your studies around your other commitments —it’ll be easier to balance work, family, and free time.
  • Take advantage of the opportunity to learn at your own pace if you want to review or explore topics in greater depth.
  • Consciously combine online and in-person learning by specifically gathering questions during the online sessions to ask during the in-person sessions.

🎯 Conclusion: You can succeed in a hybrid degree program!

With the right organization, you can make the most of the hybrid model:

  • In-person sessions for in-depth discussion and networking
  • Online Modules for Flexible and Independent Learning
  • A Clear Structure and Time Management for Optimal Learning Outcomes

This way, you can combine the best of both worlds— flexible online study and focused time on campus —and successfully complete your degree!

If you’re interested in our approach to studying, feel free to stay in touch with us: Through our FERNFH newsletter, we’ll keep you regularly updated on new degree and continuing education programs, dates for information sessions, insights into student life, and the latest developments at FERNFH.

This way, you won't miss a single opportunity to make your dream degree a reality, step by step.

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