In addition to family, work, and leisure time


Distance Learning Program at FERNFH

You’re successful in your career and fulfilled in your personal life, but you still want to grow—whether professionally or personally. But how can you fit a degree program into your already busy daily life? How can you balance it with family, work, and leisure time?

Are you thinking about studying at FERNFH?

We're happy to advise and guide you as you work toward the degree program of your choice.

Studying at FERNFH means...

to choose a degree program that flexibly adapts to your daily life—a program that’s the key you need. At FERNFH, you’ll get exactly that: a distance learning program that gives you plenty of freedom while also offering the support you need to reach your goal. 

Our degree programs and continuing education courses are designed for those who want to further their education, whether you already have college experience or are the first person in your family to attend college. With us, you’ll study in a flexible, personalized, and smart way at a college that designs degree programs tailored to your life and your goals. 

How Distance Learning Works at FERNFH

Flexible & Practical 

For us, studying means combining freedom and structure. You choose the study schedule and environment that work best for you, and you can count on our support at any time.

For us, distance learning isn't just anonymous and solitary online learning; we combine the best of both worlds in our hybrid FERN study model:

In-Person Days

At the beginning, in the middle, and at the end of each semester—usually on Fridays and Saturdays, online or on campus in Wiener Neustadt. Here you’ll find workshops, introductory sessions, and exams.

Distance Learning Phases

You can study on your own or in groups via the online campus whenever it's convenient for you. 24/7 access, maximum flexibility. 

Personal Exchange

Through forums, online office hours, video calls, study groups—and, of course, during in-person sessions. 

Distance Learning Phases: Your Studies, Your Pace

The distance learning phases are a major part of your degree program and offer you the greatest possible flexibility.

Through theonline campus, you have access to all course materials and tools around the clock and—if you choose—can stay in touch with your fellow students and instructors at the same time. 

This allows you to learn at your own pace and in your own rhythm. 

Flexible Learning

Study whenever and wherever it works best for you—whether during the day or at night, at home or on the go. Your study materials are available online at any time, and you can prepareforexams and courses on your own or with yourstudy group

Predictable Performance Metrics

During this phase, you can also take any exams or submit any assignments—all conveniently online.

Online Tools

Take advantage of the digital resources and learning materials available on our FERNFH Online Campus—from forums and online group projects to Microsoft Teams calls with instructors or fellow students—to tailor your learning experience to be as personalized and effective as possible.

In-Person Sessions: Face-to-Face Interaction and Hands-On Learning

During each semester of your studies, there are three on-campus sessions during which you’ll have the opportunity to interact directly with your fellow students and instructors.

These on-campus sessions are an important part of your studies and give you the opportunity to apply what you've learned in workshops, lectures, and practical exercises.

Scheduled In-Person Days

At the beginning, middle, and end of each semester, you’ll participate in in-person sessions that take place either on campus in Wiener Neustadt or as live online sessions. The dates and format of these sessions are announced in advance so you can plan them into your daily schedule.

Workshops and Lectures

During the in-person sessions, you'll take part in hands-on workshops and interactive lectures. You'll be taught by experienced instructors who will provide you with valuable knowledge and practical skills.

Exams

Exams are also held during the in-person phase.

Advantages of the FERNFH Study Model

Should I pursue a degree at a university or a university of applied sciences? Full-time or part-time? A degree that leads to a career or one I can pursue while working? On-campus or distance learning? 

These are questions you might also be asking yourself right now as you search for the right deal. That's why we thought, we’ll summarize everything for you concisely in the following paragraphs , what makes studying with us at FERNFH , and what the advantages of ours study modelare are, and what sets our approach to studying apart from otherspart-timepart-time programs. 

Distance Learning vs. Traditional College – What Sets Us Apart?

A traditional on-campus program, such as at a university, usually requires full availability during the week, a fixed place of residence near the campus, and attendance in lecture halls with hundreds of other students. For working professionals or people with caregiving responsibilities, this is simply not feasible. Traditional forms of study are often highly regimented, with rigid mandatory schedules and anonymity in crowded lecture halls. Individualized support? Often difficult to provide with so many students.  

At FERNFH, you’ll experience a different approach: personal instead of anonymous. Flexible instead of rigid. Supported instead of left to fend for yourself. Our students aren’t just numbers—they’re people with real stories and ambitions. Faculty members treat you as an equal. You can integrate your studies into your life and won’t be forced to put your life entirely on hold for your studies. 

And even if you're considering a part-time degree program at a university of applied sciences, you should keep reading: In the next section, we'll show you why the FERNFH model makes a decisive difference. 

Distance Learning vs. Part-Time Study – Not All Part-Time Programs Are the Same

When they hear the term “part-time,” many prospective students immediately think of a degree program that should be manageable alongside a full-time job. The reality, however, is often sobering: evening classes, many blocked Wweekends on campus, and hardly any flexibility for menpeople like you who are juggling work and family. The Iwho want to continue their education in addition to night shifts or business trips. Parents and students* and for dthe own, and dtheir own of their children and want to have time for them. 

Traditional University of Applied Sciences (part-time)

  • Regular in-person sessions
  • Pre-scheduled time slots
  • Partial Digital Learning
  • Limited flexibility

Ferdinand Porsche Distance Learning

  • Max. 3 on-campus sessions per semester that can be scheduled in advance
  • Self-directed, flexible learning
  • Fully Integrated Digital Learning (Online Campus)
  • High flexibility

In short: We know how a true part-time degree program should work: not as a burden, but as a realopportunity for everyone who’s in the thick of life. 

8 Benefits of Studying Online at FERNFH
in a nutshell

Flexible & not tied to a specific place or time

Our degree program adapts to your life, not the other way around. 

Self-directed & predictable

Clearly structured semesters with predictable in-person sessions and flexible study periods.

Always connected & never alone

Ongoing contact with faculty and fellow students on the online campus.

Personalized & Career-Focused

Elective courses, specializations, and subject-specific micro-credentials turn your degree program into your personal career booster.

Personalized Service & Support on an Equal Footing

Personalized support, small groups, and approachable instructors.

Affordable

State-funded. This means standard college tuition fees, with no hidden costs.

Practical

Content relevant to the professional field, taught by practitioners.

Content Relevant to the Future

Research Topics of the Future: From digitalization, demographic change, and health to the people-centered economy of tomorrow.

Study for yourself and a better future 

Distance learning at FERNFH isn't just a way to earn a degree—it's an opportunity to shape your future. With a degree from FERNFH, you’ll open doors to new career opportunities and be well-prepared for the challenges of the future:

Topics for the Future

Our degree programs address the major issues of the future, such as digitalization, demographic changes, the human economy, and more. 

Career Opportunities

With a degree from FERNFH, you’ll open doors to new career opportunities. Our programs are practice-oriented and tailored to the job market.

Find Your Distance Learning Program

Everyday Life + College = (Not) a Contradiction?!

Your life is full—and that's exactly why we went to college. 

Our students are mostly not your typical “freshmen”who are just starting their professional careers with their studies and are working on their first sketch of their adult lives. They are doers* career changers, and those climbing the career ladder. People with responsibilities, ambitions, dreams, and often packed schedules. That’s exactly why our distance learning program is designed not to intrude on your life, but to fit seamlessly into it. 

Studying While Raising a Child or Caring for Others

Whether it’s changing diapers, taking the kids to school, or caring for a family member—caregiving responsibilities can’t wait. Our study program understands this: You’ll learn then when you have the time and space for yourself, whether it’s in the morning when your little ones are at preschool or ain the evening, when things have quieted down at homeStudy aat your own pace and on your own schedule, with a community that understands you don’t have time to waste. 

Studying While Working or Working Shifts

You worka nursing home, in logistics, or do you travel a lot for work? You need to be able to study thanks to our distance learning programl. Your studies go hand in hand with, night shifts, business trips, or working from home. No fixed study slot, no mandatory requirement to be present during the week. 

Being Self-Employed & Studying

You are yourn*e your own* boss, but you still want to achieve even more and pursue targeted professional development? Then you need a degree program that works the way you work: structured, efficient, and independent. That’s exactly how our program is designed it’s tailor-made for sself-organized self-employed professionals. 

Time for Yourself: Hobbies, Sports, Community Service

Doyouspend your evenings after work at the riding stable, coach youth teams, or volunteer? Our program won’t take that time away from youit’ll let you keep it.When you’re inthe thick oflife, you don’t have time for systems that hold you back. Our distance learning programsets you freeinstead of holding you back. 

Testimonials

My studies at FERNFH opened up a wide range of career opportunities in a dynamic and forward-looking field.

Alexandra Schermann

Graduate & Entrepreneur

I liked the combination of digital learning and in-person interaction right from the start, and it was one of the main reasons I chose FERNFH.

Nicole Janisch

Students

As an entrepreneur, distance learning was the only way for me to pursue further academic studies alongside my day job and my personal life.

Philipp Puregger

Graduate

Ready for your next step?

Learn more about the FERNFH study model, explore your admission options, and find out how we can support you along the way.

  • Understanding Our Academic Model

    What sets our FERN program apart from conventional part-time degree programs and other distance learning options? Would you like to learn more about our FERNFH study model?

    Learn more
  • Use the FERNFH Infocenter

    Here you'll find all the important information you need to pursue your dream degree, all in one place. From counseling and a self-assessment for distance learning to the application process.

    Continue to the Info Center
  • Studying Without a High School Diploma

    Where there's a will, there's a way. At least at FERNFH. Learn more about how you can earn a college degree without a high school diploma.

    Learn more