Your Path to College Without a High School Diploma—in 4 Steps
At Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH, we offer you a clear, practical wayto begin your studies evenwithout a high school diploma: the qualifying exam —designed specifically for people with professional experience.
Here's how it works:
1. Check professional qualifications
Have you completed an apprenticeship, graduated from a vocational secondary school, or completed comparable training—in other words, do you have a relevant professional qualification for your desired bachelor’s program? If so, you already meet one of the basic requirements for admission to a bachelor’s program. You can now make up for any missing high school graduation or university entrance qualification exams by taking our qualification exam, thereby demonstrating the necessary proficiency in English and mathematics.
2. Prepare for free
We’ll give you access to a free online prep course on our online campus. These courses will help you prepare for the qualifying exam in math and English at your own pace. Our instructors developed these prep courses specifically for people who haven’t been in school for a while.
3. Take the qualification exam
You will take two written exams with us to demonstrate your knowledge in the following areas:
- English: "Living Foreign Language 2" level
- Mathematics: "Mathematics 1" Level
4. Start college
If you pass the qualifying exam, you will be eligible for admission to the bachelor's program of your choice at FERNFH.
HOWEVER: This does not mean you meet the admission requirements for studying at other universities or colleges.
Passed the exam! And successfully completed the admissions process, too?! Then get started on the degree program that’s right for you and your career path—all without a high school diploma.
Here's how the preparatory course for the qualification exam works
The preparatory courses in English and mathematics offer you the best possible preparation for your qualifying exam for the FERNFH bachelor’s program. Just like the course content, these are available to you 24/7 on our online campus and are 100% free. Your 90-minute exams in both subjects will take place online in the fall, well in advance of the start of your program.
English – with Bence Lukás (Winter Semester 2026/27)
- The course is available at any time; active support is provided from May through October
- Can also be used as a voluntary refresher course before starting college
Mathematics – with Charlotte Wiegele (Winter Semester 2026/27)
- Access is also available year-round, with support available from May through October
- Clearly structured from a pedagogical standpoint, with many exercises and examples
You’ll have access to two structured, digital courses developed by our faculty specifically for people without a traditional high school education. We won’t leave you on your own as you work toward your bachelor’s degree at FERNFH. Here’s what our guidance and support for the qualifying exam look like:
- If you have any questions, you can contact the course instructors directly.
- There is a discussion forum for members to exchange ideas.
- You work at your own pace, but never alone.
Alternative Paths to Higher Education, Beyond the Qualifying Exam
If you don't (yet) have any prior vocational training that qualifies you to take the qualification exam, or if you're looking for a path that opens up several options for higher education, there are other possibilities, such as:
- University Entrance Qualification Exam
- Vocational Maturity Exam
- Teacher Training College or Advanced Training Course
You can complete these at other educational institutions and then begin your studies with us. All paths lead to Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH and to your next career step.
How Studying at FERNFH Works
Our learning model combines the freedom of digital learning with clear structures, personalized support, and genuine interaction.
Your Path to College.
Starting a degree program or continuing education is an important decision—and we want to support you as best we can. To help you find the right educational program for you and start off on the right foot, we’ve put together a guide to all the important steps.
From your initial orientation to helpful information resources and all the way through the application process: Follow our guide, take advantage of our counseling services, and see—with no obligation—if distance learning is right for you. That way, you can be sure you’re making the best choice for your academic and professional future.
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.
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.
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.
4. Start your application
Once you've found the degree program or continuing education course you're looking for, start your application.