FERNFH represented at an international conference in Hagen
Astrid Braun presented innovative micro-credential formats from the Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH
From October 8 to 10, 2025, the I·HE (Innovation Higher Education) conference took place at FernUniversität in Hagen The EADTU (European Association of Distance Teaching Universities) conference took place under the title “Rethinking Higher Education: Engage, Adapt, Include.” About 200 participants from various international universities discussed the future of higher education.
The Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH was represented atI·HE2025by Astrid Braun, Coordinator of International Affairs. In her presentation titled “Personalizing Executive Education: Micro-Credential Formats at Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH,” she showcased FERNFH’s innovative micro-credential formats and demonstrated how they contribute to personalizing education and making it more flexible. Using concrete examples, Braun explained to the participating higher education experts how FERNFH, as Austria’s first and only distance-learning university of applied sciences, has developed a comprehensive system of micro-credentials (MCs). These short-format, modular continuing education programs can be completed either as part of existing bachelor’s and master’s degree programs or independently of them. They enable working adults to acquire specific, in-demand skills that are directly tailored to the requirements of the job market.
What Makes Micro-Credentials at FERNFH Special
FERNFH’s micro-credential program currently comprises around 40 different competency modules in the fields of Business & Management, Digitalization & IT, Health & Social Services, and Psychology. These continuing education modules are designed to be flexible and are offered in a blended learning format. The program combines online components with a few targeted in-person sessions.
Participants can complete micro-credentials individually or combine them into larger learning pathways. This so-called “stackability” allows them to design a personalized continuing education path over time that is tailored to their own learning goals. A key feature: All micro-credentials are aligned with the European quality and transparency standards (ECTS) and are therefore academically sound, practice-oriented, and internationally comparable.
Positive feedback and exchange at the international level
The audience expressed great interest in and a positive attitude toward the FERNFH approach. The combination of academic quality, flexible course organization, and a focus on the job market was frequently highlighted as an example of best practice.
In her presentation, Braun also spoke openly about the challenges associated with implementing micro-credentials at universities. These include international recognition and transferability, institutional coordination, and ongoing dialogue with the labor market to ensure that continuing education programs remain up-to-date and relevant.
In addition to her own presentation, the conference also provided an opportunity to network with universities from across Europe and exchange examples of best practices. The event offered an inspiring platform for dialogue on forward-looking higher education strategies—ranging from new teaching methods to inclusive education and digital transformation. “I’m coming home with lots of new ideas and exciting contacts,” said Braun. “It was impressive to see the diverse ways in which universities across Europe are responding to the challenges of the future. I look forward to incorporating the insights I’ve gained into the further development of FERNFH.”
FERNFH as a Partner in Lifelong Learning
Participation in the conference once again underscores the role of Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH as a pioneer in flexible, personalized, and practice-oriented continuing education in higher education. By continuously expanding its micro-credential offerings, FERNFH is positioning itself as a strong partner for lifelong learning in Austria—for students, professionals, and companies alike. “Our goal is to further develop FERNFH as an inclusive, connected, and flexible university,” Braun emphasizes. “In this way, we create learning pathways that empower people to continuously develop themselves—and to understand education as a lifelong process.”
Learn more:
Would you like to learn more about the micro-credential programs offered by Ferdinand Porsche FERNFH?
Click here to see FERNFH’s current micro-credentials.
