The FernUni in Transition: Fully Digital Studies
Since summer semester 2026, the FernUniversität has been providing all course materials in the faculties of Economics, Psychology, and Law exclusively digitally. Printed documents will no longer be mailed after this. For the Faculties of Cultural and Social Sciences and Mathematics and Computer Science, this transition will take place in winter semester 2026/27.
Many students already rely exclusively on digital materials and appreciate the benefits they bring. We are, however, aware that this transition represents a significant shift for some of our students – a shift that brings opportunities but may also raise questions and even give rise to reservations. What is important to us is to take these steps together with you: transparent, supportive and keeping your specific needs in mind.
The digital provisional of all course content – much like the online exams that have already been successfully implemented – is an essential step forwards for the FernUniversität. It makes it possible for us to provide a more sustainable, flexible and innovative learning experience using Moodle as our main online learning platform. This step fits seamlessly into the university’s ongoing transformation process. We are constantly working to provide you with the best-possible support during the transition – by providing information, advice and tailored support services.
On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about the transition and the services available to help you through the process.
Digital Education for Everyone – What Does That Really Mean?
What Do These Changes Mean for You?
- Always up to date: Digital content can be revised quickly and made available immediately. This means that you’re always working with the latest version of your documents.
- Flexibility: Your digital materials are available to you anytime, anywhere. You can re-enroll right up until just before the start of the new semester. Once you’ve registered for a module, there’s no waiting time for the materials to be mailed to you. There are no cancellation or rebooking/late booking fees. This makes it easier to make adjustments to your study schedule.
- Efficiency: In these times of painful cuts to education budgets, the FernUniversität is doing its best to consistently focus on its core mission: providing the best-possible support for its students. We’re continuing to invest and we will keep getting even better.
- Accessibility: Digital materials can be optimized to meet individual needs – for example, by making font sizes or contrast variable for screen readers. This benefits all students. The FernUniversität is continuously working to improve the accessibility of all its teaching materials.
- Sustainability: By eliminating the printing and shipping of study materials we are significantly reducing our CO₂ footprint and making an active contribution to climate protection. In this way, the FernUniversität is showing its commitment to responsible and sustainable practices.
Here’s How the Transition Is Taking Place
The transition will take place in stages. Starting in the summer semester of 2026, the Faculties of Business Administration and Economics and Psychology and the Faculty of Law will make all written module content available exclusively in digital form via the Moodle platform.
The faculties of Humanities and Social Sciences and Mathematics and Computer Science will offer all of their written course materials in a fully digital format for the 2026/2027 winter semester.
Important information for all students: The new regulations governing the organization of studies apply uniformly to all students starting in the summer semester of 2026 – regardless of their faculty. This includes:
- It is possible to re-register until one day before the start of the semester (that is, until 31 March or 30 September).
- The fees that were previously levied for late registration or late course additions have now been completely eliminated.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Transition to Digital Course Materials (FAQ)
The transition to all-digital course materials will affect how you organize your studies. With this in mind, we have summarized the key questions and answers for you here:
- 1. Will the cancellation of printing and shipping of study materials affect the deadlines that apply to me?
- 2. I would still like to have printed study materials. Is it still possible to request printed materials, even if this involves additional costs?
- 3. I already have access to the PDF versions of the study materials. What will change for me?
- 4. Will this change affect the tuition fees for distance learning?
- 5. I’m studying business information systems. Will I receive printed or digital course materials from the summer semester of 2026 onwards?
- 6. May I print my course materials myself or have them printed by an external service provider?
1. Will the cancellation of printing and shipping of study materials affect the deadlines that apply to me?
Good news: You’ll gain even more flexibility! The previous deadlines included a buffer period for the production and shipping of the course materials. In the future, you will be able to submit your re-registration right up to one day before the start of the semester. Since there are no more waiting for materials to be shipped once you’ve registered for a module, you can tailor your study plan even more to your individual needs.
2. I would still like to have printed study materials. Is it still possible to request printed materials, even if this involves additional costs?
We understand that many students prefer to use printed study materials. However, to ensure that everyone can benefit from the advantages of the digital transition – such as faster availability and greater flexibility – we are completely discontinuing the printing and mailing of course materials. Unfortunately, printed materials can no longer be requested. However, this should not be a cause for concern. On the contrary, many students are discovering that digital versions are a practical alternative. They are available everywhere and easy to search. What’s more, you can, of course, print out the materials yourself (see Question 6 for more information).
3. I already have access to the PDF versions of the study materials. What will change for me?
Of course, you will still have your usual access to the course materials. Nothing will change for you here.
In addition, we are investing in the ongoing development of Moodle, our central learning platform. You can look forward to new learning opportunities such as videos, interactive quizzes, and online seminars that encourage interaction with other students and teaching staff and make your academic experience even more enriching.
4. Will this change affect the tuition fees for distance learning?
No need to worry: the transition will not bring any additional costs for you. Your tuition fees will remain the same. Not only that, the additional fees for cancellation and late booking of modules have been discontinued. The resources we have saved are now being invested in developing and improving our digital teaching and providing even more intensive student support to ensure that you receive the best possible support in your day-to-day academic life and your academic success remains our top priority.
5. I’m studying business information systems. Will I receive printed or digital course materials from the summer semester of 2026 onwards?
The transition reached its final phase in the summer semester of 2026. For courses offered by the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science (course numbers 6xxxx), you may still receive printed materials. modules offered by the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics (module numbers 31xxx and 32xxx) are already available exclusively online. The transition will be fully completed by the 2026–27 winter semester. From this point onwards, all students will receive their materials exclusively digitally.
6. May I print my course materials myself or have them printed by an external service provider?
Yes, of course. You can print your study materials yourself at any time or have them printed by an external print service provider. To make sure you have nothing to worry about, we will amend the copyright notices in the study materials accordingly.
Below, we have put together a list of potential external print service providers that can print your course materials at your own expense. The list will be updated on an ongoing basis.
Augustin print-medien-verlag
Marco Augustin e. K.
Ludwigstraße 89
45739 Oer-Erkenschwick
If you are an external provider and are interested in placing your advertisement in this overview, please contact: dorothee.nienhaus or carmen.hoffmann.
