Online or on-campus study: online study gives you freedom of place and time and demands a lot of self-organisation, while on-campus study offers structure, direct exchange and the campus. Which form suits you better depends on your life situation, your learning style and your subject. Hybrid models combine both.
The key points at a glance
- With online study, you largely decide your study time and study place yourself. This suits work, family or changing places of residence.
- On-campus study offers fixed appointments, the campus and personal contact, which provide structure and make exchange easier.
- Practical elements such as laboratories are often harder to deliver in purely online study. How much practice a course includes is set out in the study regulations.
- Hybrid models combine online phases with on-campus appointments. How many visits are required differs by provider.
- Before you enrol, check recognition, fees, eligibility for funding and health insurance.
Comparing online or on-campus study
On-campus study takes place mainly at the university, while online study or distance learning takes place mainly through digital learning platforms. The table below shows the typical differences. Individual universities and courses may differ.
| Criterion | Online study | On-campus study |
|---|---|---|
| Place and time | Largely freely chosen, often with submission deadlines and online sessions | Fixed lecture and seminar times at the university location |
| Exchange | Via forums, chats and video conferences | Directly in lectures, seminars and study groups |
| Structure | You organise yourself | The timetable sets the framework |
| Practice and labs | Often harder to deliver, depending on the subject also with on-campus phases | Access to labs, library and equipment on site |
| Work and study | Usually easier to combine | Harder to fit around work, depending on the timetable |
| Costs | Fewer journeys and no moving costs, fees depend on the provider | Semester contribution, living costs at the place of study |
Online study: pros and cons
Advantages
- You study from home, on the move or in changing places.
- You set your own study times and can watch recordings several times.
- You save time and money on the journey to the university.
- You can combine studies and work more easily.
Disadvantages
- Spontaneous personal contact with lecturers and fellow students is often missing.
- You need self-discipline, because nobody reminds you of tasks and deadlines.
- Practical exercises and laboratory work are more limited.
- A network does not form by itself. You have to build it deliberately.
On-campus study: pros and cons
Advantages
- You get direct feedback in lectures, seminars and tutorials.
- Study groups and contacts arise in everyday life on campus.
- Fixed appointments give you a structure that helps you stay on track.
- You use the university’s facilities, such as labs and the library.
Disadvantages
- You are bound to fixed times and to the university location.
- The journey to the university or a move costs time and money.
- A part-time job is harder to schedule depending on your timetable.
Hybrid study: combining both
Hybrid models (also called blended learning) combine online learning units with on-campus phases. They can make sense if you need flexibility but do not want to give up exchange and practice on site. How many on-campus sessions are required differs by university and course. Ask before you apply, so that travel and scheduling fit your everyday life.
Practical work in a company is part of a dual study programme (in German). Dual students are subject to compulsory health, pension, long-term care and unemployment insurance for the whole duration. Student health insurance does not apply to them. Whether a dual model suits you depends on the company, the subject and your circumstances.
Costs and funding
State universities do not charge general tuition fees, but you pay the semester contribution. Its amount differs by university. Private providers and many distance learning courses have their own fees, which you will find in the contract and the fee schedule. Compare the total costs over the whole length of the course and watch out for examination and additional fees.
Depending on your situation, several funding routes may be possible. The Bildungskredit requires full-time study at an advanced stage at an institution eligible for BAföG, and the application can be made before your 36th birthday. Check whether your online course meets these conditions before you apply. How to apply for the Bildungskredit (in German) is explained in a separate article.
If you have completed vocational training and have at least two years of work experience, you can check the Aufstiegsstipendium. It funds a first academic degree full-time or alongside work, including distance learning, and has no age limit. You also need an outstanding professional achievement, for example a very good qualification or an advanced vocational training such as master craftsperson or certified business specialist (Fachwirt). If you start later, the tips on studying at 30 and over (in German) help.
Recognition: what to look out for
A degree only helps if the university and the course are recognised. So before you enrol, check whether the university is state-recognised and whether the course is accredited. You will find the information on the university’s website, or you can ask the student advisory service. If you plan to do a doctorate later, clarify early whether your degree is sufficient. More on this is in the article on the doctorate (in German). The choice of institution type (in German) also plays a role here.
Health insurance in distance learning
Even in distance learning, you need a clarified insurance status. FernUni Hagen requires a digital confirmation from a statutory health fund of your insurance status before enrolment, including for privately insured and exempted students. This confirmation can be requested no earlier than 1 June (winter semester) or 1 December (summer semester). Up to age 25 you are usually family insured. Up to age 30, compulsory student insurance generally applies, with the option of an exemption application within three months. Other universities may use different procedures.
How to decide
- Note what matters to you: flexibility, exchange, practice or costs.
- Check whether your subject is offered online and how much practice it requires.
- Compare at least two providers by fees, support, on-campus sessions and accreditation.
- Clarify funding and health insurance before you enrol.
- If possible, try a trial study or information events and speak to the student advisory service.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between online and on-campus study?
In online study you learn mainly digitally and largely freely in place and time. In on-campus study you attend classes regularly at the university.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of distance learning?
Advantages are flexibility and compatibility with work or family. Disadvantages are less personal contact, a high need for self-discipline and more limited practical elements.
What does online study cost?
It depends on the provider. State universities charge the semester contribution, while private providers and many distance learning courses have their own fees. Compare the total costs over the whole length of the course.
Will an online degree be recognised?
What counts is the state recognition of the university and the accreditation of the course. Check both on the university’s website or with the student advisory service before you enrol.
What is a hybrid course?
A hybrid course combines online learning phases with on-campus sessions at the university. The share of each form differs by course.
Related reading
- Dual study: advantages, disadvantages and requirements (in German)
- University of applied sciences or university: which suits you better (in German)
- Studying at 30 and over: opportunities, funding and everyday life (in German)
- Bildungskredit 2026: requirements, application and interest (in German)
- Health insurance in distance learning (in German)
- Studying without the Abitur: routes, requirements and funding (in German)
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Last updated: October 2026. This article provides general information and does not replace individual advice.
