Young university impresses students: Award for the DHAW

Potsdam, January 26, 2026 - Studying must fit into everyday life. Those who decide to study are looking for security: Will it fit into my life in the long term? The 2026 seal of recommendation from the Fernstudium Direkt (FSD) platform provides clear guidance. The German University of Applied Sciences (DHAW) received the award with 4.6 out of 5 stars and ranked 7th out of 117 listed providers - making it one of the highest-rated distance learning universities in Germany.

WHY STUDENT EXPERIENCES COUNT
Many awards are given far removed from everyday student life. The FSD seal, on the other hand, is based exclusively on the experiences of students in their current studies. No jury. No committee. The assessment focuses on how the program fits into everyday life.
The focus is on key questions that arise before deciding to study online: Is the program clearly structured? Will I receive reliable help when I need support? In short: Is it realistic to complete this program - especially alongside work, family, and other commitments?

STUDENTS EVALUATED THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA
The basis for the 2026 seal of recommendation is the FSD score of the Fernstudium Direkt platform. This score makes it possible to compare evaluations between long-established providers and young universities. Students evaluate three areas:

* Teaching & concept
* Content & materials
* Support & organization

These categories result in an overall rating of 1 to 5 stars. All evaluations submitted between January 1 and December 31, 2025, were counted for the 2026 seal of recommendation. A minimum of 60 consistently high ratings was required for placement.
Individual opinions are not sufficient for the seal. Providers who receive convincing feedback across a wide range of responses are awarded the seal. With 4.6 out of 5 stars, DHAW clearly meets these requirements.

A STRONG RESULT FOR A YOUNG UNIVERSITY
The award comes at a time of dynamic development for DHAW. DHAW recently reached the milestone of 1,000 enrolled students - two years after commencing operations. This makes it not only one of the fastest-growing private distance learning universities in Germany, but also one of the highest-rated providers.
The DHAW deliberately started out differently. Digital first and completely online. The study concept is designed for different life situations. Mr. Starzonek (alumnus) describes how this has already proven itself at the beginning of his studies:
"I was very satisfied with the digital learning tools, which worked at all times, and was surprised that all administrative matters and study admission were 100% digital."

WHAT THIS AWARD ANSWERS
The FSD Seal 2026 answers a key question very clearly: Does this degree program work in real life? The evaluations show what really matters in everyday student life:

* Study models can be integrated into life.
* Support is provided, not just on paper.
* Digital teaching is perceived as reliable.

These assessments are based on numerous experiences over a long period of time. Anyone who is planning to boost their career through study and is looking for guidance will find reliable information here.

OUR CLAIM
This award belongs to the people who shape the DHAW every day: the students who share their experiences and the teams who provide them with professional and supportive guidance. It shows where universities can go when existing structures are questioned--toward study concepts that fit into life. Ms. Meier (student, Business Administration and Management B.A.) confirms that university teaching today should be flexible:
"Juggling a full-time job and a degree requires a lot of flexibility. The German University of Applied Sciences allows me to tailor my part-time studies to my needs." For us, this award is both a confirmation and an obligation to make academic education accessible, affordable, and relevant to real life.

Today. And in the future.

Deutsche Hochschule fuer angewandte Wissenschaften (DHAW)
Jaegerallee 26
14469 Potsdam
Germany

Frau Marit Bolduan
+49 331 76 99 13 7

m.bolduan@deutschehochschule.de

The German University of Applied Sciences (DHAW) is a modern university with a clear vision. We want to teach first-class specialist knowledge that impresses with its quality, practical relevance, and topicality. Our aim is to provide you with the theoretical and practical tools you need for a successful career. This ensures that our alumni are sought-after specialists on the job market.

This release was published on openPR.