Does distance learning really work--even with a full-time job and family?

Potsdam, February 24, 2026 -- They did it. They got their degrees. Two years after foundation, the first students are successfully completing their distance learning studies at the German University of Applied Sciences (DHAW). Studying alongside work is not always easy. Oliver Schneider (B.A.) and Marco Starzonek (MBA) gave it a try. Their conclusion: it works. And it's worth it.

WHY OUR ALUMNI CHOSE US
Marco Starzonek chose the MBA Business Management program. The decision to study at the DHAW was a no-brainer for him: "The best value for money" and the opportunity to complete the MBA program in twelve months. He was surprised "that all the administrative tasks and the admission process were 100% digital."

Oliver Schneider, a graduate of the Bachelor's program in General Business Administration, also praises the open structure. He quickly realized that his studies fit realistically into his everyday life: "I particularly liked the freedom to organize my time for the respective modules and exams. The challenge was to integrate my studies alongside my full-time job, which was made possible by the flexible scheduling of exams."

Completely digital, exams online at any time, and various time models: both alumni describe a study concept for people who don't want to turn their lives upside down. But what does that look like in practice when everyday life sets the pace?

WHEN EVERYDAY LIFE GETS IN THE WAY
The biggest hurdle in distance learning is often balancing everyday life and studying. Mr. Starzonek studied with two children. Fixed study days were planned - but they "didn't always work." So he consistently used his free evenings for his studies. His strategy: first work through the study materials, then delve into more in-depth literature.

Mr. Schneider also relied on planning. Before each module, he determined how much time he wanted to invest and which stages he wanted to complete and when. His conclusion: "I was able to balance my studies well with my job and private life because I had a lot of freedom in how I structured and completed them."

Both received support when they needed it. Mr. Schneider found the technical support to be reliable and received answers to his questions within a short time. And when there were technical problems? Mr. Starzonek recalls difficulties in one module - the IT department solved them "really quickly."

This shows that distance learning does not mean sitting alone in front of a screen. Mr. Starzonek describes "WhatsApp groups for students and office hours with lecturers" as helpful additions. At the same time, study coaches help when motivation or time management start to falter - with one goal in mind: keeping the degree in sight.

WHAT REALLY STICKS - PROFESSIONALLY AND PERSONALLY
Mr. Schneider particularly remembers the "Critical Thinking" module. It showed him "some new ways of thinking" and provided him with both professional and personal added value. In his job, he benefits from what he has learned about knowledge building and knowledge transfer. Even in the MBA program, what he learned did not remain abstract.

Mr. Starzonek was enthusiastic about the "Business Simulation" module. There, he was able to manage a company with a view to all business areas and everyday problems. He saw the results of his decisions immediately. For Mr. Starzonek, the degree also paid off immediately:

"The master's degree enabled me to advance my career."

Today, he holds a management position. He regularly encounters content from the "Big Data Analytics" module in his work, which makes his decisions easier.

TWO DEGREES, ONE CONCLUSION
Bachelor's or MBA? The paths differ - depending on your stage of life and career goals. Both alumni would recommend the DHAW. "Best suited for working professionals," says Mr. Schneider. And Mr. Starzonek advises: "Take advantage of the very well-prepared modules, but remember that you have to be independent and diligent and consistently 'stick with it'."

PRACTICAL TEST PASSED
So does distance learning at DHAW really work? Our first alumni provide an honest answer: Yes! With digital teaching, personal support, and practical relevance. Two years after its launch, the state-recognized DHAW already supports over 1,100 students on their academic path and has been awarded the FSD seal of recommendation 2026.

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

Marit Bolduan

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 university's alumni are sought-after specialists on the job market.

This release was published on openPR.