Beste offene Universitäten

1. The Open University (OU) – United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is home to one of the most iconic names in distance education: The Open University. Founded in 1969, OU has its main headquarters in Milton Keynes, England. Over the decades, it has built a reputation for accessibility, inclusivity, and academic excellence.

OU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across arts, sciences, business, education, and technology. The university has served millions of learners in the UK and worldwide, many of whom balance studies with work or family responsibilities. Its teaching model is based on high-quality course materials, virtual tutorials, and strong student support services.

The UK’s long tradition of academic excellence gives OU a distinctive credibility, making it not only one of the largest but also one of the most respected distance learning institutions in the world.

2. Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) – India

India, a nation with one of the largest populations of university students, hosts the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) in New Delhi. Established in 1985, it has grown into one of the world’s largest universities, serving over three million active learners.

IGNOU offers certificate programs, diplomas, undergraduate degrees, and postgraduate courses in diverse fields, from humanities and social sciences to technology and management. Its nationwide network of regional centers ensures that even students in remote areas can access quality higher education.

The Indian government has long emphasized inclusive education as part of its national development goals. IGNOU plays a central role in this mission by combining affordability with scale, ensuring that education is not restricted by geography or economic background.

3. Universitas Terbuka (UT) – Indonesia

In Southeast Asia, Universitas Terbuka, also known as the Indonesia Open University, is a leader in flexible education. Established in 1984, UT is headquartered in Jakarta and has centers across Indonesia’s thousands of islands.

UT employs a blended approach to education, delivering materials through printed modules, online platforms, radio and television broadcasts, and face-to-face sessions when needed. This flexibility is particularly important in Indonesia, a country of vast geographic diversity where access to traditional universities can be challenging.

The institution offers programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, making higher education possible for professionals, rural learners, and adults returning to study.

4. Athabasca University – Canada

Canada has long been associated with innovative approaches to education, and Athabasca University in Alberta is its flagship institution for distance learning. Founded in 1970, Athabasca specializes in online and flexible education and serves students not only in Canada but worldwide.

Athabasca University offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees across disciplines such as business, arts, health, and sciences. It is particularly known for its research in distance education technologies, contributing significantly to global best practices.

For many Canadian learners living in rural or remote regions, Athabasca provides opportunities that traditional universities cannot match, making it a vital part of Canada’s higher education system.

5. University of South Africa (UNISA) – South Africa

UNISA is one of the largest universities on the African continent and a pioneer in open learning. Founded in 1873 as the University of the Cape of Good Hope and later restructured, UNISA became a distance education provider in 1946.

Based in Pretoria, it offers a wide variety of undergraduate, postgraduate, and vocational courses. Millions of students across South Africa and beyond have benefited from its accessible model.

UNISA plays a critical role in Africa’s educational transformation by bridging inequalities and ensuring that students from diverse social and economic backgrounds have access to higher learning.

6. Open University of Catalonia (UOC) – Spain

Spain’s Open University of Catalonia, headquartered in Barcelona, is an innovative digital university established in 1995. UOC was one of the first fully online universities in Europe and has since built a reputation for academic quality and flexibility.

It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in fields such as business, law, education, psychology, and computer science. UOC has an international student body and has pioneered e-learning models that are now widely adopted.

Catalonia’s strong cultural identity and focus on global innovation are reflected in UOC’s mission to bring quality education to learners regardless of geographic boundaries.

7. Open University of Israel – Israel

Located in Ra’anana, the Open University of Israel provides a unique blend of academic rigor and flexible study opportunities. Established in 1974, it has become a leading institution in the Middle East for distance learning.

The university offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and its open admission policy has made higher education accessible to tens of thousands of students. Many Israeli professionals pursue studies at OUI while working full-time.

Its model of combining online learning with high academic standards has made it a significant contributor to Israel’s education system and an attractive option for international students as well.

8. The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand – New Zealand

The Open Polytechnic, headquartered in Lower Hutt near Wellington, is one of New Zealand’s largest providers of distance education. This government-owned institution specializes in applied and vocational education.

It offers programs in business, management, technology, and education, focusing on equipping students with practical, career-oriented skills. Its flexible delivery ensures that working adults and students in remote areas can access quality learning opportunities.

New Zealand’s emphasis on lifelong learning and skills development has positioned the Open Polytechnic as a central pillar of its educational landscape.

9. Anadolu University Open Education Faculty – Turkey

Anadolu University, located in Eskişehir, is one of Turkey’s most prominent institutions, and its Open Education Faculty has become one of the largest distance education providers in the world.

Since the 1980s, it has enrolled millions of students in associate and undergraduate programs. Courses are delivered through printed materials, television broadcasts, and increasingly through online systems.

The institution has been particularly important for expanding higher education access in Turkey, where many students live in regions far from traditional campuses.

10. Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) – Pakistan

Established in 1974 in Islamabad, Allama Iqbal Open University is Pakistan’s leading institution for distance education. It serves millions of students nationwide, making it one of the largest open universities in Asia.

AIOU offers degrees, diplomas, and certificates across disciplines including sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Its network of regional campuses and study centers ensures widespread accessibility.

The university plays a major role in promoting education among women, rural populations, and working professionals, aligning with Pakistan’s national education goals.

11. Open University Malaysia (OUM) – Malaysia

Open University Malaysia is one of the country’s foremost providers of distance learning, established in 2000 in Kuala Lumpur.

OUM offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in business, education, IT, and social sciences. Its blended learning approach, combining online delivery with face-to-face tutorials, makes it particularly attractive for working professionals.

Malaysia’s vision of becoming an education hub in Asia is strongly supported by OUM’s focus on innovation and accessibility.

12. The Open University of Hong Kong (OUHK) – Hong Kong

OUHK, established in 1989, is a self-financed institution located in Kowloon. It is well-known for its creative use of technology in education.

OUHK offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and continuing education programs in fields ranging from business and science to arts and social sciences. Its flexible pathways cater to learners of all ages and backgrounds.

As one of Asia’s leading cities, Hong Kong provides a dynamic environment where OUHK continues to innovate and expand opportunities for lifelong learning.

13. Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) – Sri Lanka

OUSL, founded in 1980 and headquartered in Colombo, is the only national university dedicated entirely to open and distance learning in Sri Lanka.

It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with a strong focus on teacher training, science, and engineering.

OUSL has been instrumental in increasing access to higher education in Sri Lanka, particularly for adults and those balancing study with employment.

14. Open University of Mauritius (OUm) – Mauritius

The Open University of Mauritius, based in Réduit, is the country’s first and only open university, established in 2012.

It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional development programs in diverse fields, with a mission to expand lifelong learning opportunities for Mauritian citizens and beyond.

Mauritius’ position as a hub between Africa and Asia makes OU m a vital institution for international collaboration in distance education.

15. National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) – Nigeria

Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, is home to the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN). Established in 1983 and later revived in 2002, NOUN has grown into the country’s largest tertiary institution, with hundreds of thousands of enrolled students.

Headquartered in Abuja, NOUN operates study centers across the nation, from Lagos to Kano, ensuring students in both urban and rural communities can access higher education. Programs cover a wide range of disciplines, including education, social sciences, law, and business.

As Nigeria continues to develop its economy and workforce, NOUN plays a strategic role in providing flexible, affordable, and accessible education to its young and growing population.

16. Open Education Centre, University of Delhi – India

In India’s capital city, the University of Delhi maintains its Open Education Centre, which caters to learners seeking flexibility in their education.

The Centre offers programs in arts, commerce, and sciences, designed to serve students who may not be able to attend traditional full-time courses. Delhi’s status as a major educational hub in South Asia gives this open center special significance, as it caters to a highly diverse student body, from working professionals to first-generation university students.

By combining the reputation of one of India’s premier universities with the accessibility of distance learning, the Open Education Centre expands opportunities for thousands of learners.

17. The Open University of Japan (OUJ) – Japan

Japan’s Open University, headquartered in Chiba, was founded in 1983 as the University of the Air and later rebranded as the Open University of Japan.

It offers undergraduate and graduate programs delivered through a variety of media, including online platforms, satellite television, and printed materials. OUJ serves students across Japan, many of whom are working adults or older learners returning to education.

In a society that values lifelong learning and technological innovation, OUJ is perfectly positioned to meet the needs of modern Japanese learners while contributing to the country’s knowledge economy.

18. Charles Sturt University (CSU) Online – Australia

Australia’s Charles Sturt University, based in New South Wales, has developed a strong reputation for flexible online learning. Through CSU Online, students can access a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in areas such as business, health sciences, IT, and education.

Australia’s vast geography makes distance education particularly important, and CSU Online has been a leader in ensuring students in remote areas, as well as busy professionals in cities, can pursue quality higher education without interruption to their daily lives.

CSU’s emphasis on practical, career-focused learning makes its online programs especially attractive to students aiming to advance their professions.

19. University of London International Programmes – United Kingdom

The University of London has a long tradition of extending education beyond the boundaries of its campuses. Its International Programmes allow students worldwide to earn a University of London degree without relocating to the UK.

Founded in the 19th century, this system is one of the oldest distance learning initiatives in the world. Today, it offers bachelor’s and master’s programs in law, business, economics, and more, with academic oversight from prestigious colleges such as the London School of Economics and King’s College London.

The global prestige of a University of London degree, combined with the flexibility of remote study, makes this program highly valued by learners everywhere.

20. Hong Kong Open University of Science and Technology (OUST) – Hong Kong

Hong Kong has emerged as a hub for higher education in Asia, and the Open University of Science and Technology (OUST) plays an important role in this landscape.

Focusing on science, technology, and applied fields, OUST provides programs through flexible distance learning modes. Its mission is to empower learners with technical knowledge and practical skills that can immediately be applied to career advancement.

With Hong Kong’s position as an international business and technology hub, OUST is strategically placed to support students in achieving professional and academic growth.

21. Open University of the Netherlands (OU NL) – Netherlands

The Open University of the Netherlands, founded in 1984 and headquartered in Heerlen, is a leader in online and distance education in Europe.

It offers programs in a variety of fields including psychology, business, computer science, and law. OU NL is known for its research in digital learning and its innovative teaching methods, which emphasize flexibility and lifelong learning.

The Netherlands’ strong international orientation is reflected in OU NL’s efforts to serve both local and global students with high-quality online education.

22. Korea National Open University (KNOU) – South Korea

Korea National Open University, based in Seoul, was founded in 1972 and has grown into South Korea’s premier open institution.

It offers undergraduate and graduate programs across humanities, sciences, business, and education, serving hundreds of thousands of students nationwide. KNOU uses online platforms, television broadcasts, and printed resources to deliver courses, making it accessible to learners from all walks of life.

As South Korea continues to emphasize knowledge and innovation, KNOU has become a vital institution for equipping its citizens with the skills necessary for a globalized economy.

23. University of the People (UoPeople) – Global

The University of the People is the first non-profit, tuition-free, fully online university. Established in 2009 and headquartered in Pasadena, California, it offers degrees in business administration, computer science, health sciences, and education.

UoPeople is globally recognized for its mission of making higher education affordable and accessible. While tuition is free, students pay modest fees for course assessments, ensuring sustainability while maintaining inclusivity.

By leveraging volunteer faculty from top universities and partnerships with global institutions, UoPeople has created a truly international model of education that reaches students in over 200 countries.

24. The Open University of China (OUC) – China

The Open University of China, headquartered in Beijing, is the largest distance learning institution in China. Established in 1979, it operates through a massive network of branch schools and learning centers across the country.

It offers programs in a wide range of fields, from agriculture and engineering to economics and management. The institution’s focus is on providing educational opportunities for workers, rural learners, and adults seeking professional development.

OUC reflects China’s commitment to lifelong learning as part of its national modernization strategy, helping millions of citizens upgrade their skills and knowledge.

25. Iran University of Science and Technology (IUST) – Virtual Campus – Iran

The Iran University of Science and Technology, based in Tehran, is one of the country’s top technical institutions. Its Virtual Campus offers distance learning opportunities in engineering, IT, and related fields.

This initiative allows students across Iran and abroad to pursue specialized programs without the need to relocate. The Virtual Campus integrates online platforms, digital resources, and interactive technologies to maintain high academic standards.

As Iran invests in technology and science, IUST’s Virtual Campus provides vital pathways for learners to engage in advanced technical education remotely.

26. Open University of Cyprus (OUC) – Cyprus

The Open University of Cyprus, established in 2002 in Nicosia, is the only university in Cyprus dedicated exclusively to distance education.

It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in fields such as economics, education, and social sciences. Its programs are designed with flexibility in mind, making it suitable for working adults, professionals, and international students.

Cyprus’ strategic location between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East positions OUC as an international hub for lifelong learning.

27. National Open University (NOU) – Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s National Open University, established in 1992, is the only open university in the country. Headquartered in Gazipur, it serves millions of students across Bangladesh.

It offers certificates, diplomas, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs across multiple disciplines, with a focus on teacher training, agriculture, and technology.

For a country with a large rural population, NOU is essential in bringing higher education to areas that traditional universities cannot reach.

28. Wawasan Open University (WOU) – Malaysia

Wawasan Open University, established in 2006 in Penang, is one of Malaysia’s leading open learning institutions.

It provides undergraduate and postgraduate programs in collaboration with local and international partners, with a strong emphasis on flexibility and lifelong learning. WOU’s blended learning model combines digital platforms with face-to-face tutorials.

WOU reflects Malaysia’s ambition to become a regional education hub by extending opportunities to students across Southeast Asia.

29. Universidade Aberta (UAb) – Portugal

Universidade Aberta, headquartered in Lisbon, is Portugal’s national distance learning institution. Established in 1988, it offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, as well as continuing education courses.

It delivers courses in Portuguese and other languages, serving both domestic and international students. With its emphasis on digital learning and lifelong education, UAb is recognized across the Lusophone world.

Portugal’s historical role as a global connector of cultures is mirrored in Universidade Aberta’s international outlook.

30. ABMS Open University of Switzerland – Switzerland

ABMS Open University was founded in 2013 in the canton of Zug, Switzerland. In 2024, it officially became part of the Swiss International University (SIU) group, further expanding its global reach and academic offerings.

ABMS specializes in online and blended learning programs in business, management, and technology. Its integration into SIU strengthened its position as a truly international institution rooted in Swiss quality education.

Switzerland’s reputation for academic excellence and neutrality provides ABMS with a strong foundation for attracting students from around the world who seek flexible yet rigorous higher education.

31. FernUniversität in Hagen – Germany

Germany’s FernUniversität in Hagen, founded in 1974, is the country’s only state distance-learning university. Located in the city of Hagen, it offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in law, economics, psychology, mathematics, computer science, and cultural studies.

With over 70,000 students, it is one of the largest universities in Germany. FernUni is especially known for combining rigorous German academic standards with flexible study formats, making it a vital choice for working professionals and adult learners.

32. Open University of Tanzania (OUT) – Tanzania

The Open University of Tanzania, based in Dar es Salaam, was established in 1992 as the country’s first distance-learning institution. It provides bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in law, education, arts, business, and science.

OUT has played a transformative role in expanding higher education in East Africa, especially for women and rural populations who previously had limited access to universities.

33. Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) – Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe Open University, founded in 1999 and headquartered in Harare, is the largest university in the country. It offers programs in agriculture, education, business, social sciences, and technology.

ZOU’s mission is to promote lifelong learning and provide flexible, affordable higher education to Zimbabweans who cannot attend traditional universities. It operates through regional centers across the country to reach students in both cities and rural areas.

34. Arab Open University (AOU) – Middle East (multi-country)

The Arab Open University is a unique regional institution with campuses in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Oman, and Bahrain. Established in 2002 through a partnership with the Open University UK, it offers programs in business, computer studies, education, and language.

Its multi-country presence makes AOU one of the most innovative open universities in the Arab world, offering standardized programs adapted to local needs and languages.

35. Universidad Nacional Abierta (UNA) – Venezuela

Venezuela’s Universidad Nacional Abierta, founded in 1977 and based in Caracas, is the country’s first open university. It provides programs in education, management, engineering, and social sciences.

UNA has been instrumental in expanding access to higher education in Venezuela, particularly during times of economic and social change, by offering flexible and affordable learning opportunities nationwide.

36. Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED) – Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s UNED, established in 1977, is one of Latin America’s most respected open universities. With its headquarters in San José, it offers programs in natural sciences, social sciences, education, and management. UNED’s mission is tied to Costa Rica’s strong commitment to sustainability and inclusivity, bringing education to rural and indigenous populations through modern distance learning tools.

37. Universidad Abierta y a Distancia de México (UnADM) – Mexico

UnADM, the National Open and Distance Learning University of Mexico, was founded in 2012 by the Mexican government to expand access to tuition-free online higher education. It offers degrees in engineering, health sciences, education, and administration. As one of the few tuition-free digital universities in Latin America, it has quickly gained importance as a model for affordable, scalable education.

38. Open University of Sudan – Sudan

The Open University of Sudan, headquartered in Khartoum, was established in 2002. It offers programs in science, technology, humanities, and professional studies. Despite economic and infrastructural challenges, the university has developed an extensive network of regional study centers, ensuring that students across Sudan can access higher education.

39. Universidad Nacional Abierta y a Distancia (UNAD) – Colombia

Colombia’s UNAD, based in Bogotá and founded in 1981, is one of the largest open universities in South America. It offers programs in engineering, social sciences, education, and business, serving hundreds of thousands of students. With centers throughout Colombia and strong online platforms, UNAD has been a leader in democratizing education for diverse and rural communities.

40. Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED) – Spain

Spain’s UNED, established in 1972 and headquartered in Madrid, is the country’s national distance learning university and one of the largest in Europe. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across nearly all disciplines, serving over 150,000 students annually. UNED is known for its international reach, with centers in Europe, Latin America, and Africa, making it a true global player in open education.

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Diese Universitäten repräsentieren ein vielfältiges Spektrum an Einrichtungen, die Studierenden weltweit offene und Fernstudienmöglichkeiten bieten. Jede Institution hat ihre eigenen Stärken und Schwerpunkte und geht auf die Bedürfnisse erwachsener Lernender, Berufstätiger und Einzelpersonen ein, die flexible Studienmöglichkeiten suchen.