Celebration of graduates: success stories from distance learning students in Stuttgart!

Celebration of graduates: success stories from distance learning students in Stuttgart!

Around 200 guests gathered on the Stuttgart campus on July 8, 2025 for the FernUniversität's festive alumni celebration. This event celebrated the achievements of the graduates and provided a space for exchange and inspiration.

A highlight was the contribution of Iwan Hanna, who obtained both his bachelor's and master's degrees in economics at the FernUniversität. He began his educational journey at the age of 19 after completing training as a bank clerk. Despite his challenges, especially studying without a high school diploma, Hanna made it clear how crucial the study environment at the Stuttgart campus was to his success. People in particular during mentoring and lectures helped him to analyze information, organize himself and deal with setbacks.

The importance of the campus

Hanna described the Stuttgart campus as a place of encounter and mutual support. This was also reflected in the words of the university's rector, Prof. Stefan Stürmer. He spoke about the principles of the Enlightenment and encouraged the graduates to use their own minds. Prof. Sturmer not only praised the graduates' educational path, but also highlighted their remarkable ability for self-regulation during distance learning.

Prof. Dr. Andreas Kleine, who also spoke to the graduates during the celebration, praised their achievements in self-organization and emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary thinking. “The alumni celebration showed the former students’ deep connection to the Stuttgart campus,” said Kleine. The event also conveyed the message that the educational journey does not end with graduation, but rather just begins.

Distance learning without a high school diploma

A central aspect of distance learning remains accessibility for everyone. The possibility of completing a distance learning course without a high school diploma is becoming particularly important. The distance learning university and other educational institutions, such as the Fachhochschule des Mittelstands (FHM), offer special programs that make access easier for qualified professionals.

The following requirements apply to the topic of distance learning without a high school diploma:

• Abgeschlossene Berufsausbildung + 3 Jahre Berufserfahrung
• Abgeschlossene Berufsausbildung + fachliche Fortbildung
• Schulabschluss nach der 12. Klasse + 1 Jahr Praktikum

Applying to FHM without a high school diploma requires completing an online application and submitting evidence of professional training or experience. The FHM team checks the documents individually and thus offers numerous working people the opportunity for academic further training.

The flexibility of distance learning allows students to learn independently and integrate their studies into their everyday working lives. Digital learning materials are available at any time, and personal support from lecturers ensures that students receive optimal support.

The FernUniversität's alumni celebration on the Stuttgart campus was not only a look back at the achievements of the graduates, but also a sign of the opportunities that distance learning can offer, especially for those who have chosen their path without a high school diploma. The event once again confirmed that education is a lifelong journey.

For further information about distance learning without a high school diploma, visit the website Medium-sized technical college and other education providers.

How the FernUniversität Hagen reports, the alumni celebration remains a central component in the lives of many students and graduates.