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Distance learning course; application for approval or significant changes
According to the German Distance Learning Protection Act (Fernunterrichtsschutzgesetz - Fern-USG), distance learning courses require approval by the State Central Office for Distance Learning. A contract for a non-approved course is null and void.
Forms
Forms
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Antrag auf Zulassung eines Fernlehrganges, vorläufige Zulassung eines Fernlehrganges und Zulassung wesentlicher Änderungen eines zugelassenen Fernlehrganges
This form can be submitted electronically (e.g. via a secure contact form using your user account with login via the electronic ID function or the ELSTER certificate) or handwritten and signed in paper form to the responsible authority.
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Antrag auf Zulassung einzelner Lehrbriefe / Lehrbriefreihen als selbständiger Lehrgang
This form can be submitted electronically (e.g. via a secure contact form using your user account with login via the electronic ID function or the ELSTER certificate) or handwritten and signed in paper form to the responsible authority.
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Antrag auf Zulassung eines auf ein anderes Fernlehrinstitut zugelassenen Fernlehrganges
This form can be submitted electronically (e.g. via a secure contact form using your user account with login via the electronic ID function or the ELSTER certificate) or handwritten and signed in paper form to the responsible authority.
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Antrag auf Zulassung, vorläufige Zulassung oder wesentliche Änderung eines Fernstudienganges
This form can be submitted electronically (e.g. via a secure contact form using your user account with login via the electronic ID function or the ELSTER certificate) or handwritten and signed in paper form to the responsible authority.
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Liste aller Lernmaterialien (Anlage V-2) zum Download
This form can be submitted electronically (e.g. via a secure contact form using your user account with login via the electronic ID function or the ELSTER certificate) or handwritten and signed in paper form to the responsible authority.
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Antrag auf Zulassung der Einzelvermarktung von Modulen eine Fernlehrgangs / Fernstudienlehrgangs (Cafeteria)
This form can be submitted electronically (e.g. via a secure contact form using your user account with login via the electronic ID function or the ELSTER certificate) or handwritten and signed in paper form to the responsible authority.
Responsible for you
Staatliche Zentralstelle für Fernunterricht
Street address
Peter-Welter-Platz 2
50676 Köln
Postal address
Peter-Welter-Platz 2
50676 Köln
Phone
Website
Route planner
Timetable for public transport
Procedure details
Description
The State Central Agency for Distance Learning (ZFU) based in Cologne
- decides on the approval or refusal of approval of all distance learning courses requiring approval. Without approval, distance learning courses within the meaning of the law may not be marketed or advertised in Germany,
- reviews the continued existence of the approval requirements for distance learning courses, generally every three years,
- decides on the approval of significant changes to approved distance learning courses,
- registers distance learning courses that do not require approval (so-called "hobby courses", which are used exclusively for leisure activities). The ZFU must be notified of the distribution of these courses. It is up to the ZFU to decide whether the course is actually a "hobby course". The distance learning contracts for such distance learning courses are also subject to the Fern-USG and are checked by the ZFU.
Requirements
- The course must be suitable for achieving the objective set by the organizer;
- The content or objective of the course must not violate public safety and order,
- the organizer must provide the participant with comprehensive information about the course offered and
- all legal requirements for the drafting of a contract for a distance learning course must be met.
You can find a comprehensive guide under "Further links".
Required documents
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Detailed description of the distance learning course
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Draft distance learning contract as it is to be concluded with the participant.(For information for organizers of distance learning courses on the drafting of a distance learning contract and the information material used for advertising purposes, see "Further links").
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Draft of intended promotional literature
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All learning materials
Fees
Fees are payable for the administrative activities of the Central Office in accordance with the Fees Act for the State of North Rhine-Westphalia.
As a rule, the admission fee amounts to 150% of the sales price of the approved distance learning course according to the currently valid scale of fees. If the final approval of the distance learning course is preceded by provisional approval, this fee increases to 200% of the sales price.
The minimum fee for admission is EUR 1050.00.
Reduced admission fees are payable for distance learning courses with a low sales price (less than EUR 250).
Deadlines
A distance learning course requiring approval may only be sold or offered after approval has been granted. The distribution of a distance learning course without the required approval constitutes an administrative offense and can be punished with a fine.
Legal bases
Appeal
The administrative court proceedings of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia are admissible against decisions of the State Central Office for Distance Learning. The competent courts and the deadlines to be observed are indicated in the information on legal remedies in the notices.
Related links
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Kontakt zur ZFUFür weitere Fragen wenden Sie sich bitte an die Staatliche Zentralstelle für Fernunterricht
Status: 10.09.2024
Editorially responsible for prodecure description: Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Unterricht und Kultus
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