The Virtual University of Bavaria (vhb) offers students who are enrolled at a Bavarian university free net based courses to a high standard. Other persons ("Other Users") can use the vhb against payment on condition they meet the admissions requirements stipulated by the course providers. Course materials are – supported by the Free State of Bavaria – developed by university teachers from vhb member universities and reviewed by experts.

Student support and supervision – Communication

During the time the course is offered, which largely orientates itself to the term times of the member universities, the student receives support with questions and problems from specially trained online tutors. Each course has tutorial support – nobody is left alone in front of his monitor with his questions. Nor do students miss out on communication with other students.

Graded Certificate of Achievement

Vhb courses are either a fixed component of a degree programme or can be used to acquire additional knowledge. Each course offers the opportunity to acquire a graded certificate of achievement. Whether or how any vhb study and examination results that are not a fixed component of a course of study can be credited must be clarified by the students – best before registering for the course – directly with the appropriate examination committees at their university.

Quality

The feedback received on the basis of regular student evaluations of the vhb courses shows that students value in particular their independence of time and place when taking courses. Also students point out the benefit of acquiring e-learning competence. However, they realise they have to take on greater personal responsibility for their work. But most students very much appreciate this independence.