Distance learning course; application for approval or substantial changes.
Under the Distance Learning Protection Act (Fern-USG), distance learning courses generally require approval by the State Central Office for Distance Learning. A contract for a non-approved course is void.
Description
The State Central Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) based in Cologne, Germany
- 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, as a rule at three-year intervals, the continued existence of the approval requirements for distance learning courses,
- decides on the approval of significant changes to approved distance learning courses,
- registers distance learning courses that are not subject to approval (so-called "hobby courses", which serve exclusively for recreational purposes). The ZFU must be notified of the distribution of these courses. The decision as to whether the course is actually a "hobby course" lies with the ZFU. The distance learning contracts of such distance learning courses are also subject to the Distance Learning Act (Fern-USG) and are reviewed by the ZFU.
Prerequisites
- The course must be suitable for achieving the objective set by the organizer;
- the content or objective of the course must not be contrary to 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".
Deadlines
A distance learning course requiring approval may only be distributed or offered after approval has been granted. The distribution of a distance learning course without the required approval is an administrative offense and can be punished with a fine.
Fees
Fees are payable for the administrative activities of the Central Office in accordance with the Fee 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 fee schedule. If the final approval of the distance learning course is preceded by a provisional approval, this fee increases to 200% of the sales price.
The minimum fee for approval is 1050.00 EUR.
For distance learning courses with a low sales price (less than 250 EUR), reduced admission fees are payable.
Remedy
Administrative court proceedings; information
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 met are indicated in the instructions on appealing the decisions.
Links to more information
Status: 11.08.2022
Responsible for editing: Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Unterricht und Kultus
- Online transactions, Bavaria-wide
- Online transactions, locally limited
- Prefillable Form, Bavaria-wide
- Legal bases, Bavaria-wide
- Legal bases, locally limited
- Fees, Bavaria-wide
- Fees, locally limited