Distance Learning Protection Act
Fernunterrichtschutzgesetz (FernUSG)

Act for the Protection of Participants in Distance Learning Courses (Distance Learning Protection Act – FernUSG) of 4 December 2000, last amended by Art. 4 No. 3 of the Act of 23 March 2005

Pursuant to the Act, distance learning is the teaching of knowledge and skills on the basis of a contractual relationship and against remunera-tion when the teacher and the student are constantly or predominantly found at different geographical locations and when the teacher or his/her representative supervise the course outcome.

The Act lays down rules for the form and the content of the distance learning agreement and determines the rights and obligations of the contracting parties. It contains rules for the approval of distance learning courses in general and distance learning courses for vocational education in particular, and it also sets the framework for free distance learning courses for vocational education.