In 1997, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research started an initiative to promote e-learning in Germany by installing an extensive research program. The Virtual University of Applied Sciences in Engineering, Computer Science and Economic Engineering is the most prominent and best-funded of the more than 100 projects in the field funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Projects. Officially begun in 1999, its origins go back to 1997 when the faculties at Luebeck University of Applied Sciences set up a working group on online education. In October 2001, the study program of Computer Sciences started in seven joint universities of applied sciences with six courses. Twelve universities of applied sciences, two universities, federal employees association, unions, and business of seven federal states are involved in the development of the two complex online study courses Computer Sciences and Economic Engineering. This paper discusses the objectives and project tasks; the Virtual Campus Association of Universities of Applied Sciences; course material and course tutoring; the learning management system; computer supported collaborative learning; and running the online study program. (Contains 16 references.) AEF)