IU Internationale Hochschule

IU does not operate a Numerus Clausus (NC); no minimum grade threshold applies. For bachelor's admission, applicants need a general higher education entrance qualification equivalent to the German Abitur (e.g. Indian Class XII from a recognised board, or a completed qualification recognised under anabin). An alternative route for those without Abitur requires at least two years of vocational training plus three years of relevant work experience. For master's admission, a completed bachelor's degree is required; a professional route (no bachelor's) is available with at least six years of relevant professional experience including three in a senior role, plus an IU qualifying examination. Language requirements: German-taught programmes require B2 (C1 for psychology specialisations); English-taught programmes require TOEFL iBT 80+, IELTS 6.0+, Duolingo 95+, or Cambridge B. Indian and Vietnamese applicants whose prior qualification was obtained in India or Vietnam must hold a valid APS certificate (Akademische Prüfstelle) before applying to on-campus bachelor's programmes; APS is not required for purely online/distance learning enrolment. Specific programme requirements are listed on individual programme pages.

Distance learning programmes have rolling admission with no fixed application deadline - students can start at any time. On-campus and dual-study programmes offer up to three start dates per year: 1 January, 1 April, and 1 October. Specific application cut-off dates per intake are not published centrally; applicants should confirm directly via the IU application portal or student advisory service.

Direct online enrolment - no uni-assist. IU is not on the uni-assist member list (checked 2026-08-25). Application is 100% online via iu.de at any time, no NC, no application deadline; the university itself checks the submitted documents and equivalence of foreign qualifications ('As a foreign student applicant, you must have a higher education entrance qualification that is equivalent to the German qualification... additionally pass the University's internal admission test'). Foreign school certificates are recognised directly by IU ('Wenn Du Dein Abitur im Ausland gemacht hast, werden gleichwertige Abschlüsse unkompliziert anerkannt'); no VPD or uni-assist step is mentioned anywhere in the admission or application-process pages.

Programmes are offered in both German and English. German-taught bachelor's and master's programmes require B2 German (C1 required for psychology-related programmes). English-taught programmes accept TOEFL iBT 80+, IELTS 6.0+, Duolingo English Test 95+, or Cambridge Certificate grade B or above. The majority of master's programmes in STEM and business are available in English via distance learning.