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Fachhochschulen / HAW

IU Internationale Hochschule

Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany

About IU Internationale Hochschule

IU Internationale Hochschule (IU International University) is Germany's largest state-accredited private university, founded in 1998 in Bad Honnef/Bonn and headquartered in Erfurt since 2019. With approximately 130,000 enrolled students as of 2025 and over 4,000 employees, it ranks among the top 100 largest universities worldwide. The institution holds state recognition since 1999 and received full institutional accreditation from the German Science and Humanities Council (Wissenschaftsrat) in 2009 and again in 2021.

IU offers more than 250 degree programmes — Bachelor's, Master's, and MBA — across nine subject clusters including Business & Management, IT & Technology, Health & Social Affairs, Pedagogy & Psychology, Architecture & Construction, Design & Media, Marketing & Communication, Tourism & Hospitality, and Human Resources & Law. Three study formats are available: fully online distance learning, dual studies in partnership with over 15,000 companies, and on-campus study at more than 30 locations across Germany.

The university deliberately operates without a Numerus Clausus (NC) and places admission emphasis on motivation rather than grades. It is accredited by FIBAA for programme quality and system accreditation, and is a member of the German Rectors' Conference (HRK).

Key facts

Founded
1998
Students
130,000

Largest state-accredited university in Germany with approximately 130,000 enrolled students (2025)

Founded in 1998; institutional accreditation by the German Science and Humanities Council (Wissenschaftsrat) since 2009

More than 250 degree programmes across Bachelor's, Master's, and MBA levels

Three study formats: fully online distance learning, dual studies (partner-funded, €0 tuition), and on-campus at 30+ locations

No Numerus Clausus (NC) — admission without minimum grade threshold

Ranked first among German distance-learning universities by FernstudiumCheck (2026)

Admissions & costs

Tuition & fees

IU is a private university and charges tuition fees for all programmes. Distance learning starts from approximately €259 per month depending on programme and chosen time model. Dual study programmes are typically financed by the partner company (€0 cost to the student). On-campus tuition fees vary by programme; specific per-semester figures are published on individual programme pages. IU does not charge differentiated fees for EU vs. non-EU students as a stated policy, but students should verify on programme pages. As a private institution, the Baden-Württemberg non-EU surcharge (€1,500/semester) does not apply — IU sets its own fee schedule. Scholarships include the IU 'Sorgenfrei' Scholarship (funded by Santander) and the FirstGen Funding Programme for first-generation students.

Admission requirements

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.

Application deadlines

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.

Languages of instruction

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.

Campuses & locations

Erfurt

Registered headquarters since 2019; on-campus programmes available

Berlin

On-campus location; the university has publicly addressed visa-related issues for international students at this campus

Cologne

On-campus location

Hamburg

On-campus location; dual-study programmes offered

30+ further locations

IU operates more than 30 campus locations across Germany in total; full list available on the IU website

Living in Nordrhein-Westfalen

IU's registered headquarters is in Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia in central Germany. Erfurt is a well-preserved medieval city of approximately 215,000 residents, known for its historic old town, Krämerbrücke bridge, and Erfurt Cathedral. It offers relatively low living costs compared to major German cities, a compact student-friendly centre, and good rail connectivity to Frankfurt, Leipzig, and Berlin. IU also has campuses in larger cities including Berlin, Cologne, and Hamburg, each with its own distinct urban character and student ecosystem.

Student life & support

IU provides an online learning platform (myCampus) and an AI study assistant (Syntea) for all students regardless of study format. The student advisory service is reachable by phone (+49 30 31198810, Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–8 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.–5 p.m.), WhatsApp, and email ([email protected]). On-campus students have access to local campus facilities; housing is not arranged centrally by IU and students are expected to source private accommodation. German language preparation and integration support for international students are not described in detail on the public website; prospective students should contact the advisory service to confirm what is offered at their chosen campus.

311

Accredited Programmes

185

Bachelor/Bakkalaureus

126

Master

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