FAQs

About studying with IU International University of Applied Sciences

How does an online learning programme at IU work?

Unlike traditional online learning programme providers: we focus on flexibility, modern learning methods and intensive support. This means that you can start your online learning programme at any time, independent of when semesters typically get going. You can also sit your exams online – whenever it suits you best. 

The first step involves enrolling in your desired study programme. Within a few days, you’ll receive the access data for the Online Campus and a Study Coach, who will give you some great tips on how to study. You choose the modules you want to take and can access your lecture notes online or order a printed copy, which we will send to you by post – free of charge within Germany.   

We teach the subject material using innovative, multimedia learning tools. The language of instruction for all our degrees is English. In each course, academic supervisors are available to assist you via e-mail and telephone. In addition to lecture notes or our e-book versions, IU Interactive Books®, our study material consists of learning videos, revision courses and online consultations among other tools. We attach great importance to practical relevance through case studies and reports from everyday professional life, as well as a comprehensive approach to exam preparation. This is because we want you to successfully complete your studies with us. 

Via Microsoft groups, online forums, etc. you can learn together with fellow students and complete self-assessment tests. If you’re successful, your final exam will be activated, which you can take either completely online or on-site at one of our 40+ exam centres. You can choose the date and location of the monthly final module examination, which is held on Saturdays. At the end of your studies, you’ll have to write your final thesis, which our professors will support you with.

How will IU support me during my online studies?

Working towards a degree may be a challenge, but it is also worthwhile. At IU, we guarantee all-around personal support throughout your studies. Our Study Advisory Team will walk you through the application and enrolment process. During your studies, you will not only have our student office take care of all of your administrative needs, but our skilled and experienced tutors will also oversee your academic development.

If you are having trouble combining your degree with everyday life, contact your personal study coach to help with organisation and planning. And of course, the IT Helpdesk will make sure our virtual campus, "myCampus", runs smoothly for you. Anything you need as a student at IU is only a phone call or e-mail away. Please check out the IU Team so you can see everyone who will support you.

Here you can find a myCampus walkthrough video.

Are IU study programmes accredited?

All of our current study programmes are accredited by the German Council of Science and Humanities, and are internationally recognised. To find out more about our accreditations, rankings and degree recognitations, please visit our Accreditations & Rankings page.

Can i try out your online learning programme? How do I cancel if I don't like it?

After you enrol, you can try out our online learning programme for four weeks free of charge and without any obligation. During this time, all IU offers and services will be available to you. If the online learning programme is not right for you, you can cancel it free of charge within these four weeks. If you like your studies, you can simply continue studying after the trial period has ended. In this case, your first month will count as a regular study period for which a fee will be charged. We’ll only charge you for the first month after the end of the trial phase.

You can then terminate the contract with six weeks’ notice, for the first time to the end of the first six months. Later, you’re free to terminate the contract at any time with three months’ notice (in each case to the end of a full month, in relation to the start of the contract). To do so, you must submit your notice of termination in writing by e-mail to studium@IU-fernstudium.de.

Can I complete my studies on the side? How long will it take me to complete my degree?

Yes, we have taken time constraints into account when designing these online study programmes. Therefore, you can switch between three-time models and organise your learning content to suit your individual needs. 

The regular study period for the Bachelor is 36 months. If you already know when starting out that you will need more time, you have the option of choosing between the extended study periods of 48 or 72 months. During your Bachelor, you can also extend your regular study period by 12 months free of charge.  

The regular study period for the Master is usually 24 months. Here, too, we offer part-time variants that run for 36 or 48 months respectively. You can also extend the regular study period for the Master by 12 months free of charge. 

Our time models at a glance

Full-time: Perfect for those who want to hit the ground running and shorten their study time by learning at a faster pace. 

Part-time I: Great for all-rounders who want to go full throttle in their studies alongside their job and reduce monthly tuition costs at the same time. 

Part-time II: The ideal choice for you if you want to complete your studies in peace and quiet alongside the hustle and bustle of everyday life and your job, while also reducing your monthly tuition costs.

Are there any in-person classes that I have to attend?

No. Given that we know that many students have little time to spare, you don’t have to make your way to a study centre, in order to study. You can also sit your exams online. The study programme is 100% online. 

What distinguishes the IU online learning programmes from other online study programmes?

We attach great importance to your flexibility, especially when it comes to your time, personal circumstances and financial situation – as well as the use of state-of-the-art study materials, e.g. IU Interactive Books®, online consultation hours, learning videos and much more! Thanks to the intensive support of our service staff, the faculty and the Career Center, we make sure that you’re not alone – neither during nor after your studies.

How do I enrol and when can I start my online study programme?

There are no fixed enrolment dates or rigid semester structures at IU: You can register online for your online study programme at any time. We will then check your admission and your documents.

After you’ve signed and returned the study contract and we’ve enrolled you, you’ll immediately receive all the necessary documents and access so that you can start your studies straight away!

For more detailed information on the process, you can watch our explanatory video or please contact our Study Advisory Team. Your personal advisor will guide you through the application process.
+49 30 220 272 80

I do not fit the profile of a typical student? Are there people like me at IU?

Since 1998, we have been supporting thousands of students from various backgrounds and age groups in developing themselves both personally and professionally. Currently, we have over 60,000 students from over 110 countries. So you can trust us when we say that you will fit in without any problems!

Is it possible to pause my studies?

Yes, in case of illness or for other proven personal reasons, you can apply for a leave of absence.

Why does IU teach in English?

The benefits of studying in English are many: it is the universal business of language, it allows you to connect more easily with other professionals from all over the world and it is the language of technology, the media and the internet.

The study programmes at IU International University of Applied Sciences all focus on developing your skills so they match the demands of the international job market. By studying in English, you significantly improve your chances of future employment by being able to take on positions anywhere in the world.

In addition, having a degree taught in the English language will also significantly increase your chances of being promoting to managerial positions and/or roles with international responsibilities in your current place of employment, or in your own country.

What if I am unable to complete my degree within my chosen duration of studies?

Regardless of time model, IU Bachelor's students can exceed the standard period of study by 18 months, Master's students by 12 months, free of charge.

Is there a graduation ceremony?

Twice a year, we hold graduation ceremonies on our campuses in Germany. IU students are welcome to participate at their own expense. If you do not wish to attend, we will send you your degree certificate by post, free of charge.

Here’s how my examinations work

Where do the examinations take place?

You can take 100% of your exams online with us – exactly when you feel that you are optimally prepared. The online exams take place “on-demand” (i.e. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year).

How do I register for an online examination?

You have two options for sitting an online exam: you can book a fixed slot in advance or start the exam spontaneously/immediately. Slots are offered 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. 

When booking a slot, you’ll be shown all available dates that are at least 24 hours ahead. The advantage for you: you book a slot and sit your exam on your preferred day and at your preferred time. 

You can also book an ad-hoc slot. Here, you can choose the next available appointment on the half- or full hour. 

Please note: A basic knowledge of English (language level A2) is required to take an online exam, as any communication with the invigilator will be in English.

How long does a module examination take?

Regardless of whether you register for an online exam or sit the exam at one of our examination centres, the duration is determined by the ECTS points acquired through the module: for example, with 5 ECTS in a given module, the exam will last 90 minutes, with 10 ECTS, it’s 180 minutes.

How often can I re-sit an examination?

You have a total of three attempts, i.e. you can re-sit final module examinations twice.

How and when will I be notified of the results of my examination?

We will announce the results on the CARE learning platform approximately 6 weeks after the examination date.

Recognition of previous achievements

I have already completed a university degree. Will my previous achievements be recognised?

Yes, if you’ve already completed a study programme at a university, you can have comparable previous achievements at the same academic level credited to your study programme. A completed apprenticeship/further education course or qualified work experience can also be recognised after completing the relevant examination. If you have any further questions about recognition, please contact our Study Advisory Team: +49 30 2200272 80

What do I gain from the recognition of my previous achievements?

With the recognition of previous achievements, you can reduce both your study time and your tuition fees. Your previous achievements can really pay off! You save EUR 30 per recognised ECTS point. You don’t have to repeat courses that have already been recognised.

Which previous achievements are recognised by IU?

In the Bachelor online learning programme for example, achievements that can be recognised include:

• Prior academic achievements (e.g. Bachelor degree, Master degree, “Diplom”, “Magister”)
  Completed vocational training or further education (e.g. office administrator [IHK], state-certified business economist [VWA])
  Professional experience (e.g. as an employee in a Human Resources Department)
• Completed LinkedIn Learning online courses and learning paths

The following, for example, are considered to be creditable achievements in the Master’s online learning programme:

• Prior achievements from a study programme (prerequisite: at Master’s level)
  Professional qualifications in an executive or managerial position (e.g. Managing Director, Director of Marketing)
• Only achievements that you can verify with a performance record can be recognised (a CV does not count as a performance record).

In principle, final theses from external colleges/universities are not recognised, as the final thesis is an elementary part of the study programme.
You can also apply for recognition of prior learning achievements at any time, in order to reduce the length of time needed for your study programme. Please ensure to note the time requirements regarding any reduction in cost.

How does the review of prior achievements for recognition at IU work?

In order to enable us to review your previous achievements, simply complete and sign your application for the recognition of previous achievements and send it by e-mail to anerkennung@IU-fernstudium.de. Please enclose all relevant documents and evidence with your application. You can find the applications and the corresponding guidelines on the website of your study programme under “Recognition”. 

We’ll also be happy to check in advance, without any obligation, as to whether (and to what extent) we can take your previous achievements into account. You don’t have to enrol directly! A review is also possible without certified copies.

Watch our explanatory video for detailed instructions on how online recognition works at IU.

What is the maximum number of ECTS points that can be credited to me?

The crediting of non-university competencies may not exceed a maximum of 50 per cent of the ECTS credits to be achieved in the study programme.

Prior academic achievements can be recognised in full – with the exception of final theses. In principle, final theses from external colleges/universities are not recognised, in view of the fact that the final thesis represents an elementary part of the study programme.

Can/should I enrol in all courses when starting my study programme?

When you start your study programme, please do not enrol in any of the courses for which you have applied for recognition, if the start of your study programme overlaps with the review of your application for recognition. Recognised courses can only be entered in the Online Campus after completion of the recognition process and following your enrolment. When choosing courses, you are not bound to the semester plan, but can choose flexibly from all available modules.