Germany is often regarded as one of the top study destinations in the world and considered as one of the top providers of education. A leader in innovation, business and engineering, the career prospectus with a German degree is diverse and far-reaching.
Erfurt is a city in the central German state of Thuringia. At the heart of this city, lies the headquarters of one of the top universities of Germany which provides online and on-campus degrees as well as hybrid options and certifications for a multitude of fields, and has rightfully earned the position of being one of the global top leading providers for higher education. It is the IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU).
IU International University of Applied Sciences was established in 2000 as a full-time, on-campus university with five programs taught exclusively in English. Today, the university prepares over 70,000 students in various study models for a successful career start.
IU has been around for more than 20 years. It is now the largest private university in Germany.
IU International University of Applied Sciences offers more than 200 Bachelor’s, Master’s, and MBA programs across the various models (distance, dual, on campus, continuing education, corporate training, and more). There are 28 campus and dual studies locations in Germany and Austria and more are planned to open in the future. Distance learning students can take exams online from any place in the world or alternatively at one of over 130 Goethe Institute locations globally.
These various Bachelor’s, Master’s and MBA programs are state-accredited and recognised all across the globe.
Vision:
Everybody can access education to grow. IU International University of Applied Sciences provides equal education opportunities for people around the globe, in all kinds of situations, in all stages of life, with and without previous academic credentials: full or part-time, single parents, unemployed, disabled, seniors, competitive athletes, etc.
IU International University of Applied Sciences prides itself on offering affordable quality education tailored to its students’ individual needs.
Mission:
Empower people to succeed in a digital world with the most customer-centric education approach.
The Innovative Pedagogy
IU International University’s distance study full or part-time study programs offer individual solutions and full flexibility while always maintaining a close network of support. Innovative study and media tools help students to reach their goals. Benefits include:
- Blended learning: an efficient mix of online learning tools and in-person interaction/attendance
- Large team of study coaches and tutors for targeted, effective study
- ‘myCampus’ innovative study app and platform with a large online library (including unlimited access to over 14,000 courses and 1,800 video tutorials)
- Interactive learning sprints to achieve study objectives faster
- Taking exams at any time online – or in the traditional way at one of over 40 exam centres in Germany, or at one of over 130 Goethe Institutes worldwide
- Comprehensive scholarship programme: e. g. Women in Tech scholarships or scholarships for students from developing countries
- International study tours at renowned universities across the globe – including virtual tours
- Extensive network of partners: 6,000 companies in commerce, tourism, health, IT, industry, etc.
- Free career coaching at IU campus– with experienced trainers for personal development
Apart from this, the university provides individual study counselling and career coaching sessions. The live chat in WhatsApp is only one of the many ways the students can reach their study advisors.
At IU, they have podcasts, videos, study guides and lectures both online and in-person. The professors are present for you all throughout their programs/courses, even if you live on the other side of the world.
At IU, they place a lot of importance on particular skills. This is why all of their professors have at least five years of industry experience.
The Pre-studies Program
The university’s two-month-long programs build key skills and help students have a smooth start to studying in Germany. Once you join the IU team on campus, you’ll get to know all the facilities, including dining areas, a world-class library, and places to relax and study. You can meet fellow students from all over the world and explore your surroundings. The faculty strives to make you feel as comfortable as possible during your stay with them, so give yourself time to take a look around before studies begin.
Once the Pre-studies program starts, you can begin to focus on preparing for your personal study success. IU can help you get your language (German or English) and academic skills up to speed with seminars, small workgroups, and individual time with tutors. The institute also, where possible, encourages guest lecturers and trips to companies to give you first-hand insights into what it’s like working in the real world after you graduate.
The IU Pre-studies Program is a great start to study life, helping you get settled and motivated to begin this next chapter in your personal journey.
Pathways Programs
The IU Pathway Program builds the skills you need to leverage your academic success and give you the best possible start to your degree. You’ll live on campus, get acquainted with all facilities and your fellow students from over 110 nationalities, and settle into your new surroundings.
Once your program starts, you can entirely focus on your studies and your personal success, with a solid foundation to build on.
This course includes optional and compulsory courses in the following areas:
Academic Skills – Reading, writing, and mathematics.
Language – English and German (optional) language skills.
Orientation Germany – Economic and business context for Germany, including history and culture.
Exam Preparation – Optimal practice and prep for your language exams.
Path2Master Program
IU’s ‘Path2Master’ program can help you get started with your Masters studies at IU and prepare you for business management — even helping you earn an extra 30 ECTS (European recognized credits).
The Path2Master program trains your skills in management, business administration, and more to prepare you for the international career market. With this as a foundation of knowledge, you will have the best possible success in your master’s studies and a great start to the next step in your career.
Orientation Programs
Discover a selection of programs and try out a course with no commitment! The Orientation Program at IU is specially designed for students who want to study a course without having to sign up for a full degree. With this option, you can gain one year of access to our library of courses and select one to try. Once you’ve found one that suits your interests, you will be able to take the course using the university’s online learning platform. After successfully completing the course, you will receive a certification of participation.
The Multivariable approach to Holistic Education
Prof. Dr Holger Sommerfeldt, the Rector at IU International University of Applied Sciences, said:
“We make it work: whether our students are based in a remote location or a mega-city; whether they have a job and a family to take care of; whether they are physically handicapped or always on the road as a professional athlete. We strive to offer our students as much flexibility as possible in order to suit their needs – they can study any time, any place and wherever they are at in life.”
The university offers a variety of programs, namely – distance learning, part-time studies, work-study programmes, virtual campus or on-campus studies, even a combination of online and in-classroom lectures is offered. The university supports its students individually, personally and exactly when it is needed. With innovative studying apps, interactive learning sprints, exams on demand and a flexible study start, IU International University of Applied Sciences makes education accessible for all and facilitate studying in a self-determined and
flexible way that is unique in the education landscape.
Reasons to study at IU
- Online or on-campus – you choose:
At home, travelling the world, or with IU in Germany, so long as you can access the digital study materials, you choose where you want to study. Plus, you’re free to change your mind with IU’s flexible studies option.
- Study at your own pace:
The university understands that work or family commitments can take up time. At IU, you have the choice between full-time or part-time study models to fit learning around your daily life.
- You say when to start:
If you’re looking at an online programme, you have absolute freedom to start any time, with no need to wait for term to start. Or for campus studies, the institute offers two intakes—so you can decide if you want to start in Spring or in Autumn.
- Proven Success:
Business and management skills are becoming more and more important in today’s career climate. IU’s graduates boast intercultural awareness, excellent English skills and extensive knowledge of general management, which opens the door to great careers and managerial positions in many industries. The figures from IU International University of Applied Sciences’ graduate surveys speak for themselves!
The Dual Degree Advantage
The IU University has coordinated some of its most popular programmes with London South Bank University (LSBU) to have equivalent study content. This means you have the opportunity to acquire a British degree in addition to your German degree from IU.
Once you successfully complete your degree, you will automatically receive the LSBU validated degree on top of your certificate from IU. This gives you an extra advantage when applying to jobs internationally, without the need for extra studies or to travel to the UK.
Keeping it fair and flexible
At IU, they want you to feel comfortable during your studies. For that reason, they have established attractive pricing for their programmes and provide as many opportunities for financial support as possible. The institute is happy to offer flexible, affordable price models and a wide variety of secure payment options to suit your situation.
You can find specific pricing on each individual programme page.
Choosing to study with this private university is the first step to greater opportunities throughout your entire professional life. IU has many scholarships designed to help you reach your full potential. IU wants to make sure that it supports motivated potential candidates with financial assistance to enable their passion for learning and determination for success.
Support for your studies
“We want you to feel comfortable and prepared during your studies to ensure you graduate successfully and head straight into a great career. Your Student Office can help you find the
support and services you need,” remarked the staff at IU International University of Applied Sciences.
The International Office is the first point of contact for incoming or exchange students. Whether you’re moving to the campus in Germany to study or joining an exchange programme at an IU partner university the team there can assist you. They provide you with information and support for studying abroad and support you with finding the right documentation or contacts.
The Career Office provides career advice and services to help you get to where you want to be. The career team organises informative events and company presentations on campus, offers applicant training and interview coaching, looks over your applications, and offers personalised advice. Even after you graduate, the Career Office can help you with any career-related questions and concerns.
To Prepare Students for the Future
When asked about how the university prepares its students for their future participation in the world, the Alumni Manager of IU International University of Applied Sciences, Bianca Sammer, replied:
“In cooperation with Jobteaser, IU International University of Applied Sciences has founded a job portal supporting students and graduates regarding the job search and the entry into the workforce. Students and alumni can find suitable job and internship offers according to their individual search criteria such as industry, work experience, mode of employment or occupational field. They can also upload their CV and make direct contact with recruiters. Additionally, students can make use of one-on-one coaching and counselling sessions concerning study and career questions within the IU Study Coaching framework.”
With an IU degree, online or on campus, you gain certification that is accredited and recognised worldwide:
- Global top five leading providers of higher education.
- Higher investment of GDP into education. High employment figures for university graduates.
- Great opportunities for skilled workers from abroad due to demographic change.
- Socially diverse with 10 million inhabitants from a migrant background.
- Excellent reputation in many industries, especially engineering and tech.
Many of IU’s alumni are place around the world in top companies like Accenture, Lufthansa, Facebook, and McKinsey.
“We at IU strongly believe, that an educational institution offering an environment of motivation, innovation and excellence is the key to a great study experience—and successful students. That is why we place a strong focus the on quality of our faculty, our courses, and our services. Our story started two decades ago, and it is far from finished. Every day, we strive to help you achieve your professional goals with flexible study programmes that suit you,” said the rector of IU International University of Applied Sciences- Prof. Dr Holger Sommerfeldt.
Standing Apart
The IU team of supportive student advisors help students with any questions they might have regarding study content or the admission process. The faculty develops their knowledge and skill base to broaden their horizons. And their management team is constantly improving the quality and innovation of their programmes and institution as a whole.
- Support where you need it, fully available online
- Coaching and face-to-face time with tutors, for studies or personal growth
- Career guidance from our career services team
- Academic advice from choosing your course to exam prep and more
Tapping into the IU Network
A student graduating from IU will also benefit from the ever-growing IU alumni community and be able to participate in a wide range of alumni-focused events.
- Network with more than 7,000 professionals in the alumni community
- Hear career opportunities from IU partner companies
- Expand your professional sphere via social groups and alumni events
- Connect, collaborate, and even pool resources with fellow alumni
As an IU alumnus, you can also choose to represent the university as part of the Alumni Council. The Alumni Council is a direct link between students and the IU faculty and board, enabling developments and improvements for the entire university. Anyone who has studied a degree programme with this institute can be elected to the IU Alumni Council.
At IU, you’ll be connected to thousands of students worldwide. You can chat and network with them in your classes and in an online environment. Join study groups and stay connected over social media, too. Even after you graduate, you’ll have an expansive network of faculty members, professional contacts, and thousands of IU alumni.
Also, part of your new community, IU’s ambassadors! The IU Ambassador Programme acts as a direct link between students and alumni. You can reach out to them to learn more about IU study programmes, their university experience, career options, or what campus life is like.
Most Notable Awards:
- QS (Quacquarelli Symonds University Rankings) 5 Star rating with 99/100 points as first and only University in Germany
- Top Distance University Award 2021 – FernstudiumCheck.de
- Excellent Provider 2021 (4,6/5) – 2nd place Fernstudium Direkt
Aspiring to New Standards of Education
At IU International University, the distance programs are delivered 100% online. In addition, study models with in-classroom lectures can be moved to its virtual campus within a few hours. This has worked really well for the staff and the students throughout the lockdown periods.
“Our goal is to become Europe’s biggest and most customer-centric education provider,” remarked Dr Holger Sommerfeldt.
Alumni Testimonials
“The great flexibility of the program at IU International University of Applied Sciences is super helpful as is the very well-produced study material, with which one can independently learn and understand the subject matter – and of course the fast response times from administration and lecturers, if there is a question after all. All that gives you the best conditions to successfully complete your studies – even with a job and kids.”
– Daniela, Personnel Management at BMW – Alumna Bachelor Commercial Law
“As a mother of two, it was very important to me to stay in my old job and enjoy financial stability while being able to further qualify for my dream career. The IU International University of Applied Sciences distance studies made that possible. In addition, the flexible study model at IU helped me to manage everything – I could write assignments and take exams when everyone at home was asleep. I have learned to work on my own responsibility and to manage my resources. That is the reason I would recommend studying at IU International University of Applied Sciences: Hardly any other university offers this kind of flexibility.”
– Abena, Social Worker – Alumna Bachelor Social Work
