01
Start on any day
There is no semester window. If you decide today, you can start today. For working people this often decides whether a plan happens at all or waits until next October.
IU International
University
Private, state-recognised university based in Erfurt. Around 100 bachelor's and 50 master's and MBA programmes by distance learning, start on any day of the year, one trial month.
State-recognised System-accredited Erfurt, DE Rolling start Bachelor, Master, MBA
01 / Profile
Plenty of choice if you want to start flexibly.
IU International University is a private, state-recognised university based in Erfurt. Its distance-learning portfolio is one of the broadest in the German-speaking region, and for working people one thing matters most: you can start on any day of the year.
It is run by IU Internationale Hochschule GmbH. It has been state-recognised since 1999, is institutionally accredited by the German Science and Humanities Council, and has been system-accredited since 2018. This means the university may accredit its own programmes because its internal quality system has been audited. The latest reaccreditation runs until at least 2033.
Distance learning covers around 100 bachelor's and around 50 master's and MBA programmes, each full-time or in two part-time variants. Exams are taken online or at over 45 exam locations, when you are ready, not on a fixed date in the semester. With over 100,000 students, IU is one of the largest universities in Germany.
Its size is both an advantage and a drawback. You will find almost any subject and can start right away. In return, support is more standardised than at a small university. Whether that suits you depends on how independently you learn. How to approach a part-time bachelor's degree in general is covered on the bachelor page.
02 Strengths
What IU stands for
Four profiles for whom I often recommend it.
02
No Abitur required
With a master craftsman certificate, an advanced vocational qualification, or vocational training plus three years of work experience, you can study without Abitur. Depending on how close the subject is, via trial study or entrance exam; the modules count towards your degree.
03
One month to try
Before you commit, you can try the programme for a month without obligation. If you find distance learning is not for you, you lose nothing.
04
Broad range of subjects
From business and IT to social work, health and design: there is hardly a subject IU does not offer by distance learning. Some programmes also run in English.
03 Programmes
What you can study at IU
Around 100 bachelor's and around 50 master's and MBA programmes by distance learning, plus continuing education. A selection.
Bachelor (selection) around 100 programmes
Master and MBA (selection) around 50 programmes
Continuing education with an IU qualification
I have a paid cooperation with IU: IU has booked my partner package, and I receive a commission when someone enrols through me. I state this so you know. Which programme I recommend depends on your goal, not on the commission.
Study models and process at IU
Every programme is available full-time and in two part-time variants. Content and degree are identical; only duration and monthly fee change.
Full-time Bachelor 36 months. Master and MBA, depending on the variant, 12 months (60 ECTS), 18 months (90 ECTS) or 24 months (120 ECTS). Suits you if you have a lot of time per week right now.
Part-time I Bachelor 48 months, master and MBA 18, 24 or 36 months. The usual setting alongside a full-time job if you want to progress quickly.
Part-time II Bachelor 72 months, master and MBA 24, 36 or 48 months. The calmest variant with the lowest monthly fee.
More time The study period can be extended by up to 12 months free of charge; leave semesters are also free.
Trial month You can test the first month with the full course offer and cancel free of charge. Fees apply only if you continue.
Start Comfort Start: begin immediately or on your preferred date as a guest student and submit documents in parallel. Classic Start: begin as a regular student once your documents have been fully checked.
Without Abitur With a master craftsman certificate, an advanced vocational qualification, or recognised vocational training of at least two years plus three years of full-time work experience. If the programme matches your training, a trial study of 15 ECTS leads to admission; otherwise an entrance examination. Modules passed along the way are credited.
Exams Online or at one of over 45 exam locations.
Fees Depending on programme and study model, for a bachelor's regularly around EUR 260 to 400 per month. IU often runs time-limited discount campaigns; exact prices are on each programme page.
04 Key facts
IU in detail
Spec sheet for research and enrolment.
Provider IU Internationale Hochschule GmbH, Erfurt
Type Private university, state-recognised since 1999
Location Juri-Gagarin-Ring 152, 99084 Erfurt (Germany)
Accreditation Institutionally accredited by the German Science and Humanities Council, system-accredited since 2018
Distance-learning offer Around 100 bachelor's and around 50 master's and MBA programmes plus continuing education
Format Online, full-time or two part-time models, exams online or at over 45 locations, start on any day
Access without Abitur Master craftsman certificate, advanced vocational qualification or recognised training plus three years of work experience, admission via trial study or entrance exam
Website iu-fernstudium.de
05 FAQ
FAQ about IU
What you should know before you enrol.
Status and recognition
Is IU a proper university?
Yes. IU is a private, state-recognised university. It is institutionally accredited by the German Science and Humanities Council and has been system-accredited since 2018. Its bachelor's and master's degrees are therefore equivalent to those of state universities.
What does system-accredited mean?
The university has had its internal quality system audited and may therefore accredit its own programmes instead of having each one checked externally. The latest reaccreditation by the German Accreditation Council runs until at least 2033.
Studies and application
When can I start at IU?
On any day of the year. There is no semester window to wait for.
Can I study without Abitur?
Yes. With a master craftsman certificate, an advanced vocational qualification, or recognised vocational training of at least two years plus three years of full-time work experience. If the programme matches your training, admission runs via trial study, otherwise via an entrance exam. I am happy to check in advance which route applies to you.
How do exams work?
Online or at one of over 45 exam locations. You register for an exam when you have mastered the material, not on a fixed date.
Can I try the programme first?
Yes. IU offers a trial month in which you try the programme without obligation. Only after that does it become binding.
Can prior learning be credited?
Often yes, for example from vocational training, continuing education or earlier studies. How much depends on the individual case. Clarify it before you enrol, not after.
Consulting with Studienflüsterer
Does consulting about IU cost anything?
The initial consultation is free and non-binding. In it I clarify whether a programme from IU or another one from my partner network fits your goal better. In-depth consulting is fee-based.
Next step
Is IU right for you?
In 30 minutes I clarify with you whether an IU programme fits your goal, what can be credited, or whether another programme from my partner network fits better.
Clarify study options