About us

Study your own way? You can – with us

Founded on the idea of empowering people to succeed in a digital world, IU International University of Applied Sciences first came into existence in 1998. And since receiving accreditation from the German Council of Science and Humanities, IU’s grown into Germany’s biggest university.

Our mission is to create inclusive, global and wholly accessible education. It’s why we’ve been at the forefront of online learning for over a decade. It’s how we made it possible for you to learn from anywhere and at any time — using our fully integrated digital platform, innovative learning tools and virtual classrooms.

Choose your suitable study model

At IU International University of Applied Sciences, you can either study 100% online or learn on campus at one of our locations in Germany. We offer full flexibility and the option of studying either full-time or part-time – whatever best suits you and your goals.

Facts & Figures

We are currently preparing over 100,000 students in various study models for a successful start to their careers. You can find an overview of more facts and figures here.

Students: 100,000+

Degree courses: Bachelor’s, Master’s and MBA degree courses

Teaching and support staff: 600+

Exam centres: possible online from anywhere in the world and take exams at 130+ Goethe-Instituts worldwide

100,000+ Students

in 5 educational models

200+ Study Programmes

Bachelor, Master and MBA programmes

20+ Years of Experience

in providing innovative education

Quality, Top-Level Education

The quality of our study programmes is important to us. That’s why we’ve not only introduced internal quality assurance measures, but also undergo numerous external accreditations and certifications.

Learn more

Take 4 weeks to test your degree

Start your online degree of choice, and if you’re not convinced within the first 4 weeks of your studies, we’ll refund your fee and end your contract.

*The 1 month trial is only available for IU’s Online Studies programmes
*Your trial month must be paid in advance, but if you decide not to study at IU, you get your money back.
*Just cancel at any time before your first 30 days are up and we’ll transfer your advance back.

Discover Bachelor programmes Discover Master programmes

Discover Bachelor programmes

Discover Master programmes

Advisory Board

Advisory board

Our advisory board consists of distinguished figures from the business and science communities. It frequently advises the university’s leadership on fundamental questions regarding research and education.

Thanks to the close relationship between IU and the board, we can guarantee that what we teach is consistently oriented toward fulfilling industry needs.

With the help of our advisory board, we can ensure that we’re developing study programmes that equip graduates with skills that are needed by companies around the world.

Jimmy Wales

Founder Wikipedia
International | NGO

Frank Waise

Ex CEO of German Federal Employment Agency
NGO | Public Administration

Lucy Stonehill

Founder & CEO BridgeU
Digital Business | Education

Raffaela Rein

Founder Career Foundry
Digital Business | Education

Tobias Bonhoeffer

Director Max-Planck-Institut für Neurobiologie
Science | NGO

Karina Montilla Edmonds

SVP, Head of Academies & University Alliances SAP
Tech | International

Kamissa Camara

Ex Minister of Foreign Affairs and Ex Minister of Digital Economy and Planning of Rep. of Mali
Politics | Digital

Diversity

Embracing Diversity at IU

“Variety is the very spice of life, That gives it all its flavor.”

William Cowper's poem, “The Task” (1785)

At IU, we believe strongly in equal opportunity for all. The concept of diversity and gender equality is and has always been a core pillar of the organisation and shapes our working and studying culture.

Aside from increasing the number of female students, professors, and lecturers, we do our best to adapt our study options to meet our students’ needs, especially those with disabilities or from under-represented groups – so you can complete your degree without worries.

Need help? Simply reach out to our Student Office Team or our Examination Office Team for assistance.

Guiding Principles

Our Mission and Vision

What drives us, is what drives you: We design our programmes to be as flexible and innovative as possible — without sacrificing quality.

As a pioneer of digitalisation in vocational learning and personal development, we sustainably, efficiently and measurably improve learning outcomes compared to all our competitors and distinguish ourselves with application-oriented research.

We combine our specialist expertise and focus on providing excellent student services, subject-specific knowledge, and transferable skills to prepare our graduates for the international business world.