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- State-recognised and accredited: IU is a private university of applied sciences with institutional accreditation from the German Council of Science and Humanities (Wissenschaftsrat) – the same quality framework that applies to public universities.
- English-taught online degrees: More than 20 Bachelor and Master programmes are taught fully in English and delivered 100 % online, with a further set of programmes you can study in either English or German.
- Study from anywhere: Because the English programmes are distance-learning, you can enrol and study from your home country – no German student visa is required for online study.
- Flexible time models: Choose full-time, part-time or extended part-time, with online exams around the clock or at test centres across Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
- Affordable next to the UK or US: English Bachelor programmes start at around 259 € per month – a fraction of typical tuition at English-speaking universities abroad.
What is IU International University known for?
IU International University (IU) is a private, state-recognised university of applied sciences based in Erfurt, Thuringia. It holds institutional accreditation from the German Council of Science and Humanities and is one of the largest providers of online distance degrees in Europe, with programmes taught in both English and German.
As a university of applied sciences, IU focuses on practice-oriented teaching rather than pure academic research. Its distance-learning model is built around a digital campus, on-demand study materials and an AI study assistant. Several programmes additionally carry the FIBAA premium seal, and IU regularly places well in the German CHE university ranking for business administration and social work.
For an international audience, the relevant part of IU is its online distance-learning division: accredited German degrees that can be earned entirely over the internet, on a schedule that fits work or family commitments.
Which IU programmes are actually taught in English?
More than 20 IU programmes are taught entirely in English, and in our listing all of them are online distance-learning degrees. The strongest English clusters are in IT, data science and AI, business and management, healthcare management, and engineering. A further set of programmes can be studied in either English or German.
The fully English-taught Bachelor programmes:
| Course | Duration | Language | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud Computing, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | 6 Semester | English | from 259 € monthly | |
| Aviation Management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | 6 Semester | English | from 259 € monthly | |
| Engineering, Bachelor of Engineering Distance learning program | 6 Semester | English | from 259 € monthly | |
| International Healthcare Management, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | 6 Semester | English | from 259 € monthly | |
| Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts Distance learning program | 6 Semester | English | from 259 € monthly | |
| Computer Science, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | 6 Semester | English | from 259 € monthly | |
| Data Science, Bachelor of Science Distance learning program | 6 Semester | English | from 259 € monthly |
A selection of the fully English-taught Master programmes, with the IT, data and AI cluster at the core:
| Course | Duration | Language | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Healthcare Management, Master of Arts Distance learning program | 2 Semester | English | from 449 € monthly | |
| Management, Master of Arts Distance learning program | 2 Semester | English | from 449 € monthly | |
| Business Intelligence, Master of Science Distance learning program | 2 Semester | English | from 475 € monthly | |
| Engineering Management, Master of Engineering Distance learning program | 2 Semester | English | from 475 € monthly | |
| Artificial Intelligence, Master of Science Distance learning program | 2 Semester | English | from 475 € monthly | |
| Data Science, Master of Science Distance learning program | 2 Semester | English | from 475 € monthly | |
| Computer Science, Master of Science Distance learning program | 4 Semester | English | from 329 € monthly |
Browse the full category pages for the deepest English choice in Computer Science, Data Science & AI, Business Administration, General Management and Health Management.
Beyond the fully English degrees, around a dozen further programmes – including the MBA and an International Management Bachelor – let you choose English or German as your language of instruction.
One honest limitation: in our listing, IU's English programmes are online only. There are currently no on-campus Bachelor or Master programmes taught in English – the physical campuses teach in German.
Can international students apply to IU – and do they need a visa?
Yes. Both EU and non-EU students can apply. Because IU's English programmes are fully online, you can study from your home country without a German student visa. A visa only becomes relevant if you decide to relocate to Germany during your studies.
What international applicants normally need:
- Proof of English proficiency – typically an IELTS or TOEFL score, or evidence that your previous education was in English. Exact requirements depend on the programme.
- Recognition of your school-leaving or Bachelor certificate – you can check how your qualification is rated in Germany via the official anabin database.
- A residence permit only if you relocate. Non-EU students who move to Germany generally need a student visa, a blocked account (Sperrkonto) and health insurance, with a lead time of three to four months before the start date. EU students do not need a visa.
For most international students, the simplest route is to begin online from home and decide about relocating later – the degree is identical either way.
What does an English-taught IU degree really cost?
English Bachelor programmes at IU cost around 259 € per month (roughly 15,000 € in total over six semesters). English Master programmes range from about 299 to 475 € per month depending on length. The programme tables above show the per-month fee for each degree; compared with tuition in the UK or US, this is a fraction of the cost – and studying online means no relocation expenses.
A few points international students should factor in:
- No German BAföG for applicants from abroad – state funding is tied to residence status. IU instead offers instalment payment, country-based discounts and its own scholarships.
- Living costs apply only if you relocate. Studying online from your home country avoids German rent, insurance and semester fees entirely.
- External scholarships such as DAAD or Erasmus may apply to on-site study periods – worth checking before you enrol.
Is an IU degree recognised internationally?
An IU degree is a state-recognised German academic degree. The university holds institutional accreditation from the German Council of Science and Humanities, individual programmes are accredited by FIBAA, and all credits follow the European ECTS system, which makes them transferable within the Bologna area.
For use outside Europe, the degree can be evaluated by recognition services such as WES, which translate German qualifications into the grading framework of your home country. Because IU is a recognised German university and not an unaccredited online provider, its degrees are treated as standard higher-education qualifications rather than certificates.
Where is IU located – and do you need to be in Germany?
For the English programmes, you do not need to be in Germany at all – they are delivered fully online, and you can study from anywhere in the world. IU also operates physical campuses in cities such as Erfurt, Berlin, Munich, Hamburg and Cologne, but on-campus teaching there is in German.
Exams can be taken in two ways: as online exams around the clock from home, or in person at one of IU's test centres across Germany, Austria and Switzerland. This flexibility is what makes the model work for students in different time zones. IU is part of the wider private-university landscape in Thuringia, with its headquarters in Erfurt.
How does the application process work for international applicants?
IU uses rolling admission – there are no fixed deadlines, and online programmes start at the beginning of almost every month. The application is handled online and usually takes only a few steps: upload your certificate, provide proof of English, and IU checks whether your qualification is recognised.
- Submit documents online – school-leaving certificate (Bachelor applicants) or Bachelor degree (Master applicants), CV and proof of English.
- Recognition check via anabin and, where needed, a credential assessment.
- Trial period – most online programmes include a four-week trial during which you can withdraw free of charge.
- Visa lead time – if you plan to relocate, start the visa process three to four months before your intended start date.
Career prospects: can you work in Germany after an IU degree?
If you study or relocate to Germany, non-EU graduates can apply for an 18-month residence permit to look for a job, and qualified graduates may then obtain an EU Blue Card. If you study online from abroad, the recognised German degree strengthens your profile in your home market without any relocation at all.
IU provides career services – job boards, application coaching and employer contacts – to online and on-campus students alike. One realistic note: while many tech and business roles in Germany operate in English, German language skills widen the job market considerably, especially outside IT and international companies. Planning some German alongside an English degree is a sensible investment if staying in Germany is the goal.
For whom is IU the right choice – and for whom not?
IU is a strong fit if you …
- … want an accredited German degree taught in English that you can complete fully online, from your home country or from Germany.
- … need flexibility – full-time, part-time or extended part-time, with exams you can sit online around your schedule.
- … are looking for an affordable alternative to the UK or US, with the option to relocate to Germany and use the 18-month post-study job-search permit.
IU is less suitable if you …
- … want a classic on-campus English Bachelor or Master with in-person classes – IU's English offer is online only; the campuses teach in German.
- … are aiming for a research-heavy path or a doctorate – as a university of applied sciences, IU is built around practice-oriented teaching rather than academic research.
- … need a specific niche subject only offered in German – many social-science and education programmes are German-only, even where an English profile page exists.
Frequently asked questions about IU International University
IU is a private university of applied sciences. It is state-recognised and institutionally accredited by the German Council of Science and Humanities, which means its degrees carry the same legal standing as those of public German universities.
No. In our listing, IU's English-taught programmes are online distance-learning degrees. The physical campuses in Erfurt, Berlin, Munich and other cities teach in German. If you want to study in English, the online route is the one to choose.
Yes. The qualification awarded is the same state-recognised German degree regardless of whether it was earned online or on campus. The transcript does not distinguish between study formats, and the ECTS credits are identical.
If you relocate to Germany, non-EU students may generally work a limited number of hours per year alongside their studies, while EU students face fewer restrictions. If you study online from your home country, local labour rules apply instead.
IU offers country-based discounts, instalment plans and its own scholarships. External funding such as DAAD or Erasmus may also apply, particularly for on-site study periods. Exact conditions change over time, so confirm current offers before enrolling.
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All of these education-related bachelor’s programmes at IU are taught exclusively in German. This applies to the distance learning, dual, and full-time study options. The programmes are aimed at people who want to work in educational, counselling, or leadership roles in childcare, schools, healthcare, or adult education. Admission is possible not only with the traditional German Abitur (university entrance qualification), but also—under certain conditions—with a completed vocational training and relevant professional experience.
Currently, IU does not offer a bachelor’s degree in education that is taught in English. If you are specifically looking for an English-taught bachelor’s programme in education at a private university in Germany, I can research alternatives for you. Just let me know what’s most important to you—such as the field of study, study format, or preferred location.
Looking forward to hearing back from you!