Financing your Distance Learning

Plan the financials of your distance learning – in 3 easy steps

Step 1: Choose wisely 
In order to create a financing plan that gives you security, you need a time model that fits your budget. In our degree programmes and further training courses, you can chose between three options – depending on how much time and money you are able to invest each month. 
 
Step 2: Calculate wisely 
Be specific: How much money can you invest in your further development each month after deducting rent, cost of living and other expenses? Our suggestion: Outline your income and expenses to get clarity
 
Step 3: Finance wisely 
As soon as you have an idea of ​​your income and expenses, you can move on to the last step: your individual financing plan. You will find various options on how to effectively reduce your fees and cover the remaining costs below. 

Invest in your future

Studying means investing in yourself: Because the knowledge and skills you acquire during your studies will pay off – professionally, personally, financially. To make your goal accessible, we will show you, how you can finance your distance learning. 

Funding benefits at IU

Save time and money with your previous achievements

You have already studied, worked or completed vocational training? Then you can get your previous experience recognized for your distance learning! This reduces the duration of your studies and saves you 30 euros per recognized ECTS point. 
 
If you want to benefit financially, you must submit your application before the end of your trial month
 
Saving through previous achievements: Figure out in which degree programme you can save the most time and money. 


Learn more

Your IU scholarship

You are unique: your career, your talents and the dreams you want to achieve. A scholarship is within reach for you, too.  

We award four scholarships each month which reduce your total costs by 50%. And since we know each person follows their own educational path, we accept various reasons for supporting you specifically.  
 
Take your shot: Apply online for one of our scholarships for people with disabilities, women in tech, single parents or career changers
 
Find out more about the scholarship programmes of IU and other organizations! 

Learn more

The following services are included in your tuition fees:

  • Learning materials including the IU app, our online campus, MS Office and Speex language courses 

  • Personal support from teachers, tutors, the student office and study advisors 

  • Online library with 60,000 e-books and access to Statista 

  • Access to over 14,000 courses and 1,800 video tutorials on LinkedIn Learning 

  • Study and career coaching 

IU Magazine: Financing News

Studying without money worries? How do I deduct my studies from tax? Can I get BAföG? Our magazine "Inside IU" regularly provides you with latest insights on financing your studies.

Financing your studies through your job

Own salary

64% of our students finance their studies through their jobs.* This has several advantages: You can apply your newly acquired skills and specialist knowledge directly. Additionally, you already have convincing arguments for salary negotiations during your studies. 


*Source: First semester survey 2022 

Tax deductibility

Did you know that up to 42% of your tuition fees are tax-deductible? For a full-time bachelor’s degree, you can get back up to 164 € of the monthly tuition fees of € 390.


Go to tax tips

Employer support

By applying for cost absorption, your employer can cover some of the costs of your studies. The application lists reasons why your employer should support you. You can also discuss whether you are eligible for additional time off for exams and exam preparation or if flexible working hours are possible. 


Learn more

Our students’ voices. In numbers.

96% recommend us

on Fernstudiumcheck.de.*

84% confirm

that their distance learning were worth it financially.**

56% benefited from

a salary increase of up to €1000.**

State and private support in financing your distance learning

Student and educational loans

Student or education loans with low interest rates are a viable solution to cover the cost of your distance learning. Find out how you can easily find the right loan for you online!

Our advice: Hand in your KfW application fast and easy online via or partner meinBafög.

*Note: This link leads to an external website.


Learn more about loansKFW Application*

Applying for BAföG at the Studierendenwerk Thüringen

You want to study online full-time? Then find out if you are eligible for BAföG. To what extent you are granted financial support from the state depends on several factors. You can learn more on the BAföG website or by calling the free BAföG hotline: +49 (0)3641 940 056 062. 

Our advice: Apply as early as possible. With meinBafög*, you can get it done fast and easy. Simply create an account at meinBafög and you're ready to go: This online service takes you through your application step by step in only 30 minutes using checklists. If you need help, you can get in touch with someone from our team. The best part: At IU, this service is completely free of charge for you.  

*Note: This link leads to an external website.


Go to MeinBafög

More options:

Child allowance: €250 for students under the age of 25

Parental allowance: Wage replacement payment based on previous income 

Family support: Financial support from family members 

Nicole, distance learning, social work

“The information on the IU website helped me to get an initial overview of the financing options and their conditions. I was able to take out an adequate loan with a good interest rate for the tuition fees from my local bank. It is very worthwhile to compare different options that fit your individual situation.”

You have questions about student financing?

Find a financing concept that suits you and your budget: Our student advisors will support you in this process.

We will support you

Our student advisory service will help you if you have questions about your choice of degree program, the right time model or your financing options, for example.

Just give us a call*Available Monday–Friday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. CET, Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. CET

+49 30 311 988 00
FREE TRIAL? LET’S GO!

You can try out your study programme for one month – no commitment. The fees for this period only apply if you decide to continue your studies with us.

REQUEST FREE INFORMATION

You'll find all of the important information about your study programme and IU International University of Applied Sciences in your personal brochure.

What you get for free

Information material

  • Information on study content & electives

  • Career prospects

  • Information on financing options

Still have questions about financing? We have the answers.

This is the IU: awarded, accredited and certified.