130.000+ students
25+ Campus locations
250+ study programmes
Study. Grow. Live.
You can take the next step. You can grow. You can study. Our team at IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) will guide you on the road to success – with unique study programmes and –models. Because your goals are our mission.
Your online study programme at IU International University of Applied Sciences
Study in the way that suits you best: In the IU distance learning programme, you study completely online, full-time or part-time and with maximum flexibility. Always in the way that suits your life.
Apply now and begin your studies soon— or choose any starting date that suits you. You can try us out for 1 month without commitment. We only charge you for this month if you continue with us.
Your dual study programme
Study with maximum practical relevance: This is possible in the dual study programme at IU International University of Applied Sciences! Here, you complete your Bachelor's degree in regular alternation between theory and practice.
Your myStudium
With myStudium, we offer you a state-approved study programme that you can complete both at our locations and from anywhere on our virtual campus. On campus, you study in small groups and interact personally with your teachers.
Learn more
Your academy
Further education at university level: Expand your qualifications sustainably – 100% online, flexible and yet structured.
Are you looking for work or are you on short-time work? Then increase your job chances with a certified qualification – with a further education course at the IU Academy funded by the Federal Employment Agency (BfA)!
Your IU International University in numbers
As of: September 2025
130.000+ students
in 5 educational models
250+ study programmes
Bachelor, Master and MBA programmes
25+ years
Experience as an innovative education provider
Distance, dual & English-language studies, myStudium and continuing education programmes
Wide range of specialisation options: 450+ functional & industry specialisations
600+ employees in teaching & consulting, 28+ campus locations, 130+ examination centres worldwide
Our milestones
2000 until 2011
2000: Teaching begins in person with 23 students at the “School of Business and Management”.
2004: The first graduation ceremony takes place in October.
2010: Dr. Sven Schütt takes over as Managing Director in December 2010.
2011: The distance learning programme launches with the “B.A. Betriebswirtschaftslehre” study programme and 42 students.
2013 until 2021
2013: Following the merger with Adam-Ries-Fachhochschule, IU begins offering its dual study programmes at three locations.
2016: The first online exam is held.
2019: The university moves its headquarters from Bad Honnef to Erfurt.
2021: IUBH becomes IU, Prof Dr Holger Sommerfeldt becomes the new Rector, the academy launches, and the MyStudium study format is introduced.
2022 until 2025
2022: IU surpasses 100,000 students and launches the study companion Syntea.
2025: IU celebrates its 25th anniversary. It now counts over 130,000 students, more than 30 study locations and 250 study programmes, and over 4,000 staff members.
Our latest awards
Apply now and begin your studies soon— or choose any starting date that suits you. You can try us out for 1 month without commitment. We only charge you for this month if you continue with us.
Diversity at IU International University
Variety is the very spice of life, That gives it all its flavour.
William Cowper's poem, The Task (1785)
IU International University is committed to mainstreaming diversity and gender equality in the decision-making processes of the University in all areas and at all levels and to realising this objective in an all-encompassing manner.
For IU International University of Applied Sciences, promoting diversity among the University's students and employees means not only increasing the number of female students or professors and lecturers, but also addressing the needs of people with disabilities or other underrepresented groups and taking appropriate measures if necessary.
Equal opportunities are understood as an interdisciplinary task and are taken into account in all the University's projects.
We show the great importance that diversity has within the IU International University of Applied Sciences and institutionalise what we really live. The idea of diversity is and always has been part of the organisation and shapes our working and study culture.
We strive to adapt the study opportunities according to demand.
The Student Registrar's Office (Studierendensekretariat) will be happy to help you adjust your study times at any time.
The Examinations Office (Prüfungsamt)is available to help you with any questions concerning compensatory mechanisms in place for individual impairments.
The Mission Statement of IU International University of Applied Sciences
The actions and development of IU follow the guiding principles laid out below:
Mission
We make it possible for our students to achieve their best results by providing them with individual, tailored options and innovative technological support based on state-of-the-art research and teaching, so that they can be successful in their careers. We help our corporate partners achieve their goals as best we can.
Vision
IU is Europe’s most innovative and top-quality provider of career-oriented degree and further education courses for students and companies. 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 are here for you
Do you need help with your decision? Your personal study advisor is happy to help you!
Information on study content & electives
Career prospects
Information on financing options