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About IU International University Degree Programmes
If you’re a young South African considering studying abroad in Germany or exploring flexible online degree options, IU International University of Applied Sciences is one of the most talked about institutions in Europe right now. Known for its scale, accreditation, and flexible study formats, IU has become a popular choice for students from all over the world looking to earn a globally recognised degree.
About IU International University of Applied Sciences
IU International University of Applied Sciences, also known as IU Internationale Hochschule, is a private university founded in 1998 and accredited by the German Council of Science and Humanities. It has grown to become the largest university in Germany, with more than 100,000 students enrolled across its various programmes. IU offers a wide range of Bachelor’s, Master’s, and MBA degree programmes taught in both German and English, drawing students from well over 150 countries around the world.
The university’s legal seat is in Erfurt, Thuringia, and it offers English language programmes for international students at campuses in Cologne and Berlin. German language programmes, including dual study options, are also available across more than 30 additional campuses throughout Germany, including cities like Munich, Hamburg, and Düsseldorf.
Study Formats Available at IU
One of IU’s biggest strengths is the flexibility it offers students in how they choose to study. Broadly, IU offers three main formats:
- On-campus programmes, combining face-to-face teaching with practical projects and digital self-study tools, available at IU’s campuses in Cologne and Berlin
- Online degree programmes, offering fully flexible, distance based study for students who need to balance their studies with work or other commitments
- Dual study programmes, blending academic study with practical, on the job experience through partner companies, particularly popular among students in Germany
Across its various formats, IU offers more than 200 accredited study programmes, spanning fields such as business, marketing, engineering, information technology, psychology, and international management, among many others.
What Makes IU Stand Out
Several factors have contributed to IU’s growing global reputation:
- IU was the first university to receive a premium quality seal from FIBAA specifically recognising excellence in digital education
- The university has partnered with respected international institutions, including UCLA Extension, Cambridge Assessment International Education, and the British Columbia Institute of Technology
- Around 94% of IU graduates report finding placement or employment within three months of graduating
- IU boasts a global alumni network of well over 14,000 people spread across a wide range of sectors and industries
- The university integrates an AI learning assistant into its academic support system, helping students navigate their studies more effectively alongside traditional teaching methods
Admissions and Intakes
For its on-campus programmes, IU typically runs two main intakes each year, in April and October, giving prospective students reasonable time to plan and prepare their applications. Many of IU’s online and dual study programmes are admission free, meaning they don’t require a formal selection process based on prior academic performance, though certain competitive programmes may still apply a grade point average based selection system depending on how many students apply for available places.
International students should note that studying on-campus in Germany also involves budgeting for additional living costs beyond tuition, including accommodation, transportation, and course materials.
Why Consider Studying at IU
For students weighing up where to pursue their next qualification, IU offers a combination of benefits that’s difficult to find elsewhere:
- A globally recognised, accredited degree that opens doors across industries and borders
- Flexible study formats that can fit around work, family, or other commitments
- A genuinely international student community, with peers from more than 190 countries
- Strong career support services, including a dedicated Online Career Service to help students find employment after graduation
- The opportunity to gain practical experience through internships or part time work alongside your studies
How To Apply
To learn more about IU’s available programmes and current intakes, visit the IU International University of Applied Sciences official website to explore study options, tuition details, and application requirements for both on-campus and online programmes.
When applying, make sure to:
- Decide early whether an on-campus, online, or dual study format best suits your circumstances
- Check whether your chosen programme is admission free or requires a grade based selection process
- Prepare your academic transcripts and any required supporting documents ahead of time
- Factor in additional costs such as accommodation and living expenses if you’re planning to study on-campus in Germany
If you’re looking for a flexible, globally recognised pathway into higher education, IU International University of Applied Sciences is well worth exploring as you plan your next academic step.
