Democratisation of education for 25 years
On September 1, 2000, our very first students laid the foundation for a remarkable success story. A story of growth. Of opportunity. Of solidarity. Under the motto “25 Years Education for Everyone,” we celebrate education that opens doors—because for 25 years, we have been making sure our students can shape their own learning and life journeys.
Diversity, equal opportunities and the vision of making education accessible to everyone in our society – that's what defines us. To mark our anniversary, we are sharing inspiring stories of people who have discovered new perspectives with us. We show what innovations have been made possible through our joint commitment – and how we, as a growing team, are advancing education, inspiring others and rethinking the future. To you. To us. To all.
The IU in Numbers
130.000+ students
In 5 educational models
200+ study programmes
Bachelor, Master and MBA programmes
25 years
Experience as an innovative education provider
“My IU moment: When someone says, finally my studies fit into my real life and not the other way round. That works because so many fantastic people work together here. For the next 25 years, I wish for us to open even more doors, to empower even more people to shape their futures. And by learning more, we also make the world better, because education is part of the solution to all the major problems facing humanity.”
Dr. Sven Schütt
CEO of IU for 15 years
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.
Growing together – stories that connect
Amala Buchmayer
Student Social Media
“My IU moment was realising that from now on I can learn and work completely independently. I can build something for myself alongside my studies. My future. For example, building a own business. And I don’t have a teacher breathing down my neck and stressing me out. Happy Birthday IU.”
Justus Böttner
Professional ice hockey player, Student Real Estate Management
“Happy Birthday IU. To the next 25 years. My IU moment is definitely when I can attend my lectures at three or four in the morning on my away trips, learn whenever I want and, most importantly, take my exams wherever I am.”
Prof. Dr. Henrik Vogel
IU Professor of Business Administration and Marketing
“My personal IU moment was the graduation ceremony this July in Munich, where I was able to say goodbye to many students whom I have accompanied since the start of my time at IU. That was a real goosebump moment. What do I wish IU for the next 25 years? Passion. For teaching. For working with people. Happy Birthday IU.”
Do you still have questions?
Our free student advisory service has all the answers for you! We take the time to advise you individually and without obligation.
What you get for free
Information on study content & electives
Information on career prospects
Information on financing options
Education for all? Of course, really for all.
Studying with children
Studying abroad
Want to discover the world and still study? No problem! With our flexible study model, you can simply take your studies with you.
Studying without A-levels
Even without a high school diploma, you can start with us—for example, with professional experience or further training.
Studying with a disability
We create the conditions you need to study without barriers – individually and flexibly.
Studying for seniors
Now is the best time to learn something new. Fulfill your lifelong dream of studying—without any pressure.
Studying for professional athletes
Whether you're in training camp or competition season, our flexible study program adapts to your everyday life and accompanies you on your path to a professional future.
Combining study and sport