Apply online, enrol online
Your path to starting your studies: Explained step by step
Your online application
Go to our online application form, then select your study programme and preferred starting date. You can upload your documents (university entrance qualification, reports, CV etc.) immediately or submit them at a later date.
Secure your spot here.
Your study contract
If you have decided to study with us, you can simply conclude the contract online or sign it digitally or manually and then upload it. We will send you your contract via e-mail. After that, you can run a free trial of four weeks*.
* Fees for your trial month only become payable once you decide to keep studying with us.
Starting your studies
After completing your online application, you will receive an e-mail with your login data, can access the IU online campus and attend an introduction to starting your studies.
Education your way? This is how it works!
We will guide you through our online study programme in five steps and show you our innovative learning tools and flexible exam methods.
Your admission to the Bachelor's programme
At IU, you can start your Bachelor's study programme with or without a university entrance qualification.
Your checklist for starting your bachelor’s studies
Please submit your documents as soon as possible before or after your contract starts. Once we have received them, we will review them and can complete your enrolment.
You can submit your documents digitally via our online application platform. The only thing you need to send us by mail is the notarised copy of your university entrance qualification. Here, you can find an overview of the documents required for your enrolment:
- Completed online application and confirmed study contract
- Notarised copy of your university entrance qualification by mail:
A-levels or vocational diploma, master craftsman’s diploma, advanced further training, certificate of professional training including proof of required work experience. You can find all information on the certification of documents here. - CV mentioning your education, previous studies and work experience
- Registration of your studies with your health insurance company*
- Copy of your official photo I.D.
- Where required, proof of your language skills (must not be older than two years)
*For this, you have to notify your health insurance company of starting your studies as soon as possible so they can register you with us.
Unversity entrance qualification: Certified copy
To complete your enrolment, we need a certified copy of your university entrance qualification. This video shows you how to obtain this copy.
Tip: You can find detailed information on the requirements of a certified copy and authorised institutions in this document.
Tips for choosing a course of study
Do you need help choosing the right study programme? Here you will find decision-making tools that will really help you.
Free trial? Let’s go!
Free trial? Let’s go!
You can try out your study programme for four weeks – no commitment. The fees for this period only apply if you decide to continue your studies with us.
Simply register online for your desired programme.
You can try out your study programme for four weeks – no commitment. The fees for this period only apply if you decide to continue your studies with us.
Simply register online for your desired programme.
Your admission to the Master's and MBA programme
To start your Master's study programme with us, you need to have completed an undergraduate degree – for example, a Bachelor's degree or "Diplom". For foreign documents, we also require a translation into German or English. Special admission requirements also apply to some Master's programmes.
Please note that some study programmes have separate admission requirements (e.g. first degree with a degree-specific focus, required work experience, proof of English, previous knowledge in certain subject areas). You can find the latest information on our website under the tab "Admission" for the degree programme of your choice.
Your checklist to get started on your Master’s programme
Please submit your documents as soon as possible before or after your contract starts. Once we have received them, we will review them and can complete your enrolment.
To enrol for your IU online study programme, we need the following documents:
- Your signed study contract (by post or e-mail)
- An officially certified copy of the certificate of your first degree with proof of the number of ECTS credits by post. You can find all information on the certification of documents here.
- A curriculum vitae in table form with details of education, studies and work experience
- Proof of health insurance no older than three months
- A copy of your official photo ID
- Proof of your language skills (not older than two years) if applicable
Master's programmes with entrance examination
For a number of 120 ECTS Master's programmes*, you need a Bachelor's degree with a specific focus. If you do not have this qualification, you still have the possibility of gaining admission via a Master's entrance examination.
*You can find out which Master's programmes this regulation applies to on the page of your degree programme under "Admission".
Your Master’s entrance examination: a 3-step guide
- 1. Apply online
To start a study programme that requires a master’s entrance exam, you first submit a regular online application. You will receive an e-mail with your login data for the online campus. We will then review your qualifications and discuss the next steps with you.
- 2. Submit documents
Please submit your documents as soon as possible. Once we have received them, we will review if your qualifications match the admission criteria. If they do, you will be admitted to the master’s entrance exam.
- 3. Take the Master's entrance examination
Within twelve months, you complete two specified modules and take the corresponding exams. If you pass, we will complete your enrolment and you can start your studies!
You can take a Master's entrance examination in these subject areas.
Request free information
