Your questions.
Our answers.

The most frequently asked questions about studying online

How does online study at IU work?

Unlike traditional distance learning universities: We focus on delivering flexibility, modern learning methods and intensive support. This means you can start your online study programme at any time, regardless of semester start dates. You can also sit your exams online – whenever it suits you best.

The first step is to enrol for your desired study programme. Within a few days, you will receive the access data for the online campus and a study coach who will give you tips on studying. You choose the modules you want to take and can access your study script online or order a printed copy, which we will send to you by post – free of charge within Germany.

We teach the subject matter using innovative, multimedia learning tools. Academic tutors are on hand to support you on each course. In addition to scripts or our e-book versions, the Interactive Books, our study material consists of e.g. learning videos, the IU Learn App and online forums. We emphasise practical relevance through case studies and reports from everyday professional life, as well as comprehensive exam preparation. This is because we want you to successfully complete your studies with us. By the way: If you use our innovative media tools and do without printed scripts, we convert the resources saved directly into green energy by planting trees adapted to the region.

Via Microsoft groups, online forums, etc. you can learn together with fellow students and take self-tests. If you successfully pass, your final exam will be activated, which you can take either completely online or on-site at one of our more than 45 exam centres. The monthly Saturday date and location for the final module examination can be chosen freely. At the end of your studies, you will write your final thesis with the help of our professors.

Can I test your online study programme and how do I cancel it if I don't like it?

After your enrolment, you can test our online study programme for four weeks free of charge and without obligation. During this time, all IU offers and services are available to you. If the online study programme with us is not right for you, you can cancel it free of charge within these four weeks. If you like your studies, you simply continue studying after the test phase. In this case, your first month is considered a regular study period and is subject to a fee. We only charge the first month after the end of the trial period.

You can then terminate the contract with six weeks' notice, for the first time at the end of the first six months. Later, you are free to cancel at any time with three months' notice (in each case to the end of a full month, in relation to the start of the contract). To do this, you must submit your cancellation in writing by e-mail to studium-fernstudium@iu.org

Can I manage to complete my online studies on the side? How long will it take me to graduate?

Yes. We have taken time constraints into account when designing the study programmes. You can, therefore, switch between three time models and organise your learning content individually.

The standard period of study for the Bachelor's degree is 36 months. If you already know at the beginning that you need more time, you have the option of choosing between the extended study periods of 48 or 72 months in advance. In the Bachelor's programme, you can also extend your standard period of study by 12 months free of charge.

The standard period of study for the Master's  degree is usually 24 months. Here, too, we offer part-time variants that run for 36 or 48 months. In addition, you can also extend your standard period of study in the Master's programme by 12 months free of charge.

Our time models at a glance

Full-time: Perfect for those who want to hit the ground running and shorten their study time by learning at a faster pace.

Part-time I: Great for all-rounders who want to go full throttle in their studies alongside their job and reduce monthly tuition costs at the same time.

Part-time II: Ideal for you if you want to complete your studies in peace and quiet alongside the hustle and bustle of everyday life and your job, and reduce your monthly tuition costs.

Are there any classroom events that I have to attend?

No. Since we know that many students have little time, you do not have to come to any study centre for your studies (with the exception of the compulsory internship for some degree programmes such as the Bachelor in Psychology). You can also take your exams online.

What distinguishes the IU online study programme from other online study programmes?

We place great emphasis on your time, personal and financial flexibility – as well as the use of the latest study materials, e.g. interactive books, IU Learn App, learning videos and much more! Through the intensive support provided by our service staff, the faculty and the Career Center, we ensure that you are not alone – either during or after your studies. By the way: When you use our innovative media tools and do without printed scripts, we convert the resources saved directly into green energy by planting trees tailored to the region.

How do I enrol and when can I start my studies?

There are no fixed enrolment dates or rigid semester structures at IU: You can register online for your online study programme at any time. We will then check your admission and your documents.

After you have signed and returned the study contract and we have enrolled you, you will immediately receive all the necessary documents and access so that you can start your studies straight away!

What proof do I have to submit when enrolling for a Bachelor's study programme?

• Officially certified copy(s) of the higher education entrance qualification (e.g. in Germany, the Abitur certificate, training certificate, master craftsman's certificate)
• A notification from your health insurance company. Inform your health insurance company as soon as possible about starting your studies. They will then register you with us. 
• Curriculum vitae in table form
• Copy of official photo ID (you can black out the photo and data that are not required for identification)
• Employment references in the case of professional qualification (higher education entrance qualification)
• Ex-matriculation certificate (only necessary if you have previously studied in Germany. If you are currently enrolled at another university, please submit your certificate of enrolment)

For some Bachelor's study programmes, you have to fulfil special admission requirements: You can find these on the website of your chosen study programme. If you have any questions, please contact our Study Advisory Team (Studienberatung): +49 (0)30 311 988 00

Can I enrol for a Bachelor's programme at IU without a university entrance qualification?

It is possible to study at IU without a university entrance qualification ("Abitur" or "Matura") if you can prove that you have completed at least two years of vocational training followed by at least three years of full-time professional experience.

Alternatively, we also accept a master craftsman's certificate or advanced professional training. You can find further information on the individual programme pages under "Admission".

Which certificates do I have to submit for enrolment in a Master's programme?

• Officially certified copy(s) of the certificate from your first degree programme
• Ex-matriculation certificate (only necessary if you have previously studied in Germany. If you are currently enrolled at another university, please submit your certificate of enrolment)
• A notification from your health insurance company. Inform your health insurance company as soon as possible about starting your studies. They will then register you with us. 
• Curriculum vitae in table form
• Copy of official photo ID (you can black out the photo and data that are not required for identification)

For some Master's degree programmes, you have to fulfil special admission requirements: You can find these on the website of your chosen study programme. If you have any questions, please contact our Study Advisory Team (Studienberatung): +49 (0)30 311 988 00

Can I continue my studies at IU after forced ex-matriculation or dropping out?

You can complete your education with us by studying online (distance learning). If the admission requirements fit, simply select your desired study programme in the online application. Based on your prior education, we may be able to credit your previous achievements, which means you save time and money on your studies: 30 euros per recognised ECTS point! We would be happy to check your options individually.

You can use the option of the IU Bachelor in Business Law, for example, if you have not passed the state bar examination and are now looking for an alternative.

What technical requirements do I have to fulfil in order to use the online campus?

To use the IU Online Campus, you need a PC with an internet connection or other suitable web-enabled devices. Although technical equipment is not included in the tuition fees, you will receive a free iPad if you enrol during our promotional period.

Our online campus is password protected. You will receive your access data at the start of your studies. In doing so, you guarantee not to pass on this data to third parties and not to allow unauthorised third parties to access the online campus or the learning materials. Via the online campus, you also have access to our comprehensive online library, where you can research literature and read some of it directly as an e-book.

What IT and system equipment do I need for this?

The entire IU online study programme is highly computer-based. Therefore, good IT equipment is important. In order to be able to use all software applications of our online study programme to the full extent, we recommend the following minimum system equipment:

Operating system
Microsoft operating systems: All operating systems from Microsoft Windows 7
Macintosh operating systems: All operating systems from Mac OS X version 10.5
processor: Intel Core 2 Duo processor 2.0 GHz or better
Memory: 1 GB RAM memory (or more), 5 GB free hard disk space (or more)
Internet access: Download at least 3 Mbit/s (or more, test here)

Browser
Mozilla Firefox (latest version)
Plug-ins: Current Adobe Flash Player (latest version)
Current Adobe Acrobat Reader(latest version)
Sound card (with speakers/headphones and microphone)

What are my job prospects after completing your online studies at IU?

Your career prospects after completing your online studies at IU are very good. All our study programmes are state-approved and accredited. With a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, for example, you have qualifications that are in high demand. Thanks to our specialisations, you are also predestined for certain specialist areas, such as Marketing, Sales, Finance and Controlling or Human Resources.

Our industry-specific degrees are also highly sought after by companies. As a graduate of an online study programme, you are also considered to have a particularly high willingness to perform. Just be inspired by our IU success stories!

This is how my exams work

Where do the exams take place?

You can take all your exams 100% online with us – exactly when you feel optimally prepared. If you would prefer to sit your exam on site, you have the option of doing so monthly in person at one of over 45 examination centres. You can take up to two exams at the same time. Our students abroad have the opportunity to take final examinations at over 130 Goethe-Instituts worldwide

How do I register for an online exam?

You have two options for taking an online exam: You can book a fixed date in advance or start the exam spontaneously / immediately. Appointments are offered 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.

When booking an appointment, you will be shown all free appointments that are at least 24 hours in the future. The advantage for you: You book and sit your exam on your preferred day at your preferred time.

However, you can also book an ad-hoc appointment. Here, you can choose the next available appointment on the half or full hour.

Please note: Our proctors check your identity and your workplace with equipment. Our proctors all speak English – however, a basic knowledge of English is sufficient.

How do I register for an on-site examination?

If you want to complete your courses at a local examination centre, you can find the monthly examination dates on your learning platform. We post the dates in this system at the latest at the beginning of the calendar year. There you can register for your desired date under "Manage your exams & Registering for an exam" ("Prüfungen verwalten > Klausuranmeldung").

You can register for the exam as soon as you have received your exam admission. To complete a course, you must have completed at least 80% of the course's online learning assessments in the online campus correctly and submitted the evaluation at the end of the course.

You must register and deregister for an on-site examination at least 10 days and 12 hours before the examination. After that date, registrations are unfortunately no longer possible and cancellations are only possible if you can show appropriate reasons (e.g. illness) and can also prove them in due time.

After registering for the exam, you will receive an e-mail confirmation and further information about the exam procedure.

How long does an exam take?

Regardless of whether you register for an online exam or take the exam at one of our exam centres, the duration of the exam is determined by the ECTS points you have earned: For example, with 5 ECTS in the module, the exam lasts 90 minutes.

How often can I repeat an exam?

You have a total of three attempts, i.e. you can repeat your exam twice.

When and how often do exams take place?

Exams as part of the IU online study programme are taken either "on demand" (i.e. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year) as online exams or as in person, on-site exams, which take place up to twice a month at all examination centres.

We have published the dates for the on-site examinations and the information about external examination centres on the learning platform.

You can sit up to two exams a day during the monthly examination dates. There are two time blocks available on the examination date: in the morning (from 10 a.m.) and in the afternoon (from 2 p.m.). If you only want to sit one exam during the monthly exams, your time slot will be assigned automatically by the system.

How and when will I receive the results of my exam?

We announce the results on the learning platform approx. 6 weeks after the examination date.

My study programme

Do I get a student ID card?

Yes. All students at IU International University receive their personal student ID card. You have the option of accessing your student ID directly in the browser version of the IU Learn app!

Do I have the option of taking a break from my online study programme or taking a semester off?

Yes. To take a break from your online study programme, we offer you the option of a semester off. During this time, your studies are suspended and you have no access to the online campus or your learning materials. We will not charge any fees for this during your semester off.

A leave of absence is possible from the second semester onwards. In total, the leave of absence may not exceed half of the standard period of study of your study programme (e.g. for a six-semester Bachelor's programme, a maximum of three semesters of leave).

You need more time? You can also extend the standard period of study by up to 12 months free of charge. This way, we offer you maximum flexibility!

I can't complete my online study programme within the standard period of study. What can I do?

If the standard period of study is not long enough for you, you can extend it free of charge by up to 12 months in our study programmes and continuing education courses. After that, you have the option of continuing your studies at a reduced monthly rate. The monthly fees for you will then be 80% of the currently valid costs in the full-time model of your study programme.

Recognition of my previous achievements

I have already completed a university degree. Will my previous work be recognised?

Yes. If you have already completed a study programme at a university, you can have comparable previous achievements at the same level credited to your chosen study programme. A completed vocational education/further education programme or qualified professional experience can also be recognised, subject to a review. If you have any further questions regarding recognition, please contact our Study Advisory Team (Studienberatung): +49 (0)30 311 988 00

What does the recognition of my previous achievements bring me?

With the recognition of prior learning achievements, you reduce both your study time and your tuition fees. Your prior efforts can really pay off! You save 30 euros for each ECTS point recognised. You do not have to re-take courses that have already been recognised.

Which previous achievements are recognised by IU?

Recognisable achievements in the Bachelor's online study programme include, for example:

• Prior academic achievements (e.g. Bachelor's, Master's, Diplom, Magister)
• Completed vocational training or further education (e.g. Office Administrator Chamber of Commerce [IHK], State-Certified Business Economist VWA)
• Professional experience (e.g. employee in a Human Resources Department)

The following are examples of achievements that can be recognised in the Master's online study programme:

• Previous achievements from a course of study (essential at Master's level)
• Professional qualifications in a managerial position (e.g. Managing Director, Director of Marketing)

Only achievements that you can prove with a record of achievement can be recognised (a CV does not count as a record of achievement). In
principle, theses from external colleges/universities are not recognised, as the thesis is an elementary part of the study programme.
You can apply for recognition of previous achievements at any time in order to shorten your study programme. Please note only the time constraints regarding a cost reduction

What is the procedure for the examination for the recognition of prior learning at IU?

On the page of your chosen study programme, you will find the button "Go to online recognition" in the tab "Recognition". In the next step, you select your study programme and the planned start date and enter your contact details. Now you can select your completed education or training that you would like to have credited to you. If you do not find your education or training in the list, you will automatically be forwarded to the individual application. Then simply upload your contract and your proofs in our upload form. As soon as we have checked your application, you will receive your notification of recognition.

We will also be happy to check in advance, without obligation, whether and to what extent we can take your previous achievements into account. You do not have to enrol directly! An examination is also possible without certified copies.

What is the maximum number of ECTS credits I can be awarded?

The crediting of non-university competencies may not exceed a maximum of 50 per cent of the ECTS credits to be achieved in the study programme.

Prior academic achievements can be recognised in full – with the exception of theses. In principle, final theses from external colleges/universities are not recognised, as the final thesis is an elementary part of the study programme.

Can/should I enrol in all courses when I start my studies?

When you start your studies, please do not enrol in any of the courses for which you have applied for recognition, in case the start of your studies overlaps with the examination of the recognition application. The recognised courses can only be entered in the online campus after completion of the recognition process and enrolment. When choosing courses, you are not bound to the semester schedule, but can choose flexibly from all available modules.

My financing options

How can I finance my online study programme at IU?

There are many ways to finance your online study programme with us. For this purpose, we have created a separate information section on financing, in which we introduce you to various financing aids (e.g. via Germany’s student loan programme [BAföG]), grants and scholarship programmes.

How much are the tuition fees?

Information on the monthly tuition fees for our programmes can be found on the respective website of your chosen study programme.

Can I deduct the costs of my online study programme from my taxes?

Yes. You can get up to 42% back! You can find detailed information on how to deduct the costs of your online studies from your taxes in our financing section.

Can I pay the tuition fees in instalments?

Yes. For example, you can pay your tuition fees in monthly instalments. For further information, please contact our student advisory service: +49 (0)30 311 988 00

When will my tuition fees be collected by IU?

You must pay the tuition fees for the first time after the withdrawal period has expired. The first instalment of your tuition fees is due on the 25th of the following month if you choose the monthly payment method. If you withdraw from the study contract within the trial month, this period remains free of charge. The graduation fee is due with your registration for the final examination (colloquium) and must be paid within 14 days.

If you pay your tuition fees in advance, you will benefit from our discounts:

One year in advance = 2% discount

Two years in advance = 5% discount

Three or more years in advance = 10% discount

A

Alumni
Alumni are former students who have already successfully completed their studies. = Graduates

Auditorium
Refers to a lecture hall at a college or university

B

Bachelor (B.A., B.Sc. or B.Eng.)
The Bachelor's degree is an undergraduate degree that you receive after approx. 6 to 8 semesters. You can start a Master's programme as a follow-up degree.

BAföG
The Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) in Germany regulates state support for students and is a form of social benefit.

C

Campus
Campus is the term used to describe the college or university campus. An "online campus" is a campus where students can interact via e-learning platforms.

CBT
CBT stands for "computer-based training" and describes learning without direct contact with the lecturer or tutor, e.g. by using learning software.

Colloquium
The colloquium is an oral examination or compulsory defence within the framework of a subject-related or final thesis.

Cum laude
Cum laude is a grade in Latin and means "with distinction". This is mainly used in the assessment of doctoral theses.

Curriculum
The curriculum is the content-related structure or the study plan of a study programme.

D

Dean
Deans are elected professors who represent the interests of a faculty.

Dissertation
Dissertation is a synonym for doctoral thesis, a scientific work on a specific topic. It is a prerequisite for obtaining a doctorate.

E

E-learning
Refers to learning and teaching with the help of various electronic media.

ECTS
The "European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System" (ECTS) is a Europe-wide system for accumulating, crediting and transferring academic achievements. 60 ECTS points, for example, are credited for a complete academic year.

Enrolment
Enrolment is the process of registering at a college or university. As soon as you have enrolled, you can start studying. The term enrolment is often used as a synonym.

Exams
Exams are examinations with the aim of testing your level of knowledge in writing or orally.

Ex-matriculation
Ex-matriculation is the opposite of matriculation (enrolment). This states that a student is no longer enrolled at a college or university because, for example, they have graduated or have been expelled by the faculty for cause.

F

Faculty
A faculty is a special department at a university or college. This can be, for example, the department of law, mathematics, medicine or the like. Each faculty is represented by a dean.

Fellow students

Fellow students are those students studying with you at university

G

Graduate
Graduates are students who are in the final phase of their studies or in the final examinations.

H

Habilitation
A habilitation is an academic thesis to obtain a professorship for a subject area

I

Institute
A college or university is divided into various faculties. These can, in turn, be subdivided into independent institutes, which are headed by professors

L

Learning Management System (LMS)
The term "learning platform" refers to a system through which students can work on their documents online and exchange information with others

Lecturer
A lecturer is a person who teaches at a college or university.

Lecture
A lecture is a course at a university.

M

Magna cum laude
Magna cum laude is a grade given in Latin. Translated, this means "with high praise" and is awarded for doctoral theses, for example.

Master
A Master's designates the course of study following a Bachelor's degree or undergraduate degree. The study time is approx. 2 to 4 semesters.

Mensa
The Mensa is the culinary meeting place for students, a "restaurant for students", so to speak

N

Numerus Clausus
The admission restriction for individual subjects due to a high number of prospective students is called Numerus Clausus.

O

Online learning (distance learning)
A course of study that you complete at a distance and not via classroom teaching

P

Podcast
Podcast is made up of the words "iPod" and "broadcasting" and refers to short audio recordings of various teaching topics for playback.

PhD
The doctorate is a final dissertation for prospective doctoral candidates, who are awarded the title upon completion.

S

Scholarship
A scholarship is a form of financial support for students and also counts as support for gifted students.

Semester
Semester is the term for a half-year.

Standard period of study
This describes the regular duration of a full-time study programme. The standard period of study is specified in the examination regulations

T

Tutor
Tutors are part of the teaching staff and represent a subject area.

Tutorials
Tutorials are short courses taught by tutors

V

Virtual Classroom
In a virtual classroom, courses can be held live over the Internet with other students and tutors or lecturers.

Vodcast
Vodcast is made up of the words "video" and "broadcasting" and refers to short video recordings on various teaching topics.

W

Written exam
Written examinations are sat by students, which take place at the end of each course or module.