BAföG, scholarships or student loans: discover all the options.
Apply with LERNEN26 until June 30th & secure €1,444 discount + iPad.
Step 1: Choose wisely
In order to create a financing plan that gives you security, you need a time model that fits your budget. In our degree programmes and further training courses, you can chose between three options – depending on how much time and money you are able to invest each month.
Step 2: Calculate wisely
Be specific: How much money can you invest in your further development each month after deducting rent, cost of living and other expenses? Our suggestion: Outline your income and expenses to get clarity.
Step 3: Finance wisely
As soon as you have an idea of your income and expenses, you can move on to the last step: your individual financing plan. You will find various options on how to effectively reduce your fees and cover the remaining costs below.
Studying means investing in yourself: Because the knowledge and skills you acquire during your studies will pay off – professionally, personally, financially. To make your goal accessible, we will show you, how you can finance your distance learning.
Ohne Geldsorgen in Dein Fernstudium starten: Mit dem IU Finanzierungsratgeber für das Fernstudium.
You have already studied, worked or completed vocational training? Then you can get your previous experience recognized for your distance learning! This reduces the duration of your studies and saves you 30 euros per recognized ECTS point.
If you want to benefit financially, you must submit your application before the end of your trial month.
Saving through previous achievements: Figure out in which degree programme you can save the most time and money.
You are unique: your career, your talents and the dreams you want to achieve. A scholarship is within reach for you, too.
Each month, we award four scholarships that reduce your total costs by 50% or offer our FirstGen funding program with €2,944 in funding.
Take your shot: Apply online for one of our scholarships for people with disabilities, women in tech, single parents, career changers or FirstGen Funding.
Find out more about the funding and scholarship programmes of IU and other organizations!
If you notice during your studies that you need more time, you can extend your studies by up to 12 months or take a semester off – both completely free of charge.
If you pay your tuition fees in advance, you will benefit from our discounts. Depending on your study model, you will receive discounts of up to 10%. If you abandon your studies, you will get your deposit back for the remaining months.
You have a bachelor's degree from IU? Then you get a 15% discount on all master's and MBA programmes. As a member of the German Bundeswehr Association, you receive a €2.000 discount on your tuition fees.
Learning materials including our online campus, MS Office and Speex language courses
Personal support from teachers, tutors, the student office and study advisors
Online library with 60,000 e-books and access to Statista
Access to over 14,000 courses and 1,800 video tutorials on LinkedIn Learning
Study and career coaching
€2,944 in funding for first-generation university students — so your studies don’t depend on your budget.
64% of our students finance their studies through their jobs.* This has several advantages: You can apply your newly acquired skills and specialist knowledge directly. Additionally, you already have convincing arguments for salary negotiations during your studies.
*Source: First semester survey 2022
Did you know that up to 42% of your tuition fees are tax-deductible? For a full-time bachelor’s degree, you can get back up to 169 € of the monthly tuition fees of € 399.
By applying for cost absorption, your employer can cover some of the costs of your studies. The application lists reasons why your employer should support you. You can also discuss whether you are eligible for additional time off for exams and exam preparation or if flexible working hours are possible.
on Fernstudiumcheck.de.*
that their distance learning were worth it financially.**
a salary increase of up to €1000.**
*Source: Fernstudiumcheck.de
**Source: Trendstudie Fernstudium 2021
Learn about the financing options available to you in Austria – with tips and support specifically for Austrian students.
Student or education loans with low interest rates are a viable solution to cover the cost of your distance learning. Find out how you can easily find the right loan for you online!
Our advice: Hand in your KfW application fast and easy online via or partner meinBafög.
*Note: This link leads to an external website.
You want to study online full-time? Then find out if you are eligible for BAföG. To what extent you are granted financial support from the state depends on several factors. You can learn more on the BAföG website or by calling the free BAföG hotline: +49 (0)3641 940 056 062.
Child allowance: €255 for students under the age of 25
Parental allowance: Wage replacement payment based on previous income
Family support: Financial support from family members
“The information on the IU website helped me to get an initial overview of the financing options and their conditions. I was able to take out an adequate loan with a good interest rate for the tuition fees from my local bank. It is very worthwhile to compare different options that fit your individual situation.”
You can try out your study programme for one month – no commitment. The fees for this period only apply if you decide to continue your studies with us.
Find a financing concept that suits you and your budget: Our student advisors will support you in this process.
Information on study content & electives
Information on career prospects
Information on financing options
On our online recognition page , we have prepared standard and individual applications forms for you. You can submit them with just a few clicks before you apply and have them checked with no strings attached.
Our standard applications are pre-filled and cover a range of training and further education – including IHK, HWK and VWH. For example, if you have completed training in retail, you can save up to XX € and XX hours of time with a Bachelor of Business Administration. Calculate now how you can benefit from your education.
If you have professional or university experience which doesn’t fit standard recognition, please declare this in your individual application. By the way: you can combine different types of previous experience.
To complete your online recognition, simply fill in our contact form withyour desired degree programme and upload your relevant proof. Next, all you have to do is wait for your notification of recognition which will tell you whether and to what extent we can recognize your previous experience. Your notice of recognition will be officially valid after your enrollment.
BAföG is meant to help you fully concentrate on your studies. That's why you only get BAföG if you're studying full-time. If you invest between 37 and 40 hours a week in your studies, you can receive BAföG funding.
Yes. You can combine your BAföG with a scholarship and student or educational loans – e.g. from KfW or Deutsche Bildungs AG.
Find out more about scholarships and loans.
We have a dedicated page on which we have compiled all the advantages and facts about your distance learning and employer financing. On this page, you can download the application for cost absorption which you fill out together with your employer. If you have any questions, our study advisors will be happy to help you.
Tuition fees as well as costs for office supplies or trips to exams are tax-deductible. The exact amount you can save depends on your individual situation. This is how it works*:
Initial training
Requirements:
You have not yet completed any vocational training or studies.
Possibilities:
You can declare your tuition fees as special expenses in your tax return.
Your special expenses are limited to a maximum of €6,000 per year.
The tuition fees are deducted from the taxed income and reduce your tax burden. You may receive a tax refund.
Note:
You can only declare tuition fees in the year in which they are due and paid, regardless of the billing period.
A tax refund is only possible if your gross income is above the tax-free allowance of 9,168 € (as of 2020).
Secondary education
Requirements:
You have already completed vocational training or a bachelor's degree.
Your options:
If your gross income is above the tax-free allowance of 9,168 € (as of 2020), you can declare your tuition fees as income-related expenses in your tax return. This reduces your taxable income and yields a tax refund.
If your gross income is below the tax-free allowance of EUR 9,168 (as of 2020), a direct tax refund is not possible. However, you should file a tax return anyway. The tax office notes your tuition fees in full as a loss carried forward. The next time your gross income is above the tax-free allowance, the loss carryforward will be deducted from your taxed income and you will receive a tax refund.
*Please note that our website is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice in the strict sense of the word. Our contents – even if they have been researched with the greatest care – do not replace individual advice that addresses your personal situation. We cannot assume any liability or guarantee for the correctness, completeness or topicality of the information provided.
