Trend study distance learning 2021

Digital learning is becoming the new standard.

Digital learning: how it works

Flexibility, self-determination, and real career opportunities: distance learning offers many benefits. IU International University's Trend Study Distance Learning 2021 attests to this. While many education providers and educational institutions faced major challenges during the pandemic, distance learning programmes proved that digital learning works.

A daily study routine that includes interactive scripts, innovative learning platforms, e-learning via apps, podcasts, vodcasts and virtual lectures, not only brings variety and learning success, but also reflects the pulse of our digital world. And what about distance learners? The majority of them feel satisfied and proud of their distance learning - and they are fully aware of the factors that drive them: career advancement, professional change and personal development.

View the study in PDF

Trend Study Distance learning: The facts

96.4 %

of respondents are very satisfied / satisfied with their distance learning programme.

59.4 %

(want to) study in order to advance professionally or to change their career.

59.5 %

of distance learning graduates state that they have improved their career as a result of their distance learning.

>30 hours

most students spend on their distance learning.

63.7 %

finance or financed their studies through their own gainful employment.

97.7 %

of respondents think that online learning is gaining importance due to the pandemic.

Carmen Thoma aus der IU-Geschäftsführung

Distance learning rocks

"We see that distance learning rocks not only in the development of IUBH, but also in the development of the entire market. The number of distance learning students in Germany has been increasing for years. At IUBH, we can report a growth of more than 50% in distance learning programmes."

Carmen Thoma, COO IUBH Distance Learning

Compelling perks that win you over!

Distance learning offers maximum flexibility that fits into any student's life, and is overflowing with career opportunities, even for those who are well into their careers.

IU Trendstudie zeigt Top-5-Gründe für ein Fernstudium

Motivation? Professional and personal development

Distance learning is preferred by a large proportion of respondents (59.4%), but lifelong learning and personal development are also important to more than half of respondents

(52.3%).

* These are the top 5 responses to the following question: "For what reasons have you taken up / would you like to take up distance learning?"

Source: IU Trend Study Distance Learning 2021

Acceptance? Distance learning equals attendance study

3 out of 4 respondents believe that a distance learning program is equivalent (63.9%) or even more valuable (11.8%) than a face-to-face programme.

*The graph depicts students' and graduates' responses to the following question: "In youropinion/experience, how is distance learning regarded by the employer?"

Source: IU Trend Study Distance Learning 2021

Für 63,9 % sind Fernstudium und Präsenzstudium gleichwertig

59,5 % konnten sich dank Fernstudienabschluss beruflich verbessern

Career opportunities! Distance learning pays off - also financially

Almost two-thirds (59.5%) of graduates say their career has improved as a result of their distance learning degree, whether through a higher salary, more attractive tasks, or more management responsibility.

*The answers of graduates to the question: "Were you able to make positive changes in your career as a result of your distance learning degree?"

Source: IU Trend Study Distance Learning 2021