IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is state-recognised. All our degree programmes are accredited accordingly by the time they start.
As a state-recognised and system-accredited university with over 20 years of experience, we offer you the highest quality in all study formats - whether distance learning or dual studies. Our degree programmes are fully accredited at the start of the course and are regularly audited by independent institutions. In this way, we ensure that you study at IU International University of Applied Sciences in a future-orientated, practical way and at the highest academic level.
IU International University is a private, state-recognised university. This means that our degrees are equivalent to state colleges and universities. This is also reflected in the high quality of both the degree programmes and the teaching. We make sure that the content is always adapted to the latest standards.
Institutional accreditation is carried out by the German Wissenschaftsrat for private universities that apply for accreditation. Our university was reaccredited by the Wissenschaftsrat for five years. Since 2001, the Wissenschaftsrat has been carrying out institutional accreditation of non-state universities on behalf of the federal states. The quality assurance procedure clarifies whether the performance of a non-state university in research and teaching meets recognised academic standards.
Thanks to the successful completion of system accreditation because of an external assessment of its quality management system, IU is now authorized to award the Accreditation Council's seal of approval for accredited degree programs. IU has been system-accredited for the maximum period of eight years.
Maximum flexibility for your individual study routine
Flexible online learning – full-time or part-time: Independently master theory via the myCampus learning platform with innovative study materials
Personal AI learning assistant Syntea
24/7 online exams – adapted to your schedule and location
Optional live sessions and interactive digital formats to deepen your knowledge
The classic: theory and practice perfectly combined
Theoretical knowledge delivered in classes on campus two days per week
Occasionally available online via live video conferencing
Deepen what you’ve learned afterwards using study materials on the digital learning platform myCampus
Gain 20 hours of practical experience per week* at a partner company
Innovative blend of flexible distance learning and practice-based dual study
Flexible online learning: Independently master theory using the digital myCampus platform with innovative study materials
Personal AI learning assistant Syntea
Optional online support sessions to deepen your knowledge (weekly on campus or online via live video conferencing) – plus further digital, interactive live formats
Gain 20 hours of practical experience per week at a partner company
This overview provides detailed information on how our study formats differ in your everyday student life – from the start of your studies to examinations.
| Studienformat | Fernstudium | Duales Studium | Duales myStudium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akkreditiert als | Fernstudium | Duales Präsenzstudium | Duales Fernstudium |
| Praxis | nicht integriert | ja, beim Praxispartner | ja, beim Praxispartner |
| Studienorte | 100% online** | über 25 Studienorte*** | Virtueller Campus |
| Prüfungen | 100% online – flexibel zu Deiner Zeit; alternativ vor Ort an IU-Standorten, in Prüfungszentren oder an Goethe-Instituten | Vor Ort an IU-Standorten | 100% online – flexibel zu Deiner Zeit; alternativ vor Ort an IU-Standorten, in Prüfungszentren oder an Goethe-Instituten. |
| Präsenzzeit pro Modul | 100% online** | 27-36 Stunden am Campus, abgesehen von möglichen einzelnen Fernstudienmodulen in höheren Semestern, die ohne Präsenz stattfinden* | 13,5 Stunden Begleitveranstaltungen am Campus, bis einschließlich 4. Semester |
| Studienstart | Jederzeit möglich nach erstmaligen Studienstart | Jedes Semester (1. April und 1.Oktober) | Jedes Semester(1. April und 1.Oktober) |
| Zeitmodelle | Vollzeit und Teilzeit, Semester und ECTS-Punkte je nach Studiengang und Abschlussgrad | Vollzeit, 7 Semester (180 ECTS-Punkte), Architektur 8 Semester (180 ECTS-Punkte) | Vollzeit, 7 Semester (210 ECTS-Punkte) |
| Abschluss | Bachelor/Master of Arts, Bachelor/Master of Science, Bachelor/Master of Engineering,Bachelor/Master of Laws,MBA | Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Engineering | Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Engineering |
Notes
* Exception: Architecture degree programme 24 hours per week of practical experience; attendance time per module: 70 hours for the ‘Design Theory’ course.
** For a few degree programmes, there are individual compulsory on-campus modules. You can find out which ones these are directly on the page - and the curriculum - of your chosen programme.
*** Not every programme is available at all on-campus locations – you can check which locations are available on your chosen programme’s page.
Our quality management system is designed to ensure the quality of the services offered and contribute to the achievement of the defined development goals. All employees are involved in our university's quality management system - from the university management to the university administration to the teaching staff and university committees.
The IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) are accredited by the most important state institutions. In addition to the Accreditation Council, this also includes the German Council of Science and Humanities. However, it is not only the fulfilment of formal requirements and academic standards that is decisive for official accreditation. Qualified staff, sufficient equipment and a comprehensive quality management system must also be in place to ensure the high quality of teaching and research at all times. This is the only way to have all academic degrees recognised in all 48 countries of the Bologna area.
All degree programmes offered by IU are accredited by the respective start of the programme and have been awarded the official seal of the German Accreditation Council. Among other things, this accreditation certifies that study programmes meet academic standards in terms of content, that the study structures fulfil all formal requirements and that the resources necessary for the implementation of the programmes are available in the form of qualified staff and sufficient equipment. It facilitates the international recognition of study achievements in all 48 states of the Bologna area.
IU International University received its first system accreditation in a decision dated December 4, 2018. IU also successfully completed the system reaccreditation process in a decision by the Accreditation Council dated September 23, 2025, and is thus accredited for another eight years. The external review committee particularly highlighted the high level of customer focus, the flexible study programs, and the wide range of evaluation options throughout the entire course of study, as well as the scalability of the system. The system reaccreditation certifies the effectiveness of an established system at IU International University that continuously reviews, ensures, and improves the quality of its degree programs, teaching content, and examinations.
Since 1957, the German Council of Science and Humanities has been advising the federal and state governments on matters of higher education development, science and research, and they are also responsible for ensuring the quality of teaching and research at non-public higher education institutions. In 2021, we were reaccredited by the German Council of Science and Humanities for five years.
IU's statement can be found here.
As a state institution, ZFU examines whether distance learning programmes meet the formal requirements of the Distance Learning Protection Act (FernUSG).
All of our degree programmes and individual training courses are ZFU approved.
IU International University is accredited as a provider in accordance with labour promotion law. The Hanseatic Certification Agency (HZA) confirms in its multi-stage audit procedure that the quality assurance system of the IU International University fulfils the requirements laid down in the German Social Code (SGB III) and in the AZAV (Accreditation and Approval Ordinance - Employment Promotion). This certification authorises IU International University to offer further training to interested parties with an activation and placement voucher. The prerequisite for this is that all admission requirements for further training are fulfilled by the interested party.
There isn’t just one “best” accreditation—it’s about finding the one that fits your goals. With IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU), you’re in safe hands: our programmes are state-recognised and system-accredited by FIBAA. That means quality is our top priority. Your studies at IU are not only flexible and personalised, but also thoroughly checked and certified.
Our university is system-accredited until at least 2033 (Informationsdienst Wissenschaft). For you, this means that IU’s internal quality management has been rigorously assessed and certified. Each study programme is individually accredited by the Accreditation Council and carries the seal for excellent academic quality.
Your degree from IU is internationally recognised and opens up opportunities worldwide—whether you want to study or work abroad. Plus, all further education courses at IU Akademie are certified (university level, AZAV). So you can boost your skills with an education voucher and take your next career step with confidence.
No. Just because a university is privately run doesn’t mean it is accredited. In Germany, there are two key concepts:
State recognition: A private university must be officially recognised by the federal state where it is based. Only then can it award bachelor’s and master’s degrees that are equivalent to state degrees.
Accreditation: Alongside state recognition, study programmes (programme accreditation) or the university’s overall quality management (system accreditation) must be assessed and accredited by authorised accreditation agencies. This quality assurance is not automatically granted when a private university is founded or recognised—it requires a separate review process in accordance with the guidelines of the Accreditation Council.
So, private universities in Germany are neither automatically recognised nor automatically accredited—they must successfully complete both processes.
IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is officially state-recognised and system-accredited until at least 2033. In addition, each of our study programmes is individually accredited by the Accreditation Council and carries the seal of excellent study quality.
Yes, accreditation is crucial for your chances of receiving government funding. Depending on the funding programme, you should always check the current guidelines—so you’re on the safe side.
IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is a private university, but it is state-recognised and system-accredited. Your IU degree is therefore formally equivalent to degrees from public universities and meets the requirements for many funding options—such as the Deutschlandstipendium or BAföG, as long as you fulfil the conditions.
And by the way: IU offers its own scholarships, like the IU Scholarship. There are also further education courses that qualify for funding programmes such as education vouchers from the Federal Employment Agency or low-interest KfW loans. This opens up a range of financial opportunities for you.
Information on study content & electives
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