Graduates of private universities are highly sought after by employers
Study “Employability Benchmark 2025” – IU achieves top scores in university comparison
According to the new study “Employability Benchmark 2025” conducted by Kantar Profiles, IU International University of Applied Sciences occupies top positions.
Erfurt, 16 February 2026. Employers rate graduates of private universities in Germany as attractive for recruitment and express high satisfaction with their performance. These are key findings of the "Employability Benchmark 2025" study, conducted by Kantar Profiles on behalf of IU International University of Applied Sciences. For the study, 689 HR managers and executives from companies of all sizes and sectors in Germany were surveyed about the seven leading universities for distance learning and part-time studies.
IU International University of Applied Sciences achieves several top rankings in the comparison. It scores highest in recruiting attractiveness: 64 per cent of surveyed employers rate IU as "attractive" (ahead of Euro-FH with 62 per cent). IU also leads in satisfaction with the performance and skills of its graduates, with an average score of 3.52 (on a scale of -5 to +5) – tied with Onlineplus (Fresenius University of Applied Sciences) and ahead of the Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University (DHBW). Euro-FH has the highest brand awareness among employers among the surveyed universities (48 per cent), followed by FernUniversität Hagen (46 per cent) and IU (42 per cent).
Among employers who know IU graduates from their practical experience, 69 per cent state that they prefer them in recruitment. 93 per cent of these employers are satisfied with their performance. Frequently cited strengths include teamwork (78 per cent), digital and AI-related skills (77 per cent), and practical experience (76 per cent).
Sven Schütt: "The study makes the contribution of education to the labour market measurable."
Dr Sven Schütt, CEO of IU International University of Applied Sciences, says: “This study makes the contribution of education to the labour market measurable. For the first time, it demonstrates the concrete value that students from private universities bring to the job market. We see the results as proof of the quality of our education. When employers particularly highlight our graduates for their digital and AI skills, their teamwork abilities, and their practical experience, it's a strong indication that our study model is effective. The very positive results for IU encourage us to continue preparing our students for the job market of tomorrow using modern learning methods and to equip them with the future skills that businesses are demanding.”
Labour market: Shortages and increasing demand for future skills
The survey results come at a time of a persistently tight labor market: According to the DIHK Skilled Workers Report 2025/26, 36 per cent of companies are unable to fill at least some of their open positions. The gap is particularly acute for IT specialists: According to Bitkom, the German economy is currently lacking approximately 109,000 IT specialists. 85 per cent of companies report a shortage of qualified IT personnel. Against this backdrop, the role of private universities as a complement to the public higher education landscape is growing: In the 2023/24 winter semester, around 13 per cent of all students were already enrolled at private universities.
Employability Benchmark 2025: Key Findings at a Glance
Attractiveness in recruiting – comparison
(percentage of "attractive" candidates)
IU: 64%
Euro-FH: 62%
Onlineplus (Fresenius University of Applied Sciences): 57%
FernUni Hagen: 56%
FOM: 56%
DHBW: 55%
SRH Mobile University: 52%
Average attractiveness rating in recruiting
(-5 to +5)
IU: Ø 2.88
FernUni Hagen: Ø 2.80
Euro-FH: Ø 2.79
FOM: Ø 2.75
Onlineplus (Fresenius University of Applied Sciences): Ø 2.74
DHBW: Ø 2.73
SRH Mobile University: Ø 2.70
Benchmark: Ø 2.75
Satisfaction with the achievements and skills of the graduates:
(Comparison scale - 5 to + 5)
IU: Ø 3.52
OnlinePlus (Fresenius University of Applied Sciences): Ø 3.52
DHBW: Ø 3.48
FOM: Ø 3.32
Euro-FH: Ø 3.26
FernUni Hagen: Ø 3.25
SRH Mobile University: Ø 3.20
Benchmark: Ø 3.34
Employer brand awareness
Euro-FH: 48%
FernUni Hagen: 46%
IU: 42%
Onlineplus (Fresenius University of Applied Sciences) 33%
FOM: 27%
DHBW: 25%
- SRH Mobile University: 17%
ABOUT THE STUDY
The survey was conducted by Kantar Profiles from August 27, 2025 to September 15, 2025. 689 HR managers and decision-makers in German companies of varying sizes and industries were surveyed. The target group consisted of HR managers and executives with personnel responsibilities from companies of all sizes and sectors in Germany; the survey was conducted online (CAWI). The study was commissioned by IU International University of Applied Sciences and independently carried out by Kantar Profiles.
With nearly 130,000 students, IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is the largest university in Germany. The private, state-recognised educational institution, based in Erfurt, began teaching in 2000 and now has 37 campuses. IU stands for maximum flexibility in study: whether through dual study, distance learning or on campus – students from over 160 nations tailor their educational path to suit their individual circumstances. With more than 200 degree programmes at bachelor’s, master’s and MBA level, IU imparts practical skills. Innovative learning concepts foster targeted, future-proof skills for an increasingly AI-driven world of work. A modern, digitally supported learning environment and the use of artificial intelligence enable effective, personalised learning. As a pioneer in this field, IU has developed its own digital learning companion, ‘Syntea’, which has been in use since 2023. A network of over 15,000 companies – including Motel One, Vodafone, AWO and Deutsche Bahn – makes IU a strong partner in the training of skilled workers and consistently links academic teaching with practical experience. Further information at: iu.org
Contact
|
IU International University of Applied Sciences Press Department |