IU and the Association of German Veterans conclude a nationwide educational partnership
The aim of the collaboration is to open up new perspectives for Bundeswehr soldiers injured in combat through personalised educational opportunities and to pave their way back into the job market.
Erfurt, April 28, 2025. IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is now the first educational institution to cooperate with the Bund Deutscher EinsatzVeteranen eV (BDV eV / Association of German Veterans). The goal of the collaboration is to open up new perspectives for Bundeswehr soldiers injured in combat through personalised educational programmes and pave their way back into the job market.
Education as a bridge to reintegration
Through this cooperation, members of the BDV eV gain easier access to IU's more than 250 accredited degree programmes and approximately 500 continuing education programmes. Most of these are available via online teaching, independent of location and time, and can be individually tailored to personal learning needs.
"With our educational concept, we want to make a decisive contribution to giving these committed individuals the opportunity to develop professionally and shape their personal futures individually. For IU, it is not only an obligation but an honour to be available as an educational partner for those affected," says Prof. Kurt Jeschke, Academic Director IU Corporate & Upskilling.
Barrier-free access and targeted support
IU's educational offerings are characterised by technological innovation, flexibility, and barrier-free access. The distance learning and myStudium formats, as well as the upskilling programmes, are particularly well-suited, due to their digital nature, to provide deployment-disabled soldiers with easy access to qualifications.
IU also offers individualised compensation programmes to ensure equal opportunities for students with disabilities. The consultation hours for compensation programmes are available for booking and provide support with the formal application process and advice on suitable compensation programmes and options. The offerings are complemented by mentoring formats, study coaching, and a moderated online community for students with disabilities.
Pilot phase and quality assurance
The cooperation measures will initially be implemented as part of a pilot phase with selected participants. Continuous monitoring and evaluation will ensure that support services are further developed in line with needs. The goal is to establish a sustainable model that can be implemented nationwide.
Common mission: access to education for all
On March 11, 2025, representatives of IU and BDV eV signed the framework cooperation agreement at the Cologne campus.
"Education is the key to a self-determined life after service. We are pleased that IU accompanies our veterans on their path to a civilian future – with respect, flexibility, and concrete prospects," said Andreas Eggert, Secretary General of the BDV eV.
The BDV eV is a central organisation dedicated to the needs of soldiers injured in combat and has been described by the Research Service of the German Bundestag as a "driving force for German veteran culture". The association focuses on giving those affected a voice and promoting their reintegration into the labour market. This is done through psychological, medical, and legal support—and, thanks to its cooperation with IU, now also through educational programmes and professional development.
Since its founding, more than 10 million soldiers have served in the Bundeswehr. Approximately 462,000 of them have been deployed abroad in more than 50 countries to protect democratic values. Various studies indicate that up to 20 percent of these deployed personnel return with a health impairment.
A significant proportion of veterans suffer physical and/or mental disabilities as a result of their service. These include impairments of hearing or vision, mobility, and psychological distress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
These people also have a right to education, further training and participation in order to reorient themselves and integrate into civilian life.
A resolution of the German Bundestag of 25 April 2024 expressly reaffirms the recognition and appreciation of soldiers injured in operations.
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
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