“A university degree is a milestone in every student’s career. We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of so many international talents above the rooftops of Berlin and to present them with their well-deserved degree certificates,” says Professor Dr Regina Cordes, Vice-President for International Affairs, Accreditation and Programme Formats at IU, on the occasion of the graduation ceremony.

300 alumni from over 20 countries receive degrees in engineering, computer science and management

The more than 300 alumni come from five bachelor’s, seven master’s and two MBA programmes in the fields of business, computer science and engineering. The largest share is made up of MBA Administration alumni (54.2 per cent), followed by MA International Management (17.9 per cent), MSc Computer Science (7.8 per cent) and MEng Engineering Management (7.5 per cent). Students also graduated in subjects such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cyber Security, and Business and IT – disciplines that are particularly relevant in an increasingly AI-driven world of work. 

“Behind every degree lies a deeply personal story of courage, perseverance and dedication. Our graduates from many countries made a conscious decision to study in Germany and have earned their degree from a state-recognised university through great commitment. They can be rightly proud of that. And we are proud to have accompanied them on this journey,” says Professor Dr Cordes.

Master’s theses in MA International Management and MSc Computer Science awarded ‘Best Thesis’

The graduation ceremony for the international study programmes takes place twice a year in Berlin. In addition to an extensive supporting programme, two master’s theses were awarded “Best Thesis” in front of around 125 guests: the final theses by Mansi Raghuwanshi (MA International Management, titled “Process Optimization as a Strategic Tool for Improving Operational Efficiency in European Digital Organizations”), and Sameer Patil (MSc Computer Science, titled “Design and Implementation of an End-to-End Automation Pipeline for Semiconductors in the Area of Product Management”), received special recognition.

Oxford/Erfurt, 9 June 2026. How can companies make sound, data-driven decisions during the energy transition? IU students explored precisely this question for the future during a two-week programme in April 2026 at Oriel College, University of Oxford. As part of a jointly developed certificate programme entitled "Sustainable Energy Systems – Strategic Data Driven Decisions," they analysed the challenges of modern energy systems – at one of the world's most prestigious universities. With this new programme, IU International University of Applied Sciences is further expanding its collaboration with the University of Oxford.

This two-week intensive academic programme is exclusively for IU students. Developed in collaboration with IU and delivered by Oriel College, it offers an in-depth exploration of modern energy systems and the global transformation towards sustainable solutions. Through lectures, interactive workshops, and project-based learning formats, participants analyse the challenges and opportunities of sustainable energy systems and data-driven decision-making processes. The aim is to combine sound scientific principles with practical applications and to prepare students specifically for key issues in energy and data economics.

In keeping with Oxford's high teaching standards and academic excellence, the programme combines academic rigor with concrete practical application. Students work on both individual and group-based, supervised projects and are encouraged to work critically, using data and finding solutions. The practice-oriented assignments foster analytical skills, innovation, adaptability, and intercultural collaboration – and encourage participants to develop beyond their comfort zone.

In addition to the academic content, participants benefit from the unique study environment on site. The programme offers insights into Oxford's historic college structure and allows them to experience firsthand the collegial atmosphere of one of the world's most prestigious universities. Direct interaction with international lecturers and fellow students also strengthens intercultural competence and expands personal and academic networks.

The collaboration between IU International University of Applied Sciences and Oriel College underscores both institutions' commitment to developing innovative international learning formats and providing students with early access to global academic networks. With this Certificate Programme, the partners are sending a strong signal for practice-oriented internationalisation and excellent academic training in the future-oriented field of sustainable energy systems.

“The programme aims to cultivate globally minded IU graduates equipped with both the analytical skills and creative perspective needed to address the world's most challenging energy demands. It represents a meeting of academic excellence and practical insight: an opportunity for IU students to learn, connect, and grow within the inspiring intellectual environment of Oxford,” says Prof. Kunal Saigal, Academic Director for International Markets at IU International University of Applied Sciences and Head of the Programme.

In order to ensure that studies run smoothly, IU will retain lecture rooms and offices on the campus in Bad Honnef until 30 September 2026. Until then, students can also keep their rooms in the halls of residence on the premises. The approximately 100 employees of IU International University of Applied Sciences at the Bad Honnef site will be partially taken over by Alanus University or moved to the neighbouring IU campus in Bonn.

Dr Carmen Thoma, managing director of IU International University of Applied Sciences: "I am delighted that we have been able to find a university to continue campus operations in Bad Honnef in the form of Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences. This means that the city and region will retain an important educational institution and we will be able to give our international students enough time to move to neighbouring locations. I would also like to thank Alanus University for its willingness to take on some of our staff in Bad Honnef and for giving us the opportunity to look after our students at the campus for another year."

“We are very excited about this fantastically developed campus,” explains Michael Schröder, managing director of Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences. “It will provide Alanus University with exciting new development opportunities. We will work on a sustainable and future-oriented concept for this location until IU has finally moved out.”

The Bad Honnef campus was the founding campus of IU. It was here that the former IFH (International University of Applied Sciences Bad Honnef/Bonn) began its studies in 2000, specialising in tourism and hospitality. Today it is called IU International University of Applied Sciences and, with around 130,000 students at 38 locations, is the largest university in Germany.

ABOUT ALANUS UNIVERSITY OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

The Alanus University of Arts and Social Sciences in Alfter near Bonn is a private, state-recognised art university with the right to award doctorates in the field of educational science. The university combines bachelor's and master's degree programmes in the fields of architecture, fine arts, acting, eurythmy, art therapy, education, business administration and philosophy. An essential part of the educational concept is the encounter between art and science, as well as the opportunity to look beyond one's own field of study: all students attend the interdisciplinary and cross-year study programme. In addition to the location in Alfter, there has also been a study centre in Mannheim since August 2014. Around 1600 students are currently enrolled. www.alanus.edu

Munich, 20 February 2024. The Study Access Alliance (SAA) welcomes RLabs as its newest partner in our joint mission to expand educational opportunities for disadvantaged students in Africa. RLabs joins the ranks of partners such as IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU), Germany’s largest university with more than 130,000 students. The joint goal is to award a total of 2,000 scholarships for online bachelor's programmes to young people in Africa by the end of 2024 and to raise further funding to increase the number of scholarship holders to 10,000. 

Utilising the Youth Agency Market Place (Yoma), a digital marketplace that offers free online opportunities to skill and connect young people, the SAA-RLabs partnership will catalyse accessible higher education for young people who have traditionally lacked it, helping empower communities in need. 

Yoma is a programme co-founded by UNICEF and Generation Unlimited (GenU), GIZ, Goodwall, and RLabs offering a variety of opportunities for young people via online and offline skilling programmes, guiding them in their learning-to-earning journeys, helping them create blockchain-based digital CVs, and matching with jobs and entrepreneurship opportunities. The SAA-RLabs partnership also marks the first expansion of Yoma’s scope to support young people to access fully-fledged online university degrees, marking a significant stride toward providing accessible education for disadvantaged young people in Africa. 

“Ensuring equal access to quality, affordable higher education is a key target for SDG 4. Breaking barriers to higher education is crucial for ensuring equal opportunities for young people in the labour market," said Nadi Albino, Deputy Executive Director, Partnerships, at Generation Unlimited. “With RLabs being a founding partner and driving force behind Yoma, we are excited about their new partnership with the Study Access Alliance (SAA). By prioritising equity, access, and focusing on upskilling in communities where opportunities to acquire market-relevant skills are lacking, we can pave the way for a more inclusive workforce that benefits all.” 

In a first step, the scholarship offers are aimed at African Yoma users in South Africa and Nigeria who would be denied access to higher education without financial support. In particular, young women pursuing a bachelor's degree in IT and technology will be supported. The scholarships are awarded for online degree programmes at Germany's largest university, IU International University of Applied Sciences - SAA's founding academic partner and Europe’s leading edtech institution. This has the advantage for scholarship holders that they can study flexibly and from their hometowns, while remaining near their families and using what they have learned for positive impact within their communities. 

Throughout their academic careers, students are supported by RLabs right on the ground with laptops, internet access, training, workshops, and a safe space to study. Christine Taphel, Chief Executive Officer of RLabs South Africa said: "The partnership with Study Access Alliance (SAA) is crucial to the mission of RLabs, as it promises to deliver world-class educational opportunities to youth who have traditionally been marginalised from such pathways. This collaboration not only opens doors to knowledge and learning but also significantly enhances the employability of these young individuals, equipping them with the skills and tools necessary to thrive in the global workforce." 

Those who receive a scholarship can start their distance learning at IU effective immediately. Students have access to all of IU’s robust university resources such as its exclusive AI-powered learn buddy, Syntea, study and career guidance, professors and tutors, as well as digital learning tools such as the IU Learn app and thousands of digitally available learning materials.

Carolin Kreuder, Executive Director of the Study Access Alliance said: "It is fundamental for the Study Access Alliance to make higher education with a focus on future viability and employability accessible to financially disadvantaged people in Africa on a large scale - not only for their own personal growth, but rather education reduces inequalities, solves the urgent need for digital skills and thus contributes to overall sustainable economic development. We are delighted to have RLabs on board with their valuable connections in the country." 

Currently, scholarship holders can join the more than 130,000 students at IU, which offers more than 50 English-language online bachelor's and master's degree programmes. IU International University of Applied Sciences is the founding academic partner of the Study Access Alliance and offers online scholarships for less than 10 percent of regular tuition fees. The remaining amount for each scholarship is covered by SAA's funding partners. 

“We are excited to join the Study Access Alliance in welcoming RLabs as its latest partner. This venture, further bolstered by UNICEF and Generation Unlimited’s Yoma programme, unleashes a plethora of new opportunities for young people in Africa. With our vision of, everybody can access education to grow, we found it a natural fit to support SAA’s efforts to provide scholarships for young Africans. The combined efforts of SAA, RLabs, UNICEF, Generation Unlimited and IU allows for a personalised learning trajectory that aligns with the unique ambitions and needs of African students, crafting a lineage of tech-savvy minds,” said Dr Sven Schuett, CEO of IU International University of Applied Sciences. 

Thanks to the combined efforts of SAA partners, several thousand degrees worth 42 million euros can be awarded under this new collaboration. To reach the total target of 10,000 scholarships, an additional 8 million euros still needs to be raised. The Study Access Alliance is therefore looking for additional like-minded sponsors and partners who will join the alliance to enable even more young people in Africa to participate socially and economically through access to higher education. There is particular interest in finding new funding partners and partner organisations that can provide students with training and internship opportunities to ensure a smooth transition into the labour market after graduation. 

SAA is currently working with the following partners: Artsy Africa Academy (Uganda), HI² (Germany), HoteliersGuild (Switzerland), Mully Children's Family (Kenya), TooShare (Senegal), CASBI (Kenya), NIfA (Germany) and, as of now, RLabs (South Africa).  

For more information and to be a part of this innovative and globally inclusive opportunity, reach out to: 

Luise Wittmann
Study Access Alliance 
info@study-access-alliance.org 
https://www.study-access-alliance.org/for-partners/ 
 

About RLabs 

RLabs is a South African and award-winning non-profit that was established in 2009 in Bridgetown, Cape Town. The main aim of RLabs is to create spaces where people can be impacted, empowered and transformed through HOPE, technology and innovation, training and economic opportunities. RLabs has since expanded its model and work to 24 countries across 5 continents impacting more than 60 million people. To date more than 2,500,000 community members have directly accessed the RLabs skills training and economic empowerment programmes.

About Study Access Alliance (SAA) 

The Study Access Alliance is a scholarship provider for disadvantaged students in African countries who are financially unable to fund their university education. Initiated by the IU Group in 2022, the Study Access Alliance is a non-profit limited liability company (gGmbH). By collaborating with organizations such as NGOs, businesses, universities and education groups in Africa and beyond, students with a financial disadvantage are better supported directly and onsite. Current partners include Artsy Africa, CASBI, HI2, Mully Children’s Family, TooShare, NIfA and RLAbs. For more information, visit www.study-access-alliance.org.

Munich, 3 August 2023. The Study Access Alliance (SAA) is a scholarship provider for disadvantaged students in African countries. In 2022, Study Access Alliance was initiated as a non-profit limited liability company (gGmbH) by IU Group. Through cooperations with NGOs, companies, universities and educational institutions in Africa and beyond, financially deprived students are supported directly and locally. In order to make higher education possible for even more people in African countries, further education and financing partners are being sought. 

SAA has already awarded the first scholarships. Currently, the initiative is working with IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) as an academic partner to offer scholarship holders a wide range of online bachelor's and master's degree programmes. Furthermore, the African partners provide additional support to local students, including soft skills training, mentoring and internship opportunities. 

SAA currently works with partners in Kenya, Uganda, Senegal and Cameroon: Artsy Africa Academy (Uganda), HI2 (Germany), HoteliersGuild (Switzerland), Mully Children's Family (Kenya), Sompon Socialservices BW e.V. (Cameroon, Germany) and TooShare (Senegal). 

The initiative's academic partner, IU, offers online scholarships for less than 10 per cent of regular tuition fees through the Study Access Alliance. The remaining amount for each scholarship is covered by SAA's funding partners. 

The Study Access Alliance is always looking for new sponsors and partners to join the Alliance. There is particular interest in finding new funding partners and partner organisations that can provide students with training and internship opportunities to ensure a smooth transition into the job market after graduation. 

Feel free to get in touch if you are interested! 

Further information and contact: 

Luise Wittmann 
info@study-access-alliance.org 
https://www.study-access-alliance.org/for-partners

Erfurt, Germany, 14 June 2023. The London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF) is the latest degree awarding body to join IU Group, Europe’s largest edtech company and owner of the private IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU). The purchase was made official on 31 March 2023 and takes effect immediately. Due to its strong heritage and long-standing history and tradition, LIBF’s mission will stay the same.

Dr Sven Schuett, CEO, IU Group, said:

“We are excited to welcome LIBF to the IU family. As we continue to grow, we enter a new era with LIBF allowing us to continue building on our mission that everyone can access education to grow. Through LIBF’s expertise in the banking and finance world and IU as a leader in edtech we see great potential for creating synergies that afford students a top-rated and customisable education no matter where they live.”

“With the expansion of AI in the education sector, our students are able to stay ahead of the curve with flexible, and innovative learning models in digital education.”

Flexible online learning

IU’s flexible online approach and use of technology and innovation in the classroom proves to be a winning formula for students. Regardless of where one lives or how much time one has, IU students have the option to study at their own pace which is particularly appealing to those juggling work, family and other commitments. This tried and tested approach will be incorporated in newly co-developed online degree programmes at LIBF as part of IU’s multi-brand platform strategy. New online study programmes offered at LIBF are focused on data and computer science, artificial intelligence and international business management – critical skills needed in finance and business today.

Alex Fraser, CEO, LIBF, said:

“This partnership represents an important evolution for LIBF and will allow us to make significant advancements for the future – bringing advantages and new opportunities to our students, members and staff as we look to extend our services around the world. It’s a fantastic opportunity for LIBF to partner with one of Europe’s most successful and technology-enabled education businesses.”

“Teching up” teaching

As AI and technology continue to develop, so must higher education institutions if they wish to be competitive in the education market. IU’s personalised and hybrid learning models, as well as the integration of AI and ChatGPT in its courses prove to be influential in its success. As Germany’s largest and fastest growing university with more than 100,000 students, its learners are pioneering the way in the latest technological developments in higher education, including IUs own edtech innovation, “Syntea” (synthetic teaching assistant). These developments are also true for the banking industry:

• Banking is changing rapidly – with online banking being the norm and evolving customer expectations transforming the way retail banks operate.
• Whether it’s cryptocurrency, online payment platforms or robo-advisers and AI, fintech continues to shape the way people interact with money.

Through its partnership, LIBF and IU will be able to stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive in the banking and finance education market.

ABOUT THE LONDON INSTITUTE OF BANKING & FINANCE

The London Institute of Banking & Finance (LIBF) has been providing industry-leading education and qualifications for the financial sector since 1879. With a focus on vocational training, LIBF delivers a broad range of qualifications and programmes to support banking and professionals at each stage of their careers – from entry-level to advanced professional qualifications. It is the only professional body in the finance sector to have Taught Degree Awarding Powers. Further information at: www.libf.ac.uk

The continuing charity – now called The London Foundation for Banking and Finance (LFBF) – will fund financial education projects, provide scholarships and bursaries and confer chartered status on suitably qualified professionals, in line with its charitable objects of advancing knowledge and education in financial services.   Further information at: www.lfbf.org.uk

Press Contacts

IU International University of Applied Sciences
John Roman
International PR Manager 
john.roman@iu.org

The London Institute of Banking & Finance
Heather Tilston
Director of PR & Communications
htilston@libf.ac.uk

• IU is the only university in the European Union to be an associate member of AIU 
• Tech-related courses are among the most popular IU-courses for students from India

Erfurt, Germany, 20. April 2023. IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is the first university in Germany as well as the European Union to become an associate member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). IU joins AIU pursuant to its mission that everyone can access education to grow. Through its AIU membership, future students and their parents can be assured of the first-class quality of an IU education.

Dr. Sven Schuett, CEO, IU International University of Applied Sciences, said: 

“We are excited to be the first German university to obtain membership into the Association of Indian Universities. IU’s strong connection to India, including our partners and thousands of students from the region make it a perfect fit for us. As an AIU associate member, our students will benefit from an intercontinental approach, allowing them to not only be better global students, but world-class talent.”

IU International University of Applied Sciences is Germany’s largest and fastest growing university with more than 100,000 students from 120 countries, its learners receive a top-rated education preparing them with the valuable knowledge and tools they will need to succeed in a diverse and global workforce. With roughly 20% of its student body being non-nationals, an international approach to education is at the core of IU. 

As Europe’s leading provider of tech-related courses, it’s no wonder that amongst IU’s current students from India, study programmes in tech are the most popular. In addition to IU’s tech-related courses, students can choose from more than 100 bachelor’s and master’s programmes in English. IU students benefit from a personalised and hybrid learning model, which incorporates the use of the latest technology and AI in its courses, including ChatGPT. IU has even launched its own edtech innovation, “Syntea” (synthetic teaching assistant) to support students during their studies. Syntea is designed to enable personalised student interaction and enhance learning outcomes, offering a range of powerful features, including a question-answering tool, exam preparation, Socratic teaching sessions and more.  Learn more about Syntea.

For more information on the Association of Indian Universities and what it means to be an associate member, visit: https://aiu.ac.in/index.php

ABOUT IU INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES

With over 100,000 students, IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is the largest university in Germany. The private, state-recognised educational institution with its headquarters in Erfurt began operations in 2000 and is now represented in more than 35 German cities. Students from over 180 nations design their studies according to their needs: whether practice-integrated dual studies, flexible distance learning or individual “myStudium”, which combines online self-study and campus life. IU wants to give people worldwide access to personalised education for a fulfilled and self-determined life. In more than 150 German- and over 50 English-language study programmes in bachelor's, master's and MBA fields, IU teaches students key competencies relevant to the future. A digitally supported learning environment and the use of AI solutions help students to achieve optimal learning results and experiences. IU is one of the first universities in the world to have developed and deployed its own AI-supported learning buddy. IU cooperates with over 15,000 companies and supports them in the academic training of professionals. Partners include UpGrad, Simplilearn, Intellipaat and TimesPro. Further information at: www.iu.org. 
 

Dr. Sven Schütt, CEO of IU International University of Applied Sciences: 

"In this sad situation, it is great to see how the IU community supports the Turkish and Syrian earthquake victims with their donations. More than 33,000 euros were raised thanks to the support of our students, staff and close ones. The IU will increase this amount to a total of 100,000 euros and focus its aid on children whose lives have been severely affected by this sad tragedy. In addition, we have decided to donate 100 full online scholarships for affected people in Syria and Turkey. I would also like to express my deepest appreciation to all colleagues who are directly on the ground, organising support and helping. I am deeply impressed by this engagement and kindness." 

The more than 700 individual donations reflect the great sympathy and solidarity at IU. In addition to numerous students and staff with Turkish roots who study, work and teach at IU, several hundred students in Turkey are also enrolled in IU's distance learning programme. 

The donation page will remain active even after the planned donation target has been reached (ends by 28 February 2023 the latest). Anyone who would still like to participate until then is cordially invited to do so. Click here to go to the donation page. 

Please find more information about the 100 online scholarships on: iu.org/help-for-turkey-and-syria/
 

Erfurt, Germany, 29 November 2022. IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is the first German university and latest member to join the Association of African Universities (AAU). IU joins AAU pursuant to its mission that everybody can access education to grow. Through its AAU membership, IU can exchange knowledge and experience with other institutions in a diversity of areas and specialisations, such as personalised and hybrid learning – a core approach to IU’s success. As Germany’s largest and fastest growing university with more than 100,000 students, its learners will be able to access the Database of African Theses and Dissertations (DATAD), as well as scholarship grants and student exchange opportunities.

Dr. Sven Schuett, CEO, IU International University of Applied Sciences, said: 
“We are excited to be the first German university to obtain membership into the Association of African Universities. IU’s strong connection to Africa, including our thousands of students from countries like South Africa, Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria make it a perfect fit for us. As an AAU member, our students will benefit from an intercontinental approach, allowing them to not only be better global students, but world-class talent.”

With roughly 18% of its students being non-nationals, an international approach to education is at the core of IU International University of Applied Sciences. Membership into the Association of African Universities will allow IU to collaborate with African institutions and create academic connections and exchange, while improving the quality of and access to higher education. For more information on the Association of African Universities, visit: www.aau.org, or join their mailing list to receive regular updates: eepurl.com/bqysav.

Bursaries for African students

Earlier this year, IU announced that it is partnering with Study Access Alliance – a financial need-based scholarship (bursary) programme offering 100% tuition reduction for African students to study online at IU International University of Applied Sciences. Applicants will be able to apply the bursary toward an online bachelor's or master’s degree in a variety of study programmes at IU. The bursary programme – which offers African students the opportunity to study at a globally recognised, top-rated university online – will be distributed by local partners in select African countries. Students interested in applying for a bursary, or higher education institutions interested in becoming an SAA partner can visit: www.study-access-alliance.org.

ABOUT IU INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
With over 100,000 students, IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) is the largest university in Germany. The private, state-approved educational institution with its main campus in Erfurt brings together more than 200 bachelor's and master's programmes under one roof, which are offered in German or English. Students can choose between dual studies, distance learning and myStudies, which combines online and face-to-face events, and design their studies independently with the help of a digitally supported learning environment. In addition, IU enables further training and promotes the idea of lifelong learning. The aim of the university is to give as many people as possible worldwide access to personalised education. IU started operations in 2000 and is now represented in more than 30 German cities. It cooperates with over 15,000 companies and actively supports them in the development of their employees. The partners include Motel One, VW Financial Services and Deutsche Bahn. Further information at: www.iu.org.