Against this backdrop, the topic of media and communication was on the agenda of Hamburg Sustainability Week for the first time. In a sustainability workshop organised by the IU Research Center for Sustainable Media & Marketing (RCSMM), experts from media, communication, and business brought together their perspectives.

Guidance for an industry that is looking for

For companies that use media to communicate with their target groups, the need for guidance to make more responsible decisions is growing. In a keynote address, Eva Nemela (member of the board of the Körber Foundation) highlighted the value of media and journalism for society. Further insights were provided by Prof. Dr Daniel Graewe (Academic Advisory Board IU RCSMM) and by media and advertising professionals from the IU RCSMM board (including NDR Media, Welect, radiozentrale, teads, RMS, 720Health, bvdw/OVK, GWA, iq digital).

Key result: the Sustainable Media Development Goals Map

The first Sustainable Media Development Goals Map was created during the workshop. It aims to help media users, policymakers, and businesses better understand the opportunities and risks of media consumption and to derive more responsible decisions and innovative content formats. The proposed solutions were presented that same evening in the Dome at the Rathausmarkt's Future Garden.

Prof. Dr Lisa-Charlotte Wolter will be happy to provide you with further information and interviews.

Contact

Prof. Dr Lisa Charlotte Wolter
Head of IU Research Center for Sustainable Media & Marketing
lisa-charlotte.wolter@iu.org

About the Research Center for Sustainable Media & Marketing (RCSMM) at IU International University of Applied Sciences

The IU Research Center for Sustainable Media & Marketing, with its interdisciplinary teams, researches and develops sustainable approaches to media and marketing management. This aims to create a foundation for more sustainable decisions in the practical application of media and communication. The Value Media Board promotes the systematic transfer of knowledge between academia and practice.
https://www.iu.de/en/research/projects/research-center-for-sustainable-media-marketing/

About Hamburg Sustainability Week

Hamburg Sustainability Week invites citizens and civil society actors to work together for a week on key challenges facing the city and to make sustainability issues tangible. The goal is to advance local transformation and develop new solutions for the SDGs. https://www.sustainability-conference.org/en/sustainability-week

What makes this monitor special: For the first time in Germany, the supply and demand for bleisure travel and workation were examined together. A survey of more than 1,000 business travelers and around 300 tourism providers offers comprehensive insights into this growing market segment. The research, conducted by IU International University of Applied Sciences, thus creates, for the first time, a reliable data foundation for destinations, tourism businesses, and employers. The six theses of the "Mainz Impulse" formed the basis for the subsequent discussions in the panel discussion and practical workshop. The key finding: The demand for bleisure travel and workation is already there – in many places, it is developing faster than the corresponding supply.

Market potential already visible today

Bleisure travel has long since arrived in the travel market: Almost half of the business travelers surveyed combine business appointments with private activities and extend their stay by an average of two additional nights. The market potential is around 60 percent of all business travelers.

Workation – working from a holiday destination – is also gaining in popularity. Around a quarter of the business travelers surveyed already have workation experience. The average stay is approximately six days. Destinations with a high quality of stay and good digital infrastructure are particularly sought after.

The results also show that bleisure travel and workation are by no means limited to large cities. Rural regions, in particular, with a high quality of life, attractive natural and leisure activities, and good accessibility, offer conditions that are especially appealing to bleisure and workation travelers.

“The research results show that bleisure travel and workation are no longer niche topics. Especially for federal states like Rhineland-Palatinate, this presents new opportunities to keep business travelers in the destination longer and win them back as future vacationers. The crucial thing now is to strategically tap into this potential through visible offers and strong regional networks,” explains Stefan Zindler, Managing Director of Rhineland-Palatinate Tourism GmbH.

Business trips become the gateway to later vacation trips

Particularly noteworthy is the influence of bleisure and workation on subsequent leisure demand. Travelers who combine work and leisure return to their business travel destination significantly more often than private guests.

While 51 per cent of all business travelers later return for private trips, this figure rises to approximately 64 per cent for both bleisure travel and workation travelers. Business trips are thus increasingly becoming the first point of contact with a destination and can trigger additional, private vacations in the long term. Bleisure travel and workations therefore act as drivers of tourism demand and strengthen tourism's economic value creation far beyond the actual business trip.

Demand is growing faster than supply

In addition to surveying business travelers, tourism providers in Germany were also examined for the first time. The results reveal a significant gap between the existing market potential and market development.

While many businesses recognise the opportunities offered by bleisure and workation – such as increased revenue, improved occupancy rates, or access to new target groups – nearly 80 per cent of accommodation providers lack specific offerings for these groups. Strategically, the topic is also not yet well integrated in many businesses: More than half of the surveyed establishments currently respond to inquiries only on a short-term and situational basis.

“Many destinations and businesses already have these target groups on board without specifically addressing them with bleisure and workation offers. This is precisely where significant growth opportunities lie for tourism in Germany: The guests are already on site – business travelers can become additional leisure guests and repeat visitors,” says Prof. Dr Peter Neumann from IU International University of Applied Sciences.

Employers are becoming new players in tourist demand

Another key finding concerns the role of employers. Many obstacles to bleisure travel and workations lie not with the destinations or companies, but with a lack of regulations or internal company guidelines. Flexible work models are increasingly changing the travel behavior of employees.

For many business travelers, bleisure travel and workation increase the attractiveness of an employer and are increasingly perceived as a feature of modern working conditions.

“Bleisure travel and workation have long since become important drivers of change beyond traditional tourism. This opens up new opportunities, especially for Germany as a conference and congress destination, to make business travel more modern, secure additional added value and sustainably strengthen the competitiveness of our destinations,” says Katja Mailahn, Managing Director of mainzplus GmbH and spokesperson for the Convention Bureau Rhineland-Palatinate.

About the monitor

The "Bleisure & Workation Monitor Germany" is conducted by IU International University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with partner regions and companies. Its aim is to provide scientific support for the development of bleisure travel and workation in Germany and, for the first time, to offer tourism stakeholders a reliable data foundation on market potential, target groups, and product structures. Between 2025 and 2026, the research team, led by Prof. Dr Peter Neumann, Prof. Dr Sven Pastowski, Prof. Dr Claudia Strassburger, and Dr Andreas Zimmer, conducted extensive online surveys, focus groups, and expert interviews with business travelers, tourism service providers, and destination management organisations. The "Bleisure & Workation Monitor Germany" is intended to be continued regularly in the future to provide the tourism industry with current and reliable data on the development of bleisure travel and workation.
Further information can be found at: https://www.bleisure-workation-monitor.de/

Contact person for interviews

Prof. Dr Peter Neumann
Professor of Tourism Management
peter.neumann@iu.org

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.

Dresden, 16 January 2026. As part of the ZuKo4Saxony research project, IU International University of Applied Sciences, together with its project partners, is developing learning content for a digital platform that will enable small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Saxony to specifically impart to dual-study students those future skills that are becoming indispensable in an increasingly digital, dynamic working world.

Dual study models, such as those offered by IU in Dresden and Leipzig, provide practical experience from day one – but small and micro-enterprises in particular often face the challenge of lacking the necessary capacities and structures to support students in a future-oriented way during their practical phases.

While large companies maintain dedicated departments and establish internal programmes for this purpose, smaller businesses often lack the time, systemic training tools, and awareness of sustainable and strategic resource allocation. This is precisely where ZuKo4Saxony comes in. The project, funded by the European Social Fund and the Free State of Saxony, is being implemented jointly under the leadership of the Dresden University of Technology (TUD), together with IU International University of Applied Sciences, the Mittweida University of Applied Sciences (MIKOMI), and the TU Dresden Institute of Further and Continuous Education GmbH (TUDFaCE). Within the project, IU, under the direction of Prof. Dr Helge Fischer, Ulrike Schroer, and Sophie Hollmann, is responsible for developing the subject matter and concepts for future skills and for the direct involvement of the practical partners.

“The aim of the project is to develop an innovative and modular digital learning platform that offers companies quick, flexible, and practical access to relevant future skills,” says Prof. Dr Helge Fischer. “Pure specialist knowledge and traditional qualifications alone will no longer be sufficient in the long run. We want to enable SMEs to sustainably improve the quality, support, and professional development of their students. This strengthens both their competitiveness and their attractiveness as employers.”

Future Skills – Requirements of a New Working World

Digitalisation, globalisation, and demographic change will require new skills in the future to remain competitive in complex work structures. While the term "future skills" is established in academic circles, many SMEs still lack a concrete practical application. ZuKo4Saxony is the first to systematically transfer this concept to Saxony's SMEs.

As part of the first phase of the project, a comprehensive empirical survey was conducted among 113 Saxon SMEs, providing essential insights into their challenges and needs.

Small and medium-sized enterprises in Saxony see the highest relevance in skills such as self-management/reflection, ambiguity and problem-solving ability combined with strong communication and cooperation skills.

In a more in-depth analysis, Saxon SMEs consider the following skills to be extremely relevant for remaining competitive in the future:

• Dimension 1: Subject-development-related competencies
  Here, self-reflection (96 per cent), intrinsic motivation (96 per cent), adaptability (96 per cent), self-directed learning (95 per cent) and willingness to take responsibility (93 per cent) are the supporting pillars for future viability.
• Dimension 2: Individual-object-related competencies
  Here, problem-solving (96 per cent), information literacy (93 per cent), flexibility (91 per cent), creativity & innovative thinking (86 per cent) stand out.
• Dimension 3: Organization-related competencies
  Teamwork skills (96 per cent), dialogue/consensus and criticism skills (93 per cent each), language skills (92 per cent) and social intelligence (91 per cent) are key levers for SMEs in Saxony.

It also becomes clear that SMEs need practical, digital, and work-integrated training formats. Project-oriented work and digital learning opportunities are particularly highly valued by over 80 per cent of companies. Interactive and subject-focused online formats, videos, and lectures are the preferred learning methods. For half of the respondents, collaboration with universities is also relevant. Further results can be found in the white paper accompanying the study (conducted by TUDFaCE).

The results of the first project phase are directly incorporated into the development of the digital learning content.

Practical benefits for SMEs

ZuKo4Saxony is specifically aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises in Saxony that want to offer modern skills development without significant financial or organisational effort. The digital learning platform is designed to support them in providing needs-based support for dual-study students, actively shaping transformation, and retaining skilled workers in the long term.

The project makes a significant contribution to strengthening Saxony's small and medium-sized enterprises for future challenges and further expanding the attractiveness of dual study models.

SMEs sought for pilot phase

Companies in Saxony are invited to test the learning platform in advance and actively participate in its further development until its official launch. All employees – regardless of level or function – will have full access to the training content. The project team will gather feedback on the platform through a short evaluation at the beginning and end of the trial period. The first test run will begin in February. The official launch of the learning environment is planned for 2027.  

Those interested can find further information and the opportunity to register at: https://www.zuko4saxony.de/

The project managers are happy to be available for interviews and background discussions. Please send your inquiries to zuko4saxony@iu.org.

Creative solutions sought for an industry in transition

The real estate industry is facing a complex polycrisis in the face of climate change, the energy crisis, regulatory consolidation, volatile markets and social change. Traditional approaches are becoming less and less effective. Sustainable solutions emerge where sustainability, digitalisation, social innovation and new business models are consistently considered together.

The goal of climate neutrality by 2045 reinforces this pressure for transformation. Holistic concepts are needed – from decarbonisation and energy-efficient renovation of existing buildings to intelligent energy and neighbourhood solutions to digital service and platform models that combine ecological responsibility, social impact and economic viability.

The award focuses on the students' wealth of ideas and creative drive and shows the contribution that young talent can make to the sustainable, digital and resilient development of the real estate industry.

Platform for thought leaders

The IU Innovation Award recognises outstanding theses that impress with creative problem-solving and a strong connection between theory and practice. The evaluation focuses in particular on theses that focus on sustainability, digitalisation, social innovation and new business models.

The award ceremony will take place on 10 June at Real Estate Arena 2026 in Hanover, one of the industry's most important real estate trade fairs and future conferences. This gives the winners an ideal platform to present their concepts to leading experts and make important contacts for their professional future.

Apply now!

Students of the housing and real estate industry who completed their bachelor's or master's thesis with a grade of 1.7 or better in the past year are cordially invited to apply by 15 May 2026. 

All information about the application and the prizes is available at: 
https://www.iu.de/lp/iu-innovationspreis/ 

All information about the 2025 winners:
https://www.iu.de/news/en/iu-innovation-award-2025-these-are-the-winners/ 

Florian Ebrecht, professor at IU, COO/CFO at meravis real estate group and initiator of the innovation award, emphasises: 

“Last year's submissions already showed how diverse and relevant our students' research in Germany is and how much we need new approaches and food for thought. We are very excited about this year's submissions.”

ABOUT THE MERAVIS REAL ESTATE GROUP

The meravis Real Estate Group is a nationwide real estate service provider based in Hanover and Hamburg. For over 75 years, it has managed approximately 12,650 of its own residential and commercial units and has developed over 23,500 residential units. Its portfolio includes residential buildings, student apartments, hotels, retirement homes, and commercial properties. The company, with approximately 220 employees, is managed by Matthias Herter and Prof. Dr. Florian Ebrecht. Its future goals include sustainable, digital residential neighbourhoods, including through its own PropTech platform Spiri, as well as through initiatives in New Work, sustainability, and digitalisation.

Berlin/Erfurt, May 19, 2025. With the “Diversity Maturity Model”, IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU), Germany's largest university, and the Diversity Charter (Charta der Vielfalt), Germany's largest employer initiative for promoting diversity in the workplace, are introducing a joint tool that supports companies in systematically classifying their diversity measures through a self-assessment. The model was developed by IU professors Sonja Würtemberger and Katharina-Maria Rehfeld together with Heiko Holz (research assistant), as well as Corina Christen and Şeyma Erdi from the Diversity Charter.

The Diversity Maturity Model, available as of today, is the first freely available model of its kind nationwide. The model is distinguished by two features: Despite the considerable development effort, it is free of charge, and despite the complexity of the topic, it is very easy to use. The model is designed to help companies in Germany assess their current status in terms of DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) and define practical steps toward greater diversity and participation. It is suitable for all types and sizes of organisations: micro and small enterprises, medium-sized companies, and large corporations.
 

Diversity and participation: “Now more than ever!”

“For us, now is exactly the right time to demonstrate a clear stance on diversity, equality and participation,” says IU Professor Sonja Würtemberger in response to the US president’s order to cancel DEI programmes – a development that also affects German companies.

Katharina-Maria Rehfeld , also a professor at IU and co-developer of the maturity model, emphasises: "But attitude alone is not enough for us: With the radar, we are giving companies in Germany the tools they need to take action so that they can strengthen their own DEI efforts instead of abandoning them."

“The Diversity Maturity Model provides international companies like ours with scientifically sound and objective recommendations for promoting an inclusive work environment,” says Stephan Schütz, DEI Manager at Daimler Truck AG, who was part of the project team that developed the model. “The link to the employee lifecycle in particular offers clear practical relevance. The assessment shows where companies are well positioned and where there is room for improvement.”

"The Diversity Maturity Model is a unique guide for companies in Germany – practical, multi-layered, and scientifically sound," adds Dr Eva Voß , Chair of the Board of the Diversity Charter. "It enables precise self-assessment and will make it easier for many to strategically structure and effectively develop their DEI work. I am very much looking forward to applying the model in my daily professional life in the future."

A study by IU on the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace shows that such corporate commitment is also a decisive factor in employees' career choices: 75.1 per cent of tomorrow's skilled workers expect potential employers to implement diversity and inclusion measures in the workplace. For 38.2 per cent, equal opportunities are among the top three reasons for choosing a company.

Diversity Maturity Model: Project launch in summer 24, go live in May 25

The Diversity Maturity Model is based on a total of 24 qualitative interviews that the two IU researchers conducted with DEI experts from companies after the project launched last summer. The project was supplemented by a comprehensive literature review to scientifically substantiate the interviews and a multi-stage validation of the results by experts from the field. The methodological approach is described in detail in the recently published paper . Starting today, companies can self-assess the maturity of their DEI efforts in a free, open-access assessment.

The model was programmed by D² - Denkfabrik Diversität , a Würzburg-based startup that, in addition to consulting services, also develops digital tools for diversity management in the public and private sectors. The result of this collaboration is a practical maturity model for diversity management in companies.

When diversity wins, Germany wins

At German Diversity Day on May 27, the Diversity Maturity Model will be part of the live event hosted by the Diversity Charter in Berlin. Under the motto "When Diversity Wins, Germany Wins," the Diversity Charter is creating a day of action for companies and institutions across Germany for the 13th time to demonstrate their commitment to diversity and a respectful, prejudice-free workplace. Project manager Şeyma Erdi of the Diversity Charter, and IU Professor Würtemberger together with Heiko Holz will be present at this year's live event in Berlin and will provide insights into the model's development process.

For interviews and background discussions, please contact us at: presse@iu.org and presse@charta-der-vielfalt.de

Test the Diversity Maturity Model yourself now

https://www.diversity-reifegrad.de/
 

ABOUT THE CHARTER OF DIVERSITY

The Diversity Charter is the largest employer initiative promoting diversity in companies and institutions in Germany. It advocates for a respectful and prejudice-free working environment in which all employees – regardless of age, ethnic origin and nationality, gender and gender identity, physical and mental abilities, religion and ideology, sexual orientation, and social background – can develop their potential. Learn more at: https://www.charta-der-vielfalt.de/

This sends out a strong signal: Scientific research is to play an even greater role in the fight against anti-democratic and extremist movements in the future. The ZRP sees itself as a practice-oriented, interdisciplinary institute in the field of social work with a unique profile in the research landscape. The ZRP's research aims to shed light on blind spots in the field of radicalisation and to develop reliable, evidence-based recommendations for action for politics, administration and individual professional fields. The aim is to actively incorporate the findings into prevention work in order to meet current challenges with new concepts.

Prof. Dr Burak Çopur, Head of the Institute: "We deliberately chose the Ruhr region as the location for the Institute: The region stands for social diversity, urbanity and structural challenges like no other. With its excellent team of researchers, the institute is the first of its kind in North Rhine-Westphalia with a decidedly practical focus - and complements the existing research landscape in the field of radicalisation and prevention with an urgently needed, practice-oriented social work perspective."

The importance of this step was also emphasised by State Secretary Gonca Türkeli-Dehnert (Ministry of Culture and Science of North Rhine-Westphalia), who was present at the symposium: 

"The rise of far-right and anti-democratic movements is an appeal to our social responsibility. We must strengthen democratic resilience and, above all, empower children and young people at an early age to critically question radical slogans and attitudes. The Centre for Radicalisation Research and Prevention helps us to make the findings from this interdisciplinary field of research usable in everyday life. I am therefore delighted that the ZRP is now an institute in North Rhine-Westphalia. and sends out a clear signal in support of democracy."

Prevention and research as a bulwark against extremism

The increasing radicalisation in parts of society poses a serious threat to social cohesion and the basic democratic order. The events of last year and this year highlight the urgency of scientifically sound analyses and preventative strategies: The revelation of right-wing extremist deportation plans in Potsdam, Islamist demonstrations with calls for a caliphate in Hamburg and Essen, the Islamist-motivated attack on Pegida activist Michael Stürzenberger and the deadly attacks in Mannheim, Magdeburg and Aschaffenburg. These incidents have further inflamed the already heated debate on migration, security and social integration.

Accompanying symposium on the founding of the institute

As part of the founding of the institute, the ZRP organised a symposium at the Essen campus in cooperation with the Evangelischer Erziehungsverband e.V. (EREV). The ZRP team brought together renowned academics and practitioners on the topic of "Recognising the signs! Developments in right-wing populism after the 2025 federal elections - challenges in child and youth welfare". A varied programme awaited the guests and expert audience. The focus was on practice-oriented workshops on social media in radicalisation dynamics, recognising and dealing with right-wing extremist attitudes in families and victim protection, supplemented by space for discussion and networking.

The event was an example of close cooperation between research and specialist practice - and showed that concrete solutions and joint action are possible and necessary.

"With the symposium on the founding of the ZRP Institute, we were able to highlight how important it is to recognise warning signs early on and to find ways and answers to counter right-wing populism and radicalisation together with specialist practice and research”, emphasises EREV.

Institute's founding strengthens strategic planning and operational effectiveness

Back in 2022, a nationwide network of scientists was formed within IU International University of Applied Sciences to counter these alarming developments with an interdisciplinary and practice-oriented research approach. This network has now emerged as the ZRP Institute - funded by IU and based at the Essen campus. In view of the growing social challenges, interdisciplinary research work is now being given an institutional framework and substantially strengthened. The establishment of the institute today goes hand in hand with a structural upgrading of the research work. With better personnel and financial resources, the ZRP will gain strategic planning and operational clout. Projects that have already been promised focus on topics such as anti-Semitism, religiously motivated extremism, ultra-nationalism and (de)radicalisation in the youth context.

The ZRP combines research, responsibility and social resilience

The successes to date underline the dynamism of the research institute. The ZRP takes an interdisciplinary approach to its research, incorporating specialist perspectives from social work, political science, criminology and education, as well as methodological diversity. Using their specialist expertise and practical knowledge, ZRP researchers analyse the causes and dynamics of radicalisation processes - for example in the family environment, in schools, in the digital space or in civil society contexts. The work is intercultural and multilingual, both nationally and internationally, for example in cooperation with the University of Vienna. The focus is also on evaluating existing exit and advisory programmes. The aim is to broaden the research of radicalisation and provide concrete concepts for prevention, intervention strategies and political recommendations for action.

Knowledge transfer is a central task: research findings flow directly back into practice in training courses, workshops, studies and seminar concepts. With the ZRP, IU is specifically positioning itself as a university that takes a stand - and assumes social responsibility in the areas of education and research.

Further information on the ZRP and the research team

• Download press kit
• https://www.iu.de/forschung/projekte/forschungsinstitut-zrp/ (currently only in German)

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.

Creative solutions sought for the challenges facing the industry

The goal of German climate protection legislation to achieve climate neutrality by 2045 presents the real estate industry with enormous challenges. In addition to changes in the regulatory area, forward-looking innovations and new perspectives are needed, particularly in the areas of decarbonisation, smart energy solutions, neighbourly coexistence and a new level of service and communication. The award relies on the ideas and innovative strength of the new generation of students.

Platform for thought leaders

The IU Innovation Award recognises outstanding theses that impress with creative solutions and a strong combination of theory and practice. In particular, the award focuses on theses with a focus on sustainability, digitalisation, social innovations and new business models.

The award ceremony will take place on 15 May at the Real Estate Arena 2025 in Hanover, one of the most important real estate trade fairs and future conferences in the industry. This provides the winners with an ideal platform to present their concepts to leading experts and to make important contacts for their professional future.

Apply now!

Students of the housing and real estate industry who completed their bachelor's or master's thesis with a grade of 1.7 or better in the past year are cordially invited to apply by 13 April 2025. All information about the application and the prizes is available at: https://www.iu.de/lp/iu-innovationspreis/

Erfurt, 17 December 2024. Whether it’s a fire brigade, tennis club, arts group, or nature conservation organisation – many people engaged in voluntary work feel they don’t receive enough recognition. However, board members and presidents of these organisations often lack the time or expertise in public relations.

“The goal of our research project is to make the contributions of non-profit organisations in Germany more visible,” says Prof. Dr Josef Arweck, the initiator of Comms4Good and Professor for Media Management at IU International University of Applied Sciences. “The results of our survey of nearly 1,300 participants not only highlight the status quo but also form the basis for a practical tool that enables even those without prior knowledge to conduct professional communication. The result is the prototype of an AI-based PR assistant, which is available free of charge to support the public relations efforts of non-profit organisations.” 

The PR assistant aids communication by helping draft all kinds of texts and even develop PR concepts. A chat function allows for conversations and targeted questions. The tool is GDPR-compliant, does not use input data for training purposes, and does not require prior knowledge of prompting. Most importantly, it has an "NPO mindset" (Non-Profit Organisation), offering an understanding of the specific needs of its target group. 

Non-profit organisations seek visibility above all 

The primary communication goals identified are “increasing public visibility” (88%) and “informing the public” (80%). According to the survey, organisations most commonly communicate for planned events (93%) or to report on past events (84%). Around two-thirds (65%) use communication to highlight the impact of their organisation or showcase their achievements (60%). Overall, public relations efforts rarely appear to be strategically planned, which is likely due to limited resources, unclear responsibilities, or inadequate structures. 

Non-profit organisations use various communication channels, including their own websites (96%), events, lectures, workshops, or panel discussions (90%), personal contacts (88%), social media (86%), coverage in traditional media (72%), and messenger services like WhatsApp and Signal (45%). 

What an AI tool should offer non-profit organisations 

The study identified key features that a new AI tool should have to be suitable for the communication needs of non-profit organisations. The top requirements include free availability (89%), the ability to “quickly learn the organisation’s language” (88%), and providing “suggestions for meaningful communication strategies” (80%). Additionally, 78% of respondents want a tool that anyone can use without training. 

Respondents would most prefer to use the AI tool for social media management, text revisions, analysing public relations efforts, and converting texts into simplified language. 

Clear majority sees potential for professional communication with AI 

The survey revealed a high level of openness: 69% of respondents welcomed the use of AI in their organisations, while only 15% were firmly opposed, and 16% were undecided. Nearly half see potential in AI for attracting new members and generating donations; about one-fifth remain undecided, while a third see no benefit from AI in these areas. 

Many organisations hope AI will enhance their communication efforts and effectiveness. More than two-thirds (72%) believe they could communicate more professionally with AI, and 81% expect more efficient communication. Only 14% and 10%, respectively, disagreed, while 15% and 10% were undecided. 

Non-profit organisations across Germany can use the virtual PR assistant. 
Its free usage is limited to 15,000 words per month, equivalent to approximately 50 A4 pages. 
 

ABOUT COMMS4GOOD (C4G) 

C4G is an initiative of IU International University of Applied Sciences, Phineo gAG and Producer Media UG. The research project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs as part of the Civic Innovation Platform. In summer/autumn 2024, 1,272 representatives of non-profit organisations from all over Germany took part in the online survey, 814 of whom completed the questionnaire in full; the study was supplemented by qualitative guided interviews. Representatives of registered associations (69 percent), non-profit corporations (16 percent), foundations (9 percent) and non-profit organizations without a legal form (3 percent) took part. They come from all areas – but one focus is on "education and upbringing" (45 percent), followed by "social services" (27 percent). The survey was based on 22 interviews in spring 2024 with representatives of 15 associations, 5 foundations, 2 non-profit corporations, representing a total of organizations with membership numbers between 18 and 55,000. The study paints a comprehensive picture of the current public relations work of non-profit organizations in Germany. 

The complete study is available for download here.  
 

Erfurt, Germany, 3 December 2024. The IU Research Center for Sustainable Media and Marketing (RCSMM) celebrated its launch in Hamburg with an inspiring kick-off event on 26 November 2024. Around 70 representatives from academia, business and the media came together to discuss forward-looking and transparent standards for responsible and sustainable media planning in the media industry.

Prof. Dr Lisa-Charlotte Wolter, Head of the IU RCSMM, and Alex Čaičics, Head of Sustainability and ESG Communication at IU Group, kicked off the event by jointly welcoming the guests and introducing the IU and the research project.

"The value chain in the media and advertising industry is becoming increasingly complex - characterised by global players, diverse media genres and new technologies such as artificial intelligence. In order to develop sustainable strategies that combine economic success with responsibility, a detailed analysis of the processes and the involvement of diverse stakeholders is essential", explains Wolter, adding: “With Bundesverband Digitale Wirtschaft (BVDW), NDR Media, IQ Digital, Radiozentrale, Wort & Bild Verlag, RMS Radio Marketing Service and Teads, we already have strong and representative stakeholders that reflect the media landscape in all its diversity - from associations and digital platforms to marketers and public sector players, which is crucial for the development of practical and sustainable strategies.”

Keynote speech and discussion: Focus on "Value Media" 

A highlight was the keynote speech by Prof Dr Sylvia Chan-Olmsted (University of Florida), who spoke on the topic of "Value Media & AI That Enhances Human Value". Her remarks emphasised the opportunities that arise from the responsible use of artificial intelligence for sustainable and human-centric value creation.

Dr Moritz Holzgraefe (BVDW) then moderated a lively panel discussion on "Responsibility for a sustainable media landscape - what solutions does the industry provide and how do we take action?"

Experts from various initiatives and companies were involved:

• Nadja Schick (Group M) presented the "Back to News" initiative, which aims to strengthen trustworthy media through targeted advertising funds.
• Florian Ecker (Media Plus) presented the sustainability strategy of Mediaplus.
• Holger Thalheimer (Initiative18) spoke about the importance of education and empowerment in the media and introduced Initiative18, an association of committed experts from the media industry, journalism and research.
• Steffen Johann Hubert (Seven.One Media and IAB Europe) provided insights into Seven.One Media's sustainability standards and their European relevance.

Another highlight was the stage panel, where stakeholders emphasised the relevance and benefits of the new research centre. You can find the partners' views on the importance of the IU Research Centre for the industry at the end of the press release.

New partnerships welcome: Opportunities for advertisers, social media and digital platforms 

The day was rounded off with a presentation of the research centre's next steps. "We discussed the key challenges and opportunities together with our partners. The discourse illustrates how valuable the exchange was and how dynamic collaboration is. The Research Centre will continue to work closely with industry in the future to create innovative and practical solutions that will transform the media and advertising industry in the long term. Our aim is to drive forward research with concrete benefits for society and industry", concludes Wolter.

What the partners say about the importance of the IU Research Centre for the media industry

f.l.t.r.: Tino Meitz (University of Münster), Alex Čaičics (Head of Sustainability and ESG Communication at IU Group), Dr. Moritz Holzgraefe (BVDW Vice President), Prof. Dr. Sylvia Chan-Olmsted (University of Florida), Prof. Dr. Lisa-Charlotte Wolter (Head of the IU RCSMM), Maik Rogge (COO IQ Digital), Ronja Böhlke (Head of Marketing and Deputy Head of Media Management at Wort & Bild Verlag), Niclas Hübner (Head of Sales NDR Media), Grit Leithäuser (Managing Director of Radiozentrale), Sven Thölen (CEO Radio Marketing Service)

Dr Moritz Holzgraefe, BVDW Vice President: "For the BVDW, it is clear that sustainable standards are essential for the digital economy. Together with the IU, we want to involve the relevant stakeholders and create a fact-based approach that builds trust and promotes sustainability."

Niclas Hübner, Head of Sales at NDR Media: "Trust, transparency and relevance characterise successful media - and should also guide media planning. Together with the IU Research Centre for Sustainable Media & Marketing, we are developing standards that both integrate ESG principles and ensure sustainable and responsible media planning."

Steffen Bax, Managing Director of IQ Digital: "We are very pleased about the cooperation with IU International University of Applied Sciences and the Research Centre for Sustainable Media and Marketing under the direction of Prof. Dr Lisa-Charlotte Wolter. The topics of value media and sustainability are immensely important to us, which is why we support fact-based and scientific research in this area. We also have a great interest in transparent framework conditions and standards in the media industry so that responsible decisions in media planning can be made measurable."

Grit Leithäuser, Managing Director of Radiozentrale: "Radio reaches 52 million people every day with good, reliable information and accompanies young and old throughout the day. We are therefore very aware of the power of the medium and the value of the medium is very important to us. Making these values recognisable and comparable across media is of particular interest to us. By supporting the development of media value standards through the independent project of the IU Research Centre, we see a great opportunity for our changing media world to anchor new valuable aspects in media evaluation."

Ronja Böhlke, Head of Marketing and Deputy Head of Media Management at Wort & Bild Verlag: "As Wort & Bild Verlag, we bear a special responsibility for our society. Health is a matter of trust and health requires knowledge. Our media build a bridge between medicine and people. Because people are the centre of our attention: our readers, our employees and all parts of our society. Accordingly, we at Wort & Bild Verlag are happy to participate in the right and important collaboration between research and practice to develop a neutral and transparent value media standard that holistically demands and promotes social sustainability in media planning."

Stefan Mölling, CEO of RMS Radio Marketing Service: "An increasingly important question for us as marketers is the contribution that we as the audio genre make to sustainable marketing planning together with our broadcasters and publishers. We already know that audio, with its enormous daily reach, has a high public value as a trustworthy source of information and that radio advertising produces significantly less CO2 than other genres. However, to be able to validly assess our impact in an ESG-compliant manner, including in an intermedia comparison, we need standardised, evidence-based key figures as an industry standard. The Research Centre has set out to develop this standard and we are delighted to support this goal from the outset as a Pioneer Partner."

Christian Zimmer, Managing Director Teads: "Responsible media is essential to promote trust in brands, counteract misinformation and support quality journalism. It protects brands from inappropriate environments, creates sustainable digital ecosystems and provides a better user experience by ensuring ethical and transparent advertising practices."

Hamburg, Germany, 7 November 2024: The IU Research Center for Sustainable Media & Marketing (RCSMM) and the German Digital Industry Association (BVDW) are pooling their expertise to research and develop a "Value Media" standard. This new cooperation between research and practice is intended to establish transparent and well-founded standards in the media industry that support responsible media planning. 

"Through the cooperation with the BVDW and the scientific expertise of the IU Research Center, we ensure that the scale development is based on neutral, fact-based research and that the requirements of various stakeholders are taken into account," says Prof. Dr Lisa-Charlotte Wolter, Head of the IU RCSMM and Professor and Head of the Online Marketing programme at IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU). 

 

Dr Moritz Holzgraefe, Vice President of the BVDW, emphasises: "At the BVDW, we are already working on the topic of sustainable digital advertising across all segments of the digital economy. We are all united by the goal of strengthening sustainability in all its facets. Together with IU and through independent research, we are now taking the next necessary steps to create standards that build long-term trust and promote sustainability in media planning. The aim of our collaboration is to pave the way for fact-based and fair market approaches." 
 

About the IU Research Centre for Sustainable Media & Marketing 

The IU Research Centre for Sustainable Media & Marketing (RCSMM) arose from the growing need for transparent framework conditions and standards in the media and communications industry to make responsible decisions in media planning measurable and support them. RCSMM studies show that such standards must be scientifically sound, especially in the case of a socially relevant evaluation object such as media. The establishment of these standards is seen as a joint task that should be realised in close cooperation with practitioners - including media companies, marketers, media agencies and advertisers as well as associations such as the BVDW. Cooperation with these stakeholders ensures that the "Value Media" standards developed meet with broad acceptance and can be integrated into media planning programmes in a practice-oriented manner. 

The RCSMM also works with international research partners such as the University of Florida, which is one of the leading research institutions in the media sector. "Globally oriented standard development is essential in order to meet the requirements of internationally operating companies and our media reality with global players such as Google or Meta," says Prof. Dr Lisa-Charlotte Wolter. 

Programme and event information 

You are cordially invited to the kick-off event "Shaping the Future: Sustainable Media and Marketing Strategies Through Innovative Integration of ESG, AI, and Value Media" on 26 November 2024 at the IU International University of Applied Sciences campus in Hamburg, Waterloohain 9, 22769 Hamburg. Starting at 2 pm, you can expect four hours of inspiring discussions and insights into the latest developments on sustainable and transparent standards in the media industry - presented by leading experts from research and practice. 

Programme highlights: 

• Welcome & Opening by Alex Čaičics, ESG Manager at IU, and Prof. Dr Lisa-Charlotte Wolter, Head of the IU RCSMM 
• Keynote speech by Prof. Dr Sylvia Chan-Olmsted (University of Florida) on "Value Media & AI that Enhances Human Value" 
• Panel discussion, moderated by Dr Moritz Holzgraefe (BVDW) on "Responsibility for a sustainable media landscape - what solutions does the industry provide and how do we take action?" 
• Presentation of the IU Research Centre for Sustainable Media & Marketing 
• Opportunity to network with scientists and industry experts 
   

Secure your place now 

The number of participants is limited, so make sure you secure your place in good time. 
Participation is free of charge. 

For further information or questions please contact: 

Prof. Dr Lisa-Charlotte Wolter 
IU Research Centre for Sustainable Media & Marketing 
lisa-charlotte.wolter@iu.org 

We look forward to welcoming you on 26 November. 

Information on the IU Research Centre for Sustainable Media & Marketing can be found here.

Erfurt, 28 October 2024. At the opening keynote of the Microsoft AI Tour 2024 in Berlin, Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, presented examples of the use of artificial intelligence in German companies. As example for the use of AI in the education sector, he highlighted the IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU) as a pioneer in Germany. 

The AI learning assistant Syntea has been in use at IU since October 2023, providing individual and personalised learning support for online studies. Syntea was developed by IU for students and uses the Azure OpenAI service. In the future, the learning assistant will also be available to students at the IU Copilot School featuring Microsoft in Microsoft 365 Copilot. 

The IU Copilot School was founded in June 2024 and combines academic education with the teaching of AI skills. Through the future integration of Syntea into Microsoft 365 Copilot, students will also acquire valuable AI skills such as AI prompting and data analysis. 

Further information on Satya Nadella at the Microsoft AI Tour 2024 in Berlin is available here in the Microsoft News Center.

IU Group joins Allianz für KI-Kompetenz in Deutschland 

At the AI event, which took place at the CityCube in Berlin, Agnes Heftberger, Corporate Vice President and CEO of Microsoft Germany, together with Satya Nadella, launched the ‘Allianz für KI-Kompetenz in Deutschland’. The aim of this initiative is to strengthen the German economy through a joint further training offensive in the field of artificial intelligence and to give employees access to necessary AI skills in order to secure Germany's innovation and competitiveness. 

The IU Group, the parent company of IU International University of Applied Sciences, has already joined the ‘Allianz für KI-Kompetenz in Deutschland’. 

Further information on the ‘Allianz für KI-Kompetenz in Deutschland’ at the Microsoft AI Tour 2024 in Berlin is available here in the Microsoft News Center.

Dr Sven Schütt, CEO of IU International University of Applied Sciences and CEO of the IU Group, who spoke to experts on the customer panel, emphasises: 

“Generative AI tools will revolutionize the way we learn by unlocking the personal potential of learners across the globe. It enables individualized learning paths, tailored support, and deeper knowledge acquisition while opening new career opportunities. We are thrilled that Microsoft is partnering with IU to initiate a transformation in AI-powered learning with the IU Copilot School featuring Microsoft.”

Link  to the digital IU press kit.

Link to more information about the IU Copilot School featuring Microsoft.

Link to press release about the launch of IU Copilot School featuring Microsoft from 26 June 2024. 

Erfurt, 10 October 2024: Following its foundation in June 2024 with its focus on IT and technical subjects, the IU Copilot School featuring Microsoft (IUCP) welcomed its first students at the beginning of September. Now, IUCP will be expanding its range of courses to include ten new degree programmes in the fields of business and management, marketing and communication, human resources and law as well as design and media; these include programmes such as Business Administration (B.A.), Social Media (B.A.), New Work (B.A.) and UX Design (B.A.). The IUCP is thus pursuing the goal of making AI-supported learning interdisciplinary and accessible to a larger, AI-savvy target group. 

The IU Copilot School focuses on a holistic educational approach that enables students to combine the proven advantages of the IU distance learning programme, such as full flexibility, with the potential of the AI productivity tool Microsoft 365 Copilot. In the future, IUCP will offer more than 250 practice-oriented online programmes (bachelor's and master's) that impart state-of-the-art knowledge in forward-looking subjects such as Applied Artificial Intelligence as well as in subjects that are always in high demand, such as Business Administration or Social Media. 

AI skills for students of all disciplines 

The long-term goal of the IU Copilot School is for all students to study at a standardised AI competence level in the future. This includes even students who are not from IT or AI-related fields, ensuring that they also have access to essential AI skills.

"Key competences such as AI prompting, digital problem-solving skills and data analysis will soon be just as indispensable as today's MS Office skills. IU is a leader in teaching these future skills. Future graduates of the IU Copilot School who master these skills will gain a significant competitive advantage on the labour market," says Dr Sven Schütt, CEO of IU International University of Applied Sciences. 

Integrated in the future: Microsoft 365 Copilot and AI Learning Buddy 

Microsoft 365 Copilot helps students to largely automate repetitive tasks such as creating tables of contents and references. Copilot can also summarise content from lectures or live events (Teams meetings) and translate texts. The functions are integrated directly into MS Office applications, offering a simplified user experience so that students can create templates directly in Word or receive programming suggestions for external programmes such as Python in Excel. 

IU's personalised learning buddy, Syntea, will also soon be seamlessly integrated into Microsoft 365 Copilot. Syntea provides students with targeted support with knowledge tests, exam training and questions about course content. In the future, IUCP students will be able to use both AI tools in combination with MS Office to achieve their study goals even more efficiently. 

Overview of all ten new Bachelor's and Master's programmes by subject area: 

Business & Management 
• Business Administration | 180 ECTS | German | B.A. 
• Master of Business Administration | 90 ECTS | German & English | MBA 
• International Management | 180 ECTS | German & English | B.A. 
• Master of Business Administration | 60 ECTS | German & English | MBA 
• AI in Business | 180 ECTS | English | B.Sc. 
 

Marketing & Communication 
• Marketing | 180 ECTS | German | B.A. 
• Social Media | 180 ECTS | German | B.A. 
 

Human Resources & Law 
• New Work | 180 ECTS | German | B.A. 
 

IT & Technology 
• Business Informatics | 180 ECTS | German | B.Sc. 
 

Design & Media 
• UX Design | 180 ECTS | German | B.A. 

Further information on the IU Copilot School featuring Microsoft can be found at: 
https://www.iu-copilot.org/en/lp/copilot/ 

Press release on the founding of the IU Copilot School featuring Microsoft dated 26 June 2024: 
https://www.iu.de/news/en/iu-international-university-of-applied-sciences-launches-iu-copilot-school-featuring-microsoft/

Erfurt, 26 June 2024: IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU), Germany's largest university with more than 130,000 students, has launched the IU Copilot School (IUCP) featuring Microsoft. IU and Microsoft collaborate to make education more accessible with the help of AI and to provide students with the necessary future skills for the new age of AI. With the IUCP, IU is creating a new, unique higher education model that is tailored to students' individual abilities and optimally supports them in their personal academic progress using AI.
 

"We are proud to have Microsoft on our side as a partner for the democratisation of education in the coming AI era. With the creation of the IU Copilot School, we are making a paradigm shift in education that enables continuous and integrated learning. By using Microsoft 365 Copilot, we are improving the learning experience of students as they study and we prepare them with the skills they need for a future, in which we all work together with AI", says Dr Sven Schütt, CEO of IU International University of Applied Sciences.

“IU International University of Applied Sciences is a leader in the application of AI for personalised learning and the teaching of AI skills across all disciplines. With its seamless integration of Microsoft 365 Copilot, IU Copilot School impressively demonstrates the understanding of forward-thinking education and empowers future employees through the use of AI", explains Alexander Britz, Public Sector Lead at Microsoft Germany. 

Integrated learning with Microsoft 365 Copilot in more than 250 online courses 

The IU Copilot School will launch its first study programmes in the German market in October 2024. Candidates can apply now. With the launch of IUCP, students will have the opportunity to choose from existing IU online degree programmes, such as B.Sc. Applied Artificial Intelligence, with a focus on the use of the AI-supported productivity tool Microsoft 365 Copilot, including a license for Microsoft 365 and Microsoft 365 Copilot. IUCP prepares its future students for an integrated learning experience that equips them with useful skills in Copilot 's application throughout their studies. 

IU will successively integrate all suitable study programmes offered in distance learning into the IUCP. In the future, IUCP students will be able to choose from more than 250 bachelor's and master's programmes. 

IUCP combines formal learning and AI support 

Microsoft 365 Copilot provides an innovative learning experience for IUCP students: It combines formal learning focused on an educational goal with hands-on learning supported by AI. In addition, with M365 Copilot, students have the opportunity to be among the first in Europe to extensively use an AI tool that will be widely adopted by companies worldwide in the future. 

Microsoft 365 Copilot is directly integrated into the user interface of Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint. This allows IU Copilot School students to benefit from a variety of features in their everyday study life: The tool makes it easy to search and summarise information from various sources in the Microsoft ecosystem, for example in Teams channels or Outlook. In addition, Microsoft 365 Copilot supports students in the creation, formatting and translation of Word documents, PowerPoint presentations and Excel spreadsheets. In this way, Microsoft 365 Copilot not only serves as a source of inspiration and problem solving for students, but also promotes creativity in projects and tasks. 

Syntea and Microsoft 365 Copilot: the best of two AI worlds 

IU plans to fully integrate its self-developed Syntea into Microsoft 365 Copilot by the end of the year. This will allow IUCP students to seamlessly access all Syntea functions within the MS Office interface. With the help of the AI-powered learning companion Syntea, they will have direct support in the tool. Through interactive and personal conversations, Syntea will assist students to reach their individual learning objectives any time of the day. 

At the same time, IUCP students can profit from all the advantages of Copilot for Microsoft 365 and thus benefit from powerful language models such as the Microsoft Azure Open AI Service. 

Thanks to the close co-operation with Microsoft, the AI learning buddy Syntea will always make optimal use of the most advanced AI technology to personalise learning. IUCP will also adapt its learning offerings to the latest trends and skills of the AI era. 

Further information on the IU Copilot School featuring Microsoft at: 
https://www.iu-copilot.org/en/lp/lp-copilot/

Information on the benefits and functions of the AI learning companion Syntea at: 
https://www.iu-copilot.org/en/studies/syntea/

All previously published press releases from IU International University of Applied Sciences about Syntea at: 
https://www.iu.de/news/en/?h=1&t=Syntea 

ABOUT MICROSOFT  

Microsoft Deutschland GmbH, established in 1983 as a subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (Redmond, U.S.A.), employs over 3,000 employees in Germany across seven locations: Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Cologne, Munich, Stuttgart, and Walldorf. Together with our 30,000 partners in Germany, we support businesses with innovative solutions for the intelligent cloud and the Intelligent Edge, enabling them to thrive in the digital transformation and the era of artificial intelligence. Microsoft is also a global leader in areas such as productive AI-driven software solutions, IT security, innovative hardware, and development platforms based on open-source technology. Through our career network LinkedIn, we connect more than 950 million people worldwide, and with Xbox and Game Pass, we provide a cross-platform gaming experience. Microsoft invests in expanding AI infrastructure, cloud capacity, and the qualification of professionals in Germany. Collaborating with politics, economy, and academia, we participate in diverse initiatives and projects, ensuring that everyone can partake in the progress of the digital society.

Erfurt, Germany, 3 April 2024. On 1 April 2024, a far-reaching cooperation between two major players in the education sector will begin: The IU Academy, part of Germany's largest university, IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU), and Schülerhilfe, the leading provider of qualified education and tutoring services in Germany and Austria, are announcing their future cooperation. IU is significantly expanding its presence: in addition to the 39 existing IU Campus locations, students and continuing education participants of IU Academy will be able to learn at over 600 locations throughout Germany in the future. 

This step emphasises the joint commitment of both institutions to the highest learning standards and illustrates the mutual desire to make education more comprehensive and accessible. 

"Cooperating with such a strong partner as IU Academy is an absolute win-win situation for our students. IU and Schülerhilfe continue to be strong partners for the future of our graduates even after they have passed their school-leaving exams. Together with IU, we are opening up future prospects, as evidenced by the numerous positive responses to our first online information events. We see this cooperation as an excellent opportunity to make learning easier and to support the pursuit of higher education even better. Our aim is to show that we can achieve more together and that this step is just the beginning of a successful and fruitful partnership," says Dieter Werkhausen, CEO of Schülerhilfe.

Fit for your study and career choice: with a free online information event organised by Schülerhilfe and IU

In collaboration with IU Academy, Schülerhilfe will offer all school leavers guidance through their studies and careers from April 2024 on. What happens after the A-levels? This question will be answered during the free online information event. On 18 April 2024 at 4:30 pm, Schülerhilfe will once again be hosting a free online information event. It will provide initial guidance on choosing a course of study and career. At this event, school leavers will receive information about the general conditions, study options and departments at universities. In addition, coaching will be presented as an online orientation seminar.

Interested parties can register for the free information event at schuelerhilfe.de/iu.

IU Academy's continuing education programme, which is equivalent in quality and content to a university degree course at bachelor's or master's level, is aimed at employees who want to develop professionally and personally and prepare for the changing job world of the future. It is also aimed at jobseekers who want to improve their chances on the labour market through subsidised further training. The training costs for jobseekers are covered 100 per cent by the employment agency via an education voucher. IU Academy's online programme offers a flexible and independent learning experience without rigid lessons or fixed learning times. As a pioneer in e-learning, it is completely digitalised. The online campus is accessible around the clock and offers various learning formats such as podcasts and videos so that everyone can learn according to their own preferences.

"In addition, our learners at IU Academy now have access to our AI assistant Syntea. This innovation not only enables the individualisation of learning, but also positions Syntea as the first generative AI application of its kind in Germany to be used specifically in the field of continuing education – especially in subsidised continuing education. With Syntea, we are opening doors to a new era of learning and making AI-supported, personalised educational paths accessible to a larger target group," says Franziska Bader, Director of the IU Academy.

Since October 2023, Syntea has been supporting distance learning students at IU International University of Applied Sciences in almost all online courses as an AI learning companion. The approximately 4,000 students currently enrolled at the IU Academy can now also access Syntea via this online course system.

About the IU Academy

The IU Academy offers innovative, state-recognised online continuing education at the university level. It is part of Germany's largest university, IU International University of Applied Sciences, with over 20 years of experience in digital education. The IU Academy's continuing education courses support jobseekers, employees, people returning to work and career changers on their path to a future-proof job through certified continuing education courses with a focus on the labour market. IU Academy participants learn digitally, regardless of time and place, on a full-time or part-time basis and with personal support from coaches, career advisors and lecturers. Online students can learn and network on site, at any of the IU Academy's nationwide locations with free WiFi and learning areas.

About Schülerhilfe

Schülerhilfe is one of the leading providers of qualified educational and tutoring services in Germany and Austria and Germany's third-largest franchise system. It has been offering individual tutoring in small groups of three to five pupils for 50 years. Schülerhilfe offers tutoring in maths, German, English and many other subjects. Qualified and motivated tutors look after each pupil individually and help them to improve their performance in the long term. This is also confirmed by a scientific study by the University of Bayreuth. Schülerhilfe supports more than 125,000 pupils every year at around 1,100 locations. As an important private education service provider, Schülerhilfe offers a wide range of services, including tutoring, exam preparation and holiday courses. A quality management system, certified in accordance with DIN EN ISO 9001, serves to maximise quality and customer orientation. With success, as 94 per cent of customers are satisfied and would recommend Schülerhilfe to others. Consumers also voted the tutoring institute the test winner 2023 in Deutschlandtest. Further information at www.facebook.com/schuelerhilfe.  

Press Department
ZGS Bildungs-GmbH
Denise Kirchberger
presse@schuelerhilfe.de

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.

"People from all over the world study, work and teach at IU International University of Applied Sciences. Diversity and tolerance are the cornerstones of our coexistence and the basis for science and teaching. Education builds bridges, broadens horizons, supports democracy and promotes peaceful coexistence. Access to education is a strong foundation and should be possible for everyone. We are committed to this and wish for an open-minded, diverse and tolerant society for Germany and Thuringia as a centre of education," says Prof. Dr Holger Sommerfeldt, Rector of IU International University of Applied Sciences. 

Tolerance and cosmopolitanism are drivers for innovation, the exchange of ideas and the inclusion of all parts of society. This makes it even more important to protect these values. The "Weltoffenes Thüringen" initiative makes visible all those who are committed to the free and democratic basic order and is stepping up its educational work this year to highlight both the consequences of right-wing extremist politics and the opportunities and possibilities of a democratic society. It also makes it clear that political pressure from the right is a reflection of society and calls on politicians to take people's concerns seriously and offer practicable, sustainable solutions. 

Social media campaign #CultureOfEveryone to strengthen democracy 

IU International University of Applied Sciences is also committed to diversity, inclusion and tolerance within its own ranks with a "Culture of Everyone®" corporate culture. IU employees and students are currently demonstrating the importance of an open and respectful working and living environment in a self-initiated social media campaign. Under the hashtag #CultureOfEveryone, they are publishing posts in which they use personal stories to illustrate why this culture is so important to them. Everyone outside the university is also welcome to join this campaign to strengthen democracy. 

Dr Sven Schütt, CEO of IU, launched the campaign in a LinkedIn post and is leading by example (see LinkedIn post). All previous contributions to the #CultureOfEveryone campaign can be found at the following link: linkedin.com 

More information on the IU campaign and a statement by CEO Dr Sven Schütt on the university's democratic stance can be found in this press release. 

All information on "Weltoffenes Thüringen" at: 
https://thueringen-weltoffen.de/ 

Erfurt, Germany, 25 August 2023. IU International University of Applied Sciences (IU), the largest university in Germany, has started a partnership with DEHOGA Sachsen e.V. (The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Saxony) from October 2023. This means that IU is gaining the third largest state association with over 1,200 members and potential practice partners for dual studies, alongside DEHOGA Lower Saxony and DEHOGA North Rhine-Westphalia. The aim of the cooperation is to recruit and train dual students for the hospitality and tourism industry.

The day of the cooperation, the Chief Executive Officer of DEHOGA Sachsen e.V., Mr. Axel Klein, visited the IU location in Dresden. “The cooperation with IU underlines our commitment to promoting education and strengthening the competitiveness of our members. We are confident that this partnership will help to further drive the future of our industry and open new opportunities for all participants. By closely integrating theory and practice during their studies, it allows students to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to our companies. This collaboration encourages the creation and implementation of innovative concepts and solutions that will ultimately contribute to the sustainable growth of our industry.”

The cooperation includes various measures that go beyond simply reducing tuition fees. These include the joint publication of job advertisements, the organisation of events and excursions as well as the integration of employees from the partner companies into the teaching activities. This can be done through lectures, expert talks or as honorary lecturers.

About the dual study programme at IU

The dual study programme at IU offers students the opportunity to gain practical experience in a regional company in addition to theoretical lectures and seminars. This model allows students to apply their acquired knowledge directly into practice, either in a weekly rotation or a split-week model. The theoretical part of the study programme can be completed in different ways: traditionally on-site at the campus, through online teaching or also independently of a location via our virtual campus. More information on IU’s dual studies at: iu.de/en/dual-studies/.

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, 13 July 2023. IU International University (IU), the largest university in Germany, has four women from the German national football team competing now, one week before the start of the World Cup - for a joint marketing campaign. Under the title "IU Study Goals: Together for Success", the aim is to raise brand awareness for the IU. The campaign is aimed in particular at people who have had no previous contact with study, nor have they thought about it. Professional footballers Lea Schüller (FC Bayern München), Klara Bühl (FC Bayern München), Sydney Lohmann (FC Bayern München) and Nicole Anyomi (Eintracht Frankfurt), who are themselves studying at IU by distance learning, will act as IU ambassadors. In various media formats, they report on their everyday life as students and athletes and whet the appetite for the flexible learning opportunities offered by distance learning.

Increase brand awareness with short video clips and ads

The multi-stage marketing campaign starts with short video ads in which the players introduce themselves and their degree programme. Users are then addressed with further ads in which the players' motives for studying at the IU are told. The third step is a performance campaign via meta-platforms such as Facebook, Instagram & Co. A landing page picks up on the personal stories of the professional female footballers on the topic of combining career and studies and focuses on distance learning in a true-to-life way. The campaign page gives interested parties the opportunity to find out more about IU and its study programmes and to download information material. 

"We want to use the time shortly before and during the World Cup to increase brand awareness for IU and to awaken the desire to study in the Upper Funnel. For this purpose, we were able to win over four great female football players who found their way to IU out of their own motivation and want to recommend their distance learning programme to friends, acquaintances and strangers," says Alexander Krösser, Chief Marketing Officer at IU International University. "The young women are excellent testimonials who show how flexibly studies can be integrated into everyday working life and how important lifelong learning is in order to grow and fulfil oneself. This is exactly what we at IU want to encourage as many people as possible to do," says Krösser. 

Raffle of signed IU hoodies and footballs

Other measures during the campaign period include a competition via social media in which IU hoodies and footballs signed by the footballers are raffled off. Blog posts about the players will be published via Inside@IU, an online magazine for distance learning students. Interviews with the DFB women will be played out via YouTube. Additional reach will be generated with Instagram reels and collab posts. For user retention and maintenance, customer relationship management measures are planned in the form of mailings with content aimed at encouraging people to study at IU.

The marketing campaign was independently developed in-house by IU International University. It started on 7 July and will end after the FIFA Women's World Cup on 20 August 2023. Further information on the campaign can be found at iu-fernstudium.de/frauenfussballwm-2023.

For more information, background discussions or interviews with our experts, please contact our press team at: presse@iu.org.

• 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. 
 

The aim of the cooperation is to recruit and train students in dual studies, especially in the study programmes Tourism Management and Culinary (Food) Management. Students complete their theory and practice phases in weekly or semi-weekly alternation in presence, online on the virtual campus and in the member businesses of DEHOGA Nordrhein e.V. In the accommodation and gastronomic businesses, they pass through different departments and put into practice what they have learned during their studies. The study programme lasts three and a half years and the tuition fees are usually paid by the practice partner. 

Patrick Rothkopf, President of DEHOGA Nordrhein e.V. visited the IU location in Dusseldorf upon the signing of the cooperation agreement. "In order to expand our supportive offer in the field of vocational training for our member businesses, we are cooperating with IU International University of Applied Sciences. After all, there is a considerable portion of young people who are interested in the hospitality industry and at the same time would like to complete an academic degree. The offer, which is tailored to the needs of the students and the companies, speaks in favour of IU as a recognised and modern university," explains the association president.

"We expect that the majority of training will continue to take place in the classic dual vocational training, and even here, new training occupations were only created with the start of the previous training year. However, with the new additional offer, we found a promising complement," Rothkopf continues.

In addition to the discount on tuition fees, the joint placement of job advertisements, events and excursions, the cooperation also includes the involvement of employees of the member companies in the teaching, for example through expert talks or also as honorary lecturers. 

The dual study programme at IU International University of Applied Sciences alternates between theory and practice on a weekly or semi-weekly basis, which results in close ties to the company and the rapid implementation of course content. Students of the dual study programme at IU can choose from over 30 study locations throughout Germany. Some study programmes are also available on the virtual campus regardless of location. This ensures that practical partners far away from university locations can also promote the securing of skilled workers through attractive training offers with the dual study programme at IU International University of Applied Sciences. 

About DEHOGA Nordrhein e.V.
DEHOGA Nordrhein is the hospitality employers' and business association in the Düsseldorf and Cologne administrative districts and is based in Neuss. With around 5,500 member businesses between Emmerich and Bonn, it is the DEHOGA association with the largest number of members at district level in Germany.
 

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.