At IU International University of Applied Sciences, we’re redefining education for the digital age. With on-campus programmes taught in English, world-class teaching, and a global outlook, we help students unlock their potential and build careers with purpose.

### Our Mission and Vision

At IU, we support our students in achieving their academic goals with career-oriented, state-accredited education and comprehensive support services. As pioneers in digital learning, we achieve measurable improvements in study results by complementing personal support from our teaching and service staff with state-of-the-art technology.

By combining academic expertise, excellent student support and a focus on both specialist knowledge and transferable skills, we prepare our graduates for success in the global business world.

## IU's Timeline

Founded with the belief that education should be accessible and career-oriented, IU has grown into one of Germany’s largest and most innovative private universities. What started as a small institution has evolved into a global learning community that champions academic quality and practical relevance.

1998

### IU is Founded as IUBH

Is established in Bad Honnef, Germany, with a strong focus on hospitality and tourism management, with a mission to provide high-quality, career-oriented education.

2000s

### Expansion of Programmes

IU expands its academic offering to include business, management, and other in-demand fields—always with a practical, hands-on approach and strong industry links.

2010

### Embracing Digital Learning

Recognising the potential of online education early on, IU begins developing digital learning formats and infrastructure to offer greater flexibility for students.

2013

### Launch of Online Programmes

IU officially launches fully online degree programmes, making education more accessible to students worldwide. This move marks a turning point in IU's digital transformation.

2020

### Growth and Recognition

IU becomes one of Europe’s largest private universities, surpassing 100,000 enrolled students. The university gains national and international recognition for quality, flexibility, and digital innovation.

2021

### Re-named for a Global Outlook

The university is renamed IU International University of Applied Sciences, reflecting its international focus and growing global student community.

2023

### Syntea Launching

IU's innovates in digital tools for learning developing Syntea, an AI-powered teaching assistant designed to support our students, as it is specifically trained in our course materials.

2025

### Importance of In-person Teaching

IU enhances the on-campus experience by increasing in-person classes—while continuing to leverage powerful digital tools to give students the best of both worlds.

2025

### New Cologne Campus

In addition to its campus in Berlin, IU is opening a new campus in Cologne for international students. Future students can enrol to start their German academic journey in 2026.

## Our Offer

Here are some facts and figures that will assure you top-quality education:

### 130,000+

students from over 190 countries.

### 25+

years of expertise in higher education.

### 10

cutting-edge Bachelor, Master and MBA programmes with 15+ specialisations.

### 15,000+

business partners

### 7,000+

international alumni

### 96%

recommendation rate

## Our Campuses

In which of our two campuses do you want to study? Take a look at our offer and explore more about your future destination.

For 2026, our programmes for new students will be offered at the Cologne campus.

### Cologne Campus

- Live and study in a vibrant city where culture, history, and a welcoming student community help you grow personally and broaden your horizons.

- Benefit from Cologne’s central location with quick access to major economic hubs like Düsseldorf, Bonn, and Dortmund — giving you excellent chances for internships and career entry.

Explore Cologne Campus

### Berlin Campus

- Launch your career in Europe’s innovation capital: connect directly with Berlin’s thriving tech and start-up scene and gain hands-on experience with future-focused companies.

- Join a truly international community, allowing you to build global networks and prepare for a career without borders.

Explore Berlin Campus

## Guided by Industry Experts

Our Advisory Board comprises distinguished leaders from global corporations, innovative start-ups, and renowned academic institutions who provide strategic guidance to ensure our programmes remain at the forefront of education and industry needs.

Meet Our Advisory Board

## Our Quality and Top-Level Education Recognitions

IU has its headquarters in Erfurt (Thuringia, Germany) and is recognised there and the campuses in Cologne, Bad Honnef and Berlin are branches. All our programmes meet rigorous academic standards set by top accreditation bodies. Our commitment to quality is reflected not only in our curriculum but also in our teaching excellence, student support, and digital innovation.

More about our quality

## Which IU is Right for You? Understanding IU.org and IU.de

Although both IU.org and IU.de are part of IU International University of Applied Sciences, they serve different student needs, so choosing the right one depends on your study goals, language preferences, and career plans.

IU.org - For international students
Location: On-campus studies in Berlin or Cologne, with in-person lectures each week.

- All programmes are taught in English

- Bachelor’s, Master’s, and MBA degrees in fields like business, IT, data, and management, focused on practical skills and employability.

- Strong industry links, personalised career support, and eligibility for Germany’s 18-month post-study work visa.

IU.de
– For German-speaking students
Programmes are mainly in German, with flexible formats:

- Fernstudium (fully online),

- myStudium (hybrid), and

- Duales Studium (work-integrated). Ideal for those balancing study with work or seeking a broader subject range within Germany.

In short:

- IU.org = English-taught, on-campus studies in Germany with a strong career focus and post-study work opportunities.

- IU.de = Primarily German-language, flexible study options — with some English-language online degrees available through Fernstudium.

With an IU degree, the sky is the limit

Don’t settle on your education. With IU, you get an award-winning education that’s recognised around the world, all at an affordable price. Join 130,000+ IU students from all over the globe and choose the right programme for you from our degree portfolio.

Discover Bachelor Programmes Discover Master Programmes Discover MBA Programmes

## Stronger Together

Our global partnerships are at the heart of what we do. Whether through academic alliances like the IU Oxford Certificate Programme or collaborations with international bodies such as UNESCO and WES, we are committed to providing our students with high-impact learning experiences and worldwide recognition.

We also work hand-in-hand with a growing network of over 400 trusted agents and strategic partners. These collaborations ensure that prospective students around the world can access personalised support, practical tools, and flexible study pathways.

Explore our partners

### Embracing Diversity at IU

“Variety is the very spice of life, That gives it all its flavor.”

William Cowper's poem, “The Task” (1785)

At IU, we believe strongly in equal opportunity for all. The concept of diversity and gender equality is and has always been a core pillar of the organisation and shapes our working and studying culture.

Aside from increasing the number of female students, professors, and lecturers, we do our best to adapt our study options to meet our students’ needs, especially those with disabilities or from under-represented groups – so you can complete your degree without worries.

Need help? Simply reach out to our Student Services Team or our Examination Office Team for assistance.

## Award-winning education at IU

## Do you have any questions?

Visit our FAQ page or get in touch with our Study Advisors.

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