Frequently asked questions and answers

A dual studies programme has 180 or 210 credit points, depending on the degree programme and study model.

The study programme is characterised by the close connection between practice and theory. Thanks to the regular alternation between studying on campus and working in a company, you will be fully employable as a specialist and future manager immediately after graduation, as you will have already gained a wide range of practical experience in addition to the accredited degree. Small learning groups (max. 35 students) allow for each student to receive intensive support from the professors.

We have deliberately chosen not to impose a numerus clausus. Instead, you will have a personal IU interview with your student counsellor. You will talk about your wishes and your professional goals and together you will find out in which areas your strengths lie.

Here is an overview of our admission requirements:

Students with Abitur
Applicants with a general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur) or a subject-related higher education entrance qualification (Fach-Abitur) can be admitted directly to IU’s dual Bachelor’s programme.

Students without Abitur
You can enter the programme without a higher education entrance qualification (Fach-)Abitur if you meet one of the following requirements:

• Successful completion of professional training of at least two years and at least three years of work experience in the learned profession

• A Master’s craftsman certificate

• Successful completion of a training course to become a state-certified technician or a state-certified business manager

  
  

Applicants from abroad
As a foreign applicant, you must have a higher education entrance qualification equivalent to the German qualification. When applying, you must provide proof of German language skills at B2 level or higher. In addition, you will have an individual IU interview with your student counsellor.

Design aptitude test
In the Mediendesign and Architektur degree programmes, in addition to your university entrance qualification in accordance with § 68 (2) ThürHG, we also have to check whether this design degree programme is something for you in principle. We will also be happy to advise you on this and give you helpful tips on how you can demonstrate your aptitude for design during your further application process.

No, a classic apprenticeship is not part of the study programme.

The degree programme is characterised by a close combination of theory and practice. You study in a split week and regularly alternate between theory courses at the IU and practical phases in the company.

You complete the theory either with courses on campus (dual studies model) or with voluntary courses on campus or virtually via livestream (dual myStudium model) - depending on the degree programme and study location.

The dual studies Bachelor’s programme at IU has a duration of 3 years (6 semesters) or 3.5 years (7 semesters), depending on the degree programme and study model.

IU’s dual study programme offers you extensive practical and professional knowledge through the close connection with a practice company as well as the acquisition of an internationally recognised Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) or Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.).

All the current study programmes at IU’s dual study modality are accredited.

The courses are held in small groups (max. 35 students). This means that each student can receive intensive support from the professor. The content of the courses is taught using current teaching methods and modern technology.

No, you are welcome to choose a practice partner who is not at the same place you are studying. With our dual study programme and our virtual campus, you will be completely flexible and study from wherever you want.

The dual studies modality at IU includes degree programmes in the fields of Business & Management, Health & Social Services, Marketing & Communication, IT & Technology, Tourism & Hospitality and Architecture & Construction. You can find all the details about our degree programmes here.

Definition of “accreditation” in higher education: The recognition of higher education institutions or study programmes according to certain criteria. Institutional accreditation is carried out by the German Council of Science and Humanities for private universities applying for accreditation. Accreditation of study programmes at state-recognised higher education institutions is carried out by accreditation agencies, the principles for which are laid down by the Accreditation Council.

Goals of accreditation in higher education:

• Ensure quality of teaching and studies in order to contribute to faculty development

• Increase student mobility

• Improve the international comparability of degrees (note: accreditation does not in itself guarantee international recognition)

• Make it easier for students, employers and universities to find their way around the newly introduced Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes

• Increase the transparency of the degree programmes

Yes, you can choose any practice partner you want. If the company agrees, nothing will stand in the way of you successfully completing your study programme.

IU has study locations in 15 federal states of Germany. You can find us in:

• Baden-Württemberg: Freiburg, Karlsruhe, Mannheim, Ravensburg, Stuttgart, Ulm

• Bavaria: Augsburg, München, Nürnberg, Regensburg, Würzburg

• Berlin

• Brandenburg: Potsdam

• Bremen

• Hamburg

• Hessen: Frankfurt, Kassel

• Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Rostock

• Niedersachsen: Braunschweig, Hannover

• Nordrhein-Westfalen: Aachen, Bielefeld, Bochum, Bonn, Dortmund, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Essen, Köln, Mönchengladbach, Münster, Wuppertal

• Rheinland-Pfalz: Mainz

• Sachsen: Chemnitz, Dresden, Leipzig

• Schleswig-Holstein: Kiel, Lübeck

• Thüringen: Erfurt

  
  

You don’t have a suitable IU study location near you? Or you simply want more flexibility? With our virtual campus, you can follow your dual studies from wherever you want.

At IU, you will pay 0€ because your practice partner will cover your tuition fees.

You still haven’t found a practice partner by the start of the semester? Don’t worry! Your student counsellor will be happy to work with you to find a suitable solution.

Attendance is compulsory for lectures and seminars in the study model dual studies. This is recorded on corresponding attendance lists. In the dual myStudium study model, classes are optional.

Of course you are entitled to holidays during the practice stage at your chosen practice partner. There are no semester breaks in the classical sense. However, after the exam phases, you will have study-free periods in March and September, which are considered practice phases. The exact number of free days you are entitled to is specified in the relevant contracts with the company. The leave can only be taken during the practical phases in the company. Attendance is compulsory during the theory phases.

Depending on the programme, you will graduate with a state-accredited “Bachelor of Arts”, “Bachelor of Science” or “Bachelor of Engineering” degree.

Depending on the degree programme, our practice partners include travel agencies, tour operators and hotels, as well as tax consultants, auditors, manufacturing companies, logistics companies, social institutions, medical practices and marketing agencies. To find the best company for you, our student counsellors will discuss your wishes and interests with you.

As a student at IU’s dual studies programme in Germany, you are generally eligible for BAföG. You can find out whether you meet the relevant requirements on the official BAföG website. The trial study programme is not eligible for BAföG funding.

In principle, it is not possible to change companies. However, this may be granted at your own request or in exceptional situations. You should contact the student counsellor service as soon as possible.

Yes, IU offers a wide range of options for completing a Master’s degree:

• IU’s distance learning

• IU’s myStudium

Our tenured professors teach at our dual study programme. In addition to their academic achievements, they all have several years of professional experience in business practice. You can find an overview of our professors here.

In addition, we employ external lectures who are proven experts in their respective fields.

IU is a privately run university whose degree programmes are accredited but not financed by the state. For this reason, we have to charge fees for our study programmes. In our dual study model, these fees are usually covered by the company providing the practical training. In some cases a remuneration for the internship is also paid.

A dual study program at the virtual campus is perfect for you if:

• You don't have an IU study location near you or your dream study program is not offered locally.

• If you want to choose a practice partner in your desired region

• You want to study flexibly and still in one class

• You value personal support

At the virtual campus, you learn theory virtually. Instead of studying in a classroom, you attend live classes via videoconferencing.

What does not change:

• Fixed structures through a curriculum

• Support from your study advisory

• General conditions such as state recognition or admission requirements

In the Virtual Campus program, you are definitely not left on your own like in a self-study program, but instead, you complete it within a structured framework:

• You participate live and interactively in lectures via video conferences.

• You learn the theory based on a fixed curriculum.

• You can network with fellow students from all over Germany and meet them in person at on-site events.

For questions and concerns, your study advisor and study coaches will always provide personalized support.

It is possible to spend some time abroad, provided that:

• Your practice partner operates a location abroad

• Your practice partner agrees to a stay abroad.

  
  

Simply contact our student advisory service!

Alternatively, you can study in myStudium. You can plan a time out abroad without having to interrupt your studies.

If it is necessary for your studies or your practice partner would like to employ you in several of his branches, this is possible. Your studies on the virtual campus are completely flexible and you can study from wherever you want.

You can easily exchange information with your fellow students via video conferencing. This way you can network and work together:

• in study groups

• for group work

• for practical exercises

  
  

In selected cities, you can meet other IU students at our events and network with them.

With the dual study program at the Virtual Campus, you are flexible and can study from anywhere you want. You can choose your practice partner in your preferred region. Here's how we support you in finding a company:

• We have access to a network of over 15,000 practice partners.

• You will always communicate with your study advisor through the application portal.

• We offer free IU training and many tips to help you prepare for your application.

Do you already know a company where you'd like to complete your practical phases? Perfect! We're happy to assist you in reaching out to the company. For more information on finding a practice partner, check out our Practice Partner pages.

Currently, you can use our digital library, Library and Information Services (LIS), to access texts and books directly, anytime, and for free.

To use the virtual campus, you need a PC with an internet connection or other suitable internet-enabled devices. Although the provision of the necessary technical equipment is not included in the tuition fees, you will receive a free iPad if you enrol during our promotional period. This will also give you access to your learning tools anytime and anywhere.

To be able to use the virtual campus to its full extent, we recommend the following minimum system equipment:

Operating system

Microsoft operating systems: Windows 10 (or a more recent version)

Macintosh operating systems: Mac OS 11.0 (or a more recent version)

Processor: At least Duo Core, 2.4 GHz

Memory: at least 8 GB RAM memory, 5 GB free hard disk space

Internet access: Download at least 3 Mbit/s (or more, test here)

Browser

Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome (especially for online exams: Guardian Browser)

Plug-ins: Current Adobe Flash Player (latest version) and current Adobe Acrobat Reader (latest version)

Sound card (with loudspeakers/headphones and microphone)

Monitor resolution: at least 1366x768

Especially for online exams: ideally plug-in webcam

You can take your exams flexibly online or on-site at one of our study locations.

Oral exams, presentations and case studies are held via video conferencing. For the online exams on the virtual campus, we use a state-of-the-art infrastructure and have comprehensive know-how.

In some cities, we offer a semester ticket. Please check with our study advisor for more information before the start of your studies.

Simply complete our online application. You can upload the required documents directly there, or submit them later in our applicant portal:

• Curriculum vitae

• Application photo

• Last school report

We generally recommend that you apply early so that you have enough time to find a suitable practice partner. However, experience has shown that, despite the large number of students, there are still places available in some degree programmes even shortly before the application deadline. Therefore, even if you are looking for a place at short notice: Apply! Our student counselling service will then try to make it possible for you to study at your desired location or, if necessary, at a different location.

IU offers free IU trainings. We help you with optimising your application documents, learning the ideal way to approach companies and preparing for interviews. You can register for the IU training in our applicant portal.

First, you must fill out our non-binding online application. It’s very easy and only takes a few minutes. Then you will receive your login for our applicant portal by email. In the central application portal, we will guide you step by step through the rest of the process.

 
After we have checked your online application, we will invite you to the IU interview. We would like to learn more about your motivation for the course as well as your preferences and wishes.
 

Afterwards, we will start looking for a suitable practice partner. For this purpose, we draw on our network of 6,000 practice partners and also support you in your application to the company you chose. You will be in contact with your student counsellor in the applicant portal, receive tips and you will be able to register for IU training. 

As soon as you have found your practice partner, we will complete the formalities with you and you will start your personal success story at IU International University of Applied Sciences. You can find the application deadline under the respective degree programmes.

Foreign certificates must be translated into German by a sworn translator and the corresponding copy must be certified. This copy must show that the degree is comparable to the German entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences (“Fachhochschulreife”). Furthermore, the degree obtained must be recognised in Germany.

Address:

Ministerium für Innovation, Wissenschaft und Forschung des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen

PO Box: 40190 Düsseldorf

40221 Düsseldorf

Internet: https://www.mkw.nrw/

After you have submitted your application, you can contact our student counsellors at any time by email or phone.

You can find all contact details here.

Please stay in regular contact with your student counsellor. He or she will always be available to answer your questions and help you with further planning.

Of course, it is always possible to attend a lecture in advance. Please contact your student counsellor to arrange a suitable date.

Please speak to our student counsellors if you would like to get in touch with students. They will be happy to put you in touch with them.

At IU, there is no admission test for most degree programmes. Instead, you will have an IU application interview with us. During this interview, you talk to your student advisor about your wishes and career goals, and together you find out in which areas your strengths lie.

Design aptitude test

For the degree programmes in Media Design and Architecture, in addition to your university entrance qualification according to § 68 (2) ThürHG, we also have to check whether this design degree programme is something for you in principle. We will also be happy to advise you on this and give you helpful tips on how you can demonstrate your aptitude for design during your further application process.

Yes, for enrollment your insurance status must be reported electronically to us by your health insurance company. Therefore, please request the current health insurance certificate or the exemption from compulsory insurance (for privately insured students) from your health insurance company. Please request the document promptly, as the insurance status must be available electronically upon enrollment at IU International University. To be on the safe side, you can also request a confirmation of the electronic notification from your health insurance company and send it to your student advisor.

The applicant portal is our central portal for all aspects of the application process. After you have applied to us online, we will guide you step by step through the rest of the process. You will receive all the support you need from us:

• You can easily submit missing documents.

• You can find vacancies at our practice partners, register your interest and see whether a company would like to get to know you.

• You will receive valuable tips on finding a practice partner company.

• You will be in regular contact with your student counsellor.

• You will be able to see your current applicant status at any time.

After submitting your online application, you will receive an email from us with a link that you can use to set your own password.

You will then be redirected to the login page. You will be able to log in directly there.

Simply click on “Forgotten password” in the login page. You will then be able to reset your password and create a new one.

Where can I address any technical questions or problems?

If you have technical questions, for example, about logging in or uploading documents, please contact our support team at bewerberportal-dualesstudium@iu.org.

The CV generator creates a CV for your application in no time at all. To access it in step 2, you should complete step 1 in the application portal. Enter your knowledge & skills and tell us in the IU Study Match how you imagine your studies. 

The bachelor programmes are 180 credits.

No, a classic apprenticeship is not part of the study programme.

IU’s dual study programme offers you extensive practical and professional knowledge through the close connection with a practice company as well as the acquisition of an internationally recognised Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) or Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.).

All the current study programmes at IU are accredited.

The courses are held in small groups (max. 35 students). This means that each student can receive intensive support from the professor. The content of the courses is taught using current teaching methods and modern technology.

Definition of “accreditation” in higher education: The recognition of higher education institutions or study programmes according to certain criteria. Institutional accreditation is carried out by the German Council of Science and Humanities for private universities applying for accreditation. Accreditation of study programmes at state-recognised higher education institutions is carried out by accreditation agencies, the principles for which are laid down by the Accreditation Council.

Goals of accreditation in higher education:

• Ensure quality of teaching and studies in order to contribute to faculty development

• Increase student mobility

• Improve the international comparability of degrees (note: accreditation does not in itself guarantee international recognition)

• Make it easier for students, employers and universities to find their way around the newly introduced Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes

• Increase the transparency of the degree programmes

The study programme is characterised by the close connection between practice and theory. Thanks to the regular alternation between theory sessions at IU and working in a company, you will be fully employable as a specialist and future manager immediately after graduation, as you will have already gained a wide range of practical experience in addition to the accredited degree. Small learning groups (max. 35 students) allow for each student to receive intensive support from the professors.

The dual study programme at IU takes place in a split-week model (50% of the week practice and 50% of the week theory). You can find out more about this from our student counselling service or here.

No, you are welcome to choose a practice partner who is not at the same place you are studying. With our dual study programme and our virtual campus, you will be completely flexible and study from wherever you want.

Yes, you can choose any practice partner you want. If the company agrees, nothing will stand in the way of you successfully completing your study programme.

You still haven’t found a practice partner by the start of the semester? Don’t worry! Your student counsellor will be happy to work with you to find a suitable solution.

Of course you are entitled to holidays during the practice stage at your chosen practice partner. There are no semester breaks in the classical sense. However, after the exam phases, you will have study-free periods in March and September, which are considered practice phases. The exact number of free days you are entitled to is specified in the relevant contracts with the company. The leave can only be taken during the practical phases in the company. Attendance is compulsory during the theory phases.

Depending on the degree programme, our practice partners include travel agencies, tour operators and hotels, as well as tax consultants, auditors, manufacturing companies, logistics companies, social institutions, medical practices and marketing agencies. To find the best company for you, our student counsellors will discuss your wishes and interests with you.

In principle, it is not possible to change companies. However, this may be granted at your own request or in exceptional situations. You should contact the student counsellor service as soon as possible.

Our tenured professors teach at our dual study programme. In addition to their academic achievements, they all have several years of professional experience in business practice. You can find an overview of our professors here.

In addition, we employ external lectures who are proven experts in their respective fields.

In the IU application portal you will find vacancies in our large network of practice partners. There you can also register your interest directly and see whether a practice partner would like to get to know you.

However, you are not on your own, but work together with your student counsellor to find a suitable practice partner.

No, you are welcome to choose a practice partner who is not at the same place you are studying. With our dual study programme and our virtual campus, you will be completely flexible and study from wherever you want.

Yes, you can choose any practice partner you want. If the company agrees, nothing will stand in the way of you successfully completing your study programme.

You haven't found a practice partner by the start of the semester? The search for a suitable company can sometimes take a while and sometimes requires several applications. However, we are always available to advise you in this process and your personal study advisor will be happy to look for suitable solutions with you. 

If you are unable to find a practical partner, you can switch to our myStudies programme. In this study model, too, you will learn in a particularly practical way and in small groups. Since you are flexible in terms of time in myStudium, you can work part-time - for example as a student trainee.

When looking for a company, we draw on our network of over 15,000 practice partners and also support you in your application to other companies. You will be in contact with your student counsellor in the applicant portal, where you will receive lots of helpful tips and be able to register for free IU training. Do you already know a company where you would like to complete your practice phases? Perfect! We’ll be happy to help you approach said company.

Depending on the degree programme, our practice partners include travel agencies, tour operators and hotels, as well as tax consultants, auditors, manufacturing companies, logistics companies, social institutions, medical practices and marketing agencies. To find the best company for you, our student counsellors will discuss your wishes and interests with you.

Your practice partner not only provides recognition but also finances your private dual studies.

Some companies offer you additional compensation in the form of a salary. You will receive details about this during your interview with your personal study advisor in the IU application portal.

In principle, it is not possible to change companies. However, this may be granted at your own request or in exceptional situations. You should contact the student counsellor service as soon as possible.

If it is necessary for your studies or if your practice partner would like to employ you in several of his branches, this is possible. Optionally, you can study on the virtual campus completely flexibly and from wherever you want.

The IU Training offers you a variety of advantages. Together, we will work out the most important points that your application documents should cover. In addition, we will show you useful tools such as our CV Generator, with which you can create your resume in just a few steps. We will also give you tips on how to apply to companies, how to stand out and what you should pay attention to in order to have as much success as possible in the interviews.

As with the application process, we also support you in the matching process. This means that we keep you up to date on which companies we are in contact with. You, in turn, will give us regular updates on where you have applied.

If you and the company are interested, we will support you by preparing interviews, coordinating appointments and actively collecting feedback. If the interviews are successful, we will also be happy to coordinate the contract and actively help you with your enrollment. If you have any questions or concerns, your personal student advisor will be happy to assist you.