Maximise your learning
Benefit from supervised assignments, peer support and group work

Gain the skills you need for direct entry into a degree programme at IU
Have a university entrance qualification from your home country but don't quite meet our bachelor's programme requirements? If you want to learn on campus in Germany, the IU Pathway Programme can help you get started. We'll help you bridge the gap in your academic achievements while providing a seamless transition into life in Germany.
There's no reason to put your dreams on hold - kickstart your journey with the IU Pathway Programme today!
Full time
Taught on campus
April or October
12 months (2 semesters)
English
On campus: Cologne
From €6,900*
*Not including the one-time campus registration fee or transportation ticket, per semester (Deutschlandsemesterticket).

The IU Pathway Programme is a one-year bridging course which will help you gain the competencies you need to enrol in your desired degree programme with on-campus studies at IU. The course is designed to help you:
Develop communication skills in academic and business English
Build a solid foundation in economics and business application of maths
Get a head start in your future career with German language skills
Integrate seamlessly in Germany with understanding of its history and culture
Once you’ve completed the Pathway Programme, you will be able to start your desired bachelor’s degree programme in our on-campus study model at IU.
Benefit from supervised assignments, peer support and group work
Meet fellow students from 190+ countries, join student societies and clubs, and participate in events on campus.
Have 1-on-1 discussions with your personal or programme tutors and receive support if you face difficulties.
The IU Pathway Programme typically spans two semesters within one year. However, if you have a passing score on the TestAS*, you can skip the first semester and start directly in the second semester, saving you both time and money.
*Please note that TestAS is an external proficiency test not associated with IU and must be organised independently by you. We accept all passing results of the TestAS core test, regardless of the subject module.
Immerse yourself in a city surrounded by leading employers in the healthcare, automotive, technology, and media sectors. Cologne provides outstanding opportunities for networking, internships, and career development.
Enjoy the advantage of studying in Cologne, right on the banks of the Rhine River. You will benefit from an excellent public transport system, making it easy to navigate both the city and the wider European region.

Yes, the programme is taught full-time at our campus in Cologne. Find out more about our campus location in Cologne here.
You will need to have at least a non-direct university entrance qualification (which will be checked by our team via Anabin) to be eligible for the Pathway Programme.
We accept the following English language skills certificates*:
IELTS (at least 6.0 points)
TOEFL (at least 80 points)
Cambridge certificate (B2 First with min. score of 169)
*Proof of English proficiency must be submitted before the start of your studies and must be no older than two years.
Alternative ways to prove your English language skills:
Citizenship: If you are from a country where English is the official and educational language, your passport can serve as proof of English proficiency.
No, the Pathway Programme is only available to students enrolled in our bachelor's degree programmes with on-campus learning in Cologne.
With our on-site learning model, you get the unique opportunity to attend in-person classes, enjoy campus life in Germany, study closely with your peers, and talk to your tutors up close and personal, while also complementing your studies with our digital tools.
No, the IU Pathway Programme is a non-official bridging course solely designed to prepare you for our bachelor’s degree programme with on-campus learning at IU.







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