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How to apply

How to get started

How our application process works

1. Get to know us and our programmes

If you’ve come to our website, that probably means you’re interested in getting a university degree. But you might not know which degree exactly, and you’re looking for more information before you make a decision. 

That’s why our website is full of useful information, to help you make an educated decision that help you achieve your professional goals. You’ll find detailed information about each programme we offer through the navigation menu at the top of each page, in addition to general information about IU, our graduates, and how studying with us can help transform your career. 

Still finding it hard to make a decision? Maybe these would help: see our list of accreditations and awards, read some of our student testimonials or maybe even chat with one of our students directly. 

So read up, and choose the right study programme you want to sign up for. 

2. Choose your programme

Now that you got to know us and what we offer a bit better, and you know which degree you want to get, you can request our free of charge information material. Fill in your details in the form that’s a part of any of our study programme pages, or click on the “request free information” button at the top, and you’ll get a personally generated brochure with all of the facts and figures about your studies, delivered straight to your inbox. 

If you still have a question that you can’t find the answer for in the information material, you could either: 

  • Talk to one of our study advisors. After you get the e-mail from us, one of our study advisors will call you within 24 hours, to help you out in case you have any questions. You can also just reach them on your own, if you prefer.
  • Visit our FAQ section
  • Or attend one of our upcoming webinars – they're free of charge, you just need to sign up in advance.

Once you have all of the information you need, and you’re ready to start, the next step is to fill out our online application form.  

3. Apply online

You can either fill out your application form with the help of our study advisors during your phone call, or at your own time and on your own, by using the “apply now” button at the top right corner of our website. 

The online application form will guide you through every step of the process, but if you still have any questions – you can always reach out to our study advisors

4. Submit your contract

Once you’ve submitted your application form, we will generate your personalised contract. Read through it and accept the terms.

The contract contains your study fees, starting date, and a checklist of the documents you need to submit. It also includes the terms and conditions of your participation.

5. Start your studies

On your study start date, you will receive an e-mail with your login details to all of the systems you’ll be using during your studies:

  • The IU Learn app
  • myCampus, where you’ll register to courses, get updates, and have access to events
  • Your student e-mail
  • Your free MS Office suite, including TEAMS, where you can chat with students and tutors

And, after you start your studies:

document management concept with icons on virtual screen

6. Submit your documents

The documents you need to submit depend on your study programme, and are indicated on the programme page on our website (under admission requirements), in our free information material and on the checklist in your contract.

You can use your personal upload page to upload most of your documents – the link can be found in the e-mail you received along with your contract – but a few of them need to be sent to us via post.

You’ll get a full detail of everything you need to send and how to send it via e-mail, once you’ve accepted your contract terms. Need help or have a question about the requirements? Our study advisors will be happy to assist.

If we need any additional documents, or if you do not meet the admission requirements, you will be notified by our admissions team.

If you do not send us everything that’s required, or if your documents do not meet our requirements, you will not be able to complete your studies.

If you’ve submitted your documents in full, congratulations! You’ll now be able to complete your studies

That’s it – now you have everything you need, and the time has come to start your exciting academic journey! But don’t worry, you’re not on your own. Our study coaches are available at the click of a button, to support you throughout your entire studies. 

You can also use a wide variety of career support services during your studies, such as job interview preparation sessions or resume building workshops.  

In the meantime, why not familiarise yourself with the professors in charge of your degree programme? 

Good luck, and welcome to IU! 

Entry requirements - All you need to know

In order to meet the IU admission requirements, you’ll need to first choose your study programme, as the requirements differ depending on your programme and its ECTS credits model.

Some programmes require previous professional experience, while others require a previous degree in a relevant field or a secondary school diploma. When looking at the study programme page you’re interested in, scroll over to or click on the “Admission” section. That’s where you’ll find in-depth information on the academic requirements you need to fulfil when applying.

If you don’t meet some of the admission criteria – don’t worry! You can contact our Study Advisory Team, who will offer solutions on a case-by-case basis, and help you apply to the right Bachelor or Master study programme for you.

Here’s a list of what you’ll need to start your studies with IU. You can find our admissions policy here.

Bachelor study programmes entry requirements

Bachelor study programmes

The admissions documents must be provided in English or German. If they were not issued in one of these two languages, a translation is required. If you need to translate your documents, we can help refer you to our trusted translation partners. You can find more details here

General academic requirements

  • Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate, such as A-Levels, IB Diploma, or a high school diploma, and your transcript of records.
  • A subject-related higher education entrance qualification.

Depending on your qualifications, you might have to meet additional requirements, such as successfully passing a university entrance examination or one of our preparation programmes, to make sure you are ready to study with us.

Please get in touch with our Study Advisory Team to find out the exact requirements applicable to your application.

English language skills

Depending on your personal circumstances, you might be required to provide proof of your English language proficiency. Your skills would need to match the B2 level of the Common European Framework (CEF). 

We accept the following English language skills certificates: 

  • TOEFL (minimum 80 points) or 
  • IELTS (minimum Level 6)* or 
  • Duolingo English Test (minimum 95 points) or 
  • Cambridge Certificate (minimum Grade B) 

Is English your native language, or have you graduated from an English-speaking school or university? Then you do not need to prove your English language proficiency. 

Get in touch with our study advisors for more details.

*Proof must not be older than five years. 

Online degree saver programme

Apply for the online Degree Saver programme and receive a discount on your tuition fees. 

Please get in touch with our Study Advisory Team for more details. 

General academic requirements

  • Higher Secondary School Leaving Certificate, such as A-Levels, IB Diploma, or a high school diploma, and your transcript of records.
  • A subject-related higher education entrance qualification.

Depending on your qualifications, you might have to meet additional requirements, such as successfully passing a university entrance examination or one of our preparation programmes, to make sure you are ready to study with us.

Please get in touch with our Study Advisory Team to find out the exact requirements applicable to your application.

English language skills

Depending on your personal circumstances, you might be required to provide proof of your English language proficiency. Your skills would need to match the B2 level of the Common European Framework (CEF). 

We accept the following English language skills certificates: 

  • TOEFL (minimum 80 points) or 
  • IELTS (minimum Level 6)* or 
  • Duolingo English Test (minimum 95 points) or 
  • Cambridge Certificate (minimum Grade B) 

Is English your native language, or have you graduated from an English-speaking school or university? Then you do not need to prove your English language proficiency. 

Get in touch with our study advisors for more details.

*Proof must be provided before the start of the study and must not be older than five years.

Earn a high school diploma and start your Bachelor’s degree – at the same time!

Don’t have a high school diploma? Have one, but your grade average doesn’t meet our admission requirements? We have a solution for you! 

With A-Levels, you can earn a high school diploma and start working towards your future Bachelor’s degree – at the same time.

Visit our A-Levels page for more details. 

Master and MBA study programmes entry requirements

Master study programmes

In order to study for a Master’s degree at IU International University of Applied Sciences, you need to have completed an undergraduate degree – for example, a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent diploma. Certificates for degrees completed outside Germany must be sent along with a copy that has been translated into German or English. Some Master’s degree programmes also have special entry requirements.

Please note that some study programmes have special entry requirements (e.g. previous degree in a specific field, requisite work experience or previous knowledge in certain subject areas). You can find up-to-date information about entry requirements on our website by visiting the study programme of your choice and looking under “entry requirements”.

The admissions documents must be provided in English or German. If they were not issued in one of these two languages, a translation is required. If you need to translate your documents, we can help refer you to our trusted translation partners. You can find more details here

Academic criteria

Completed degree from a public or officially recognised university/higher education institution*.

  • For 60-ECTS programmes, you will need to have already acquired 240 ECTS credits.
  • For 120-ECTS programmes, you will need to have 180 ECTS credits.
  • At least a “satisfactory” or Grade C equivalent earned in your previous education.

*For some master programmes, you will need to have achieved your undergraduate studies in a relevant field, gain one year of professional work experience, or previous knowledge in certain subject areas before reaching 50% of your ECTS. You can take a look at the dedicated page of your desired programme for more information.

Work experience as credit points

If you do not meet the minimum required ECTS credits from your undergraduate degree in order to be accepted to your desired study programme, but have relevant work experience in the field, you can have your work experience recognised as credit points.

For each year of proven work experience in the field, you’re recognised as having earned 30 ECTS credits. This option is only available for up to two years of experience (60 ECTS credits).

Please note – the work experience you use in order to bridge the ECTS credits requirements is not considered to be official ECTS credits, and is only relevant for your specific study programme at IU.

Applying for a Master’s Programme with a Non-Subject Related Undergraduate Degree

For some Master’s programmes, having a subject-related undergraduate degree, or one with a focus on a specific topic, is required.

However, in some cases, even if you do not meet this requirement, you can still apply. In order to be successfully enrolled as a student in the programme, you will have to not only successfully complete 50% of your courses in 50% of your study contract duration, but also complete 2 specific, mandatory courses during this time period.

In addition, the rest of the general admission requirements must be met.

To find out more about how this process works, please get in touch with our Study Advisory Team.

English language skills

Depending on your personal circumstances, you might be required to provide proof of your English language proficiency. Your skills would need to match the B2 level of the Common European Framework (CEF). 

We accept the following English language skills certificates: 

  • TOEFL (minimum 80 points) or 
  • IELTS (minimum Level 6)* or 
  • Duolingo English Test (minimum 95 points) or 
  • Cambridge Certificate (minimum Grade B) 

Is English your native language, or have you graduated from an English-speaking school or university? Then you do not need to prove your English language proficiency. 

Get in touch with our study advisors for more details.

*Proof must not be older than five years. 

Online degree saver programme

Apply for the online Degree Saver programme and receive a discount on your tuition fees. 

Please get in touch with our Study Advisory Team for more details. 

Academic criteria

Completed degree from a public or officially recognised university/higher education institution*.

  • For 60-ECTS programmes, you will need to have already acquired 240 ECTS credits.
  • For 120-ECTS programmes, you will need to have 180 ECTS credits.
  • At least a “satisfactory” or Grade C equivalent earned in your previous education.

*For some master programmes, you will need to have achieved your undergraduate studies in a relevant field, gain one year of professional work experience, or previous knowledge in certain subject areas before reaching 50% of your ECTS. You can take a look at the dedicated page of your desired programme for more information.

Work experience as credit points

If you do not meet the minimum required ECTS credits from your undergraduate degree in order to be accepted to your desired study programme, but have relevant work experience in the field, you can have your work experience recognised as credit points.

For each year of proven work experience in the field, you’re recognised as having earned 30 ECTS credits. This option is only available for up to two years of experience (60 ECTS credits).

Please note – the work experience you use in order to bridge the ECTS credits requirements is not considered to be official ECTS credits, and is only relevant for your specific study programme at IU.

Applying for a Master’s Programme with a Non-Subject Related Undergraduate Degree

For some Master’s programmes, having a subject-related undergraduate degree, or one with a focus on a specific topic, is required.

However, in some cases, even if you do not meet this requirement, you can still apply. In order to be successfully enrolled as a student in the programme, you will have to not only successfully complete 50% of your courses in 50% of your study contract duration, but also complete 2 specific, mandatory courses during this time period.

In addition, the rest of the general admission requirements must be met.

To find out more about how this process works, please get in touch with our Study Advisory Team.

English language skills

Depending on your personal circumstances, you might be required to provide proof of your English language proficiency. Your skills would need to match the B2 level of the Common European Framework (CEF). 

We accept the following English language skills certificates*: 

  • TOEFL (minimum 80 points)* or 
  • IELTS (minimum Level 6)* or 
  • Duolingo English Test (minimum 95 points)* or 
  • Cambridge Certificate (minimum Grade B)* 

Is English your native language, or have you graduated from an English-speaking school or university? Then you do not need to prove your English language proficiency. 

Get in touch with our study advisors for more details. 

*Proof must be provided before the start of the study and must not be older than five years.

Want to start today? Test 1 month for free!

Let your curiosity be your guide and test any Online Studies programme you like — no strings, no charges. Simply apply for your Online Study programme, unlock your access and get to your studies!

*The 1 month trial is only available for IU’s Online Studies programmes.
*If you decide not to study at IU, all you have to do is cancel your trial. Just make sure to do so within the first 30 days.

MBA study programmes

The admissions documents must be provided in English or German. If they were not issued in one of these two languages, a translation is required. If you need to translate your documents, we can help refer you to our trusted translation partners. You can find more details here

Academic criteria

Completed degree from a public or officially recognised university/higher education institution.

  • At least a “satisfactory” or Grade C equivalent earned in your previous degree.
  • Your undergraduate studies must amount to 210 ECTS credits to begin a 60-ECTS MBA.
  • Your undergraduate studies must amount to 180 ECTS to begin a 90-ECTS MBA.

Professional experience

  • You will need to have at least one year of professional work experience before starting an MBA programme (achieved after previous studies).
  • You can provide us a translation of your employment contract and your pay slip or you can ask your company to fill out this form in English, sign it, apply the company stamp and send it to us:

Proof of work experience (EN)
Proof of work experience (NL)
Proof of work experience (ES)
Proof of work experience (IT)
Proof of work experience (FR)

If your first degree is not specialised in a business-related field, you may still be admitted to our programme if your professional work experience is in business management. Admission to MBA programmes will then be decided on an individual basis following an interview with our academic staff.

English language skills

Depending on your personal circumstances, you might be required to provide proof of your English language proficiency. Your skills would need to match the B2 level of the Common European Framework (CEF). 

We accept the following English language skills certificates: 

  • TOEFL (minimum 80 points) or 
  • IELTS (minimum Level 6)* or 
  • Duolingo English Test (minimum 95 points) or 
  • Cambridge Certificate (minimum Grade B) 

Is English your native language, or have you graduated from an English-speaking school or university? Then you do not need to prove your English language proficiency. 

Get in touch with our study advisors for more details.

*Proof must not be older than five years. 

Online degree saver programme

Apply for the online Degree Saver programme and receive a discount on your tuition fees. 

Please get in touch with our Study Advisory Team for more details. 

Academic criteria

Completed degree from a public or officially recognised university/higher education institution.

  • At least a “satisfactory” or Grade C equivalent earned in your previous degree.
  • Your undergraduate studies must amount to 210 ECTS credits to begin a 60-ECTS MBA.
  • Your undergraduate studies must amount to 180 ECTS to begin a 90-ECTS MBA.

Professional experience

  • You will need to have at least one year of professional work experience before starting an MBA programme (achieved after previous studies).
  • You can provide us a translation of your employment contract and your pay slip or you can ask your company to fill out this form in English, sign it, apply the company stamp and send it to us:

Proof of work experience (EN)
Proof of work experience (NL)
Proof of work experience (ES)
Proof of work experience (IT)
Proof of work experience (FR)

If your first degree is not specialised in a business-related field, you may still be admitted to our programme if your professional work experience is in business management. Admission to MBA programmes will then be decided on an individual basis following an interview with our academic staff.

English language skills

Depending on your personal circumstances, you might be required to provide proof of your English language proficiency. Your skills would need to match the B2 level of the Common European Framework (CEF). 

We accept the following English language skills certificates*: 

  • TOEFL (minimum 80 points)* or  
  • IELTS (minimum Level 6)* or  
  • Duolingo English Test (minimum 95 points)* or 
  • Cambridge Certificate (minimum Grade B)*   

Is English your native language, or have you graduated from an English-speaking school or university? Then you do not need to prove your English language proficiency.  

Get in touch with our study advisors for more details. 

*Proof must be provided before the start of the study and must not be older than five years. 

Technical requirements

Technical requirements

As most – or all – of your studies will be carried out online, you’ll need some basic technological tools in order to study at IU Online University of Applied Sciences. These include a reliable Wi-Fi connection, a laptop or a PC and, for exams – an external webcam or a webcam mobile app on your smartphone or tablet.

We’ve prepared a list of the minimum specification requirements you’ll need, in order to ensure a smooth and enjoyable studying experience. The list covers the operating systems, browser and webcam models we recommend all of our students use.

If you have any questions regarding these technical requirements, please get in touch with our Study Advisory Team.

Minimum computer and webcam specifications required

Operating Systems (OS)

  • Microsoft: All operating systems from Microsoft Windows 7 onwards
  • Macintosh: All operating systems from Mac OS X version 10.5 onwards

Computer Hardware

  • Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo processor 2.0 GHz or faster
  • Memory: 1 GB RAM memory or more, 5 GB free hard disk space or more
  • Internet connection: Download speed of at least 3 Mbit/s or more (test your speed here)

Browser

  • Mozilla Firefox (latest version)

Browser Plug-ins

  • Adobe Flash Player (latest version)

Other

  • Adobe Acrobat Reader (latest version)
  • Sound card (with loudspeakers or headphones and a microphone)

Webcam recommendations

  • Please note: Using your laptop’s integrated camera is not allowed during exams.
  • Either use an external webcam, which is connected to your laptop/PC or
  • Connect a mobile device, for example your smartphone or tablet, via an app to your laptop/PC and use that as an alternative for the external webcam. We recommend apps like “DroidCam” (for Android devices) or “iVCam” (for iOS devices)

Feel free to use any webcam model that you find best. But if you’re looking for a recommendation, you can consider one of the following options:

  • LOGITECH C270
  • MICROSOFT LifeCam HD-3000
  • TRUST 16428 SpotLight Webcam Pro

Webcam use and positioning

  • The camera should be placed so that the keyboard, your hands and your face are visible from the side. You will be able to see your live image in your laptop, as is seen by the proctor platform. This will help you to adjust the camera position.
  • We recommend that you position your camera so that you are still visible if you slightly move/change positions during the exam.
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Personal counselling
Have any questions?

Visit our FAQ page or get in touch with our Study Advisors. You can also find information about the application process under our Become a Student page.

Personal counselling
Have any questions?

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