- IUBH is now IU International University of Applied Sciences, renamed in 2021 and headquartered in Erfurt
- It is Germany's largest state-accredited university, with over 130,000 students from more than 190 countries
- On-campus bachelor tuition is around EUR 6,831 per year, and IU holds a QS five-star rating.
What Is IU International University of Applied Sciences?
IU International University of Applied Sciences, formerly IUBH Bad Honnef-Bonn, is a private German university founded in 1998 and renamed IU in 2021. State-recognised since 1999 and headquartered in Erfurt, it teaches business, management, technology and health programmes on campus, online and through dual study, largely in English.
The university began life in the town of Bad Honnef, near Bonn, before growing into a nationwide institution. It changed its name to IUBH International University of Applied Sciences in 2017 and then to IU International University of Applied Sciences in 2021. Today its focus is career-oriented education delivered flexibly across on-campus, online distance-learning and dual-study formats.
How Big Is IU and Where Are Its Campuses?
IU is Germany's largest state-accredited university, enrolling over 130,000 students from more than 190 countries. It operates around 37 campus locations across Germany plus a virtual campus, with study centres in cities such as Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Cologne and its original Bad Honnef site near Bonn.
- Over 130,000 enrolled students, making IU Germany's largest state-accredited university.
- Students and staff from more than 190 countries create a strongly international, English-speaking environment.
- Around 37 campus locations across Germany, alongside a fully virtual campus for online learners.
- A network of over 15,000 business partners supporting internships, projects and job placements.
What Programmes Does IU Offer?
IU offers more than 250 Bachelor, Master and MBA programmes across business, management, IT, data science, health, tourism and hospitality. Study formats include on-campus, fully online distance learning and dual study combining work with study. Many degrees are taught entirely in English, making them accessible to international students worldwide.
| Study Format 2026 | Example Bachelor Programmes | Example Master Programmes |
|---|---|---|
| On-Campus | International Management, Data Science, Computer Science | International Management, Data Science, Cyber Security |
| Online / Distance Learning | Business Administration, Marketing, IT | MBA, General Management, Human Resource Management |
| Dual Study | Business Administration, Tourism, Social Work | Not applicable |
How Much Does IU Cost in 2026?
On IU's official page, an on-campus Bachelor (240 ECTS, four years) costs about EUR 20,910 in total after discount, roughly EUR 6,831 per year. On-campus Masters range from EUR 10,080 to EUR 16,600. A one-time EUR 1,500 registration fee and an EUR 208.80 semester ticket apply.
| Programme (On-Campus) 2026 | Tuition After Discount | Indicative Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor (240 ECTS, 4 years) | EUR 20,910 total | About EUR 6,831 |
| Master (120 ECTS) | EUR 16,600 total | About EUR 8,134 |
| Master (60 ECTS) | EUR 10,080 total | Not applicable |
| One-time registration fee | EUR 1,500 | Not applicable |
| Semester ticket | EUR 208.80 per semester | Not applicable |
IU applies discounts to its list prices, so the figures above reflect the reduced totals shown on the official tuition-fees page. Online distance-learning tuition is priced separately, typically on a per-month basis, and varies by programme length. Always confirm the exact fee for your chosen programme and start date directly on IU's official website.
How to study abroad for free or cheaplyRead →Is IU Accredited and Well Ranked?
Yes. IU has been state-recognised since 1999 and institutionally accredited by the German Council of Science and Humanities, reaccredited in 2021. Its programmes are system-accredited by FIBAA, which awarded a Premium seal for digital education. IU was also the first German university to earn a QS five-star rating, scoring 99 out of 100.
Accreditation matters because it confirms that IU's degrees are officially recognised in Germany and across the European Higher Education Area. World Education Services considers IU qualifications comparable to accredited North American institutions, and the university has also performed strongly in the CHE University Ranking, winning top ranks in several business-related categories.
Who Should Consider Studying at IU?
IU suits international students wanting affordable, English-taught, career-focused degrees in Germany with flexible on-campus, online or dual-study options. Its network of over 15,000 business partners supports internships and placements. Working professionals benefit from distance learning, while campus students gain access to Germany's post-study work opportunities within the European Union.