FAQs

Get to Know IU

Where is IU based?

IU is based in Germany; we have one campus in Berlin and another in Bad Honnef. Check out the Our University page for more information. 

Are IU study programmes accredited?

All our current study programmes are state-accredited and approved by the German Science Council and the state of Thuringia, and are in line with the European ECTS credits accreditation framework (the Bologna process).  

IU is also able to independently accredit new programmes in accordance with the legally defined quality standards of the German government, as we have been given the status of system accreditation.  

IU International is certified by FIBAA, assuring the quality of teaching and material. We are also listed on the European Quality Assurance Register (EQAR). 

You can find more detailed information on the IU Accreditations & Rankings page. 

How can I ensure that my diploma is accepted in my country? Is it really accredited and recognised everywhere?

All of the degree programmes we offer are planned and monitored under strict conditions and adhere to both German academic standards and international ones, in line with the principles of the Bologna Process. This ensures that our degrees and the ECTS credits are graduates earn are internationally recognised. 

Some countries and professions might require additional accreditation processes. To assist you in such a case, we will be happy to issue a copy of the Europass Diploma Supplement, in English. 

Does IU have any company partnerships?

IU has an extensive network of corporate partners and collaborations, enabling an exchange of knowledge and contacts which benefit our students. Check out Our Network of Partners page for more.

Is IU partnered with any other universities?

IU has a large university network of partner institutions across the world.

Getting started

What admission requirements apply?

IU’s admission requirements depend on the study programme you are interested in. You can find the exact requirements for each programme listed on the page of each respective study programme, but if you’re looking for a general outline of our admission requirements, you can find it under the question “What documents do I need to prepare for my admission?” In this FAQ.  

How does the application process work?

Once you’ve chosen the study programme you want to take, and checked that you meet the requirements, the next step is submitting your online application.

It’s quick and easy to do: just fill out the online application form. At the end of your online application, a personal contract will be made available for you. Now all you have to do is read through it, and – if you accept the terms – simply submit it online by clicking on the link provided with it.

You can upload your admission documents when you submit your contract, or you can do it later. Our admissions team will then check them to determine whether you are indeed eligible to start your desired study programme.

Once your starting date arrives, you will receive credentials to log in to your virtual campus and can begin your studies under the status of a participant. To become a fully enrolled student, you will need to submit your documents and, if you start via the Online Degree Saver Programme, also complete 50% of your credit points.

If some documents are still required, our admissions team will let you know by e-mail. If all documents are complete and you are eligible for the desired study programme, you will be able to finish your studies. For more detailed information about the application process please click here.

What documents do I need to prepare for my application?

Relevant documents that are needed for admission to a Bachelor's or Master’s programme can be found on our website in the respective page of your desired study programme.

In general, you will need to provide the following:

Via Upload:

  • Copy of either your degree certificate or high school diploma (or an equivalent university entrance qualification), depending on the programme you're applying for.
  • Copy of the Transcript of Records (with all of the modules taken in your previous institution [university, college, etc.] and grades).
  • Sworn (certified) translation of your university entrance qualification and Transcript of Records if your documents are not in English or German.*
  • Copy of your official photo ID (For data protection reasons, please black out all data fields with the exception of first name, surname, date of birth, expiration date and nationality.)
  • CV with details of education, studies and work experience.
  • Copy(s) of proof of professional work experience (e.g. job references/interim references, pay slips) - this is only required for some programmes.
  • Proof of English (not older than five years), e.g. TOEFL (min. 80 points), IELTS (min. Level 6), Duolingo test (min. 95 points), OR medium of instruction from your secondary school or university studies.

Sent via Post:

  • Certified copy of either your degree certificate or high school diploma (or an equivalent university entrance qualification), depending on the programme you're applying for. Alternatively, your documents can also be sent directly from the issuing institution via email to admission-online@iu.org.
  • Sworn (certified) translations of your degree certificate or high school diploma (or an equivalent university entrance qualification).*

*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 M21 Global. You can find more details here.

If you translate your documents via M21 Global, there’s no need to provide a certified copy of the translation, as this is done by them. You’ll only need to certify the original language version of your documents

How can I provide proof of my English 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
  • ELLT 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. 

What is the deadline to submit my documents?

Your application is complete as you submit your confirmation of the study contract’s terms and conditions. You can then start your studies on your chosen start date. 

However, to be fully enrolled, and be able to finish your studies, you’ll need to submit your application documents.   

IU allows you to submit your documents whenever you’re ready, but we strongly encourage you to finish this step as early as possible.

Is my pre-degree work experience valid?

Some of our Master and MBA programmes require work experience in a relevant field under certain circumstances. This must have been achieved after completion of your bachelor. Admission requirements for each course are available on course pages.  

When can I start studying?

Online: 
We guarantee IU online students maximum flexibility, so you can choose your own starting date in your application. On that day, we will send you the access data you need to begin.   

On Campus:  
We offer 2 to 4 intake dates per year, depending on the programme, but you can apply at any time. However, our on-campus programmes have fixed starting times. See the course pages for more.  

What alternatives do I have if I don’t meet the admission requirements?

IU International University of Applied Sciences is a German accredited university, which means we as an institution are bound by state regulations. To find out more about our accreditations, rankings, and degree recognitions, please visit our Accreditations & Rankings page. 

In case you don’t meet admission requirements, our study advisory team will provide you with the relevant requirements you will ultimately need to meet in order to be admitted. This may include, for example, completing free admission courses before starting your study programme – or choosing a different programme. 

How many of my previous semesters or classes can you recognise?

In total, we can recognize up to 50% of non-academic achievements – these include work experience, completed training periods, higher education etc. However, for academic achievements, we may recognize more than 50% if applicable.

The admission requirements for the programme I want to study mention having to take bridging courses for admission. How long will it take me to do them?

Some of our Master’s level study programmes require specific academic experience in a certain field, in order for you to start the programme.  

However, if you do not have that experience, but you meet all the other admission requirements, we offer you the possibility to take admission courses that cover that required knowledge. You’ll have one year to complete them successfully, and they are free of charge

Once you’ve successfully completed the courses, you’ll need to inform us, and we will then register you for your desired Master’s programme. 

Why do I need a contract?

Your approval of the contract lets us know that you formally acknowledge and accept our terms of service. For us to successfully register you to study at IU, the first step is for us to be sure that you know and understand what you’re signing up for

How can I apply to IU?

Simply click here and fill out the online application form. 

For a detailed breakdown of the application process, see the question How does the application process work? on this page. 

How long will it take me to get an answer about my application?

Once you’ve accepted your contract terms, your application process will automatically be done, and your studies can begin. 

As for your enrolment process, which requires that you submit your documents -  our admissions team will check your documents and get back to you as soon as possible. Please note that during periods of high volume of applications, this might take up to 1-2 weeks.

If you have any questions about the enrolment process, you can contact our study advisors.

Do I have to go to my local German embassy to get my documents certified?

No, you don’t have to go to your local German embassy. Any official with a notarized seal can certify your documents – it can be a notary or a local government office- 

Will I have to take an entrance exam?

Depending on the admission requirements, you might have to take an entrance exam or an admission course to start your programme. 


If you start your studies through the Online Degree Saver Programme, the entrance exam is included in the first half of your studies. Once you finish the first half successfully, you’ll also pass the entrance exam. 

Our admissions team will let you know if you need to take an entrance exam; you can send your documents for a pre-check (it’s free of charge) or simply start the application process, upload your documents and wait for a reply. 

What is the proof of eligibility to study at a university in Germany?

Depending on the country you come from, you might need to meet an additional entry requirement, like completing an admission course. These requirements are determined by the German ministry of education, and as a state accredited university, we are committed to its demands. 

We’re happy to perform a pre-check for your application documents, and let you know if you need to provide anything beyond what’s stated in the admission requirements of your desired study programme. 

For more details, get in touch with our study advisors

Will I need to have an interview as part of my application process?

No, you will not need to have an interview. If you meet the admission requirements, you’ll be admitted to your desired programme. 

But, if you have any questions and would like to speak to someone, you’re more than welcome to talk to one of our study advisors

What do I need to provide as a transcript of records?

In order to prove that your grades meet the required level for starting a Master’s degree. A transcript of records is a detailed list of all of the modules or classes you have taken at a university at an undergraduate level (BA degree). 

Studying at IU

General questions

Can I combine my studies with a full-time job? Do you offer the option to study part-time?

Yes, we have taken various life obligations into account when designing our online study programmes. Therefore, you can switch between three time models and set your own learning pace, according to your personal needs. 
 
The regular study period for a Bachelor’s degree is 36 months, but you have the option of choosing between the extended study periods of 48 or 72 months. You can also extend your regular study period – even during your studies - by 12 months. 
 
The regular study period for the Master is usually 12 or 24 months, depending on the ECTS credits of your study programme. Here, too, we offer part-time variants that run for 36 or 48 months. You can also extend your regular study period – even during your studies - by 12 months. 
 
For more details, please visit our Study Models page

What if I won’t be able to complete my degree within my chosen duration of studies?

IU students can exceed the standard period of study for their chosen time model, according to the terms stipulated in their contract.

Do I have the option of taking a break from my online study programme or taking a semester off?

Yes, we offer you the option of taking a semester off to allow yourself a break from studying. During this time, your study programme will be suspended, and you will not have access to the online learning platform or your learning materials. We therefore do not charge any fees during your semester off.   

A leave of absence is possible from the second semester onwards. In total, a leave of absence may not exceed half of the regular study period for your online study programme (e.g., for a six-semester Bachelor, this equates to a maximum of three semesters of leave).  

Is there a graduation ceremony?

As an online student you have the opportunity to register for our Online Graduation Ceremony.

Should you be able to travel to Germany and take part in a live graduation ceremony, then that may be possible, subject to availability. While on-campus graduation ceremonies are primarily organised for on-campus students, invitations can also be extended to online students should there be spaces available and on a first come first served basis. Please note that there will be a deadline given as to when your attendance must be confirmed regardless of visa issues. Please contact the students office to find out more.

I’m not a typical student. Are there people like me at IU?

Since 1998, we have supported thousands of students of various backgrounds and age groups in developing themselves both personally and professionally. Our campuses and our online environment are home to a community of over 85,000 students from all kinds of backgrounds, career levels, nationalities, and experiences.  

When will I receive my certificate and what does it look like?

Your degree certificate should be with you up to 10 weeks after getting your final grade. You can find samples of the degree certificate and transcript of records for Bachelor, Master and MBA here. 

Who can I contact for assistance after starting my studies?

Once your studies have begun, you can get in touch with our Students Office for help with any queries you might have, and they will point you in the right direction. Their contact details are on the myCampus platform; you will receive login details for this once you have submitted your application. 

What is the Online Degree Saver Programme?

The Online Degree Saver Programme is designed to make your studies more affordable, with the condition that you meet our study criteria. To get the discount the Programme offers, you’ll start your studies as a registered participant, not a student.

Once you’ve started your studies, you'll have access to a part of your courses, based on the time model you choose. You will be registered as a student only after 50% of the total credit points have been successfully completed, and your documents have been submitted in full. Then you will gain access to the rest of your courses, and will be able to finish your degree.

With the Online Degree Saver Programme, I'll be registered as a participant. What does that mean?

It means that you will be registered as a participant, not a student. Once you’ve successfully completed 50% of your credit points and submitted all of your documents, you will be fully enrolled as a student.

How many hours per week is required for completing a course? How long will it take me?

We can’t tell you exactly how many hours per week each course will take, because each student is different and that is entirely individual. 

What we can tell you is how many courses you can take each semester in each time model, so you can plan accordingly: 

  1. Full Time: up to 30 ECTS credits per semester meaning 6 exams in 6 months 
  2. Part Time I: up to 25 ECTS credits per semester meaning 5 exams in 6 months 
  3. Part Time II: up to 15 ECTS credits per semester meaning 3 exams in 6 months 

If I have any questions about the material, will someone answer them?

You can ask your teachers questions at any time through the Course Feed on Microsoft TEAMS. You can also have your questions answered by Syntea, our AI-powered learning tool, which is available through the IU Learn app. 

Are the professors available to help me?

Yes, you can reach out to your professors via e-mail or the Course Feed. 

What happens if I’m unable to study for a certain period of time during a semester?

Starting from the second semester, you can take a leave of absence. During that time, you will not be charged any fees, and you will not have any access to your study materials. 

Can I finish my studies faster than the full-time plan?

Yes, you can. It’s not easy – but definitely possible. It’s all up to you and how much time you have to spend on your studies. 

To do so, you’ll need to let our Student Office know when you’re planning to take more courses than your time model allows, and pay the remaining tuition fees in advance. 

How long are the semesters at IU?

Each semester is 6 months. 

Are IU’s degrees equivalent to degrees from other universities?

Yes, IU’s degrees are equivalent to degrees from any other university. They are state accredited by the German Ministry of Education, and are recognised internationally. 

Will I get support for planning my career?

Yes! Our career office experts will help you by offering training, special career events and other career-related services. 

Will I get support for my internship applications?

Yes! Our career office experts will help you navigate the internship application process – so you’ll have a better chance of finding the right internship. 

What can I do for work after I graduate?

That depends on what exactly you study at IU, but thanks to our job success focused programmes, you’ll be ready to succeed in your first job after graduation. 


To see the potential career paths for you as a graduate, visit the webpage of the programme you want to study, and look under the Careers section. 

Do I have to be a certain age to enrol at IU?

If you’re over 18, you can accept the contract terms on your own. If you are 16 years or older, but not 18 yet, you can join IU, but your parents or legal guardians must sign a consent form.

A-Levels

How do I sign up for A-Levels courses?

Simply complete your application form and accept the contract terms, and the courses will be available to you on the starting date of your studies.

How is IU offering this?

We are part of more than 10,000 Cambridge International schools that offer these qualifications. IU is registered as an online school that provides these courses digitally to prepare students for the Cambridge examinations.

How will IU help me get my high school diploma equivalent?

We will provide you with all the necessary materials needed to prepare for the Cambridge examination. We provide this through synchronous and asynchronous teaching, scripts, Q&A, Slides, Videos, Podcasts, etc.

Are there live or interactive classes?

We provide synchronous and asynchronous teaching.

Is this available for on-campus Bachelors?

No, we are registered as an online Cambridge School. We only provide these courses online.

Do I need to have any sort of diploma or certificate to do A-Levels?

Anyone without a high school diploma (or an equivalent secondary school leaving certificate, like A-Levels or an IB Diploma) can take A-Levels. You do not need any kind of school certificate; the only requirement is to be over 16 years old

Can I take the Cambridge exam again if I fail the first time? How often can I repeat it?

Yes, you can. You must register directly with Cambridge at an exam venue near you, which can be found here. In case you do not pass the exam the second time around, you can still re-register and wait for the next date to take the exam again (by your own means). You have unlimited chances to retake the exam. 

Can I repeat the exam right away or do I have to wait for the next examination date (June/November)?

You can only sit for the exam again in the following examination date (June/November).

Do I need to provide a proof of English skills for A-Levels?

We highly recommend taking the free of charge IU English course exam, but there is no need to provide proof for admissions. 

Do I need to send IU a certified hard copy of the Cambridge certificate?

You can send a copy of the certification or certified statement to our Admissions office so you can continue with your Bachelor studies. You can also send Admissions your Cambridge Candidate Number, the Cambridge Centre Number, and your date of birth so they can review your results for you. There are certain countries where Cambridge does not allow our team to verify the results online. In these cases, students should verify their results on their own and send them to us: Bahamas, Botswana, Brunei, Lesotho, Malaysia, Mauritius, Namibia, and Swaziland. 

How much time do I have to complete A-Levels?

We recommend completing the courses within 12 months – that way, you won’t incur any additional costs for your studies due to extending them. But you can take the final exam as many times as you need.

Where do I take my final A-Levels exam?

Cambridge operates over 2,800 examination centres in more than 130 countries around the world. You can take your final exam at any one of them. 

Please note that if you can't reach an examination centre, you cannot complete the A-Levels track. To avoid any issues, we strongly recommend that you check your preferred examination centre and the fee they charge for the exam. It is your responsibility to find the appropriate location for your exam before you start A-Levels. 

To find the closest examination centre to where you live, visit: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/why-choose-us/find-a-cambridge-school/ 

Do I need to achieve specific grades in the final Cambridge exams?

To continue with your study programme, you will need to pass your Cambridge exams. According to Cambridge, the passing grade is any grade over E in the certificate.  

AS Level grade & PUM range 

A 80-100 

B 70-79 

C 60-69 

D 50-59 

E 40-49 

If I fail the Cambridge exams, will IU refund any already paid fees?

Since IU does not charge for A-Levels courses, we do not provide any refunds. Cambridge does not refund their examination fees either. 

What if I fail some of my Cambridge examinations?

If you do not pass any or all of your Cambridge exams, you can re-register and wait for the next date to take the exam again (by your own means). You have unlimited chances to retake the exams. 

Can I still change my study programme halfway?

Yes, but we do not recommend you to as you would have to pay a fee and you might lose contract time. If you want to change tracks completely, you will have to be ex-matriculated from your track and start the new one from the beginning. 

Can I study a degree programme that only starts in the future?

You can start both the High School Diploma Study Pathway and the study programme at the same time, you will just have to wait for that programme to start and have access to all courses. 

Study options

Studying online

How does distance learning work at IU?

Online courses consist of video lectures, interactive learning material, access to online materials via the library, as well as online examination. You can access the materials 24/7 on mobile or PC via our online learning platform MyCampus. That way you can fit learning around your own schedule. You will also be able to interact with other students and your lecturers in case you have any questions.  

Are there any in-person classes that I have to attend?

No. Your online studies are 100% flexible and are done whenever works for you. That includes the exams, too. 

What equipment do I need for my studies ?

You only need a reasonably up-to-date PC (desktop or laptop) with a stable internet connection. Other internet-capable devices such as a tablet or smartphone can also assist you in your studies. 

For detailed equipment recommendations, please visit our How to apply page

Does IU offer an online library?

Yes, once you're registered as a student, you will also receive access to our online library, where you can search for an unlimited amount of journal articles and literature that can be downloaded in an e-book format.

What digital study materials are available?

Interactivity is a top priority for us. This means that you will have numerous online learning materials at your disposal. The content of each course can vary to include video tutorials, podcasts, interactive PDFs, presentations, or e-books from our online library.  

We also stress the practical relevance of our teaching material by using case studies and reports from everyday work life. We also attach great importance to intensive exam preparation (e.g. through non-graded self-tests).  

Is there a platform to interact with fellow students?

Yes, you can exchange ideas with other students via our virtual campus.  

Are classes recorded and available to watch, or are they only live?

Each course you take has a recurring Intensive Live Session – a live session with your instructor, where they’ll cover some of the course material in more details, and answer any questions you might have. These take place usually once a month. 

These sessions are all recorded, and can be accessed whenever you want, via the digital campus. 

Is there a portal where the lectures are uploaded to?

Yes, the recordings of the Intensive Live Sessions are uploaded to myCampus, your digital campus. 

Will it be indicated somewhere that my degree is an online degree?

No, there will be no indication. Your diploma will look just like any other university diploma. 

You can see a sample here

Exams

Where do I take my exams?

If you study online, once you meet the exam requirements of a given course (e.g. passing non-graded self-tests), you can register for an exam at any time. Exam slots are available 24/7, 365 days a year. 

How are the exams carried out?

Our online exams are carried out and supervised by an external provider, with whom you’ll need to book a time slot in advance (at any time of day you would like). To take your exam, you will need to connect to the provider’s platform at the scheduled time, with either your laptop and an external webcam, or two digital devices (iPad and smartphone, for example) - one with which you’ll take the exam, and one which is set up so your keyboard, hands and face are visible from the side.  

This is required in order to ensure that you take the exam without using any external help, such as contact with other people or using notes. 

How long are the exams?

The duration is determined by the ECTS credits earned through the course: 
- A 5 ECTS credits course means the exam is 90 minutes long. 
- A 10 ECTS credits course means the exam is 180 minutes long. 

How are the exams structured?

The structure of the final exam depends on the course type and reflects the content of the course. In standard courses, the exam usually consists of approx. 50% open/ semi-open questions and 50% closed questions (e.g. multiple-choice, yes-no, matching questions). Other courses may require a different exam type such as case study, project-specific presentation, written assignment etc. 

How and when will I receive my exams results?

The results will be published three to six weeks (max.) after the examination date.

How many attempts do I have for each exam?

You have three attempts; in other words, each exam you fail can be repeated twice.

When can I take my exams – do I need to pass some quizzes first?

You can take your exams whenever you feel ready. The quizzes are only a tool for you to test your knowledge, so you can find out how ready you are to take the final exam in your course. 

Why can’t I get a proof of enrolment/matriculation until I finish half of my courses?

If you start your studies through the Online Degree Saver Programme, you’ll be registered as a participant for the first half of your studies. You will be fully enrolled as a student and receive your proof of matriculation only after you’ve completed the first half of your courses and fully submitted your documents.

Fees & Payments

What are the online course fees?

Online course fees vary depending on your chosen time model and study programmes. Visit our Tuition Fees page to find a detailed breakdown. 

Can I pay the course fees in instalments?

Here at IU, we offer flexible payment options, please contact our student advisory team for more details.  

Which payment methods are available?

At IU we offer a wide variety of secure international payment methods that fit your needs. You can easily pay your fees in your local currency via bank transfer, or by using a wide range of local online payment options. The available payment options and currencies may differ per country. 

For more information on the different payment methods we offer, please visit our payment methods page. 

Are there any application fees or any other charges?

There are no application fees, or fees for consultations. Our tuition fees cover everything you need to study at IU, including access to our online study platform and app, your exams, access to our digital library and LinkedIn Learning courses, and career support services. 

For on-campus students, a one-time semester fee will be charged. For more details, visit our tuition fees page.  

Can I try out one of our programmes? Do you offer a trial period?

When you start your studies, you can try out the online learning programme you’ve applied for, for one month without any obligation. During this time, all IU offers and services will be available to you. If you are not happy with the online programme, you can cancel your contract within this one month, and you will not be charged any fees.

If you like your studies, you can simply continue studying after the trial period has ended. In this case, your first month will count as a regular study period for which a fee will be charged. We’ll only charge you for the first month after the end of the trial phase.

Please note: The one month trial is only available for IU’s Online Studies programmes.

Can I change my payment method during my studies?

Yes, you can change your payment method after you begin your studies. Simply contact our Students Office when you want to make the change.

Are there any additional fees I should plan for, besides the tuition fees?

There are no hidden or additional fees – not for books, or special exams, or anything else. You’ll only pay the amount stated in your contract, unless you decide to extend your study period. 

Even then, you’ll only be paying your tuition fees, and nothing else. 

Does IU have a referral programme?

Yes, IU offers a referral programme called "Bring A Friend." With this programme, you can play an instrumental role in supporting your friend's pursuit of a world-class education while enjoying some well-deserved rewards yourself. To participate, a few conditions must be met: you must be currently enrolled and have completed at least one month of your studies. If you're not yet enrolled, don’t worry; you'll become eligible once you become a student. For further details about this programme, click here. It's an excellent opportunity to share the benefits of IU with those close to you!

Documents

What documents do I need send via post? When do I need to send them?

You will need to send: 

  • A certified copy of your university entrance qualification documents via post to our postal address: 

IU International University of Applied Sciences 
Albert-Proeller-Str. 15-19 
86675 Buchdorf, Germany 

If your documents are not in English or German, you will need to provide a sworn/certified translation into English or German – we accept both. 

IU works together with a translation agency called M21 Global. If you want to use their translation service, please submit your Online Application and your diploma for a first Admission review. Make sure to upload/send to us your translation consent form – available here

If you translate your documents via M21 Global, there’s no need to provide a certified (sworn) copy of the translation, as this is done by them. You’ll only need to certify the original language version of your documents.

If you already have sworn translations of your application documents, you should mail us a certified paper copy (s) of the sworn translation (s) via post.

Can documents be digitally certified, or do I always have to send certified paper copies via post?

If your diploma has a digital signature, which can be verified online, we can accept it and you don’t have send us a certified copy via post.   

You can also ask your university/school to send the diploma and transcripts directly from their official email address to our email address admission-online@iu.org. 

Free iPad

Who receives a free iPad?

You will receive a free iPad (on condition of transfer of use*) if you’re newly enrolled at IU as a Bachelor’s or Master’s student in one of the following study models:

  • Online studies
  • myStudies
  • Upskilling

Additionally, you need a home address in the EU. 

Participants of IU FlexLearning, company trainings, special programmes or cooperations do not receive a free iPad for their studies or further education programme.

*For info about the transfer of use agreement, see the question: Do I have to give back my IU iPad after completing my degree?)

How do I receive my free IU iPad for my studies?

To access our digital study tools as soon as possible, you will receive your iPad at the start of your studies. Simply enrol in an online, myStudies or Upskilling Bachelor’s or Master’s programme to receive your iPad.

The dispatch of the iPad through our external provider is subject to availability. Supply shortages from Apple may delay the delivery.

You will be informed of the dispatch of the iPad by e-mail and will receive the consignment number. This allows you to check the shipping status directly.

Do I have to give back my IU iPad after completing my degree?

If you complete your degree according to the contract, you get to keep your iPad afterwards. When enrolling, you enter into a transfer of use agreement, which states that the iPad becomes your property after graduation.

The iPad remains the property of IU International University of Applied Sciences for the duration of your contract

If your contract ends prematurely (for any reason), you are obliged to return the iPad in a functional state within one week.

For shipments within Germany and the EU (DHL country zone 1), with the shipping service provider UPS, the costs of the return will be borne by IU if you register the return via the portal of our service provider Service - Gesellschaft für digitale Bildung mbH A Converge Company and generate the shipping label.

Which learning tools do I need to install on the iPad?

To facilitate your start at IU and with your iPad, we have pre-installed the most important tools, such as the IU Learn App. You will also find the Google Chrome browser, which facilitates the use of the web version of the app, as well as myCampus, on the device.

You will also find MS Outlook and MS Teams pre-installed so that you can get started with your new IU e-mail address and communicate directly with your fellow students. All you have to do is log in with your login data, which you will receive the night of the start of your studies.

How does this work? To facilitate your experience and secure your user data, we use the device management software JAMF. You can find more information here.

Can I use my free iPad for things other than studying?

In principle, we provide you with an iPad so that you can use it for your studies. Many of our students report that they use the iPad for research, to read (online) scripts in the IU Learn App or to create flashcards. By the way, you can do all this without an Apple ID, as these apps are already pre-installed.

If you want to watch your favourite series or shop online with your iPad, you can do this with your Apple ID and download it from the App Store. Please note that it may be necessary to access or delete installed apps and any data you saved or to reset the device and/or apps to factory settings in order to maintain IT security and to process the return, repair, or transfer of ownership, or if you lose your device.

If you install personal apps on the device and save private data, private data may also be accessed or deleted in the process.

We therefore recommend that you make sure that personal data is saved separately and securely (e.g., in a cloud, on an external hard drive, etc.).

Will I receive an iPad even if I live outside the EU?

Many of our international students don’t have a home address in the EU. They can receive an iPad by providing an address within the EU – like that of a friend or a relative - who can then forward them the iPad.

Who pays for the repair of my iPad if it breaks?

If the battery breaks during the warranty period or if the battery, i.e., accumulator, is empty, the company Smart Support will replace it for you for free. Outside the warranty period and in the event of self-inflicted damage, you can have the device repaired by Smart Support at your own expense.

Don’t want to pay the costs? No problem! In this case, the defective device will remain with Smart Support as a "returned" item. Unfortunately, it is not possible to send you a new iPad.

Please register the repair of the IU iPad directly through the service portal.

What happens if I lose my iPad?

Have you lost your IU iPad or can no longer find it? In that case, please report the loss immediately to our Students Office. We will forward the information to IT Support, who can lock the device so that it is no longer functional.

This way, we can prevent any kind of data misuse, including the illegal sale of the device, should it fall into the wrong hands.

If the device reappears at a later stage or if someone attempts to sell the device, IU International University of Applied Sciences will be identified as the owner of the device through the device number. If the device can be returned to IU, we will contact you to reimburse any compensation you have paid.

What happens if my iPad is stolen?

Your IU iPad was stolen? Please report the theft immediately to our Students Office. We will forward the information to IT Support and can immediately lock the device so that it is no longer functional. This way, we can counteract any misuse of your data and prevent an illegal sale.

Afterwards, report the case directly to your insurance company so that they can take over the compensation for you.

If the device reappears at a later stage or if someone attempts to sell the device, IU International University of Applied Sciences will be identified as the owner of the device through the device number. If the device can be returned to IU, we will contact you to reimburse any compensation you have paid.

Does the iPad belong to me?

The iPad remains the property of IU International University of Applied Sciences for the duration of your studies. As soon as you have successfully completed your studies, we will give you the iPad as a present, meaning that it becomes your property. You can find more information here.

Can I receive a discount on my tuition instead of an iPad?

Unfortunately, this is not possible, as the iPad represents an additional service from IU International University of Applied Sciences.

You can find more information on the iPad here.

Our terms and conditions:

Every new student enrolled for the first time at our University of Applied Sciences in a Bachelor's or Master's online study programme or myStudies programme, or as a participant in an Upskilling programme at IU, who has a home address in the European Union, receives an iPad for free use for the entire duration of their studies, or Upskilling programme (WiFi-enabled, Bluetooth).

Participants in the IU FlexLearning, company trainings, special programmes and special cooperations are excluded.

Participants without a home address in the European Union can receive the iPad provided they submit an address within the European Union.

Depending on the actual availability on the part of Apple, the iPad will be delivered by our external service provider shortly after the start of the study programme. In the event of delivery delays by Apple, the delivery will be postponed accordingly.

The iPad remains the property of IU throughout the duration of the study contract. If the student fulfils their studies or Upskilling contract in accordance with the provisions of the contract and successfully completes their studies, the ownership of the iPad shall pass to the student at the scheduled end of their study contract. Any device management software which is still installed on the device by the end of the contract will be removed. 

In the event of a premature termination of the studies contract (e.g., through cancellation by one party or for other reasons), the student must return the iPad in working order within one week of the contract’s termination.

The return is to be made by means of a shipping label that can be generated via the service portal of the service provider. The return costs in Germany via DHL and UPS, within the EU country zone 1 via DHL, are borne by IU, provided that the process described according to the transfer of use has been followed.

In the event of a technical defect, the replacement of batteries or accumulators, or in the event of other technical issues, the processing shall be carried out via the external service provider.

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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.