Your study contract
Once you have submitted your online application, you will receive your study contract by email. You can easily complete the contract online with just a few clicks, or upload it in the designated area—either digitally signed or signed by hand.
Your documents
Submit all the necessary documents to start your studies as soon as possible. Once your documents have been successfully reviewed, you will be fully enrolled and receive your student status as well as your enrolment certificate. You also have the option of a free trial of one month.*
* Fees for your trial month only become payable once you decide to keep studying with us.
Starting your studies
As soon as you are successfully enrolled, you can begin your studies on your chosen starting date. You will receive your login details by email, allowing you to access the IU Online Campus and take part in an introductory tutorial to help you get started smoothly.
Your admission to the Bachelor's programme
At IU, you can start your Bachelor's study programme with or without a university entrance qualification.
Your checklist for starting your bachelor’s studies
To complete enrolment for your distance learning, we need the following documents:
Notarised Copy of your university entrance qualification by mail:
A-levels or vocational diploma, master craftsman’s diploma, advanced further training, certificate of professional training including proof of required work experience. You can find all information on the certification of documents here.
Registration of your studies with your health insurance company: Inform your health insurance provider about the start of your studies as soon as possible so they can register you with us. You can, for example, use your provider’s customer app for this.
Copy of your official photo ID
Important: For data protection reasons, please blacken all information and the photograph, except your given name, surname, date of birth, expiry date, and nationality.
If applicable, employment references for admission based on vocational training and work experience.
if applicable, a tabular CV including details of your education, studies, and work experience: this may be required depending on your university entrance qualification (a CV is not mandatory for applicants with A-levels and no prior university studies in Germany) and your desired recognition of prior achievements.
If applicable, a certificate of de-enrolment from all German universities previously attended: each certificate must include the degree programme, period of study, and reason for de-enrolment.
If applicable, proof of your language proficiency (not older than five years) for non-native speakers.
Unversity entrance qualification: Certified copy
To complete your enrolment, we need a certified copy of your university entrance qualification. This video shows you how to obtain this copy.
Tip: You can find detailed information on the requirements of a certified copy and authorised institutions in this document.
Tips for choosing a course of study
Do you need help choosing the right study programme? Here you will find decision-making tools that will really help you.
You can try out your study programme for one month – no commitment. The fees for this period only apply if you decide to continue your studies with us.
Your admission to the Master's and MBA programme
To start your Master's study programme with us, you need to have completed an undergraduate degree – for example, a Bachelor's degree or "Diplom". For foreign documents, we also require a translation into German or English. Special admission requirements also apply to some Master's programmes.
Please note that some study programmes have separate admission requirements (e.g. first degree with a degree-specific focus, required work experience, proof of English, previous knowledge in certain subject areas). You can find the latest information on our website under the tab "Admission" for the degree programme of your choice.
Your checklist to get started on your Master’s programme
To complete enrolment for your distance learning, we need the following documents:
Officially certified copy of the certificate of your first degree with proof of the number of ECTS credits by post. You can find all information on the certification of documents here.
Certificate of de-enrolment: Only required if you have previously studied in Germany. If you are currently enrolled at another university, please submit your current enrolment certificate.
Registration of your studies with your health insurance company: Inform your health insurance provider about the start of your studies as soon as possible so they can register you with us. You can, for example, use your provider’s customer app for this.
Copy of your official photo ID
Important: For data protection reasons, please blacken all information and the photograph, except your given name, surname, date of birth, expiry date, and nationality.
if applicable, a tabular CV including details of your education, studies, and work experience: this may be required depending on your university entrance qualification (a CV is not mandatory for applicants with A-levels and no prior university studies in Germany) and your desired recognition of prior achievements.
If applicable, proof of your language proficiency (not older than five years) for non-native speakers.
Master's programmes with entrance examination
For a number of 120 ECTS Master's programmes*, you need a Bachelor's degree with a specific focus. If you do not have this qualification, you still have the possibility of gaining admission via a Master's entrance examination.
*You can find out which Master's programmes this regulation applies to on the page of your degree programme under "Admission".
Your Master’s entrance examination: a 3-step guide
1. Enrol online
2. Complete application
During your online application, you will receive your study contract. You can complete it directly within your online application, or upload it—either digitally signed or signed by hand—in the upload area. In this section, you also submi all the documents needed to start your studies. Once your documents have been reviewed, you will be enrolled by us and receive an email with your login details for the Online Campus, where you will find all the information about your master's entrance examination.
3. Take the Master's entrance examination
You can take your master's entrance exam by successfully completing two specific modules from your curriculum within a maximum of 12 months from the start date. The completed modules will be fully credited to you. Let's get started!
You can take a Master's entrance examination in these subject areas.
Get future-ready – with Microsoft 365 Copilot.
Become part of the IU Copilot School: As a distance learning student, you have the exclusive opportunity to purchase* a Microsoft 365 Copilot license at the special IU price — giving you access to an innovative learning environment. Not only will you study more effectively and individually, but you’ll also gain the AI skills that will prepare you for tomorrow’s job market.
*valid only with residence in Germany, after trial month; not available during leave of absence or for preparatory courses.
You have questions about the admission?
Get your studies off to a good start: Our student advisors will be happy to provide you with answers and all the information you need for your application.
Information on study content & electives
Career prospects
Information on financing options
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