DIPLOMA vs IU
Two distance-learning universities side by side, by the same criteria and with the same primary sources, so you can see where they really differ.
DIPLOMA or IU: which one suits whom?
DIPLOMA is one of the cheaper private providers, with monthly rates from 137 euros. In return, studies regularly begin only in April and October, and exams are held on site at study centres. IU is more expensive but freer in terms of time and place.
Subject information refers to the focus areas recorded in this portal, not to the complete programme catalogue. Which university suits your situation depends on prior education, available time and goal.
DIPLOMA and IU in detail
The same criteria for both, every entry sourced. The information provided by the university is binding.
| Criterion | DIPLOMA | IU |
|---|---|---|
| Country | DE | DE |
| Operator | private | private |
| Location | Bad Sooden-Allendorf | Erfurt |
| Founded | 1997 | 1998 |
| Format | online, Blended Learning, On-site, dual | online, Blended Learning |
| Start of studies | fixed dates | any time |
| Without Abitur | Yes | Yes |
| Recognition | State-recognised (indefinitely since 2008), Bologna-compliant | State-recognised (since 1999), Bologna-compliant |
| Price level | ||
| Price example | EUR 137 to 337/month (Bachelor distance learning) | from approx. EUR 259/month (Bachelor) |
What the table does not show
Exams. At DIPLOMA: On-site exams at study centres across Germany; regular start in April and October. At IU: Flexible online exams around the clock with proctoring; on-site exams at locations possible.
Accreditation. DIPLOMA is institutionally accredited via State-recognised, indefinitely since 2008, with programme accreditation via Programme accreditation by AHPGS, AQAS and FIBAA. IU is institutionally accredited via German Council of Science and Humanities (Wissenschaftsrat) (2009, re-accredited 2021), with programme accreditation via System-accredited by FIBAA (since 2018).
Subjects. Both offer Business Administration, Health, Social Work, Psychology. Only DIPLOMA additionally offers Law, Education, Design and Media, Technology and IT. Only IU additionally offers Computer Science, Technology, Management, Marketing, Business Informatics.