FernFH 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.
FernFH or IU: which one suits whom?
FernFH is federally funded and costs the statutory tuition fee of 363.36 euros per semester. In return there are fixed dates and three attendance phases per semester. IU costs many times as much but lets you start at any time and take exams online.
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.
FernFH and IU in detail
The same criteria for both, every entry sourced. The information provided by the university is binding.
| Criterion | FernFH | IU |
|---|---|---|
| Country | AT | DE |
| Operator | state-recognised distance university of applied sciences (Austria), federally funded | private |
| Location | Wiener Neustadt | Erfurt |
| Founded | 2006 | 1998 |
| Format | online, Blended Learning | online, Blended Learning |
| Start of studies | fixed dates | any time |
| Without Abitur | Yes | Yes |
| Recognition | State-recognised university of applied sciences (Austria), federally funded, Bologna-compliant | State-recognised (since 1999), Bologna-compliant |
| Price level | ||
| Price example | EUR 363.36/semester | from approx. EUR 259/month (Bachelor) |
What the table does not show
Exams. At FernFH: Blended learning: online self-study independent of time and place plus three on-site phases per semester (two days each, also virtual). At IU: Flexible online exams around the clock with proctoring; on-site exams at locations possible.
Accreditation. FernFH is institutionally accredited via AQ Austria, recognition as a university of applied sciences in 2018, with programme accreditation via Federally funded Bachelor's and Master's programmes accredited by AQ Austria. 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, Business Informatics. Only FernFH additionally offers Business Psychology, Information Technology, Digital Health Management, Aging Services Management. Only IU additionally offers Computer Science, Psychology, Health, Social Work, Technology, Management, Marketing.