IU vs AKAD
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.
IU and AKAD in detail
The same criteria for both, every entry sourced. The information provided by the university is binding.
| Criterion | IU | AKAD |
|---|---|---|
| Country | DE | DE |
| Operator | privat | privat |
| Location | Erfurt | Stuttgart |
| Founded | 1998 | 1959 |
| Format | online, Blended Learning | online |
| Start of studies | any time | any time |
| Without Abitur | Yes | Yes |
| Recognition | State-recognised (since 1999), Bologna-compliant | State-recognised (Baden-Württemberg), ZFU-approved, Bologna-compliant |
| Price level | ||
| Price example | from approx. EUR 259/month (Bachelor) | from approx. EUR 219/month (Bachelor in Business Administration) |
What the table does not show
Exams. At IU: Flexible online exams around the clock with proctoring; on-site exams at locations possible. At AKAD: Online exams with proctoring or on-site exams at examination centres.
Accreditation. 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). AKAD is institutionally accredited via German Council of Science and Humanities (Wissenschaftsrat) (2006, re-accredited 2023), with programme accreditation via Programmes accredited by ACQUIN and ZEvA; ZFU-approved.
Subjects. Both offer Business Administration, Computer Science, Health, Technology, Management. Only IU additionally offers Psychology, Social Work, Marketing. Only AKAD additionally offers Industrial Engineering, Communication.