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 or AKAD: which one suits whom?
Both let you start at any time and examine online with proctoring. IU is the largest provider with more than 130,000 students and broader in psychology and social work. AKAD has been on the market since 1959, starts slightly cheaper and is stronger in engineering and industrial engineering.
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.
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 | private | private |
| 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, Business Informatics. Only AKAD additionally offers Industrial Engineering, Communication.