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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.

In short: IU (DE, privat) and AKAD (DE, privat) differ above all in price level (IU 5 of 5, AKAD 4 of 5). Both are, as a rule, also accessible without the Abitur.
Side by side

IU and AKAD in detail

The same criteria for both, every entry sourced. The information provided by the university is binding.

CriterionIUAKAD
CountryDEDE
Operatorprivatprivat
LocationErfurtStuttgart
Founded19981959
Formatonline, Blended Learningonline
Start of studiesany timeany time
Without Abitur Yes Yes
RecognitionState-recognised (since 1999), Bologna-compliantState-recognised (Baden-Württemberg), ZFU-approved, Bologna-compliant
Price level
Price examplefrom approx. EUR 259/month (Bachelor)from approx. EUR 219/month (Bachelor in Business Administration)
Information without guarantee, as of 03.07.2026. Prices and programmes change. The price level is relative (1 low, 5 high). Sources and details on the two profile pages.
In context

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.

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