IU vs DHAW
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 DHAW: which one suits whom?
DHAW is the young, cheap alternative: founded in 2022, fully asynchronous and online, with total costs for the bachelor's degree from 9,900 euros. IU is the largest provider, with locations for on-site exams and a broader offering. Both allow a start at any time.
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 DHAW in detail
The same criteria for both, every entry sourced. The information provided by the university is binding.
| Criterion | IU | DHAW |
|---|---|---|
| Country | DE | DE |
| Operator | private | private, state-recognised |
| Location | Erfurt | Potsdam |
| Founded | 1998 | 2022 |
| 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 (Brandenburg), Bologna-compliant |
| Price level | ||
| Price example | from approx. EUR 259/month (Bachelor) | from EUR 179/month |
What the table does not show
Exams. At IU: Flexible online exams around the clock with proctoring; on-site exams at locations possible. At DHAW: Fully asynchronous distance learning, 100 percent online, flexible online exams; full-time or part-time.
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). DHAW is institutionally accredited via State recognition as a university of applied sciences by the federal state of Brandenburg (limited until 31.10.2027), with programme accreditation via Programme accreditation of the study programmes by ACQUIN.
Subjects. Both offer Business Administration, Computer Science, Psychology, Management, Business Informatics. Only IU additionally offers Health, Social Work, Technology, Marketing. Only DHAW additionally offers Taxation, Sustainability Management.