IU vs FernUni Hagen
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 FernUni Hagen: which one suits whom?
This is the choice between the highest and the lowest price level in the comparison. As a state university, FernUni Hagen costs around 2,100 to 2,400 euros for the entire bachelor's degree, but has fixed semesters and mostly on-site exams. IU costs several times as much and in return offers a start at any time and online exams.
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 FernUni Hagen in detail
The same criteria for both, every entry sourced. The information provided by the university is binding.
| Criterion | IU | FernUni Hagen |
|---|---|---|
| Country | DE | DE |
| Operator | private | state |
| Location | Erfurt | Hagen |
| Founded | 1998 | 1974 |
| Format | online, Blended Learning | print-based, online, Blended Learning |
| Start of studies | any time | fixed dates |
| Without Abitur | Yes | Yes |
| Recognition | State-recognised (since 1999), Bologna-compliant | State university of the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Bologna-compliant |
| Price level | ||
| Price example | from approx. EUR 259/month (Bachelor) | approx. EUR 2,100 to 2,400 total (Bachelor) |
What the table does not show
Exams. At IU: Flexible online exams around the clock with proctoring; on-site exams at locations possible. At FernUni Hagen: Mostly written on-site exams at regional and campus centres, some online exams.
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). FernUni Hagen is institutionally accredited via State university, established by state law (North Rhine-Westphalia), with programme accreditation via Programmes accredited by FIBAA and AQAS (per programme).
Subjects. Both offer Business Administration, Computer Science, Psychology. Only IU additionally offers Health, Social Work, Technology, Management, Marketing, Business Informatics. Only FernUni Hagen additionally offers Economics, Mathematics, Legal Studies, Educational Science.