IU vs HFH
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 HFH in detail
The same criteria for both, every entry sourced. The information provided by the university is binding.
| Criterion | IU | HFH |
|---|---|---|
| Country | DE | DE |
| Operator | privat | privat (gemeinnützig) |
| Location | Erfurt | Hamburg |
| Founded | 1998 | 1997 |
| Format | online, Blended Learning | online, Blended Learning, part-time / alongside work |
| Start of studies | any time | fixed dates |
| Without Abitur | Yes | Yes |
| Recognition | State-recognised (since 1999), Bologna-compliant | State-recognised (since 1997), approved under the Distance Learning Protection Act, Bologna-compliant |
| Price level | ||
| Price example | from approx. EUR 259/month (Bachelor) | EUR 290 to 410/month (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 HFH: Exams either online or at one of the study 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). HFH is institutionally accredited via State-recognised since 1997, with programme accreditation via Programme accreditation by ACQUIN.
Subjects. Both offer Business Administration, Psychology, Social Work. Only IU additionally offers Computer Science, Health, Technology, Management, Marketing. Only HFH additionally offers Law, Technology and Engineering, Health and Nursing.