IU vs IST-Hochschule
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 IST-Hochschule in detail
The same criteria for both, every entry sourced. The information provided by the university is binding.
| Criterion | IU | IST-Hochschule |
|---|---|---|
| Country | DE | DE |
| Operator | privat | privat |
| Location | Erfurt | Düsseldorf |
| Founded | 1998 | 2013 |
| Format | online, Blended Learning | online, Blended Learning, dual, part-time / alongside work, Full-time |
| Start of studies | any time | any time |
| Without Abitur | Yes | Yes |
| Recognition | State-recognised (since 1999), Bologna-compliant | Private, state-recognised higher education institution of the Land of North Rhine-Westphalia (2013). Its degree programmes have been evaluated by the Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA) and accredited by the German Accreditation Council (Akkreditierungsrat). Some programmes are additionally approved by the State Central Agency for Distance Learning (ZFU). Bologna-compliant. |
| Price level | ||
| Price example | from approx. EUR 259/month (Bachelor) | from approx. EUR 319/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 IST-Hochschule: Online exams for most modules or on-site exams at examination locations in Germany and Innsbruck, plus term papers.
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). IST-Hochschule is institutionally accredited via State-recognised by the Land of North Rhine-Westphalia (2013), with programme accreditation via Akkreditierungsrat, FIBAA, ZFU authorisation of the distance-learning programmes.
Subjects. Both offer Business Administration, Health, Marketing. Only IU additionally offers Computer Science, Psychology, Social Work, Technology, Management. Only IST-Hochschule additionally offers Sport, Tourism, Media, Communication.