IU Internationale Hochschule - Fernstudium Reviews 

It has only been great studying experience until knowing that they didn't care about me wanting proceed on studying after they dismissed my studies due to open fees which i did forget to pay 3 months. However this is not a new case for the most students in Germany, where they study in a public uni and they may return to studying after paying the open fees even though pass due the time limit of the payment period, however this studying experience should not be limited to which type of institution they belong to surprisingly some other universities allow some students to get reinstated again. This private (of course, one should not be surprised) university was not providing the chance for the student to return, at last when I tried to explain myself and have paid several of the open amount and asking for options to pay, they only give me stern and one solutions that I could only reapply again and do another 3 years. There-goes my 1 year and 6 months, to waste. Having financial problem was where they draw the line. Knowing several peoples experience onto which they study in a uni that allow students to explain themselves and revoke their automated exmatriculation due to open fees, and also having understanding and kind staffs and good administration is limited for the well known IU fernstudium, also IU Bad honnef since I had done 1 and a half year there as well. Hopefully they can add the facility for which students doesnt have to restart due to financial problems which are not in our control, and to which we try to pay in the end.

Didn't know their apathetic to students with financial conditions and disabilities, made me think thrice to reapply, in all honesty to the study experience which of course has got nothing to do because its pretty much got nothing to do with the staffs, because we study individually.

and no i couldn't get the financial support that was put on the website because i dont suite the requirements.

+ also to my addition,

I don't think sending email as IU fern replied would help me go through my studies well anyways. Again their feedback on trustpilot is completely different to my 3 weeks of experience trying to ask for help, no responds from email or much helping ones on call, maybe because i paid too late, however I had fight for continuation of my studies and thats what meant well for me.

edited: more conscious and cold headed statements, highlighting the issue i have faced.

Super flexible! No deadlines, no pressure of exam dates. I just schedule them to a date that suits me, and I can do them online or on-campus.
There is also a cool App that you can use from your phone or tablet. I can study from anywhere, as long as I have WiFi (even if it's not great).

I am studying international management (bachelor's) at IU. I am in my first semester. I would recommend IU fernstudium/distance learning for students who are very self diciplined and like a very flexible style of learning. In my program, there are no due dates, no live lectures, so you can do every course at your own pace, which is a big advantage for students who want this style of flexible learning. The professors are available regularly on microsoft teams, and biweeky in a live Q&A session. I can set my own schedule, and learn when and how I want. Each course has a final assignment that counts as 100% of your grade. This could be in the form of an (online) exam, written assignment, case study, etc. I am very satisfied with IU so far in my studies, and I can maintain a part time job, during full time studies at IU. As well as I can study from anywhere in the world, with the flexibility of the program. I would definitely recommend IU if this style of university suits your lifestyle and learning style.

IU is amazing. I took admission in BS computer sciences in Distance learning degree. Whole study material and exams system is amazing. I really liked it!

MBA

The exams are tough, but course materials are alright.

Just starting my thesis. So far communication with all offices I came in touch with has been really good.

It is expensive but definitely worth it.
I would choose IU again because of flexibility and course materials.

This university is not interested in high-quality teaching. Why? Let me explain, please. I have extensive experience in teaching in higher education in Germany and Great Britain. Apart from that, I indeed studied Teaching and Learning in higher education, which is quite unique for Germany. At least, you won't be able to find that many people who are aware of pedagogical concepts and methods when they (try to) teach. Without false modesty, I can say I am.
Well, I've recently applied for several freelancer lecturer positions that match my educational background, as well as working and teaching experience. None of my applications went through. In none of them, I was invited to an interview (which is quite strange considering my international scientific and teaching experience, as well as a whole list of successful grant applications). From this, I conclude that this university is not interested in high-quality profile people. Without such people, there cannot be high-quality teaching. I will never ever apply with this institution again. Thank you very much!

After reading mixed reviews, I decided to try IU for myself as I was interested in the opportunity to study a BSc Data Science program flexibly for what seemed to be a reasonable price. I read the contract carefully so that I understood exactly what I was getting myself into and how to get out of it when or if needed.

The first red flag was when I received an email stating my transcripts were not certified correctly, despite the fact that they were certified and sent directly from the original university. This problem was fixed quickly, so I decided to keep an open mind and continued with them. I found some of the study material to be useful and helpful, though there were clearly some errors that students complained about that never seemed to be fixed. I completed one exam and the proctor was very careful to ensure that there was no possibility of cheating, so the school seemed to have some level of legitimacy.

A tuition discount as well as a recognition of previous achievements is advertised together on the website where it is stated that a cost reduction from the recognized achievements may be granted so long as an application is submitted by the end of the 1-month free trial. I submitted my application for the "recognition of previous achievements" before the end of my 1-month free trial and was granted recognition of 15 ECTS with a cost reduction of 450 Euro on 2 February 2022. More than 12 weeks later on 29 April 2022, I received an email stating that they made a correction and that the 450 Euro discount could no longer be granted due to the fact that I was already receiving a tuition discount of 50% under their "Online Degree Saver Programme". After this, I decided to cut my losses and trust all of the previously terrible reviews I'd read. It is extremely shady to have to pay for credits to courses that will not be earned directly from IU.

Thankfully I'll survive this financial loss but I am sorry for the "participants" and "students" who go without receiving anything of value but are just extorted by this institution. Hopefully they do not send any new surprise bills after my ex-matriculation date as others have experienced.

Full disclosure: I'm a practicing doctor in Germany who joined their "MBA in Clinical Research Management. On paper it sounded amazing, tailor made for me. I stuck around for this pathetic course for two whole years before I cancelled this week, just because personal matters combined with my work during covid had been so demanding that I actually kept delaying cancelling the course.

From the get-go, the materials you are provided are substandard. There is an embarrassing lack of attention to detail, from spelling mistakes to instances where you would read ".. like in the example above," but there wouldn't be any examples! Their explanations of concepts are legendary, literally, because they don't really exist, just like a legend. Every page or so I wished I could test the author and see if they would pass their own course. It feels sometimes like a course organized by a group of authors with a pitiful affliction of copy-paste syndrome. I do know a good textbook when I read one, I made it through medical school.

I don't need to mention that networking in this milieu is a ship that has sunk before it sailed, and I was ok with that. I just wanted to gather the knowledge. But most of the actual knowledge I gathered during the two years is from Investopedia, not the course for which I've been paying 370 euros per month.

And guess what, they didn't get the accreditation to open the next batch of this MBA course. Enough said.

So a few days back, I finally had time to gather my thoughts. I emailed them informing them of my decision to cut my losses. Incidently I had an exam planned for later that day, and since it was already on my calendar I thought, 'why not?'. Anyway I had prepared for this module. Turns out, I couldn't even log in to their system! The Proctor and I tried to get the system to work but finally we both gave up.

Maybe my experience with their exam software was a rare case, but their substandard courses are not. You are not going to get a decent job on the basis of a degree from IUBH, period. I am one of the lucky ones that can say, this laughable excuse for a course has not affected me in the least. But there are many others who are banking on this university, and for them I have only sympathy.

So please, rather than join this horrendous excuse for a university, give that money to charity, and read Wikipedia for free: you would get zero qualifications, but it's as good as one from IUBH.

PS:
IUBH contacted me after seeing this post, and in spite of giving them examples, they choose to not even issue an refund as an apology.

"We have looked closely at the evaluation of the course materials linked to our students, who completed the courses including the exams during the last months (courses booked by you/the ones you mentioned in your emails), and they show that the courses are actually well received and evaluated positively."

Of course, why am I not surprised. The only other person who I personally know to be doing the same course, has told me how horrible their materials are. So I don't know who these mystery students are. Either way, please don't join this waste. Please listen to the numerous other reviews from real accounts of real students there and on other platforms, and avoid this university like the plague. I don't have the money nor time to run behind a court case, so my money is as good as gone. But for those on the fence about joining this university, please take my advice. STAY AWAY!

Everything is perfect!
The course material is very very good! I showed my scripts and some videos to my friends (they are studying at the LMU in Munich and at the University of Vienna) and they are impressed like me.

I study end of 2. semester Data Science Bsc.
The course material is abysmal and full of mistakes. The tutors are barely to reach and even if they reply of no help.
In 2. semester we are suppose to program in python based on an introduction course in 1. semester which is not even close to provide the information you need to finish the project in 2. semester.
Students take other (paid) courses to pass this one.

The study is absolutly not recommended and for me a waste of time and money!

PS: As I am sure there will be one of this standardised "we are always eager to improve...." answers:
Since 1.5 years my study colleagues and I reported each and every mistake in the course book and send it frequently.
Even the first messages (1.5 years back) have not been considered/changed.

One thing why I like study in IU because of the Apps. It is really helpful for me to check what should I do without opening the site in Web.

Flexibility is the highest point of my study with IU.The coursebook and its content are rich,detailed and easy to grasp.

I love the flexibility I have at IU. The university has a great concept und trying to improve continuously. The only thing I am missing is learning in the groups.
As mother and full time assistant I can realise my dream. Thank you IU! ❤

It is a great way to look at your studies, the only problem that i have is that the IU app is not as great as the web app but other than that it is great.

It is very good choice for studying and working at the same time.

I love the flexibilitythe IU gives me.
I can study wherever and whenever I want. As I am working full time while studying is makes the perfect match for me.
It is awesome that I can write my tests from home or anywhere else. And it is the best way to have the time to study and work at the same time.

any time I have time I can read, watch videos, exchange my knowledge and questions with other students and tutors, even on my mobile while I'm on the way. also what I love is the flexibility with exams, I can write an exam when I'm ready! Even if I feel like today is the day, I can mostly make an appointment for a same day.

Am taking their business management module. This is new age learning with app and content driving learning. Enjoying the start and look forward to learning ar my pace.

Am studying Business management online.The content is great! Am learning.
However, more tutor-student engagement is necessary..some concepts could be understood better with a Prof behind your back. Thanks.

Very friendly and nice people in a very nice school. I love studying here