European School of Management and Technology - ESMT Berlin vs IU International University of Applied Sciences vs University of Applied Sciences Europe vs ICN Business School vs Ironhack

Side-by-side comparison from 148 verified student reviews. Scan one row at a time — winners are highlighted

Quick verdict
Higher overall rating: Forward College (4.90)
European School of Management and Technology - ESMT Berlin: wins 0/3 categories
IU International University of Applied Sciences: wins 0/3 categories
University of Applied Sciences Europe: wins 0/3 categories
ICN Business School: wins 0/3 categories
Ironhack: wins 1/3 categories
Forward College: wins 0/3 categories
CODE University of Applied Sciences: wins 2/3 categories
Comparing
Best programme: Business Administration in Management
Best programme: MBA
Best programme: Business Management
Barcelona, Spain
3.00
Read more reviews
2 reviews
×
Best programme: UX/UI Design (User Experience / User Interface Design)
Paris, France
4.90
Top
Read more reviews
16 reviews
×
Best programme: Politics and International Relations
Category ratings
Facilities
4.33
3.69
Not rated
4.00
5.00
4.47
5.00
Location
5.00
3.87
Not rated
4.67
5.00
5.00
5.00
Professors
4.33
4.43
Not rated
3.67
3.00
5.00
5.00
Internationality
4.50
4.44
Not rated
3.67
3.00
4.75
5.00
Win
Student life
4.33
3.62
Not rated
4.00
5.00
Win
4.73
3.00
Value
4.50
4.32
Not rated
4.00
3.00
4.63
5.00
Win
Accommodation
4.33
3.11
Not rated
3.50
4.00
4.33
1.00
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • +Passionate, knowledgeable professors and engaging teaching
  • +Practical, real-world-focused curriculum
  • +Dynamic community and vibrant atmosphere
  • +Flexible online study for work-life balance
  • +Modern, intuitive digital platform for easy access
  • +Relevant, high-quality educational content

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  • +Diverse and international student body
  • +Affordable and convenient programs
  • +Strong academic reputation and programs
  • +Practical, hands-on learning with immediate application
  • +Experienced, professional instructors with industry expertise
  • +Engaging hybrid learning format
  • +Engaging learning environment with interactive methods
  • +Diverse and international student community
  • +Unique multi-city European study experience

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Cons
  • -Administrative and management issues are a frequent source of frustration.
  • -Outdated facilities and a lack of modern resources are a common complaint.
  • -The curriculum is often perceived as irrelevant or poorly delivered.
  • -Slow and unresponsive administrative processes, including grade processing and student support.
  • -Poor staff attitude and lack of accountability for errors in student records and applications.
  • -Inadequate support and guidance for online students.

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  • -Excessive administrative and management issues hinder progress.
  • -Outdated facilities and technology create an unpleasant learning environment.
  • -Inconsistent and unclear communication from instructors and the institution causes frustration.
  • -Administrative and management issues.
  • -Perceived lack of value for money.
  • -Administrative & management issues cause frustration.
  • -Outdated facilities and equipment are a concern.
  • -Lack of transparency and communication is prevalent.

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Rating summary
What students say

Remarkably high scores characterize this university's performance. Its location stands out with a perfect 5.0 rating, marking it as its strongest area. Areas such as facilities, professors, student life, and accommodation all received excellent scores of 4.33. Internationality and value were also strong, both earning 4.5. No significant weaknesses were identified, with all categories receiving positive feedback.

This institution garners notable praise in several key areas, with **Internationality** and **Professors** receiving particularly high scores. The **Value** proposition is also well-regarded. Conversely, **Accomodation** stands out as the lowest-rated aspect. Other aspects like Facilities, Location, and Student Life fall within a more moderate range of positive feedback.

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Overall, this institution receives positive evaluations, with its **location** standing out as a significant strength, achieving the highest rating. Facilities and student life also scored well, both at 4. Accommodations are a slightly weaker point, rated at 3.5, while the ratings for professors and internationality are comparable and solid.

With exceptional marks in Facilities and Location, this institution clearly excels in its physical environment and accessibility. Student Life also receives top scores, suggesting a vibrant campus experience. Conversely, the university's weakest areas lie in its Professors and Internationality, both rated a moderate three. Value also sits at this mid-tier rating, indicating areas for potential improvement.

This university garners excellent reviews, particularly excelling in its **professors and location**, both achieving perfect scores. Student life and internationality also stand out with scores above 4.7. Areas with slightly lower, though still strong, ratings include **facilities and accommodation**. Overall, the university presents a well-rounded positive student experience with high marks across most aspects.

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Reviews summary
Highlights

All six reviews are positive, with an average rating of 4.33/5. Students highlight passionate professors, engaging classes, and exceptional education quality. There is no negative feedback.

~95% of reviews are positive, praising flexibility, modern platforms, and accessible materials. A small percentage (~5%) mention issues with grading delays and slow administrative support.

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With an average rating of 4.33/5, positive feedback (~100%) highlights diversity, affordability, and strong alumni networks. Students also recommend it for rigorous programs and convenient international student support.

With an average rating of 3/5, feedback is evenly split, with ~50% positive and ~50% negative. Positive comments highlight practical, hands-on learning and professional instructors. Negative reviews express dissatisfaction with program value and staff.

Students highly praise the interactive learning, international community, and opportunities for academic and personal growth. There are no negative reviews.

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Rating distribution
5★
33%
63%
0%
67%
50%
94%
0%
4★
67%
27%
0%
0%
0%
6%
0%
3★
0%
6%
0%
33%
0%
0%
100%
2★
0%
2%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1★
0%
3%
0%
0%
50%
0%
0%
Most useful review
Most liked
Well qualified professors and great connectons with the industry

Well structured programs, great facilities and very good career development team. The alumni relations with the school are great and well maintained and fostered. Overall a great school right in the middle of Berlin.

The best university in the world

My experience with IU is very wonderful and exceptional. The learning process is smooth and easy especially for online students and the exams are well tailored to test your knowledge on what you have been learning. It is quite great indeed.

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A great school with a complete program but a communication to review.

First of all, the courses taught in this course are of high quality, partly due to the quality of the speakers in the school. The courses are complete and are in line with current trends. However, the speakers were not all very qualitative, whether in terms of communicating the homework to be done or their lessons. Overall the program is open to international but having been educated at the time of the COVID-19 epidemic, I could not get an idea of ​​the international side of this school. Thus, the Bachelor's at ICN Business School is a fairly versatile course, focused on the different areas that can be found in management (communication, accounting, CV creation workshops and cover letters, etc.) Concerning opportunities, because of the partnerships that the school maintains with many large companies, I find that it is simple having gone through this school to apply for and obtain a work contract, both in France and abroad. the international.

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Great modern university approach

I am currently a 3rd year student at Forward College and I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would recommend it to other students. The interactive approach of Forward where questions, debate, and discussion were encouraged enhanced my learning so much and I feel like I genuinely enjoyed every class. Having the experience of living in 3 different cultures, surrounded by people from all over the world made this experience even more special and helped me develop and grow in so many ways. Another aspect I have loved are the professors. Speaking with friends at other university I am so grateful to have teachers that actually know us, are excited to teach and interact with us, and will always take the time to help you.

Fastest Growing Startup University In Germany

I have mixed feelings about my experience at Code University. On one hand, it's a privilege to study at one of Berlin’s most prestigious institutions tuition-free. The professors are knowledgeable, and the curriculum is practical and forward-thinking — it has definitely contributed to my growth as a student and aspiring entrepreneur. However, my journey here hasn’t been smooth. During my Orientation Semester, I struggled with shyness and social anxiety. I found it difficult to engage in class and to make friends. Unfortunately, instead of receiving support, I was mocked — not just by students (which I could handle), but also by some lecturers. That was deeply discouraging. With time, I worked on myself and broke out of my shell. I’m now more confident and driven, and I’m currently building what I believe will be one of the most impactful student-led projects to come out of CODE. Ironically, that seems to have caused some friction. I feel like certain individuals who underestimated me in the past are now uncomfortable with my progress and success. Rather than support me, it feels like they're trying to hold me back. To add to that, despite referring three international students to CODE — something I do as a side hustle — I haven’t received any acknowledgment or recognition. While many of my peers are featured on the university’s website, I’ve noticed that I’m not represented at all. So, would I recommend Code University? It depends. If you're resilient and can handle both the highs and lows without losing focus, then yes — the academic value is real. But emotionally and socially, it can be a tough environment, especially if you don’t fit into the dominant culture right away. That said, my story at CODE is still being written. Let’s see how it all turns out.

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