Humboldt University - HUB vs IU International University of Applied Sciences vs ICN Business School vs Touro University Berlin vs Ironhack

Side-by-side comparison from 184 verified student reviews. Scan one row at a time — winners are highlighted

Quick verdict
Higher overall rating: Forward College (4.70)
Humboldt University - HUB: wins 0/5 categories
IU International University of Applied Sciences: wins 0/5 categories
ICN Business School: wins 0/5 categories
Touro University Berlin: wins 0/5 categories
Ironhack: wins 1/5 categories
Forward College: wins 1/5 categories
CODE University of Applied Sciences: wins 3/5 categories
Comparing
Best programme: British Studies
Best programme: MBA
Best programme: Business Management
Best programme: Business Administration
Barcelona, Spain
3.00
Read more reviews
2 reviews
×
Best programme: UX/UI Design (User Experience / User Interface Design)
Paris, France
4.70
Top
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32 reviews
×
Best programme: Data Science
Category ratings
Facilities
3.94
4.23
4.00
4.67
5.00
4.45
5.00
Location
4.81
4.40
4.67
4.86
5.00
4.83
5.00
Professors
4.44
4.43
3.67
4.57
3.00
4.91
5.00
Win
Internationality
4.38
4.44
3.67
4.86
3.00
4.56
5.00
Win
Student life
3.81
4.11
4.00
4.57
5.00
Win
4.58
3.00
Value
4.63
4.32
4.00
4.57
3.00
4.56
5.00
Win
Accommodation
3.06
3.68
3.50
3.83
4.00
4.29
Win
1.00
Pros & Cons
Pros
  • +Flexible, customizable curriculum
  • +Inspiring and expert faculty
  • +Practical, real-world engagement opportunities
  • +Flexible online study for work-life balance
  • +Modern, intuitive digital platform for easy access
  • +Relevant, high-quality educational content
  • +Diverse and international student body
  • +Affordable and convenient programs
  • +Strong academic reputation and programs
  • +Small class sizes and accessible professors
  • +International environment and diverse student body
  • +Value and career-focused programs
  • +Practical, hands-on learning with immediate application
  • +Experienced, professional instructors with industry expertise
  • +Engaging hybrid learning format
  • +International and diverse community
  • +Interactive and engaging learning approach
  • +Focus on personal growth and development

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Cons
  • -Curriculum and staff attitude are disliked.
  • -Outdated facilities and administrative issues are concerns.
  • -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.
  • -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 are a frequent source of frustration.
  • -Outdated facilities and poor maintenance are significant drawbacks.
  • -Lack of resources and support negatively impacts the learning experience.
  • -Administrative and management issues.
  • -Perceived lack of value for money.
  • -Administrative and management issues are frequent sources of frustration.
  • -Outdated facilities and poor maintenance are consistently criticized.
  • -A lack of clarity or support regarding curriculum and academic expectations is a common complaint.

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Rating summary
What students say

Outstanding ratings highlight the university's strengths in **Location** (4.81) and **Value** (4.63). **Professors** (4.44) and **Internationality** (4.38) also received very positive scores. Conversely, **Accomodation** (3.06) presents the weakest area, with **Student Life** (3.81) and **Facilities** (3.94) also falling below the higher-rated aspects. This indicates a university excelling in its environment and offerings, though residential options require attention.

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.

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.

This institution garners strong approval, particularly in its Location and Internationality, both scoring an impressive 4.86. Professors and Student Life also receive high marks, averaging 4.57. While Facilities are well-regarded at 4.67 and Value is a solid 4.57, Accomodation stands out as the weakest area with a rating of 3.83.

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.

Evaluations reveal a strong academic offering, with **Professors** receiving the highest marks at 4.91. **Location** also scores exceptionally well at 4.83. The university demonstrates good performance in **Student Life** (4.58) and **Internationality** (4.56), with **Value** also rated favorably at 4.56. **Facilities** are rated at 4.45, and **Accomodation** stands out as the area with the lowest score at 4.29.

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Reviews summary
Highlights

With a 4.26 average rating, ~83% of 19 reviews are positive, praising exceptional flexibility, strong academic programs, and inspiring professors. One review noted a dislike for curriculum and staff attitude.

~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.

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.

All 7 reviews are positive, with an average rating of 4.57/5. Students highlight a strong international environment, small class sizes, and supportive faculty, contributing to a positive academic and cultural experience.

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.

With an average rating of 4.66/5 from 32 reviews, students praise Forward College's enriching international environment and innovative, interactive teaching methods. Personal and academic growth are frequently highlighted.

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Rating distribution
5★
53%
63%
67%
57%
50%
66%
0%
4★
26%
27%
0%
43%
0%
34%
0%
3★
16%
6%
33%
0%
0%
0%
100%
2★
5%
2%
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
1★
0%
3%
0%
0%
50%
0%
0%
Most useful review
Most liked
Great (and free) education

My experience at Humboldt has been more than great so far. University is free in Germany, and the student facilities are amazing. The canteen food is good and cheap, the public transport is much cheaper as a student, the accomodation too (but there is a long waiting list!). My master is in English and I am super happy with the opportunities, the professors, and the general academic environment__

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.

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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