The ifs emerged at the start of 2000 from the successful models of the Schreibschule Köln e.V. and the Filmschule NRW e.V. – with the aim of expanding the education programs on offer.

With the start of the Film Studies program with a specialization in Screenwriting, Directing and Creative Producing in 2002, the ifs internationale filmschule köln transformed itself from a mere further education school for film and TV professionals to a full study and further education institution, serving both those just making their first steps in the film world as well as experienced professionals aiming to acquire further qualifications. 

A franchise contract concluded with the University of Applied Sciences in Cologne has made it possible to offer our students an internationally acclaimed academic degree. Through this contract, the ifs Film Studies program has become an accredited Bachelor program the summer of 2004, making the ifs internationale filmschule köln the first publicly funded film school in Germany to offer the international “Bachelor of Arts” degree.