The ifs offers its study programs in cooperation with the Technical University of Cologne (TH Köln). This cooperation allows the ifs to offer study programs at academic level and expands the TH's portfolio with media-oriented study programs. According to the cooperation agreement, the ifs, as a private educational institution, is responsible for the conception and implementation of any accredited study programs in the field of film and media education, while the TH Cologne awards the academic degrees and ensures the equivalence of the study programs.
For ifs students, the cooperation with TH Köln offers many advantages. For example, they can enroll as regular students of the TH and thus have access to the services of the university of applied sciences. These include various counseling services, such as general student counseling, studying with children, and studying with disabilities. In addition, enrolled students receive a semester ticket, can participate in university sports, and apply for the student union dormitory places.