As a private business university and not-for-profit organization, ISM is financed exclusively through tuition fees. These fees are used to continuously improve the quality of teaching, extend the service offerings for students and alumni and to invest in equipment.

We have scholarship programs that are open to all our students to apply and offer many forms of support. There is also the possibility of applying for external scholarships. We have also listed all the other common options of funding your studies in Germany on this page below. You can find detailed information about financing your studies in our Study Financing Brochure (PDF).

Studying at ISM is a worthwhile investment due to its high practical content, lecturers from the business world, integrated internships and international experience you can gather. Whether scholarships, student loans, BAföG or education funds: Future students have various options for financing their full-time studies at ISM. Simply contact our study advisors to find out more information.

For your semester or internship abroad, you also have the opportunity to apply for a variety of scholarships, Erasmus+ program being one of the most notable ones. The International Office is always available to help you with your application.

ISM supports particularly committed applicants and students in order to enable as many suitable candidates as possible to study at our private business university. Scholarships are provided to cover the tuition fees at ISM. In addition to a full scholarship from the 1st semester, partial scholarships of 25% up to 50% of the tuition fee (for a maximum duration of 1 year) are also periodically awarded.

In addition to demonstrable need, very good scholastic or academic performance and commitment outside of the courses are expected. The scholarships are awarded on the basis of our Scholarship Regulations (PDF).

A scholarship is awarded based of various criteria, in particular

• financial circumstances
• outstanding academic excellence and potential
• engagement in social, extra-curricular and university activities.

Application periods for scholarships:

The application can be submitted with an already passed ISM admission test for the

• upcoming spring term from November 15 - December 15
• fall term from May 15 - June 15.

High-achieving students in our dual Bachelor's programs, part-time Bachelor's and Master's programs, and MBA programs are also eligible for a 50 percent tuition waiver. You can find all information about the scholarship available for your study model in the Downloads page under the financing options and the scholarship regulations of the ISM.

Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship)

The ISM also participates in the nationwide Deutschlandstipendium, which is a German public-private scholarship. Particularly talented and high-achieving students are supported with 300€ per month. Half of the funds come from the German federal government, the other half is financed by companies, foundations or private individuals.

For more information, please read: What you need to know about the German public-private scholarship.

Application periods:

• June 1 -  July 31 of the respective year  (for fall term)
• December 1 - January 31 of the respective year (for spring term)

There are also several options to finance your studies at ISM:

For your semester abroad, you have the opportunity to apply for a variety of scholarships. The International Office of the ISM is always available to help you with your application and counselling regarding these financing options.

In cooperation with  deineStudienfinanzierung  (German website), we offer a free financing check for your studies exclusively for prospective students at ISM. Secure your support and the optimal combination of financing options and start your financially carefree studies. You can obtain the promotional code for your consultation from one of our study advisors (below).

For years, the ISM has been featured at the top of various university rankings. Also, the ISM is the only private German university of applied sciences that holds the international AACSB accreditation and is recognized by the German state via various national accreditation bodies.

ISM has received the prestigious AACSB accreditation and is currently the only private German University of Applied Sciences to be honored at the highest level by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). Only about 6% of the world universities are awarded the international AACSB accreditation.

Outstanding quality in teaching, committed lecturers also in applied research who proactively support students, successful cooperation with companies and international universities as well as excellent career entry opportunities for graduates - these are key requirements for the renowned AACSB accreditation. The International School of Management (ISM) has been working towards this for years.

Receiving the AACSB accreditation was a major milestone for ISM, commented ISM President and General Manager Professor Dr Ingo Böckenholt: "It is currently the most prestigious international accreditation for a business school."

Since many years, the ISM continues to receive excellent positions in the CHE University Ranking. ISM ranks among the top groups in the most important categories: Advice and support at the start of studies, graduation within a reasonable time, professional practice and applied work experience.

This shows that ISM has succeeded in expanding the high standards at all its seven locations in Germany.

About the CHE ranking

The CHE university ranking is one of the most detailed rankings in German-speaking countries and considered an excellent source of information for prospective students. For the CHE ranking, information on studying, teaching and research at German universities was examined and around 120,000 students were surveyed.

The ISM shines in the current investigation of the U-Multirank (2022) and scored particularly well in the following areas:

• International Academic Staff
• Student Mobility
• Professional Publications
• Foreign Language Bachelor Programmes
• Foreign Language Master Programs

The ranking thus confirms above all ISM’s strong practical relevance, internationality and diverse network.

About U-Multirank

U-Multirank is one of the largest university rankings and contains data on 1600 universities from over 95 countries. The U-Multirank ranking is thus particularly informative for international students to help guide their university choice.

In the student survey, the ISM received particularly good marks for:

• Varied career opportunities
• Close contacts to the economy
• Many opportunities to study abroad and complete internships

Our ISM students feel very well prepared for the job market and appreciate getting to know potential employers during their studies.

About the Universum Survey

The Universum Student Study is one of the largest international surveys of students on their future career ideas, career plans and satisfaction with the university they're studying at.

As one of only five German business schools, ISM convinces with quality of teaching and practical relevance. The Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the ISM campuses Munich and Dortmund can thus compare with major international providers. Unique to ISM are the integrated semester abroad and the professional coaching of students.

In this year's MBA ranking, CEO Magazine listed the ISM for the first time in the top tier of global MBA providers. The ISM is was highlighted above all for its excellently qualified teaching staff who also have many years of practical experience in relevant positions. The international composition of the study groups was also highlighted.

Over 1 million participants took part in the Universum survey 2023, making this the world's largest talent survey. The survey analyzed the aspirations of students, to find out how they match up with the perception of the ISM itself. Valuable findings from this survey include:

• ISM career types: globe-trotter and ground-breaker
• Formative experiences: through internships and study abroad
• Top influence factors on university choice: University website - Information events - University ranking
• Top attributes of ISM: Opportunities to study abroad - Friendly & open environment - Attractive location
• Top attributes regarding employability: Starting point for an international career - Opportunities to interact with employers - Good relations with employers
• Top offers of the ISM Career Service: Career counseling - Job portal - CV writting training.

The German news magazine "Stern" (2023) has published a ranking of the best continuing education programs for students and adults alike. In the category "Private universities", ISM made it into the top 3 ranks. We were rated very well in the following categories:

• Quality of learning
• Price-performance ratio
• Student satisfaction

In today's fast-paced world, it is crucial to choose the right university. This is a university that challenges itself as much as it pushes you to succeed, and provides individualized support at every stage. At ISM, we equip you with the skills and experience you need to leave us as a career-ready graduate. But don't just take our word for it. The facts speak for themselves. The most important criteria for students, such as a high quality of teaching, excellent results in university rankings, a prestigious international accreditation (AACSB) that only few universities get, solid career opportunities even before graduating, great partner universities, a semester abroad or networking opportunities shape your development and are therefore an integral part of ISM.

• the only private German University of Applied Sciences that is AACSB accredited
• international students of approx. 84 nationalities
• expert faculty staff , many international lecturers and over 56 guest lecturers
• intensive language training (German, English, Spanish, Italian, French)
• chance to gain valuable international experience during a compulsory semester abroad
• around 190 renowned partner universities
• optimal preparation for a global business career in many industries.

• strong practical orientation that offers best possible preparation for a successful professional life
• committed university lecturers from the business world
• ideal support by the Career Center
• opportunities of professional development in national and international internships
• practical learning content, projects and study excursions with well-known companies

• small study groups & a personal atmosphere
• individual support for your personal and academic development
• 1:7 supervision ratio of university teachers/students
• an 100% open door policy

• from day one you are part of the ISM community
• make contacts with companies and alumni in practice at ISM events
• stay in touch after graduation through the ISM alumni network

Here at ISM, we set an example for increased sustainability in our lives with degree programs and continuing education programs on the topics of Sustainability & Business Transformation.

We believe that each individual can make a difference, and to this end are supporting Treedom and look forward to seeing our ISM forest play a part in making our earth a little bit greener. For more information, please visit our Sustainability page.