Frequently Asked Questions

Which study program fits me?

Questions and answers on this page:

• About the ISM
• About VISA
• Bachelor's Programs
• Master's Programs
• MBA Programms full-time
• MBA Programms part-time

About the ISM

• In which cities can I study?

  ISM has locations in seven cities: Dortmund, Frankfurt/Main, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart and Berlin. Please note that not all study programs are offered at all locations.

• Whan and where was ISM founded?

  ISM was founded in Dortmund in 1990. In July 2004, it became the first private university in North Rhine-Westphalia and the second nationwide to receive institutional accreditation from the German Wissenschaftsrat (Science and Humanities Council) for the maximum possible period of ten years. In June 2016, the Wissenschaftsrat decided to grant accreditation for another ten years. The ISM is thus the first private business school nationwide to receive accreditation for ten years twice in a row.

• Is the ISM recognized by the state?

  ISM is state-recognized by the Ministry of Science and Culture of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia for an unlimited period of time. The state recognition of a university is always carried out by the Ministry of Science of the federal state in which the university has its headquarters. Due to the state recognition, the degrees obtained at ISM are equal to the degrees obtained at public universities.

• Is the ISM internationally accredited?

  Yes, besides the national accreditations, the ISM also received the prestigious international AACSB-accreditation and is currently the only private university of applied sciences in Germany holding this prestigious seal of quality.

• After completing my bachelor's degree at ISM, can I also do a master's degree at another university?

  In general, this is possible due to the recognized degrees of ISM. However, the admission requirements of the corresponding university must always be taken into account.

• How can I get to know ISM better?

  You are very welcome to get to know ISM better at our regular events online (Info Sessions or free Online Lectures) or even on campus, if you are already in Germany.

  Of course, you can also make an individual appointment with our study advisors for a consultation. Those appointments can also take place via Zoom, if you are not in Germany yet.

• How is ISM different from other universities?

  Compared to state universities, you study in small learning groups at ISM. The relationship with the professors during lectures and exams is more intense. In addition, lectures at ISM are not only given by the university lecturers. Classes are interactive, questions can be asked and many projects are worked on in small student teams or workshops. In addition, almost all university lecturers come from a practical background and, besides technical knowledge, also directly convey the application in a company. ISM also has one of the largest international networks in the field of economics, with around 190 partner universities. All the content you learn abroad will be credited to your studies in Germany.

About Study VISA for Germany

• How do I go about getting a visa to study?

  There are a few cornerstones to have on your radar. These are:

  • Health insurance
    Everyone who comes to Germany for work or studies needs to register for health insurance.
  • Proof of graduation
    You'll need to provide your high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Admission letter from the university
    You'll need to provide proof of acceptance onto your university course.
  • Funding
    You'll need to prove you have the funds to cover living costs for one year or the duration of your stay.
  • Language skills
    Depending on whether you are doing a German or English-taught course you'll need to prove you have a grasp of the language.
  • Paperwork
    e.g. Passport, biometric photos, certificate of enrollment.

• Can I work parallel to my studies?

  In Germany, the residence permit for studies entitles you to work for a total of 120 full working days or 240 half working days per calendar year.

• What is a blocked account? Do I need a blocked account to study?

  The German blocked account is a bank account required for international students (from non-EU countries) to demonstrate they have enough financial funds to cover their expenses while in Germany. This account must contain sufficient funds to cover the arising costs for the duration of the planned stay in Germany.

  Currently (2025), the assumed annual standard requirement is €11,904 euros. Students must pay this amount into the blocked account when they apply for a visa. The money is paid back to the student on a monthly basis, but only a certain sum can be withdrawn from there monthly (student can withdraw up to €992 per month).

• Which central contact points in Germany should I know?

  Residents' Registration Office, Tax Office, Foreigners' Registration Office.

• Do I have to apply for a work visa after graduation if I want to stay in Germany?

  After graduation, you can apply for a residence permit for 18 months at the foreigners’ registration office responsible for you in order to look for a job corresponding to your qualifications. During these 18 months you may take up any kind of employment.

• Need help figuring our the visa procedures?

  The external provider VisaFlow simplifies your transition to Germany by offering comprehensive step-by-step guidance through your relocation process and initial steps in Germany.

  Their web app incorporates all essential information into an interactive and easy-to-use format.

  As an ISM student, you can access VisaFlow free of charge using the code "ISMDORTMUND25". Start your journey with VisaFlow by visiting platform.visaflow.app.

Bachelor's Programs

About Application

• When can I apply to study at ISM?

  You can apply as early as one year before you wish to start your studies beause our admission test result is valid for one year.

  The online admission tests are held very often at ISM. Documents that are not yet available (e.g. school-leaving certificate for future Bachelor students) can be submitted later on, up to the start of the study program.

  You are welcome to submit your most recently received certificate with your application.

  If you need a study visa for Germany, the recommended applications deadlines are:

  • no later than July 15 for the Spring Term starting studies
  • no later than December 15 for the Fall Term starting studies.

• Until when can I apply to study at ISM?

  ISM does not have fixed application deadlines. However, applicants who require a visa for studying in Germany are kindly asked to submit their application documents by

  • July 15th (for fall semester) or
  • December 15th (for upcoming spring semester).

  Please note that you have to take care of your visa yourself. For all students who do not need to apply for visa, the last admission test period for the fall term usually takes place in August, for the spring term in February.

  The admission process ends as soon as all of the limited study places have been allocated. Early application is therefore recommended.

• How do I apply to study at ISM?

  No specific grade point average is required for the ISM application. We will check your personal suitability for an ISM degree program in a multi-part admission process.

  After clarifying your question with a study advisor, you can simply register online for our admission test.

  Then you will receive an overview of the application documents to be submitted.

  The test and the personal interview will be online. The decision on the allocation of a study place is usually made no later than one-two weeks after the interview test date.

• Can I apply with a foreign school leaving certificate?

  If you have an international school-leaving certificate, we need to first check whether your qualification entitles you to study in Germany before taking our online admission test.

  Please send a scanned copy of your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Transcript of Records by e-mail to the student advisor at the campus of your choice. We call this process a fast check of your application documents.

• Is the study at ISM bound to a GPA?

  To apply, you need to have passed your Abitur (Baccalaureat) or an equivalent diploma, but no specific grade point average is required. We check your personal suitability in a multi-part admission process. You can register online for our admission test.

About Your Studies

• When does the study program at ISM start?

  It is possible to start your studies in the fall term in September as well as in the spring term in March.

• How long does it take to complete a degree program at ISM?

  The standard period of study for Bachelor's is 6 semesters (3 years). The program includes a semester abroad at one of our partner universities as well as 20 weeks of mandatory internship. You can voluntarily add a 7th semester and thus a second semester abroad at a partner university to any study program in the Global Track.

• How many students are in the lecture?

  Studies are held in groups of maximum 32 students.

  Some classes as well as the language classes are held in smaller groups with a maximum of 18 students and also in the last year of study the group is divided again due to the specialization modules. This guarantees optimal support by the lecturers.

• How many lectures do I have per week?

  In semesters 1-3, you can expect about 30 hours per week; in semesters 5 and 6, the hours per week are reduced to about 20. The earliest lecture start time is 8:30 a.m.

• Are the lectures held in English?

  The study programs B.Sc. International Management, B.Sc. Finance & Management, as well as the B.Sc. Information Systems and B.Sc. Applied Data Science and Business Analytics can be studied 100% in English. Our German-language Bachelor study programs have a share of approximately 30% English-language lectures, especially in higher semesters. You need at least a B2-Level in German to study those programs.

• Can I still change my program of study after I have started?

  Within the first few semesters it is possible to change the course of study for your Bachelor's if the respective program is offered at your campus. However, the missed study program specifics have to be made up.

• Will the ISM help me find an accommodation?

  The ISM does not maintain its own dormitories. Therefore, you have to look for an apartment on site yourself. Please ask your study advisor or the International Office for our Accommodation Guide to get valuable tips and links on how to find affordable accommodation at your campus of choice.

About Costs and Study Financing

• How much are the tuition fees for a Bachelor at ISM?

  The tuition fees are of 5,970 Euro per semester, which includes the bachelor thesis fee.
  
  Furthermore, you have to pay an enrollment fee (one-time payment) of 600 Euro (for EU citizens) or 1,500 Euro (non-EU citizens).

  The Federal German Embassy requests to open a block account with the amount of 10,236 Euro for the visa process.

  This amount will be paid back in monthly instalments (853 Euro per month) during the first year of studies at ISM. We recommend to open this block account through FINTIBA or Expatrio.
  
  International students have to pay a deposit (3,000 Euro) to secure their place on the study program. This is not an extra fee and will be deducted from the tuition fee of the first semester.

• What costs can I expect for teaching materials?

  Depending on the course of study and semester, the costs range from approx. 30-100 euros.

• How do I finance my studies at ISM?

  In general, ISM wants to make it possible for every qualified applicant to study at ISM, regardless of their individual financial situation. Therefore, ISM supports high-achieving students through scholarships. You can also take advantage of funding under the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) if you are from EU or an EEA Member State. Financial support from funding institutions or foundations, but also student loans are further very viable options for financing your studies. You can find more information in our financing brochure and on our study financing page

About Interships and Semester abroad

• How do I find companies for my internship?

  To build up and expand your own network, our Career Center organizes various events such as the Career Day or company presentations. In addition, you can access job postings in the ISM job portal and find out about internships already completed by ISM students in our internship database. The Career Center supports you in creating your application documents and in preparing for job interviews.

• Can I get credit for an internship I have already completed?

  Internships prior to your studies are not required. Nevertheless, internships that were completed after graduation from school and before you began your Bachelor's program may be credited to a certain extent, if applicable. The decision on actual credit is up to a case-by-case review by the Career Center. Please contact our student advisor if you have any questions.

• Where can I spend my semester abroad?

  ISM has a network of around 190 partner universities worldwide. Our International Office offers assistance in choosing a partner university. Depending on your course of study, you can choose from a variety of universities and countries.

• How much are the tuition fees during the semester abroad?

  The tuition fees for the semester abroad depend on your choice of partner university: In Europe, 95% are already covered by the ISM tuition fees. There are no additional costs here.

  At our overseas partner universities, things can be a little different. Especially when choosing partner universities from USA, Australia and New Zealand, additional costs will arise, as the tuition fees there are higher than at ISM.

  Our International Office will provide you with comprehensive information about each international university you are interested in.

Master's Programs

About Application

• Until when can I apply to study at ISM?

  International applicants who require a visa for studying in Germany must submit their application documents by July 15th of the same year for the fall term. For the Master of International Business that starts in spring term, the deadline for submitting application documents is January 15.
  For all students, who do not need to apply for visa, the last admission test for the fall term takes place in August, for the spring term in February. The admission procedure ends as soon as all of the limited study places have been allocated. Early application is therefore recommended. The admission test at ISM is valid for one year.

• How do I apply to study at ISM?

  No specific grade point average is required for the application, but the final grade of the first degree (e.g. Bachelors) is included in the overall assessment. Furthermore, we check your personal suitability in a selection process at ISM. You can register online for an appointment for our admission test. You will then receive an overview of the application documents to be submitted and the questions to be answered.

  You will work on this in advance at home and present your results in a Power Point presentation on your selection day when you will meet (online) with the study program director. In addition, we would like to get to know you and your study motivation in the subsequent interview. The decision on the allocation of a study place is usually made within one to two working days after the interview.

• Which documents have to be submitted?

  We need the following documents from you:

  • Curriculum vitae (CV).
  • Letter of motivation.
  • School-leaving certificate (certified) copies.
    Qualifying you to study at a higher education institution. The original document must be submitted by the start of the study. Alternatively, prospective students with a special educational background or a particular aptitude in their future field of study can also be recognized under the German Higher Education Act. Not sure to possess the school entry qualification? Please ask your study advisor and we will do a fast check to verify if you are eligible.
  • External proof of knowledge of foreign languages (if available).
    To be able to choose Spanish or French as second language, you need a proof of German proficiency of at least a B2 level (e.g. TestDaf). If you have any separate certificates of achievement confirming your foreign language proficiency (e.g. TOEFL test), please also submit them to us. However, these certificates are not obligatory for your application to study at the ISM. You may hand them in until the start of your studies.
  • Work/internship certificates (if available).
  • Copy of your national ID card.
  • One digital passport photo (colored, jpg format, high resolution).

• How is the admission test done?

  The online admission test is divided into two parts:

  
  Part 1: Elaboration of a case study presentation (such as brief presentation of the results of your Bachelor studies or another term paper)

  Part 2: Online interview with the program director on the admission test day
  
  For part one you can suggest a presentation topic or receive from our study advisor a list of topics after your online registration for an admission test, of which you have to choose one. You will elaborate your ideas in a power point presentation (15 to 20 minutes/about 10 to 12 slides). We need your presentation two working days (latest) prior to your online interview appointment.
  
  Within the interview, first you will present your power point and discuss your current issues afterwards. The rest of the test is a classical interview with questions about your personal career, your professional and personal goals as well as your motivation for the master program of your choice.

• Can I apply with a foreign (non-German) bachelor degree?

  If you have a foreign bachelor degree, we will check whether your qualification entitles you to study in Germany before taking our admission test.

  Please send a scanned copy of your curriculum vitae and transcript of records and your bachelor diploma by email to the study advisor at the campus of your choice.

• Is a GPA required?

  A GPA is not required. We check your personal suitability in a multi-part admission process. You can register online for the admission test.

About Studies

• When does the Master's program at ISM start?

  Students can start their studies in the consecutive Master's programs in the fall term in September and in the non-degree program "International Business" in the spring term in March.

• How long does the Master's program at ISM take?

  The standard period of study is 4 semesters (2 years). All consecutive study programs require a semester abroad at one of our partner universities as well as 12 weeks of compulsory internship.

  With the option Fast Track the semester abroad is omitted and you shorten the work placement. This allows you to complete your master's degree in 3 semesters with 90 ECTS. You can find out everything you need to know from your study advisor.

• How many lectures do I have per week?

  As a rule, you will have slightly fewer lectures in the master's program than in the bachelor's program. Since your schedule will not be the same every week, the hours per week will also vary. The earliest lecture starts at 8:30 am.

• Which programs are taught in English?

  • M.Sc. International Management is entirely taught in English at all seven campuses.
  • M.A. Strategic Marketing Management in Munich and Berlin
  • M.A. Digital Marketing in Berlin
  • M.Sc. Finance in Dortmund, Frankfurt/Main, Munich and Berlin
  • M.Sc. International Logistics & Supply Chain Management in Frankfurt/Main and Hamburg
  • M.A. Luxury, Fashion & Sales Management in Munich and Berlin
  • M.Sc. Business Intelligence & Data Science in Dortmund, Munich and Hamburg
  • M.Sc. Psychology & Management in Dortmund
  • M.Sc. Real Estate Management in Frankfurt/Main 
  • M.A. International Business in Dortmund, Frankfurt/Main and Berlin
  • Pre-Master in Dortmund, Frankfurt/Main, Berlin and Munich

  A basic requirement for the admission to the Master degree courses in English is the proof of minimum B2 level of English proficiency (according to the European Framework of Reference for languages). In the case of Master of MBA programs, English language skills need to be proven via a certificate (IELTS, Cambridge, TOEFL, etc.). Ask your study advisor for more information.

• Are all the lectures held in English?

  Many degree programs at ISM are offered entirely in English or can be completed 100% in English.

  We also have some Bachelor's or Master's degree programs in German, that include lectures in both German and English language (with a ratio of about 70:30 as regards German vs. English).

  Those programs are marked specificaly in the overview pages for Bachelor's and Master's programs. You can find more detailed information on this in the respective study program description.

• Can I do a double master's degree (double degree)?

  Within the framework of our international network of partner universities, we offer the possibility in our consecutive study programs to take a Double Degree. Ask your study advisor for more information.

About Costs and Financing

• How much are the tuition fees for a master program at ISM?

  Master tuition fees are of 6,480 Euro per semester (over 4 semesters) which includes the master thesis fee. Furthermore, you have to pay an enrollment fee (one-time payment) of 600 Euro (for EU citizens) or 1,500 Euro (non-EU citizens).

  Please note if you require a visa for studying in Germany: The Federal German Embassy requests to open a block account with the amount of 10,236 Euro for the visa process.

  This amount will be paid back in monthly instalments (853 Euro per month) during the first year of studies at ISM. We recommend to open this block account through FINTIBA or Expatrio.
  
  All international students have to pay a deposit (3,000 Euro) to secure their place on the study program. This is not an extra fee and will be deducted from the tuition fee of the first semester.

• What costs can I expect for teaching materials?

  Depending on the course of study and semester, the costs range from approx. 30-100 Euro.

• How do I finance my studies at ISM?

  In general, ISM wants to make it possible for every qualified applicant to study at ISM, regardless of their individual financial situation. Therefore, ISM supports high-achieving students through scholarships. You can find more information at Student finance or in our financing brochure (PDF).

About Internships and the Semester Abroad

• How do I find companies for my internship?

  To build up and expand your own network, our Career Center organizes various events such as the Career Day or company presentations. In addition, you can access job postings in the ISM job portal and find out about internships already completed by ISM students in our internship database. The Career Center supports you in creating your application documents and in preparing for interviews.

• Can I get credit for an internship I have already completed?

  Internships prior to your studies are not required. Nevertheless, internships that were completed after your bachelor degree and before you began your Master program may be credited to a certain extent, if applicable. The decision on actual credit is up to a case-by-case review by the Career Center. Please contact our student advisor if you have any questions.

• Where can I spend my semester abroad?

  ISM has a network of around 190 partner universities worldwide. Our International Office offers assistance in choosing a partner university. Depending on your course of study, you can choose from a variety of universities and countries.

• How much are the tuition fees during the semester abroad?

  he tuition fees for the semester abroad depend on your choice of partner universities: In Europe, most of the Partner Universities are already covered by ISM fees. There are no additional costs here. At our overseas partner universities, things can be a little different. Especially when choosing partner universities in the USA, Australia and New Zealand, additional costs will arise, as the tuition fees here are higher than at ISM. Our International Office will provide you with comprehensive information.

Full-time MBA Programs

About Application

• Until when can I apply to study at MBA Programs full-time?

  You can apply as early as one year before you wish to start your studies. You can make an appointment for your Skype interview with our student advisor Nina Weidemann (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Please send your CV in advance by e-mail so that your suitability can be checked.

• Until when can I apply for the full-time MBA at ISM?

  There is no fixed application deadline for the MBA General Management. Places are very limited and are allocated according to the number of applications received. The admission procedure ends as soon as all places have been allocated. Early application is therefore recommended. Important: For all international applicants who need a visa, the application deadline is June 15.

• How to apply for the full-time MBA at ISM?

  No specific grade point average is required to apply. You need a first academic degree and at least two to three years of relevant work experience after graduation. To check your professional suitability, please send your curriculum vitae in advance to Nina Weidemann (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). You will receive feedback as soon as possible and, if you have the necessary qualifications, we arrange an interview appointment with the program director.

• What language skills do I need for the full-time MBA at ISM?

  Applicants must have a good command of English. This language proficiency must be demonstrated by a TOEFL or IELTS test (min. 80 points in TOEFL/min. 6.0 in IELTS) or min. 30 ECTS in an English-language university program. For native speakers, a case-by-case assessment will be conducted if necessary.

• Can I apply for the full-time MBA with a foreign bachelor's degree?

  In the case of international degrees, we will check whether your degree entitles you to study in Germany before taking our admission test. Please send your curriculum vitae as well as your bachelor's degree certificate including the current transcript of records and your school leaving certificate scanned This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to Ms. Weidemann.

• Is a lateral entry possible?

  In principle, when changing universities, it is possible to have achievements from the previous study program credited. Each individual case is examined individually. The prerequisite is that the achievements were made at a state-recognized university. Please contact Ms. Weidemann (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for further information.

• What happens if I do not have the necessary ECTS points?

  For the MBA General Management, missing ECTS points can be compensated by relevant work experience, if applicable. Please contact Ms. Weidemann (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). A pre-master is not offered for the MBA General Management.

About Studies

• When does the full-time MBA at ISM start?

  The MBA General Management program can be started annually in the fall term in September.

• How long does the full-time MBA at ISM take?

  The standard period of study is 3 trimesters plus master's thesis.

• How many students are in a lecture?

  Students study in groups of no more than 15 people. This guarantees optimal support on the part of the lecturers.

• How is the full-time MBA program structured?

  The MBA General Management (full-time) consists of 9 module blocks, three of which are covered per trimester. Lectures are held on the Regal from Monday to Friday. You can view the current curriculum for the full-time MBA on our website. One module takes place during a two-week stay abroad in Barcelona (Spain). The program is complemented by individual coaching, which includes three sessions with a personal coach regarding personal development, conflict management and leadership skills.

About Costs and Financing

• What are the tuition fees for the full-time MBA at ISM?

  The tuition fee is 27,300 Euro in total incl. Master's thesis.

  If you sign a study contract by January 31, you will also receive an early bird discount of 1,000 Euro.

• How much are the tuition fees abroad?

  The tuition fees for the module abroad are already included in the fees. Only the costs for your arrival & departure as well as for your accommodation and meals will be added.

• Are there any fees for the admission test?

  There is no charge for the admission interview.

• How can I finance my studies at ISM?

  In general, ISM wants to make it possible for every qualified applicant to study at ISM, regardless of their individual financial situation. Therefore, ISM supports high-achieving students through scholarships. You can find more information at Student finance or in our financing brochure (PDF).

MBA Programms part-time

About Application

• When can I start applying for the part-time MBA at ISM?

  You can apply as early as one year before you wish to start your studies. You can make an appointment for your Skype interview with the responsible student advisor at campus Dortmund where we offer this program (email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Please send your CV and work experience in advance by email so that your suitability can be checked.

• Until when can I apply for the part-time MBA at ISM?

  Application for the MBA General Management is possible until February 28 the year of start of your studies. A later application is possible after consultation in justified cases.

  Please contact your Master & MBA study advisor at campus Dortmund (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). The admission procedure ends as soon as the limited study places have been allocated. Early application is therefore recommended, especially if you require a German study visa. Also, having a job in Germany is required in order to apply for this position.

• How do I apply for the part-time MBA at ISM?

  No specific grade point average is required to apply. You need a first academic degree and additionally two (for 210 ECTS) or three years (for 180 ECTS) of relevant professional experience after graduation. To check your professional suitability, please send us your CV in advance to our study advisor Nina Weidemann (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). We will provide you with feedback as soon as possible and, if you have the necessary qualifications, we will arrange an interview appointment with the program director.

• What language skills do I need for the part-time MBA at ISM?

  Applicants must have a good command of English. This language proficiency must be demonstrated by a TOEFL or IELTS test (min. 80 points in TOEFL/min. 6.0 in IELTS) or min. 30 ECTS in an English-language university program or a degree in English Studies. For native speakers, a case-by-case review may be conducted.

• Can I apply for the part-time MBA with a foreign Bachelor's degree?

  In the case of international degrees, we will check whether your degree entitles you to study in Germany before taking our admission test. Please send your CV and your Bachelor's degree certificate including the current Transcript of Records and your school-leaving certificate scanned to Nina Weidemann (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

• Is a lateral entry possible?

  In principle, when changing universities, it is possible to have achievements from the previous study program credited. Each individual case is examined individually. The prerequisite is that the achievements were made at a state-recognized university. Please contact a study advisor for further information.

• What happens if I do not have the necessary ECTS points?

  For the MBA General Management, missing ECTS points can be compensated by relevant work experience. Please contact our study advisor (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for more information.

  A pre-master is not offered for the MBA General Management.

About Studies

• When does the part-time MBA at ISM start?

  The MBA General Management program in part-time can be started annually in the spring term in March.

• How long does the part-time MBA at ISM take?

  The standard period of study is 4 semesters (2 years).

• How many students are in a lecture?

  Students study in groups of no more than 10 people. This guarantees optimal support on the part of the lecturers.

• How is the part-time MBA program structured?

  The MBA General Management consists of 15 modules, which are taught as a block. The blocks take place on average 1x per month from Fridays to Sundays all day. You can download the current lecture schedule from our homepage.

  Several modules take place abroad in different countries. Here you will get an interdisciplinary overview of all management areas in the USA, India and South Korea.

About Costs and Financing

• What are the tuition fees for the part-time MBA at ISM?

  The tuition fee is of 28,800 Euro in total including master's thesis fee. Monthly payments are also possible.

  Sign a study contract by January 31 and you will receive an Early-Bird Discount of 1,000 € on the regular tuition fee!

• How much are the tuition fees abroad?

  The tuition fees for the modules abroad are already included in the fees. Only the costs for your arrival & departure as well as for your accommodation and meals will be added.

• Are there any fees for the admission process?

  There is no charge for the interview.

• How can I finance my studies at ISM?

  In principle, ISM would like to make it possible for every suitable applicant to study at ISM, regardless of their individual financial situation. Therefore, ISM supports high-achieving students through scholarships. An application can be made directly to our study advisor responsible for MBA programs (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). information at Student finance or in our Financing Brochure (PDF).

Do you have any questions about studying? Please contact us!

Study advisor Bachelor's programs

Your Bachelor Study Advisors

Campus Dortmund

Christopher Pereira
+49 231.97 51 39-43
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Campus Frankfurt

Qian Ye
+49 69.66 05 93 67-43
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Campus Munich

Ana Kammerer
+49 89.2 00 03 50 - 53
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Campus Cologne

Angelina Hallmann
+49 221.27 09 95-43
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Campus Stuttgart

Luigi Serafino
+49 711.51 89 62-143
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Campus Berlin

Marrit Koenig
+49 30.3 15 19 35-22
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Campus Hamburg

Rebecca Jung
+49 40.3 19 93 39-46
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Study advisor Master's programs

Your Master Study Advisors

Campus Dortmund

Christopher Pereira
+49 231.97 51 39-43
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Campus Frankfurt/Main

Yosra Salah
+49 69.66 05 93 67-49
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Campus Stuttgart

Antonio Luna
+49 711.51 89 62-243
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Campus Munich

Nina Weidemann
+49 89.2 00 03 50-42
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Campus Cologne

Ioulia Aslanidou
+49 221.27 09 95-54
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Campus Hamburg

Jana Gripshöfer
+49 40.3 19 93 39-42
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Campus Berlin

Sindy Rode
+49 30.3 15 19 35-175
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Study advisor MBA programs

Your Student Advisory Service

Campus Munich

Nina Weidemann
+49 89.2 00 03 50-42
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Campus Berlin

Sindy Rode
+49 30.3 15 19 35-175
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Your Student Advisory Service

Campus Dortmund

Christopher Pereira
+49 231.97 51 39-43
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Study advisor Distance Learning online programs

Your Study Advisors for Distance Learning (online programs)

Marcella Brockerhoff

+49 711.51 89 62-221

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Aysenur Bektas

+49 711 51 89 62-221
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Student Life in Germany

Why is studying at ISM so popular?

Helping shape the campus

Events

Together with the ISM

Student Clubs and Extracurricular Activities

Do you have any questions about studying? Please contact us!

Study advisor Bachelor's programs

Your Bachelor Study Advisors

Campus Dortmund

Christopher Pereira
+49 231.97 51 39-43
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Campus Frankfurt

Qian Ye
+49 69.66 05 93 67-43
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Campus Munich

Ana Kammerer
+49 89.2 00 03 50 - 53
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Campus Cologne

Angelina Hallmann
+49 221.27 09 95-43
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Campus Stuttgart

Luigi Serafino
+49 711.51 89 62-143
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Campus Berlin

Marrit Koenig
+49 30.3 15 19 35-22
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Campus Hamburg

Rebecca Jung
+49 40.3 19 93 39-46
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Study advisor Master's programs

Your Master Study Advisors

Campus Dortmund

Christopher Pereira
+49 231.97 51 39-43
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Campus Frankfurt/Main

Yosra Salah
+49 69.66 05 93 67-49
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Campus Stuttgart

Antonio Luna
+49 711.51 89 62-243
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Campus Munich

Nina Weidemann
+49 89.2 00 03 50-42
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Campus Cologne

Ioulia Aslanidou
+49 221.27 09 95-54
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Campus Hamburg

Jana Gripshöfer
+49 40.3 19 93 39-42
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Campus Berlin

Sindy Rode
+49 30.3 15 19 35-175
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Study advisor MBA programs

Your Student Advisory Service

Campus Munich

Nina Weidemann
+49 89.2 00 03 50-42
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Campus Berlin

Sindy Rode
+49 30.3 15 19 35-175
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Your Student Advisory Service

Campus Dortmund

Christopher Pereira
+49 231.97 51 39-43
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Study advisor Distance Learning online programs

Your Study Advisors for Distance Learning (online programs)

Marcella Brockerhoff

+49 711.51 89 62-221

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Aysenur Bektas

+49 711 51 89 62-221
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Plan your studies at ISM

How to become a student at ISM and study in Germany?

How to apply at ISM

• Bachelor's Application Documents

  To process your Bachelor’s application, we need:

  • the completed application form (we'll send you the link after you've registered for an admission test)
  • your CV or resume
  • a letter of motivation
  • a school graduation certificate qualifying you to study at a higher education institution (or transcript of records if you did not graduate yet)
  • two passport photos
  • optional: evidence of English language knowledge (such as language certificates), if available
  • optional: evidence of previous German language knowledge (if available, as knowing German is not mandatory for starting your studies at ISM in English)
  • optional: any internship or work references (if available)

• Master's Application Documents

  For your official Master’s application we need the following documents from you:

  • the completed application form (we'll send you the link after you've registered for an admission test)
  • your CV or resume
  • a letter of motivation
  • proof of English language knowledge (B2 level) (please send your language certificate, if available)
  • certified copy of your first degree certificate (such as Bachelor's etc, if already available), otherwise certified Transcript of Records
  • a copy of your national ID card
  • two passport photos
  • optional: proof of health insurance that is valid for Germany (only if available already, otherwise you can upload this before immatriculation)

• MBA Application Documents

  For the MBA programs, we need all of the documents required for a master's program (see above), along with 

  • two letters of reference from university professors or former or current employers.

• Bachelor Admission Test

  For the bachelor, you will have to pass a mathematical test as well as an English test (or provide evidence of your foreign language proficiency e.g. IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge Certificate).

  You will also have a personal interview at the end of the day, where you will be asked about your motivation to study and we will check your general suitability for the program of your choice.

  Important note: Weaknesses in language knowledge or mathematics do not lead directly to a rejection of your bachelor's application! In this case, you may have to take intensive courses at ISM or with external providers in order to reach the required level needed by the time you begin your studies. We are here to help you reach your full potential!

  Our application and admission test dates are very flexible. Nevertheless, applicants who require a student visa for Germany and who do not have a visa (student visa) yet, please apply no later than the following dates:

  • July 15th for all programs starting in the fall term
  • December 15th for all programs starting next year in the spring term
  • If you've missed any of these deadlines, please contact a study advisor and you'll receive more information if you can still apply.

• Master and MBA Admission Test

  On the day of the admission test, you will present the results of the case study. Afterwards, there will be a personal interview covering your personal background, professional goals and your motivation to study in order to assess your general suitability for the program of your choice.

  Our application and admission test dates are very flexible. Nevertheless, applicants who require a student visa for Germany and who do not have a visa (student visa) yet, please try to apply no later than the following dates:

  • July 15th for all programs starting in the fall term of the respective year
  • December 15th for all programs starting next year in the spring term

  Important note: Candidates who are not in Germany have the option of taking the admission test online. Please specify this in the application by checking the box "I want to take the Admission test online".

Apply for an Admission Test

Study in Germany

• Your ticket to study is the visa – Visa Issues Info

  Non EU-students and students from countries other than the USA, Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, and South Korea who would like to study in Germany need an appropriate visa for entry in Germany. You need to apply for your student visa at the responsible German embassy or consulate in your home country. Please note: The entry with a tourist or visitor visa is not sufficient for study purposes for most countries!

  Your visa application has to state explicitly the reason for your stay in Germany (e.g. language course, studies, etc.). In particular the following documents need to be attached to the visa application:

  • Letter of acceptance of the ISM
  • Proof of sufficient financial funds (for example, you get a so-called "blocked account" in Germany or for example with the help of the document “Verpflichtungserklaerung” which you get from the German embassy if you have a person living in Germany).

  For further information please contact the respective German consular mission abroad or our ISM International Officers.

• Do you need health insurance in Germany?

  All students must bring proof of valid health insurance. The German social security system generally treats German and foreign students the same, i.e. foreign students can take out insurance with the statutory health insurers in Germany, currently for about 100 euros per month. Students from selected countries (mainly from the EU) can claim an exemption.

  International students with private insurance can be exempted from compulsory health insurance if they present a certificate of insurance from their home insurance company, translated into German, which precisely describes the content and scope of the insurance coverage. The health insurance company in Germany will check this and may issue an exemption. Note: Please note that students older than 30 years of age are not eligible for student health insurance through the statutory health insurance companies and must take out private insurance either in their home country or in Germany. Please note that travel insurance cannot be accepted.

  You can find more tips on health insurance and our partner Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) in the ISM Study Guide, (PDF).

• Transportation for guest students – Arriving in Germany

  We try to offer a pick-up service for our international guest and exchange student arrivals at the following airports and main train stations.

  You have to inquire about and book this service (if available at the time of your travel) not later than two weeks prior arrival. You will get a form which you have to fill out via email.

  • Dortmund: Duesseldorf international airport (NOT Duesseldorf-Weeze), Dortmund airport and main train station
  • Frankfurt: Frankfurt international airport and main train station
  • Munich: Munich international airport and main train station
  • Hamburg: Hamburg international airport and main train station
  • Cologne: Cologne/Bonn international airport and main train station
  • Berlin: Berlin airport and main train station

  The service costs 10/15 € per trip and per person (in Munich: 20 € from the airport per trip and per person). You can pay in cash when you meet the driver (German ISM students).

  For further information, please contact the International Office study advisor at your respective campus.

  Arriving by Car

  If you decide to come to Germany by car please note that in Germany environmental zones have been introduced. It is therefore necessary for you to buy an environmental badge which is obligatory for driving in green zones in Germany. For more information please visit: umwelt-plakette.de - here you will be able to choose your native language for further information. Be aware that should you be driving without the badge in green zones and be stopped by the police – they will charge you a fine.

• German language courses

  When studying at International School of Management, German classes are either an integrated part of the curriculum or can be taken either as a pre-course right before the start of the semester or as evening online classes during the semester.

  During your studies:

  At ISM, we offer free additional language and hands-on courses within our StudyPlus program. In this program, you can also take German courses. All StudyPlus courses take place online and during the evening so you can combine them with your regular study program’s schedule. For more information on the exact schedule, please check your student portal or contact your local study office.

  Prior to study start:

  Foreign students who wish to learn German or refresh their German knowledge can take part in a 3-week intensive German course prior to semester start (cost is €480 + an additional fee for study material). You will receive 6 ECTS for the course if you pass the course successfully. The course will take place from Monday to Friday and has 90 teaching units in sum.

  There will be a course for beginners and - if there are enough interested students - we will also offer a course for advanced learners.

  In addition, we also try to offer three different language courses during the semester for free with 3 ECTS being awarded at the end of the class: Beginners + Intermediate + Advanced Business presentations.

  Note: please be aware that you need an upper/intermediate level of German to successfully pass the semester at the ISM if you participate in classes taught in German and an upper/intermediate level of English to participate in English-taught programs, classes of foreign lecturers and for the ISM Business Certificate.

Do you have any questions about studying? Please contact us!

Study advisor Bachelor's programs

Your Bachelor Study Advisors

Campus Dortmund

Christopher Pereira
+49 231.97 51 39-43
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Campus Frankfurt

Qian Ye
+49 69.66 05 93 67-43
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Campus Munich

Ana Kammerer
+49 89.2 00 03 50 - 53
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Campus Cologne

Angelina Hallmann
+49 221.27 09 95-43
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Campus Stuttgart

Luigi Serafino
+49 711.51 89 62-143
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Campus Berlin

Marrit Koenig
+49 30.3 15 19 35-22
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Campus Hamburg

Rebecca Jung
+49 40.3 19 93 39-46
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Study advisor Master's programs

Your Master Study Advisors

Campus Dortmund

Christopher Pereira
+49 231.97 51 39-43
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Campus Frankfurt/Main

Yosra Salah
+49 69.66 05 93 67-49
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Campus Stuttgart

Antonio Luna
+49 711.51 89 62-243
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Campus Munich

Nina Weidemann
+49 89.2 00 03 50-42
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Campus Cologne

Ioulia Aslanidou
+49 221.27 09 95-54
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Campus Hamburg

Jana Gripshöfer
+49 40.3 19 93 39-42
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Campus Berlin

Sindy Rode
+49 30.3 15 19 35-175
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Study advisor MBA programs

Your Student Advisory Service

Campus Munich

Nina Weidemann
+49 89.2 00 03 50-42
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Campus Berlin

Sindy Rode
+49 30.3 15 19 35-175
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Your Student Advisory Service

Campus Dortmund

Christopher Pereira
+49 231.97 51 39-43
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Study advisor Distance Learning online programs

Your Study Advisors for Distance Learning (online programs)

Marcella Brockerhoff

+49 711.51 89 62-221

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Aysenur Bektas

+49 711 51 89 62-221
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.