FAQ: ISM Application & Admission Requirements

To study a Bachelor's degree at ISM International School of Management, applicants must meet the following admission requirements:

• General university entrance qualification such as school-leaving diploma (for example, high school diploma, vocational diploma, or a recognized foreign university entrance qualification) in the original language incl. subjects and transcript of records
• No Numerus Clausus (NC): ISM does not have a Numerus Clausus (NC). Instead, an individual online selection interview is conducted to assess motivation, communication skills, and international orientation.
• English language proficiency: Since many ISM Bachelor programs are taught in English, a good command of English of at least B2 level is expected, e.g. TOEFL iBT (at least 80 points) or IELTS (at least 6.0), or equivalent.
• Basic math skills: For coursework in subjects such as statistics, accounting, and investment analysis, basic math skills learned in high school are sufficient. No math test is administered as part of the application process.

To study a Master’s degree at ISM International School of Management, applicants must meet the following admission requirements:

• First university degree: A completed Bachelor’s degree and transcript of records (at least 180 ECTS) in business administration, economics, or a related field is required for most ISM Master programs. Alternatively, at least 30 ECTS credits in the field of economics are required, and separate ECTS regulations may apply to certain programs (such as Business Intelligence & Data Science, Psychology & Management, etc.).
• Applicants from other academic backgrounds are considered on a case-by-case basis and are particularly welcome in the International Business Master.
• Missing subject-specific ECTS credits can be compensated for by relevant professional experience, appropriate internships, participation in the ISM Pre-Master’s Program, or by taking ISM preparatory courses (on-demand certificate courses offered by ISM distance learning in German).
• English language proficiency: For English-taught Master programs, language proficiency at least B2 level is required, e.g. TOEFL iBT (minimum 80 points) or IELTS (minimum 6.0), or equivalent.
• English native speakers or applicants with English-language bachelor’s degree are exempt from this requirement; in these cases, applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• No GMAT or GRE required: Unlike many international business schools, ISM does not require the GMAT or GRE. The admissions process is based on application documents and an online admission interview.
• Academic performance: ISM evaluates applicants holistically, thus a strong performance in the online interview can compensate for a lower GPA. A GPA of 2.5 or higher (on the German grading scale) is generally recommended.
• Work experience: For consecutive master’s programs, work experience is optional and not a formal requirement for admission. For executive programs such as MBA, at least 2 years of professional experience are required.

The following admission requirements apply to the MBA programs at ISM International School of Management:

• First university degree: A completed Bachelor’s degree with at least 210 ECTS credits or an equivalent degree from a recognized higher education system. For the full-time MBA, at least 210 ECTS credits are generally required; for the part-time MBA, 240 ECTS credits are required.
• Missing ECTS credits can be compensated for, under certain conditions, by relevant professional experience or ISM preparatory courses (on-demand certificate courses offered by ISM’s distance learning in German).
• Professional experience: At least two years of relevant professional experience following the first university degree is required. For Executive MBA programs, leadership experience may be required.
• English language proficiency: The MBA programs are taught in English. Applicants without an English-language educational background must demonstrate English proficiency of at least B2 level,g. TOEFL iBT (at least 80 points) or IELTS (at least 6.0), or equivalent.
• English native speakers or applicants with English-language bachelor’s degree are exempt from this requirement; in these cases, applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• No GMAT or GRE required: ISM does not require the GMAT or GRE. The admission interview takes place online and replaces the standardized aptitude test.

The application process for Bachelor’s programs at ISM International School of Management is divided into four steps:

Step 1: Submit an online application

Applicants to ISM can conveniently submit their documents via an online application form.
The required documents for Bachelor typically include:

• High school leaving diploma or equivalent, e.g. high school diploma, vocational diploma, or a recognized foreign university entrance qualification, in the original language incl. subjects and transcript of records
• Proof of English language proficiency: For English-taught programs the proof of English proficiency of at least B2 level is mandatory, e.g., TOEFL iBT (at least 80 points) or IELTS (at least 6.0), or equivalent.
• In the case of native speakers or applicants with an English-language high school diploma, applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• For German-taught programs: German language proficiency of level B2 is necessary, as well as English language proficiency of at least B1 level.
• Resume (CV)
• Copy of identity card.

Step 2: Review of application documents

Upon receipt of the application, the ISM admissions team reviews the submitted documents. During this process, the formal admission requirements and the applicant’s suitability for the desired bachelor’s program are carefully evaluated.

Step 3: Online admission interview

If the application documents meet the requirements, applicants to ISM are invited to an online admission interview. The interview typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes and is designed to assess the applicant’s personal motivation and academic goals.

Topics covered in the interview include:

• motivation for the respective bachelor’s program,
• presentation of the personal interests and future academic and professional plans, as well as
• international perspectives and intercultural competencies.

Step 4: Admission decision and enrollment

After a successful interview, applicants receive a letter of admission. To secure a spot in the program, confirmation is required within the specified deadline, followed by deposit payment and formal enrollment.

Note on application deadlines:

ISM offers rolling admissions and applications are processed on an ongoing basis. Applying early increases your chances of securing a spot. Specific deadlines can be found on the respective program page at en.ism.de.

International applicants to ISM who require a visa for Germany should submit their application no later than

• June 15 (for the winter semester) or
• December 15 (for the summer semester).

The application process at ISM International School of Management is divided into four steps:

Step 1: Submit an online application

Applicants to ISM can conveniently submit their documents via an online application form.

Typical documents required for Master include:

• Bachelor’s degree certificate and current transcript of records
• High school leaving diploma or equivalent, e.g. high school diploma, vocational diploma, or a recognized foreign university entrance qualification, in the original language incl. subjects and transcript of records
• Proof of English language proficiency: for all English-taught Master programs, proof of English of at least B2 level, e.g., TOEFL iBT (minimum 80 points) or IELTS (minimum 6.0), or equivalent.
• Native speakers or applicants with an English-language bachelor will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. For the few German-taught Master programs applies: German and English language proficiency of at least B2 level each are required.
• Resume (CV)
• Copy of identity card.

Step 2: Review of application documents

The ISM admissions team reviews the application documents within a few weeks. The evaluation is holistic: academic performance, motivation, international experience, and career potential are all given equal weight.

Step 3: Online admission interview

Eligible applicants will be invited to an online admission interview. The interview typically lasts 30–45 minutes and includes:

• Questions about motivation and career goals
• Presentation and discussion of the applicant’s academic and professional background
• Questions about international perspective and intercultural competence.

Step 4: Admission decision and enrollment

After a successful interview, applicants receive an offer of admission. To secure a spot in the program, confirmation is required within the specified deadline, followed by formal enrollment.

Note on application deadlines:

ISM offers rolling admissions and applications are processed on an ongoing basis. Applying early increases an applicants’ chances of securing a spot. Specific deadlines can be found on the respective program page at en.ism.de.

International applicants to ISM who require a visa for Germany should submit their application no later than

• June 15 (for the winter semester) or
• December 15 (for the summer semester).

The processing time for a complete application to ISM International School of Management is typically two to four weeks. Incomplete application documents will extend the processing time. Once all documents have been received, an interview will be scheduled within two weeks.

Yes, in some cases, applicants can study at ISM without a traditional high school diploma. Admission depends on how they qualify for higher education in Germany. If you have an international school-leaving certificate, we need to first check whether your qualification entitles you to study in Germany.

International applicants with foreign school-leaving certificates or vocational qualifications are assessed individually. Depending on the recognition of their qualifications and the applicable admission regulations, applicants with recognized vocational training and relevant professional experience may also qualify for admission through Germany's "third educational pathway." The specific requirements vary by federal state and program. The ISM study advisors will review your individual situation upon request.

No. ISM International School of Management does not have a numerus clausus (NC). Instead of an automatic average-grade based (NC-based) selection process, ISM relies on individual admission interview. This means that applicants whose high school GPA falls outside the NC-range for public universities still have the opportunity to qualify for admission to ISM based on their motivation and personality.

No. ISM International School of Management does not require either the GMAT or the GRE for its Bachelor, Master, or MBA programs. The admission interview and review of application documents replaces the standardized aptitude test. This sets ISM apart from many international business schools, which require a GMAT score of 600 or higher.

The following language proficiency certificates are accepted for English-taught and billingual (German-English) programs at ISM International School of Management:

Language certificates from a certified provider (no more than 2 years old), for example:

• TOEFL iBT: minimum score of 80 
• IELTS: minimum overall score of 6.0
• Cambridge: First (FCE) with minimum 160 points, or AE (C1 Advanced) or CPE (C2 Proficiency)
• TOEIC: Listening/Reading minimum 785 points; Speaking minimum 160 points; Writing minimum 150 points
• Pearson PTE Academic: minimum 67 points
• ELS English for Academic Purposes: minimum level 112
• Duolingo English Test: minimum 110 points.

Exceptions to the requirement to submit a language proficiency certificate from a certified provider apply to applicants whose native language is English or who have completed a course of study conducted entirely in English (e.g., a high school diploma from an English-speaking school system, a bachelor’s degree in English, or an English-language university degree).

ISM offers Bachelor’s and Master’s programs at seven campuses across Germany: Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, Dortmund, Cologne, Stuttgart, and Berlin.

This multi-campus structure allows students to choose a location that best fits their personal and academic preferences while studying within a unified academic system.

ISM stands out from other private business schools in Germany through its AACSB accreditation, strong international focus, regular placement in the CHE University Ranking, seven campuses in major German cities, personalized student support, and an admissions process without a Numerus Clausus (NC), GMAT, or GRE. Students also benefit from close industry partnerships, practice-oriented programs, and integrated international experiences such as semesters abroad and double-degree options.

• Recognized internationally and AACSB-accredited: ISM is one of the few private universities of applied sciences in Germany to hold the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation - the most internationally recognized seal of quality for business schools. Less than 6% of business schools worldwide are AACSB-accredited.
• Seven Campuses: With campuses in Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, Dortmund, Cologne, Stuttgart, and Berlin, ISM offers a national presence that is unique among private business schools in Germany.
• CHE University Ranking: In the International Management category, ISM consistently ranks among the top institutions in the CHE University Ranking, particularly for its international focus, professional practice, and support for first-year students.
• International Focus: The programs are geared toward international careers; the language of instruction is mostly English, or bilingual (German and English) and full-degree on campus programs often include a semester abroad at a partner university or the option of a double degree.
• No GMAT, no minimum average grade (Numerus clausus): ISM focuses on individual selection rather than standardized tests, an admissions approach that is open to a wider range of candidate profiles than at more selective private business schools such as WHU or ESMT Berlin.
• Individual support: At ISM, students receive personalized support - from initial academic consultation and study advisory services to assistance from Study Coaches, the Career Center and the International Office.