FAQs

When 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.

In which cities can I study?

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

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 ISM AACSB accredited?

ISM has received the prestigious AACSB accreditation in spring 2024 and is currently the only private university of applied sciences in Germany to be honored at the highest level by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). After years of dedicated effort, ISM is now AACSB accredited, which is an important seal of quality which certifies excellence in research and teaching. Multiple criteria as well as student evaluations are taken into account when granting the AACSB seal. AACSB accreditation is linked to multiple quality criteria such as: course content, innovative teaching methods, quality of lecturers, support for students and research activities. Infrastructure, close ties to business practice, ensuring a smooth transition to professional life and internationality are also scrutinized.

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 or on campus. Of course, you can also make an individual appointment with our student 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.

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?

This account must contain sufficient funds to cover the arising costs for the duration of the planned stay in Germany. Since January 1, 2021, the assumed annual standard requirement is 10,332 euros. You must pay this amount into the blocked account when you apply for a visa. The money is paid back on a monthly basis.

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.

Which central contact points in Germany should I know?

Residents' Registration Office (German: Einwohnermeldeamt), Tax Office (German: Steueramt), Foreigners' Registration Office (German: Auslandsamt)

When can I apply to study at ISM?

You can apply as early as one year before you wish to start your studies. (Online) Admission tests are held very often at all ISM locations. 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 program. You are welcome to submit your most recently received certificate with your application.

Until when can I apply to study at ISM?

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 tests 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. You will 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 can be taken online if you are not in Germany. The decision on the allocation of a study place is usually made no later than two weeks after the 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.

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. 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 two semesters it is possible to change the course of study. 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. Ask your student advisor for our Accommodation Guide to get valuable tips and links on how to find affordable accommodation at your campus of choice.

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

The tuition fees are of 5,700 Euro per semester, irrespective of campus.

There is also a one-time enrollment fee with the following amount:

• for EU- & EWR-students: 600 Euro
• for non-EU-students: 1,500 Euro

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.

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 rhere are higher than at ISM. Our International Office will provide you with comprehensive information about each international university.

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 programs starting in the fall term.

For the Master of International Business that starts in the 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.

Important: 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 for a Master's program is divided into two parts:

Part 1: Case study preparation

If you're a Master applicant, prior to your admission test day you will have to prepare a case study presentation.

This case study presentation can include presenting the:

• main results/summary of your Bachelor's thesis, or
• an essay or term paper that you elaborated during your studies or - alternatively –
• can be on a predefined case study topic that our study advisors will send you in advance, upon demand.

It is essential to show the connection between your chosen topic and the study program of your choice. We require a PowerPoint presentation (15 to 20 minutes, equivalent of about 8 to 12 slides).

You will receive an email with exact instructions on the requirements of the case study from us.

Part 2: Online interview & case study presentation

You will receive an email confirming your admission test day on which you will have an interview with the study program director. In this appointment you will also present your results of the case study in an oral presentation.

The goal of the interview is to get to know you and your personal background better. We look forward to getting to learn about your professional and personal goals and your motivation for your studies for the master program of your choice. All you need to do is rehearse you presentation and show up on time for the online interview.

Once you've had your interview, you await the admission committee's decision, which usually only takes just a few days. Then you will receive a study contract, sign it and start enrollment at ISM.

Can I apply with a foreign 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 e-mail 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.

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 students are in a lecture?

Students study in groups of no more than 25 people. This guarantees optimal support on the part of the lecturers.

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.

Are the lectures taught in English?

• The M.Sc. International Management is entirely taught in English at all seven campuses.
• M.A. Strategic Marketing Management in Munich and 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 is the proof of B2 English proficiency

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.

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

For contracts signed after January 1, 2023, master tuition fees are of 5,700 Euro per semester (over 4 semesters) and the master thesis fees will be waived, irrespective of campus.

Furthermore, you have to pay an enrollment fee (one-time payment) of 600 Euro (EU citizens) or 1,500 Euro (non-EU citizens). The 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 (3,500 Euro) to secure their place on the study program. This is not an extra fee and is offset against the tuition fees 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).

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?

The 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.

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 online appointment for a Skype interview with our MBA student advisor. 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 our MBA study advisor. 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 to our MBA study advisor.

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 an MBA study advisor for further information.

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

For the MBA in General Management, missing ECTS points can be compensated by relevant work experience, if applicable. A pre-Master is not offered for the MBA General Management. Please contact an MBA study advisor for more information.

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.

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

The tuition fee is 24,900 Euro including enrollment and thesis fees. If you sign the contract by March 15th, you will also receive an early bird discount of 1,500 Euro.

How much are the tuition fees abroad?

The tuition fees for the module abroad are already included in the fees. Only the travel 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 taking part in the application process at ISM.

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).

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 online appointment for a Skype interview with the responsible MBA study advisor. Please send your CV in advance by email to our study advisor 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 of the respective year. A later application is also possible after consultation with us in justified cases. The admission procedure ends as soon as all of the limited study places have been allocated. Early application is therefore recommended. Please contact an MBA study advisor for more information.

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 your CV in advance to our MBA study advisor. 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 an MBA study advisor.

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. Nowak 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 MBA study advisor for more information. A pre-Master is not offered for the MBA in General Management.

When does the part-time MBA at ISM start?

The MBA General Management program 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 15 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 monthly from Fridays to Sundays all day. You can download the current lecture schedule from our homepage. Four modules take place abroad. Here you will get an interdisciplinary overview of all management areas in the USA, India and Hong Kong.

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

The tuition fee is of 27,000 Euro for all contracts signed starting with January 1, 2023.

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 MBA study advisor. More information can be found on the page Student finance or in our Financing Brochure (PDF).