Frequently Asked Questions
Which study program fits me?
Studying at a university or university of applied sciences - public or private? As a private university, ISM offers practical and interactive lectures in small groups. Thanks to the intensive support, bachelor's as well as master's degrees with a wide range of specializations can be obtained. Furthermore, the university is internationally AACSB-accredited.
Questions and answers on this page:
About the ISM
ISM offers Bachelor's, Master's and MBA degree programs, on-campus or online, in Distance Learning or live online. These are taught 100% in English or in German with select modules in English language (ca. 70% German and 30% English). The programs presented on this website are usually the English-speaking programs.
ISM is the only German Business School with locations in seven of Germany's largest cities: Dortmund, Frankfurt/Main, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart and Berlin. Not all study programs are offered at all locations. Check the program page of the study program that interests you to see which campus offers the desired study program.
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. ISM became AACSB-accredited in 2024 which is one of the highest international accreditation that only 6% of business schools worldwide get.
ISM is present with campuses in seven large cities: Dortmund, Frankfurt/Main, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart and Berlin. The first campus was opened in 1990 in Dortmund and the latest campus opening is Berlin, in 2020.
ISM is a top German business school and private university of applied sciences. This means it is state-recognized (accredited by German education authorities), has the legal right to grant degrees (Bachelor, Master or MBA) and operates independently of public universities. Also, ISM is internationally accredited by the AACSB since 2024, belonging to the top 5% of the world's business schools.
Established in 1990, ISM operates as a not-for-profit private institution and is both state-accredited and internationally accredited. As a private university of applied sciences, ISM has a strong practical and career-oriented focus, teaching the top managers of the future.
ISM offers two main intakes per year for the Bachelor's and Master's programs:
The fall intake is the largest one and offers almost all programs (Bachelor’s, Master’s and MBA programs) and starts typically in September. The application deadline for students who need a visa for Germany and want to start in fall term is June 15th.
The spring intake offers programs which start typically in March and is offered for the Bachelor’s programs, the Master in International Business (non-consecutive program) and the Pre-Master (preparatory semester for students who come from a non-business background and want to start a Master's). The application deadline for students who need a visa is December 15th. Spring classes typically start sometime in mid-March.
The spring semester intake is equally valid as the fall intake, and is preferred by students who missed the fall deadlines, prefer a smaller cohort of students or have had other commitments, as it offers more flexibility and the option to graduate one semester earlier than the fall cohort (the total study time stays the same).
You do not need to speak German in order to study at ISM. Our university offers many study programs that are taught 100% in English.
You can study in English and - if you wish - learn German during your studies at ISM, as optional German language classes are offered during your studies. Learning German can help with daily life and social integration in Germany.
ISM offers many study programs that are taught 100% in English for international students. For these, a proof of English language knowledge equivalent to level B2 is required.
Also, ISM has a few study programs taught in German only, or in a mix of German with English modules. These are usually more limited in number and clearly marked on this website on the overview pages for Bachelor and Master.
Compared to public 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 practical 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 abroad. A semester abroad is usually included in the on-campus study programs.
Yes, ISM received the prestigious international AACSB-accreditation in 2024 and was the first private university of applied sciences in Germany holding this prestigious seal of quality. Only 6% of business schools worldwide receive this accreditation.
Yes, the study degrees from ISM are recognized on an international level. The university holds the international AACSB accreditation which stands for excellence in teaching and research. This is grandted to only 6% of business schools worldwide.
ISM is state-recognized by the German 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 German public universities. Also, ISM was the first private business school nationwide to receive national accreditation for ten years twice in a row.
You are very welcome to get to know ISM better at our regular online events (such as Online Info Sessions) or even pay us a visit on campus, if you are in Germany.
Of course, you can also make an individual appointment with our study advisors for a personal consultation. Those appointments can take place via Zoom or Teams.
The tuition fees at the International School of Management (ISM) in Germany vary depending on the program and study model. The cost of a full-time Bachelor programs is of 5,970 Euro (per semester), of full-time Master's programs of 6,480 Euro and of an full-time MBA of 8,700 Euro for the full-time program. The part-time MBA is offered in hybrid form starting with fall term 2026 and costs 7,200 Euro per semester.
Yes, you can apply without a certain GPA or GMAT. The study programs do not have a numerus clausus (NC).
If you're applying from a country that doesn't use GPA, your transcript or records will be evaluated.
Also, GMAT is not required for the Master’s or MBA programs. The ISM uses its own online admission process if needed to assess academic readiness.
About Study VISA for Germany
Depending on your nationality and duration of your stay in Germany, you may or not need a visa for your ISM studies. If you're from a country outside the EU/EEA countries, you will need a student visa to study in Germany on-campus. For online studies, a visa application is not necessary.
If you're from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, you do not need a visa to study in Germany.
At ISM you generally need a German Student Visa, also known as National Visa (D visa), if your studies will last more than 90 days. This is granted at first for 3 months initially. You must convert it to a residence permit once you are in Germany.
If you only attend a short-term non-degree program that lasts less than 90 days, such as a summer school or certificate course, you will need another type of visa, called a Schengen Visa (Type C) for Short Stay.
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.
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).
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 "ISM25". Start your journey with VisaFlow by visiting platform.visaflow.app
In Germany, the residence permit for studies entitles you to work for a total of 140 full working days or 280 half working days per calendar year. This applies to non-EU/EEA students studying at a state-recognized German university.
Upon graduating from a German university, you can apply for a visa that grants you 18 months to look for a job and work. This can later be converted into an employment visa.
After graduation from ISM, 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.
Your most important addresses as a foreign student in Germany are:
- Residents' Registration Office ('Einwohnermeldeamt'),
- Foreigners' Registration Office ('Ausländeramt'),
- Tax Office ('Finanzamt').
Bachelor's Programs
Application for Bachelor programs
Secure your study place in 4 steps:
- Submit your application
Submit your online application via our application form and provide all relevant and available information (documents, certificates, English language proof etc.) about your academic and personal background. - Review of your documents
Once we have received your available documents, we will carefully check your professional qualifications and your formal eligibility to study. - Personal selection interview incl. presentation
The next step is to get to know you personally. You will give a short presentation and have a structured online selection interview. - Admission and enrollment
After successfully completing the application process, you will receive your admission letter and the study contract. By signing the study contract and submitting the required enrollment documents, you will secure your place at our university and can begin your studies at one of the leading business schools.
If you need a study visa for Germany, the applications deadlines are:
- no later than June 15 for fall term starting studies
- no later than December 15 for spring term starting studies.
If you come from an EU country or EWR as well as Switzerland, no visa is necessary and you can apply flexibly until about August, respectively February for the spring term. Apply as early as possible in order to secure admission to your desired study program.
The admission process ends as soon as all of the limited study places have been allocated. Early application is therefore recommended for all applicants.
You can apply as early as one year before you wish to start your studies because the ISM admission test result is valid for one year.
You are welcome to submit your most recently received certificate with your application. 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.
We require the following documents in order to verify your university entrance qualification for a Bachelor at ISM:
- Completed application form
- Copy of identity card
- School-leaving diploma (such as high school diploma, vocational diploma, or equivalent, if already available) in the original language incl. subjects and transcript of records
- Proof of English proficiency at least of level B2 (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS)
- CV.
Optional:
- Translations of all attached educational certificates (English)
- Proof of professional qualifications for applicants
- Proof of university and non-university knowledge already acquired
- Proof of professional experience or professional training
- Proof of disabilities and hardship cases.
Not sure if you have the necessary school entry qualification? Please ask your study advisor for more information.
If you have an international school-leaving certificate, we need to first check whether your qualification entitles you to study in Germany.
Please send a copy of your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and the school-leaving certificate (if available) and Transcript of Records when applying via the application form or by e-mail to a study advisor.
To apply, you need to have passed your Abitur (Baccalaureat) or an equivalent high-school leaving diploma, but no specific grade point average is required at ISM.
We check your personal suitability in a structured, online application process as explained above. You can register online for admission.
After clarifying any questions with a study advisor, you can apply online for admission.
We will check your personal suitability for an ISM degree program in a structured application process that includes checking your documents, verifying your eligibility and an online selection interview including also a presentation.
You can apply up to one year in advance at ISM, even without having your final school leaving certfiicate. No specific grade point average (Numerus Clausus) is required for the ISM application. Also, no GMAT is required.
ISM offers a discount for Bachelor studies staring in fall:
- The early-bird discount is of 1,500 Euro and the contract signing deadline is March 15 each year for the programs that start in fall.
- Apply at least several weeks in advance in order to enjoy this discount.
You can submit here your online application.
ISM offers a discount for Bachelor studies staring in spring term:
- The early-bird discount is of 1,500 Euro and the contract signing deadline is September 15 each year for the programs that start in spring.
- Apply at least several weeks in advance in order to enjoy this discount.
You can submit here your online application.
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
- June 15th for fall semester
- December 15th for 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 applications for the fall term usually take place beginning of August, for the spring term beginning of February.
The admission process ends as soon as all of the limited study places have been allocated. Early application is therefore recommended.
About Costs and Study Financing
The tuition fees for a full-time Bachelor's program are of 5,970 Euro per semester. Monthly payments are also possible upon request.
Furthermore, you have to pay an enrollment fee (one-time payment) of 600 Euro (for EU citizens) or 1,500 Euro (non-EU citizens).
International students have to pay a deposit (3,000 Euro) after signing a study contract 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.
Please ask your study advisor for more information.
ISM supports a limited number of high-achieving students through partial or full scholarships. We offer several scholarship opportunities for international students pursuing Bachelor's, Master's, and MBA programs. These scholarships aim to make high-quality private education more accessible by providing financial assistance based on merit and need.
Full-scholarships are limited in number and cover 100% of study fee. Eligibility criteria:
- Outstanding academic performance (e.g., a GPA of 1.5 or better on the German scale)
- Demonstrated financial need
- Active participation in extracurricular activities, such as student associations or charitable organizations.
- Note: These scholarships do not cover living expenses, accommodation, or learning materials.
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Partial scholarships cover 25% to 50% of the tuition fees. Eligibility criteria:
- Strong academic records.
- Potential for success in the chosen field of study.
- Similar to full scholarships, these do not cover additional expenses beyond tuition.
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Students from the EU, can also take advantage of funding under the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) .
Further 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.
Please note if you require a visa for studying in Germany: The Federal German Embassy requests to open a block account with the deposit amount of €11,904 into the account. This amount allows for monthly withdrawals of up to €992, aligning with the estimated living expenses based on the BAföG rate, which reflects the minimum cost of living in Germany. This is to ensure sufficient financial funds are available for the study in Germany.
We recommend to open this block account through FINTIBA or Expatrio. For more information, please contact a study advisor.
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 a limited number of high-achieving students through partial or full scholarships. You can also take advantage of funding under the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) if you are from the 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.
You can expect to pay somewhere between 50-100 Euro for learning materials throughout the semester.
Please ask your study advisor for more information.
About Your Studies
At ISM, it is possible to start your studies in the fall term in September as well as in the spring term in March. Bachelor programs are offered in these both intakes.
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.
The period of study with the Global Track - You can voluntarily add a 7th semester and thus enjoy a second semester abroad at a partner university to any study program via the option Global Track.
ISM studies are characterized by small class sizes and personal support offered throughout the studies. Classes are held in groups of 10 to 25 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 due to the specialization modules.
This guarantees optimal, individual support by the lecturers.
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 about 8:30 a.m.
The programs B.Sc. International Management, B.Sc. Finance & Management and B.Sc. Applied Data Science and Business Analytics are studied 100% in English.
Further, 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 and B1-level in English to study those programs. These programs can be found on our German website.
ISM lecturers often have a practical background and are practitioners in their field, working as consultants or running their own businesses. This means that teaching is often more practical than at other universities, offering a good combination of theoretical and practical elements.
The studies also include internships, practical projects and case studies organised with companies from the ISM network. This is characteristic for an university of applied sciences.
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 classess will have to be made up.
Please contact your study advisor and study organization at your campus of choice for individual advice on the study programs change. They are happy to help!
A question we often get is: does ISM help with accommodation for students?
As a rather small private university, the ISM does not maintain its own student dormitories. Therefore, you have to look for an apartment on site yourself.
Please ask your study coach or the ISM International Office for our Accommodation Guide to get valuable tips and links on how to find affordable accommodation at your campus of choice. They are very happy to help with advice and practical tips.
About Interships and Semester abroad
To build up and expand your own network, the ISM Career Center organizes various events such as the Virtual Career Day, workshops 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.
The full-time Bachelor's programs at ISM includes 20 weeks of internships. These are project-related internships in which students apply the knowledge learned at ISM within a company in the departments of their choice. The curriculum includes projects and case studies that bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world business scenarios.
The full-time Master's programs at ISM include about 12 weeks of internships. A mandatory internship, typically completed between the first and second semesters, allows students to apply their learning in a professional setting. As an university of applied sciences, ISM curricula and teaching methods put emphasis on practical teaching by practitioners in their field.
With guidance from lecturers and the Career Center, students can get access to internship postings and a network of companies who can help provide suitable internship positions.
ISM has a network of around 190 partner universities worldwide. Depending on the program of your choice, this number may differ.
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.
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
Secure your study place in 4 steps:
- Submit your application
Submit your online application via our application form and provide all relevant and available information (documents, certificates, English language proof etc.) about your academic and personal background. - Review of your documents
Once we have received your available documents, we will carefully check your professional qualifications and your formal eligibility to study. - Personal selection interview incl. presentation
The next step is to get to know you personally. You will give a short presentation and have a structured online selection interview. - Admission and enrollment
After successfully completing the application process, you will receive your admission letter and the study contract. By signing the study contract and submitting the required enrollment documents, you will secure your place at our university and can begin your studies at one of the leading business schools.
In order to verify that you are eligible to study Master at our university, we require the following documents:
- Completed application form
- Copy of identity card
- Copy of Bachelor's degree (or equivalent, if available)
- Transcript of records
- School-leaving diploma (such as high school diploma, vocational diploma, or equivalent)
- Proof of English language proficiency at min. level B2 (see details below)
- CV.
Optional:
- Translations of all attached educational certificates (English)
- Proof of professional qualifications for applicants
- Proof of university and non-university knowledge already acquired
- Proof of professional experience or professional training
- Proof of disabilities and hardship cases.
Proof of English proficiency at the B2 level or higher can be provided by:
- at least 5 years of English instruction in school,
- at least 30 ECTS credits from English-language university modules (module language: English at the B2 level),
- a B2 language certificate from a certified provider (not older than 2 years), such as a TOEFL or IELTS test (min. 80 points on the TOEFL/min. 6.0 on the IELTS,
- a high school diploma from an English-speaking school system,
- a university degree in English Studies,
- an English-language university degree,
- For native speakers, a case-by-case review may be conducted.
International applicants who require a visa for studying in Germany must submit their application documents by
- June 15th for the fall term programs.
- December 15th for the spring term programs, such as Pre-Master and Master of International Bussiness.
The admission process ends as soon as all of the limited study places have been all allocated. Early application is therefore recommended.
If you have a foreign bachelor degree, we will check whether your qualification entitles you to study in Germany when you register for the online application process.
No specific grade point average (numerus clausus) 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 multi-step selection process at ISM.
You can register online for our application process.
After you submit the application form and upload your documents, we invite you to a personal selection interview including also a presentation. During the interview we would like to get to know you better and learn about your skills and study motivation.
The decision on the allocation of a study place is usually made within one to two working days after the interview.
A specific GPA is not required.
We check your personal suitability in a structured, online application process. You can register here for the application form.
About Costs and Financing
Master tuition fees are of 6,480 Euro per semester (over 4 semesters) which also include the master thesis fee in the last semester. Monthly payments are also possible upon request. Please ask your study advisor for more information.
Furthermore, you have to pay an enrollment fee (one-time payment) of 600 Euro (for EU citizens) or 1,500 Euro (non-EU citizens).
International students have to pay a deposit (3,000 Euro) after signing a study contract 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.
ISM supports a limited number of high-achieving Master's students through partial or full scholarships. These scholarships aim to make high-quality private education more accessible by providing financial assistance based on merit and need.
Partial scholarships cover 25% to 50% of the tuition fees. Eligibility criteria:
- Strong academic records.
- Potential for success in the chosen field of study.
- Similar to full scholarships, these do not cover additional expenses beyond tuition.
Full-scholarships are limited in number and cover 100% of study fee. Eligibility criteria:
- Outstanding academic performance (e.g., a GPA of 1.5 or better on the German scale)
- Demonstrated financial need
- Active participation in extracurricular activities, such as student associations or charitable organizations.
- Note: These scholarships do not cover living expenses, accommodation, or learning materials.
Further financial support from funding institutions or foundations, but also student loans are further viable options for financing your studies.
Students from the EU, can also take advantage of funding under the Federal Training Assistance Act (BAföG) .
You can find more information on our study financing page.
Studying at ISM offers a practice-oriented education with experienced lecturers, integrated internships, real projects and international opportunities. Students can finance their studies through scholarships, student loans, and other funding options.
ISM provides partial scholarships (25–50% of tuition for up to one year) and, in some cases, full scholarships for two semesters. These cover tuition fees only and do not include living or travel expenses. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, strong academic performance, and extracurricular engagement, and must have passed the ISM admission test. Scholarships are awarded according to official regulations.
Application periods, only with an already passed ISM application process:
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for spring term: November 15 – December 15
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for fall term: May 15 – June 15.
As part of your studies, a semester or internship abroad is often an integral component. For these experiences, students can apply for various scholarships, with the Erasmus+ program being one of the most prominent. ISM is committed to supporting motivated and high-achieving students, aiming to make the programs accessible to as many qualified candidates as possible.
You can find more information at Student finance or in our financing brochure (PDF).
If you require a visa for studying in Germany, the Federal German Embassy typically asks for proof of sufficient financial means. They request to open a block account with the amount of 11,992 Euro for the visa process.
The principle of a blocked account is straightforward: the deposited money is “locked” and cannot be accessed all at once. Instead, students can withdraw a fixed monthly amount (currently based on the total sum divided over 12 months) to cover their living expenses during their stay in Germany. This ensures that students have adequate financial support throughout their studies.
Opening a blocked account is therefore not a fee, but a safeguard required by the authorities to demonstrate financial stability while studying in Germany.
This amount will be paid back in monthly instalments during the first year of studies at ISM. We recommend to open this block account through FINTIBA or Expatrio.
Depending on the course of study and semester, the costs range from approx. 50-100 Euro.
About Studies
Students can start their studies in the consecutive Master's programs in the fall term in September and in the non-consecutive degree program "International Business" in the spring term in March.
The standard period of study is 4 semesters (2 years). All consecutive study programs require a semester abroad at one of our partner universities in Europe or overseas as well as 12 weeks of compulsory internship.
With the option Fast Track the semester abroad is omitted and you can shorten the internship period. This allows you to complete your master's degree in 3 semesters with 90 ECTS. Certain prerequisites (such as bringing 210 ECTS from your previous studies or alternative experiece) need to be fulfilled in order to benefit from this option.
Find out everything you need to know from your study advisor.
Many Master degree programs at ISM are offered entirely in English.
We also have some 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.
- 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, Frankfurt and Hamburg
- M.Sc. Psychology & Management in Dortmund
- M.A. International Business in Dortmund, Frankfurt am Main, Munich 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).
Within the framework of our international network of partner universities (over 190 universities), we also offer the possibility in our full-time study programs to take a Double Degree and graduate with two diplomas, the ISM Master's Degree and a Master's degree from a partuner university abroad. You can visit the Double Degree page of your desired Master program for more information or ask the International Officer for more information.
The majority of the ISM Master's programs offer the option of a Double Degree with a partner university abroad. Check the "Double Degree" underpage of each program for more information on which universities abroad offer the double degree option.
Ask your study advisor for more information.
About Internships and the Semester Abroad
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.
The tuition fees for the semester abroad depend on your choice of partner universities: In Europe, most of the partner university fees are already covered by the 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 may arise, as the tuition fees there are higher than at ISM. Our International Office will provide you with comprehensive information for each university.
Graduating from the ISM in Germany offers strong career prospects, thanks to its practical, internationally oriented programs and personalized support services such as Career Center, International Office, Study Advisors, Entrepreneurship Counselling.
Over 90% of ISM graduates secure employment within six months of graduation, reflecting the effectiveness of its career-focused education and support services. ISM alumni pursue careers in various fields, including finance, marketing, general management, consulting, human resources, project management, and digital business.
Full-time MBA Program
About Application
Secure your study place in 4 steps:
- Submit your application
Submit your online application via our application form and provide all relevant and available information (documents, certificates, English language proof etc.) about your academic and personal background. - Review of your documents
Once we have received your available documents, we will carefully check your professional qualifications and your formal eligibility to study. - Personal selection interview incl. presentation
The next step is to get to know you personally. You will give a short presentation and have a structured online selection interview. - Admission and enrollment
After successfully completing the application process, you will receive your admission letter and the study contract. By signing the study contract and submitting the required enrollment documents, you will secure your place at our university and can begin your studies at one of the leading business schools.
You can apply as early as one year before you wish to start your studies. Places are very limited and are allocated according to the number of applications received. The admission process ends as soon as all places have been allocated. Early application is therefore recommended.
Applicants who require a visa for Germany and do not yet have one should submit their application the latest by June 15 for the fall term starting MBA program.
Applicants must have a good command of English of at least B2 level.
Proof of English proficiency at the B2 level or higher can be provided by:
- at least 5 years of English instruction in school, or
- at least 30 ECTS credits from English-language university modules (module language: English at the B2 level), or
- a B2 language certificate from a certified provider (not older than 2 years), such as a TOEFL or IELTS test (min. 80 points on the TOEFL/min. 6.0 on the IELTS, or
- a high school diploma from an English-speaking school system, or
- a university degree in English Studies, or
- an English-language university degree, or
- For native speakers, a case-by-case review may be conducted if necessary.
In the case of international degrees, we will check whether your degree entitles you to study in Germany when submitting our application form. Please send your CV as well as your bachelor's degree certificate including the current transcript of records and your school-leaving certificate when submitting this form and we will get back to you.
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.
If you have already completed professional training or passed exams in another degree program, you can apply to have your previous achievements recognized for your ISM MBA degree program and thus shorten your study time.
Here's how it works: Send your existing certificates (including the module handbook) to our
Admission to the 90-ECTS MBA in General Management requires a completed bachelor’s degree with 210 ECTS and at least two years of relevant work experience after graduation.
Applicants with fewer than 210 ECTS may still be admitted: missing credits can be compensated either through relevant professional experience or by completing additional online courses from ISM’s bachelor’s programs.
Relevant professional experience can be used to compensate for missing subject-specific ECTS credits. Working time is calculated based on up to 40 hours per week and 45 weeks per year. Only 50% of these hours count, and 30 hours equal 1 ECTS credit.
Please contact our MBA study advisors at
Top Tier Positions in the Global MBA Ranking
All MBA study programs are internationally AACSB-accredited
ISM is recognized at the highest international level by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) and was the first private German University of Applied Sciences that was awarded the prestigious AACSB accreditation. This is an important international seal of quality received by only 6% of the business universities worldwide, which certifies excellence in research and teaching.
About Studies
The MBA General Management program can be started annually in the fall term in September-October.
The standard period of study is 3 trimesters plus the time needed for the master's thesis.
The MBA General Management (full-time) consists of 9 module blocks, three of which are covered per trimester. Lectures are usually held 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
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.
There is no charge for the admission interview.
MBA Programs part-time
About Application
You can apply as early as one year before you wish to start your studies. This program starts from winter semester 2026 on in hybrid form at all ISM campuses. You can make an appointment for your online interview with the responsible student advisor at campus of your choice where we offer this program (email us at:
Please send your CV, previous degree certificate and work experience in advance by email so that your suitability can be checked.
You can apply as early as one year before you wish to start your studies. Places are very limited and are allocated according to the number of applications received. The admission process ends as soon as all places have been allocated. Early application is therefore recommended.
Applicants who require a visa for Germany and do not yet have one should submit their application the latest by June 15th for this fall term starting MBA program. A later application is possible only after consultation with a study advisor in justified cases.
Please contact our Master & MBA study advisor at
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 (
MBA applicants must have a good command of English of at least B2 level.
Proof of English proficiency can be provided by:
- at least 5 years of English instruction in school, or
- at least 30 ECTS credits from English-language university modules (module language: English at the B2 level), or
- a B2 language certificate from a certified provider (not older than 2 years), such as a TOEFL or IELTS test (min. 80 points on the TOEFL/min. 6.0 on the IELTS, or
- a high school diploma from an English-speaking school system, or
- a university degree in English Studies, or
- an English-language university degree, or
- For native speakers, a case-by-case review may be conducted if necessary.
In the case of international degrees, we will check whether your degree entitles you to study in Germany when applying for admission. Please send your CV, your Bachelor's degree certificate including the Transcript of Records and your school-leaving certificate when applying online for admission or to our study advisors.
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.
If you have already completed professional training or passed exams in another degree program, you can apply to have your previous achievements recognized for your ISM MBA degree program and thus shorten your study time.
Here's how it works: Send your existing certificates (including the module handbook) to our
Admission to the part-time MBA in General Management requires a completed bachelor’s degree with 240 ECTS and at least two years of relevant work experience after graduation.
Applicants with fewer than 240 ECTS may still be admitted: missing credits can be compensated either through relevant professional experience or by completing additional online courses from ISM’s bachelor’s programs.
Relevant professional experience can be used to compensate for missing subject-specific ECTS credits. Working time is calculated based on up to 40 hours per week and 45 weeks per year. Only 50% of these hours count, and 30 hours equal 1 ECTS credit. If the professional activity was carried out part-time, the required total duration increases accordingly. The ISM decides on the recognition of professional experience after reviewing the submitted documentation.
Please contact our MBA study advisors at
About Studies
The MBA General Management program in part-time can be started in the fall term end of September/beginning of October.
The standard period of study is currently of 4 semesters (2 years).
Students study in groups of no more than 10 people. This guarantees optimal support on the part of the lecturers.
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 an exemplary (older) 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 at:
- University Extensions, University of California, Riverside, USA
- Indian Institute of Management, Indore, India
- SolBridge International School of Business, Woosong University, South Korea
About Costs and Financing
The tuition fee is of 28,800 Euro in total for the duration of the studies or 7,200 Euro per semester.
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 (
Questions about studying?
Contact us!
Whether in a personal consultation, by phone,
Please feel free to send us a message from Monday to Friday. We are always available on weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. German time (CET).
Ioulia Aslanidou
Cologne Campus
+49 221.27 09 95-54
Aysenur Bektas
Distance Learning
+49 711.51 89 62-221
Marcella Brockerhoff
Distance Learning
+49 711.51 89 62-221
Fabiola Gawrych
Cologne Campus
+49 221.27 09 95-48
Caroline Gercek
Cologne Campus
+49 221.27 09 95-55
Jana Gripshöfer
Hamburg Campus
+49 40.3 19 93 39-42
Olivia Hausen
Munich Campus
+49 89.2 00 03 50-48
Helen-Marie Hänßler
Distance Learning
+49 711.51 89 62-221
Marrit Koenig
Berlin Campus
+49 30.3 15 19 35-22
Aurica Lott
Frankfurt/Main Campus
+49 69.66 05 93 67-48
Christopher Pereira
Dortmund Campus
+49 231.97 51 39-43
Yosra Salah
Frankfurt/Main Campus
+49 69.66 05 93 67-48
Ana Walleitner
Munich Campus
+49 89.2 00 03 50-53
Nina Weidemann
Munich Campus
+49 89.2 00 03 50-42
Jana Wojciechowski
Dortmund Campus
+49 231.97 51 39-503
Qian Ye
Frankfurt/Main Campus
+49 69.66 05 93 67-43
