Plan your studies

How to become student at ISM?

At ISM you can be more than just a student: Benefit from small learning groups, a perfect learning atmosphere, internationality and professors from the real world. No matter if bachelor, master or MBA: ISM offers ideal programs for everyone interested in management studies.

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Step 1: Getting an Overview

Bachelor’s Programs start twice a year in summer term (March) and fall term (September).

Consecutive Master’s Programs start once a year in fall term (September). M.A. International Business and the preparatory semester (Pre-Master) start in summer term (March).

The full-time MBA program starts in September, the part-time MBA in March.

If you do not need a study visa for Germany, there is no application deadline for you. If you must apply for a study visa the deadlines are: June 15th (fall term) and December 15th (summer term). Applications submitted after these dates will be considered at your own risk. In all cases, you are responsible for obtaining your visa and arriving on time for the start of the semester.

Step 2: Pre-Check of Eligibility

The Bachelor’s Programs is designed for applicants who have achieved general qualification for German university admission or qualification for admission to universities of applied sciences.

In order to apply for our Master Programs,you need to have successfully completed a Bachelor's degree comprising at least 180 ECTS points or an equivalent program at a university or university of applied sciences or a foreign university of equivalent level. Depending on the program, you also have to prove acheivement of ECTS points relating to a specific field.

For the admission to the MBA General Management, the proof of a first successful degree with 210 ECTS points from a program at a university, or of a foreign university of corresponding rank as well, is required. Furthermore, you need to have at least two to three years' professional experience after the first degree.

No matter which program you apply for, we recommend to apply as early as possible so that our admissions team has enough time to check your eligibility to study at ISM. Please contact our study advisors for further instructions.

Step 3: Registration for Admission Test

After successfully completed the pre-check, you can register online for the admission test. You can always find the next two dates on our website. For further dates, please contact our study advisors. You can apply up to one year in advance from the beginning of your program as the successfully passed admission test is valid for one year. There are one to two admission tests offered monthly.

The bachelor's admission test can be taken at all ISM locations and is also valid for all locations. Regarding the master's programs, it depends on the programs offered at each location.

An early application is recommended, as we allocate direct study places. If you are not yet in Germany, you can choose having the admission test online.

Apply for Admission

Step 4: Sending of Application Documents

Bachelor’s Application Documents

Master’s Application Documents

MBA Application Documents

Step 5: Participation in the Admission Test

Bachelor Admission Test

Master and MBA Admission Test

Apply for Admission

Step 6: Getting results

The result of your admission procedure will be communicated to you usually within a few days. The admission is valid for one year for all locations.

Weaknesses in languages or mathematics do not lead directly to a rejection of your bachelor's application. In this case, you have to take intensive courses at ISM or with external providers.

Step 7: Making a Decision

After successfully completing the admission test, you receive the study agreement within a few days. Please read it carefully and get in touch with us if you have any concerns or questions. After signing the contract and transferring the deposit, you receive the letter of admission for applying for visa.

Step 8: Visa Application

Non EU-students need an appropriate visa for entry. You need to apply at the responsible German embassy or consulate in your home country. Please apply as early as possible because it takes up to three months to receive your national visa in your country! The letter of admission confirms that you are officially enrolled at ISM (the entry with a tourist or visitor visa is not sufficient).