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Rankings and Accreditations

Rankings of the International School of Management (ISM)

For years, the ISM has been featured at the top of various university rankings. Also, the ISM is the only private German university of applied sciences that holds the international AACSB accreditation and is recognized by the German state via various national accreditation bodies.


International AACSB Accreditation

ISM has received the prestigious AACSB accreditation and is the first private German University of Applied Sciences to be honored at the highest level by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). Only about 6% of the world universities are awarded the international AACSB accreditation.

Outstanding quality in teaching, committed lecturers also in applied research who proactively support students, successful cooperation with companies and international universities as well as excellent career entry opportunities for graduates - these were the key requirements for the renowned AACSB accreditation. The International School of Management (ISM) has been working towards this for years.

Receiving the AACSB accreditation was a major milestone for ISM, commented ISM President and General Manager Professor Dr Ingo Böckenholt: "It is currently the most prestigious international accreditation for a business school."

The key requirements for receiving the prestigious accreditation are:

  • highest quality in teaching
  • committed lecturers who proactively support students
  • professors with lots of applied research activities
  • productive cooperation with companies and international universities
  • excellent career entry opportunities for graduates.

About the AACSB

The "Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business" was founded in 1916 by top US universities such as Harvard, Yale and Berkeley. Since the end of the 1990s, accreditations have also been issued outside the USA. AACSB accreditation is linked to multiple quality criteria: course content, teaching methods, quality of lecturers, student support and research activities, infrastructure, close ties to business practice and the transition to professional life and internationality.


CHE Rankings

One of the most detailed rankings in German-speaking countries

Since many years, the ISM continues to receive excellent positions in the CHE University Ranking. ISM ranks among the top groups in the most important categories: Advice and support at the start of studies, graduation within a reasonable time, professional practice and applied work experience.

This shows that ISM has succeeded in expanding the high standards at all its seven locations in Germany.

About the CHE ranking

The CHE university ranking is one of the most detailed rankings in German-speaking countries and considered an excellent source of information for prospective students. For the CHE ranking, information on studying, teaching and research at German universities was examined and around 120,000 students were surveyed.


Universum Student Study Survey

One of the largest international surveys of students on their future career ideas, career plans and satisfaction with the university they're studying at

In the student survey, the ISM received particularly good marks for:

  • Varied career opportunities
  • Close contacts to the economy
  • Many opportunities to study abroad and complete internships

Our ISM students feel very well prepared for the job market and appreciate getting to know potential employers during their studies.

Top marks for international orientation & practical relevance

About the Universum Survey

The Universum Student Study is one of the largest international surveys of students on their future career ideas, career plans and satisfaction with the university they're studying at.


Global MBA Ranking

by CEO Magazine

As one of only five German business schools, ISM convinces with quality of teaching and practical relevance. The Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the ISM campuses Munich, Berlin and Dortmund can thus compare with major international providers. Unique to ISM are the integrated semester abroad and the professional coaching of students.

In their MBA ranking, CEO Magazine listed the ISM for three times in a row in the top tier of global MBA providers. ISM is was highlighted above all for its excellently qualified teaching staff who also have many years of practical experience in relevant positions. The international composition of the study groups was also highlighted. Read more here.

Top position
in the global MBA ranking


Trendence University ranking

This study barometer focuses on the quality of teaching, internationality, practical relevance and study advice

Over 1 million participants took part in the Universum survey 2023, making this the world's largest talent survey. The survey analyzed the aspirations of students, to find out how they match up with the perception of the ISM itself. Valuable findings from this survey include:

  • ISM career types: globe-trotter and ground-breaker
  • Formative experiences: through internships and study abroad
  • Top influence factors on university choice: University website - Information events - University ranking
  • Top attributes of ISM: Opportunities to study abroad - Friendly & open environment - Attractive location
  • Top attributes regarding employability: Starting point for an international career - Opportunities to interact with employers - Good relations with employers
  • Top offers of the ISM Career Service: Career counseling - Job portal - CV writting training.
Logo Trendence Ranking

Excellent results in the fields of lecturer quality & practical relevance


Stern Magazine Ranking

The German news magazine "Stern" (2023) has published a ranking of the best continuing education programs for students and adults alike. In the category "Private universities", ISM made it into the top 3 ranks. We were rated very well in the following categories:

  • Quality of learning
  • Price-performance ratio
  • Student satisfaction
Logo Trendence Ranking

National Accreditations

The ISM has been state-approved indefinitely.

Logo Universum

ISM is one of the first private universities nationwide, which has twice subsequently held an institutional accreditation for over ten years.

All ISM study programs bear the seal of quality of the Accreditation Council.
All ISM presence study programs bear the FIBAA seal of quality.
All ISM distance learning programs bear the ZFU seal of quality.
ISM is one of a hand-picked group of business schools in Germany that meet the high RICS standards.

State recognition

  • The ISM is recognized by the Ministry of Science of North Rhine-Westphalia for an unlimited period of time.

  • State recognition of a university is always granted by the Ministry of Science of the federal state in which the university has its headquarters.
  • Through state recognition, the degrees obtained at the ISM are equal to those obtained at state universities.

Memberships

Logo AACSB Membership

AACSB Membership

The International School of Management (ISM) is a member of AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business www.aacsb.edu/about. AACSB is a global nonprofit association that connects educators, students, and business to achieve a common goal: creating the next generation of great leaders.

Logo PRME Principles for Responsible Management Education

PRME Membership

ISM is a member of PRME (Principles for Responsible Management Education), an initiative of the UN Global Compact, the corporate network of the United Nations for sustainable and responsible corporate governance. Universities play a vital role in the process of educating managerial staff for all areas of society, which can turn them into a driving force for sustainable development and responsible cooperate governance.

around 190

partner universities worldwide

84

nationalities across all ISM programs

1:7

faculty/student ratio

50+

many professors are CEOs and practitioners, over 50 international and guest lecturers

100 %

Open door policy


ISM Corporate Mission

Vision

Vision

Be a leading business school in Germany with a focus of internationalisation and industry outreach.


Mission

Mission

We put a strong emphasis on applied education, international mindset and individual learning experiences. In this way, we inspire students to become responsible business professionals in a world marked by global, digital and sustainable transformations.


Goals

Goals

  • Provide excellent teaching
  • Enhance applied research and promote young researchers
  • Foster international reach and partnerships
  • Promote cooperation with the business community
  • Drive digital transformation
  • Strenghten commitment to sustainability