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Requirements and Target Group – Bachelor Dual Study in Business Administration at IU
The Dual Studies in Business Administration at IU International University is aimed at high school graduates as well as individuals with a completed vocational training who are aiming for a career in the fields of business, management, finance, or marketing. The programme is also suitable for professionals with advanced training or years of work experience who wish to further their academic qualifications. The target group includes high-achieving high school graduates and individuals who have already gained professional experience and now want to optimally combine theory and practice – whether in industry, trade, the service sector, non-profit organizations, or larger companies.
Admission Requirements
What formal requirements must you meet?
- You need to have a general university entrance qualification (A-levels), a subject-specific university entrance qualification (A-levels) or a subject-specific higher education entrance qualification.
- Without A-levels, you can be admitted if you have completed an advanced training course (e.g. as a state-certified business economist or have a master craftsman's certificate).
- Alternatively, a completed vocational training plus at least three years of full-time work experience is sufficient.
- There is no numerus clausus (NC). There are no admission restrictions.
- International applicants may be required to provide additional language certificates in German.
What personal requirements should you bring?
- A good understanding of mathematics, as topics like cost and performance accounting and bookkeeping are central to the course.
- Analytical thinking and the ability to grasp economic relationships in a structured way.
- Ability to work in a team: Many tasks and projects during the course as well as in future professional practice are carried out in teams.
- Self-motivation and organizational skills to successfully master theory and practice in parallel.
- Interest in current economic developments and entrepreneurial issues.
The Dual Study programme offers ideal conditions for applicants who enjoy practical work, actively shape economic processes, and want to gain valuable work experience during their studies.
What to expect in the dual Bachelor of Business Administration at IU?
In the Dual Study Business Administration at IU International University, you develop a broad business administration foundation. The following content is the focus:
- General Business Administration: Business Administration, Accounting and Financial Reporting, Cost and Performance Accounting, Investment and Financing.
- Management and Corporate Management: Basics of Management, Leadership 4.0, Personnel and Corporate Management, Corporate Planning and Control.
- Marketing and Digitalisation: Marketing, Digital Business Models, Business Mathematics, Statistics.
- Business Law and Taxation: Law, Taxation.
- Practical Projects: Projects on topics such as Agile Project Management, Corporate Social Responsibility, Business Start-Ups, Economic Policy, Megatrends in the Business Context, and Generative AI.
You combine classical business administration knowledge with current practical topics. Additionally, you strengthen interdisciplinary and social skills – for instance, through teamwork, presentations, and reflecting on business experiences in practical reflections.
- Selection from 12 specialisations: From the 5th semester onwards, you choose your focus, e.g. Accounting & Controlling, Logistics Management, Retail Management, International Management, Social Management, Tax Consultancy, Corporate Management, Project Management, Nursing Management, Sustainability Management, Digital Business, or Artificial Intelligence.
How does the Dual Study work?
At IU, you study in the dual study programme in one of the following two study models: In the Dual Study programme, classes are held on campus two days per week – occasionally also online via live video conferencing. Afterwards, the learning is deepened with the help of learning materials. The Dual myStudy combines flexible self-study with digital learning formats. Through myCampus, you independently acquire the theory – supported by innovative learning materials and Syntea, your personal AI learning assistant. Optionally, you can participate in weekly virtual accompanying events and use other interactive live formats for deepening knowledge.
IU actively supports you in finding a suitable practical company. Free applicant training and access to a network of over 15,000 partners are included. The study programme starts twice a year (April, October).
- The study programme usually lasts 7 semesters (3.5 years) and corresponds to 180 (Dual Study) or 210 ECTS (Dual myStudy).
- You divide your week half in theory and practice phases: Theory takes place two days per week on campus or virtually, and on the remaining days, you work (approx. 20 hours per week) with your practice partner.
- Regular practical projects and reflection phases help you to apply what you have learned directly and ensure the transfer between study and everyday business life.
The final phase is your Bachelor's thesis with colloquium – this is often practice-oriented and linked to a specific project.
What career paths open up after the study programme?
Business Administration prepares you for a career in almost all industries.
- Typical fields of application range from companies and corporations to consulting firms and associations, as well as non-profit organisations.
- Depending on the chosen specialisation, you can work, for instance, as an accountant, business controller, e-commerce manager, supply chain manager, or social manager.
Due to the close connection between theory and practice, upon completion, you already bring practical experience of about three years – giving you a significant advantage at the start of your career. The broad business administration knowledge also opens up long-term paths to managerial positions or self-employment.
Where can you study Business Administration at IU?
The Dual Study is offered at many locations throughout Germany.
On-Site Locations for the Dual Study: Aachen, Augsburg, Berlin, Bielefeld, Bonn, Braunschweig, Bremen, Dortmund, Dresden, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Erfurt, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hannover, Karlsruhe, Cologne, Leipzig, Mainz, Mannheim, Munich, Münster, Nuremberg, Stuttgart
Dual myStudy: Self-study is flexible with digital learning materials and a learning AI, complemented by regular virtual accompanying events
- Optional accompanying events for deepening knowledge – weekly via live video conferencing
- All degree programmes at the Virtual Campus are accredited as dual distance learning programmes
- Your theory is 100% virtual – flexible, independent of location, at your own pace
- You learn independently on myCampus with innovative learning materials and the AI learning assistant Syntea
- Digital, interactive live formats promote exchange with lecturers and fellow students
Both models – on-site or virtual – offer you a flexible study design and personal support in small groups.
Costs and Financing
The Dual Study Business Administration at IU is generally free of charge for you. The tuition fees are usually covered by your practical partner.
You benefit from the advantages of a private university – personal support, small groups, modern learning environment – but do not have to bear your own study costs.
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