Study International Management in Germany: from €239/month distance to WHU MBA

Over 45 programmes at around 25 private universities – campus, distance, dual or part-time, all NC-free
 · Last updated 01.03.2026

International management is one of the most internationally oriented degree programmes at German private universities: over 45 programmes range from distance learning at €239/month (IU) to the prestigious M.Sc. at WHU. Unlike most German degree categories, many programmes are taught entirely in English or bilingually – ideal for international students. All programmes at private universities are NC-free (no GPA requirement).

Good news for international students: International management is one of the few categories with many English-taught programmes. Fully English: Karlshochschule, Constructor University, WHU, Munich Business School. Bilingual: ISM, CBS, accadis, Fresenius. Distance learning programmes are taught in German.

Overview of all Courses

We have a total of 52 courses in the field of International Management. The first 20 top courses are displayed. Use the filter function or our search to discover more courses in the field.

in english
On-campus program, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  BSP Business and Law School
  •  7 Semester
  •  Berlin, Hamburg, Munich
  • from 590 € monthly
  •  4 Comments & Questions
  •  English
On-campus program, Master of Arts (M.A.)
  •  RH Cologne – University of Applied Science
  •  4 Semester
  •  Cologne
  • from 599 € monthly
  •  German
On-campus program, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  •  Munich Business School
  •  6 Semester
  •  Munich
  • from 1109 € monthly
  •  German
Part-time program, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  •  FOM University of Applied Sciences
  •  7 Semester
  •  Berlin, Bremen, Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Essen, Frankfurt, Gütersloh, Hamburg, Hannover, Cologne, Munich, Stuttgart, Wesel, Wuppertal or Wien
  • from 295 € monthly
  •  German
in english
On-campus program, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  •  SRH University
  •  7 Semester
  •  Berlin
  • from 590 € monthly
  •  English
in english
On-campus program, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  •  Fresenius University of Applied Sciences
  •  6 Semester
  •  Berlin, Dusseldorf, Cologne, Hamburg or Munich
  • from 950 € monthly
  •  English
in english
On-campus program, Master of Arts (M.A.)
  •  CBS University of Applied Sciences
  •  4 Semester
  •  Cologne
  • from 955 € monthly
  •  English
in english
On-campus program, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management
  •  6 Semester
  •  Vallendar
  •  German or English
in english
On-campus program, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  •  Karlshochschule International University
  •  6 Semester
  •  Karlsruhe
  • from 790 € monthly
  •  English
in english
On-campus program, Master of Arts (M.A.)
  •  Munich Business School
  •  3 Semester
  •  Munich
  • from 1333 € monthly
  •  English
in english
On-campus program, Master of Science (M.Sc.)
  •  Steinbeis University
  •  4 Semester
  •  Berlin
  • from 350 € monthly
  •  English
in english
On-campus program, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  •  SRH University
  •  6 Semester
  •  Heidelberg
  • from 650 € monthly
  •  English
in english
On-campus program, Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  •  ESCP Business School
  •  2 Semester
  •  1. Semester London, Paris, Turin, Beijing or Delhi, 2. Semester Berlin, London, Madrid, Paris or Warsaw
  •  English
in english
On-campus program, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  CBS University of Applied Sciences
  •  6 Semester
  •  Cologne,
  • from 925 € monthly
  •  English
in english
Dual studies, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  Hamburg School of Business Administration
  •  6 Semester
  •  Hamburg
  • from 665 € monthly
  •  2 Comments & Questions
  •  English
in english
On-campus program, Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  •  International School of Management
  •  6 Semester
  •  Dortmund, Frankfurt/Main, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart and Berlin
  •  German or English
in english
On-campus program, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  •  Constructor University
  •  6 Semester
  •  Bremen
  • from 1667 € monthly
  •  English
Distance learning program, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  •  European Distance Learning University Hamburg
  •  6 Semester
  •  online
  • from 279 € monthly
  •  German
in english
Distance learning program, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  •  IU International University of Applied Sciences
  •  6 Semester
  •  online
  • from 239 € monthly
  •  German or English
On-campus program, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  •  Fresenius University of Applied Sciences Heidelberg
  •  6 Semester
  •  Heidelberg
  • from 750 € monthly
  •  German and English

How much does international management cost at a private university in Germany?

Tuition fees span an enormous range: from €239/month for distance learning to €1,667/month at Constructor University. Total programme costs range from €8,400 (Steinbeis, part-time master’s) to €68,000 (Constructor, campus bachelor’s). For comparison: similar programmes cost $40,000–70,000/year at US business schools, £15,000–30,000/year for international students in the UK – German private universities offer significantly better value.

Distance learning: from €239/month

Distance learning is the most affordable option. Programmes offer maximum flexibility – ideal for working professionals and international students who want to start studying from abroad. Note that all distance learning programmes are taught in German – they require C1-level German proficiency.

Distance learning programmes in international management (bachelor + master). Total costs at standard duration.
CourseUniversityDurationFees

Distance learning program
2 Semesterfrom 9547 € total
from 449 € monthly

Distance learning program
4 Semesterfrom 13024 € total
from 407 € monthly

Distance learning program
6 Semesterfrom 13392 € total
from 279 € monthly

Distance learning program
6 Semesterfrom 14739 € total
from 239 € monthly

Distance learning program
6 Semesterfrom 19620 € total
from 545 € monthly

Full-time on campus: €267 to €1,667/month

Campus programmes dominate this category with over 30 full-time options. Many are taught entirely in English, making them accessible to international students. The Gisma offers the most affordable campus entry (€267/month), while the premium segment includes WHU, Munich Business School and ESCP – internationally ranked business schools with strong alumni networks.

Full-time international management programmes (selection, bachelor + master + MBA). Total costs at standard duration. Language column indicates language of instruction.
CourseUniversityDurationLanguageFees

On-campus program
6 SemesterGermanfrom 9600 € total
from 267 € monthly

On-campus program
4 SemesterGermanfrom 14376 € total
from 599 € monthly

On-campus program
6 SemesterEnglishfrom 21240 € total
from 590 € monthly

On-campus program
4 SemesterEnglishfrom 23520 € total
from 950 € monthly

On-campus program
6 SemesterEnglishfrom 28440 € total
from 790 € monthly

On-campus program
4 SemesterEnglishfrom 37200 € total
from 1550 € monthly

On-campus program
6 SemesterGermanfrom 39900 € total
from 1109 € monthly

On-campus program
6 SemesterEnglishfrom 68000 € total
from 1667 € monthly

Dual study: partially tuition-free

Dual study programmes combine academic study with practical training at a company. At IU, the employer pays all tuition fees – the programme is free for students. The HSBA Hamburg works with over 300 partner companies, including many internationally active corporations. Note: Dual programmes require German language skills (at least B2) and a work permit for non-EU students.

Dual study programmes in international management. IU and VICTORIA are tuition-free for students.
CourseUniversityDurationFees

Dual studies
7 Semester

Dual studies
6 Semester

Dual studies
6 Semesterfrom 23940 € total
from 665 € monthly

Part-time alongside work: from €295/month

Part-time programmes are designed for professionals who want to continue working while earning their management degree. The FOM is the largest part-time provider with over 30 locations. Classes take place in the evenings and on weekends. All part-time programmes are taught in German.

Part-time international management programmes (bachelor + master). Total costs at standard duration.
CourseUniversityDurationFees

Part-time program
3 Semesterfrom 9900 € total
from 550 € monthly

Part-time program
3 Semesterfrom 10700 € total
from 550 € monthly

Part-time program
7 Semesterfrom 12390 € total
from 295 € monthly

Part-time program
6 Semesterfrom 16560 € total
from 460 € monthly

Funding: BAföG, scholarships and loans

German and EU students are eligible for BAföG (state financial aid). Non-EU students are generally not eligible for BAföG. Other funding options include:

  • DAAD scholarships: The German Academic Exchange Service funds international students across disciplines
  • Deutschlandstipendium: €300/month, available to all students regardless of nationality
  • KfW student loans: Up to €650/month, available to EU citizens and some non-EU residents
  • University scholarships: WHU, MBS and ESCP offer merit-based scholarships covering 20–100% of tuition
  • Employer sponsorship: For dual and part-time programmes, employers often cover tuition partially or fully

Which programmes are taught in English?

International management is one of the few categories at German private universities with a large number of English-taught programmes. This makes it particularly attractive for international students who do not speak German.

Fully English-taught:

  • Karlshochschule – B.A. International Business (Karlsruhe, campus)
  • Constructor University – B.A. International Business Administration (Bremen, campus)
  • WHU – M.Sc. Master in International Business (Vallendar, campus)
  • Munich Business School – B.A./M.A. International Business (Munich, campus)
  • ESCP – MBA International Management (Berlin, campus)
  • Gisma – B.Sc./M.Sc. International Business Management (Potsdam, campus)

Bilingual (German/English): ISM, CBS, accadis, Fresenius, SRH Heidelberg, BSP Berlin.

German-taught only: All distance learning (IU, Euro-FH) and most part-time programmes (FOM, CBS part-time).

International team in a modern office
International management prepares for leadership roles in global teams – in corporations, consulting or startups.

What are the admission requirements for international management?

Private universities in Germany have no NC (Numerus Clausus – the GPA-based admission restriction at state universities). All programmes are open admission with their own selection process.

For international applicants

German private universities accept a wide range of international qualifications:

  • IB Diploma: Accepted by all private universities
  • A-levels (UK): Three A-levels typically satisfy the general university entrance requirement
  • US high school diploma: Usually accepted with AP exams (3+) or SAT/ACT scores
  • Indian 12th Standard: Generally accepted at private universities
  • Other international diplomas: Check anabin.kmk.org for recognition of your specific qualification

English-language requirements for English-taught programmes: IELTS 6.0–6.5 or TOEFL 80–90+. Premium universities (WHU, MBS, ESCP) often require GMAT scores (600+) for master’s and MBA programmes.

German-language requirements for German-taught programmes (distance learning, most part-time): DSH-2 or TestDaF 4×4 (C1 level).

For master’s programmes, a first degree (bachelor’s) in business administration, management or a related field is required. Some universities require a minimum GPA of 2.5 (German scale). For MBA programmes, one to three years of work experience is typically required.

How much do international management graduates earn in Germany?

International management graduates in Germany earn around €42,000–55,000 gross per year at entry level with a bachelor’s degree. A master’s adds €5,000–15,000 to the starting salary. In management consulting, entry salaries range from €48,000 to €58,000. For comparison: UK business graduates earn £28,000–35,000 starting, US graduates $50,000–70,000.

Career pathEntry salaryWith 5–10 years
Corporate (trainee/project management) ~€45,000–55,000 €70,000–100,000
Management consulting ~€48,000–58,000 €80,000–120,000+
Startup & business development ~€38,000–48,000 €60,000–90,000+
International career (expat) ~€42,000–55,000 €65,000–110,000
Export & supply chain ~€40,000–50,000 €60,000–85,000
Average (all IM roles) ~€45,000 ~€70,000

University reputation is the biggest salary driver: WHU, MBS and ESCP alumni report starting salaries 15–20% above the market average according to alumni surveys. A master’s or MBA adds an additional €5,000–15,000 to the starting salary.

Career paths for international management graduates

  • Corporate & industry: Management trainee, project manager, business analyst, strategic planning
  • Consulting: Strategy consultant, business analyst, transformation manager
  • Startup & entrepreneurship: Operations manager, country launcher, business development
  • Export & trade: Export manager, international sales, key account management
  • Finance & banking: Corporate finance, M&A analyst, investment banking
  • International: Expat positions, global mobility, international organisations

Visa and living costs for international students

EU/EEA citizens need no visa to study in Germany. Non-EU students need a student visa (Studienvisum), which requires proof of admission, health insurance and a blocked account with approximately €11,904/year (~€992/month). After graduation, an 18-month job-seeker visa allows you to find work in Germany. During your studies, you may work 120 full days or 240 half-days per year.

Living costs by city:

  • €800–1,000/month in smaller cities (Heidelberg, Göttingen, Bad Homburg, Vallendar)
  • €1,000–1,200/month in Berlin, Hamburg or Cologne
  • €1,200–1,500/month in Munich (Germany’s most expensive city)

This covers rent (~€400–800), health insurance (~€110), food (~€200–250) and transport (~€50 with the Deutschlandticket).

Frequently asked questions about studying international management in Germany

Not at private universities – all are NC-free with open admission. Premium universities like WHU and MBS use their own selection process with interviews, motivation letters and sometimes GMAT scores (600+). State universities may have admission restrictions for related BWL programmes.

Yes – this is one of the best categories for English-taught programmes. Fully English: Karlshochschule, Constructor University, WHU, Munich Business School, ESCP, Gisma. Bilingual (German/English): ISM, CBS, accadis, Fresenius, SRH, BSP. Only distance learning and most part-time programmes require German.

From €239/month (distance learning) to €1,667/month (Constructor University, campus). Total costs: €8,400–15,063 for distance/part-time, €9,600–68,000 for campus programmes. Dual programmes at IU are tuition-free for students. For comparison: similar US programmes cost ,000–70,000/year.

EU/EEA citizens need no visa. Non-EU students need a student visa (Studienvisum), which requires proof of admission, health insurance and a blocked account with ~€11,904/year (~€992/month). After graduation, an 18-month job-seeker visa allows you to find work in Germany. During your studies, you may work 120 full days or 240 half-days per year.

Entry salary: ~€42,000–55,000/year (bachelor’s), ~€48,000–58,000 in consulting. With 10+ years: €70,000–120,000+. University reputation matters significantly: WHU and MBS alumni report 15–20% higher starting salaries than the market average.

International management is a full degree programme (B.A./B.Sc./M.A./M.Sc.) that can be studied directly after school (bachelor’s) or after a first degree (master’s). An MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a professional qualification that typically requires one to three years of work experience. Both lead to management careers, but the MBA is designed for career changers and experienced professionals.

Related programmes at private universities

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