Who is the Master International Business programme at Munich Business School suitable for?
The Master’s degree programme in International Business is aimed at graduates with a first university degree who are seeking an international career in management or business. It particularly targets applicants who wish to deliberately expand their economic knowledge and place value on international practical experience as well as intercultural skills. The programme is especially suitable for students preparing for positions in globally operating companies, abroad, or in an international business environment – including the focus areas Sustainable Business, International Marketing, Finance, Family Business, Innovation & Digital Business, and Entrepreneurship.
What formal requirements must you fulfil for admission?
To apply for the Master International Business at Munich Business School, you need:
- A first completed university degree (Bachelor or equivalent) with at least 180 ECTS credits.
- For a first degree in business or economics, direct entry is possible. Without a corresponding background, a Pre-Master programme may be required.
- Proof of English language skills through one of the following tests (results must be no older than two years):
- TOEFL iBT (at least 85 points, including at least 22 in the writing section and 20 in all other skill areas)
- IELTS Academic (at least Level 6.5)
- Duolingo English Test (at least 115 points)
- Pearson PTE Academic (at least 56 points)
- Cambridge (at least 173 or Grade B or higher)
- ELS English for Academic Purposes: Advanced Level 112
- Alternatively, proof of English skills is accepted if you completed your university degree or secondary education entirely in English.
- Submission of complete application documents including motivation questions, CV, certificates, language proof and, if applicable, references.
- Successful participation in a personal selection interview (online or on site in Munich), which may also include a case study.
Applications are possible all year round; however, you should observe the respective application deadlines. Applicants from non-EU countries must observe earlier deadlines due to visa application processing. An enrolment fee and an application fee are payable.
You should possess analytical thinking skills and a willingness to engage with global economic issues. Initiative, ability to work in a team and intercultural openness are important, as well as good communication skills in an international context. Initial practical experience or stays abroad are advantageous but not mandatory. Enjoyment of project-oriented work, openness to innovative solutions, and interest in sustainable and ethically reflected business models will help you to meet the programme requirements optimally.
What content will you learn in the Master’s in International Business?
In the Master’s degree programme in International Business at Munich Business School, you acquire comprehensive knowledge in international management and deepen specialised topics in self-chosen focus areas. The curriculum combines business fundamentals with a variety of individual options:
- Specialisations: Choose 2 out of 7 fields such as Sustainable Business, International Marketing, Corporate Finance, Global Family Business & Wealth Management, Innovation & Digital Business, International Entrepreneurship or Luxury Management. This choice consolidates your individual profile.
- Core modules: You can expect courses on topics such as International Strategic Management, Organisational Behavior, Conscious Business, International Business Law as well as Corporate Finance and International Marketing.
- Practical projects: In the Business Project you work in a team on real issues from international companies and apply the knowledge acquired directly.
- International orientation: Two options abroad – one or two semesters at partner universities worldwide, alternatively also possible as a Dual Degree with an additional qualification.
- Electives: Complement your profile with modules, e.g. on Management Consulting, Consolidated Financial Statements, Communication Management, International Economic Relations or Innovation Management.
- Languages and soft skills: Optionally, you can take language courses (Spanish, Chinese, German) and train your communication, negotiation and leadership skills – especially in an international context.
Among other things, you will learn to develop international market entry strategies, evaluate financial instruments, design sustainable business models and responsibly shape digital business processes.
How is the programme organised at Munich Business School?
The programme is designed as full-time study on campus in Munich. It lasts 18 months (Single Degree) or – in the case of the Dual Degree with a stay at a partner university – 24 months. The start of studies is possible in February and September each year.
- Structure: Two semesters in Munich, followed by one semester at an international partner university (optionally two semesters and a second degree in the Dual Degree).
- Practice orientation: A central element is the Business Project, in which you work on practical assignments for companies – often resulting in future career opportunities.
- Individual specialisation: You choose individual study focuses each semester and thus create a timetable tailored to your career goals.
- International perspective: In each semester, you set an international focus (e.g. Business in Europe, China, USA, Emerging Economies) to compare markets and methods.
- English as the language of instruction: All teaching events and examinations take place in English.
- Master’s thesis: After your semester abroad (or internship), you complete your studies with the Master Thesis.
What career prospects can you expect after the Master’s?
With the Master of Arts in International Business, you open up numerous opportunities in the global labour market. The practical and international orientation prepares you specifically for demanding specialist and leadership roles.
- Management and consulting: Take on positions in international management, at consulting firms or as project leader for expansion and market entry.
- Marketing, finance and innovation: Work in international product management, corporate finance, sustainable business, innovation management or in globally operating family businesses.
- Digital economy and start-ups: Shape innovation and change in digital companies, develop your own business models or drive change projects forward.
- Company foundation: The module International Entrepreneurship especially prepares you for founding and scaling start-ups.
- Dual Degree graduates: Two internationally recognised Master’s degrees provide you with advantages with global employers and facilitate international career steps.
Thanks to the MBS network, the mentoring programme and close contacts to companies in Munich and worldwide, you benefit from excellent entry opportunities and a platform for international careers in business, consulting or management consultancy.
Where do you study and how is the spatial organisation?
The studies take place on the campus of Munich Business School in Munich. All core modules, specialisations and the Business Project take place in modern teaching and working rooms:
- Munich campus: The state-of-the-art facilities, student services and well-sized teaching groups ensure a personal learning atmosphere.
- International semester: You spend the 3rd semester at one of more than 70 partner universities worldwide (e.g. in Europe, North America, Asia, Australia or Latin America).
- Internship alternative: With appropriate background, the semester abroad can be replaced by a relevant internship in the German-speaking area.
- Accommodation: On request, you can rent an apartment directly via the university; modern and fully furnished student flats are offered.
The location Munich ensures direct access to innovative companies, to the business network and international career events.
What costs and funding options should you expect?
The studies cost a total of €25,740 for three semesters (status 2024). Further fees must be taken into account:
- Monthly rate: €1,430 or alternatively: payment per semester possible (€8,580/semester)
- Application fee: €60 (one-off)
- Enrollment fee: €690 for EU citizens, €1,490 for non-EU citizens
- Early bird discount: Up to €1,000 for early application (observe deadlines)
- Scholarships: Munich Business School awards merit-based funding of up to €4,000 towards the total costs (€2,000 per first and second semester respectively)
- Financing: 100% study financing possible via “Brain Capital”
All fees can be comfortably paid in instalments. Personal advice on scholarships and student loans is offered.
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