English 
Deutsch Who is the dual Bachelor International Management programme at HSBA suitable for?
The dual Bachelor’s degree programme International Management at the Hamburg School of Business Administration is aimed at school leavers who aspire to an international business career and want to combine their studies with extensive practical experience in a company. The target group particularly includes applicants who are interested in economic contexts in a global setting, want to act with an open mind internationally, and wish to prepare for a role in internationally operating companies. The programme also appeals to those who want to use their English specifically in a business environment and seek early assumption of professional responsibility.
What admission requirements do you need to meet?
For admission, you need the general university entrance qualification (Abitur) or an equivalent recognised foreign university entrance qualification, as the degree leads to a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) with 180 ECTS. A university of applied sciences entrance qualification is not sufficient. Since this is a dual study programme, you also have to provide a training/employment contract with a partner company of HSBA – the application procedure therefore takes place directly through the company. The degree course is taught entirely in English; you must demonstrate very good English skills (at least level B2, usually C1 in practice). A selection process, which may include an aptitude test as well as personal interviews, is part of the admission process. Basic knowledge of mathematics is advantageous but will be further developed in the first semester.
Personally, you should have a strong motivation for international issues and the willingness to work in different cultures and teams. Communication skills, openness, reliability and very good time management are important, as you will coordinate theory and practical phases independently. Resilience and flexibility will help you successfully manage the transition between study and practical experience in the company. You should show interest in economic contexts, solution-oriented thinking, and a willingness for continuous personal development. Initiative as well as enthusiasm for working with digital technologies and modern management methods are expected and encouraged during the programme.
What course content does the dual Bachelor’s International Management at HSBA offer?
In the dual degree programme International Management at the Hamburg School of Business Administration (HSBA), you learn business administration with an international focus. The entire study programme is conducted in English and specifically prepares you for a role in internationally operating companies. The central content includes:
- Core modules of business administration: Business Mathematics, Accounting, Business Economics, Principles of Finance, Marketing Management, Operations Management, Organisation and Competitive Strategy.
- International management competencies: International Management 1 & 2, International Financial Reporting, International Trade and Regional Studies, International Sales and Key Account Management.
- Methodological skills and digitalisation: Quantitative Methods, Fundamentals of Business Informatics, Digital Systems & Artificial Intelligence, Project Management.
- Intercultural and social skills: Teamwork in international groups, intercultural communication, Business Psychology as well as regular elective modules on current topics.
- Topics of sustainability and innovation: Sustainability Management, Sustainable Leadership & Innovation, Strategy and Innovation Development.
- Specialisations in the third year (Minor): Choice from areas such as Digital Business, Finance, Auditing, Marketing Transformation, Media Transformation, Corporate Accounting, Shipping, Sales & Retail or Customer & Market Insights.
- Bachelor’s thesis: Application of learned knowledge to an internationally oriented business topic.
Throughout the entire programme, current topics such as Artificial Intelligence, digitalisation and future skills are taken into account. In addition, you can gain international experience through semesters abroad, summer schools or projects.
How does the dual degree in International Management work?
The programme lasts six semesters (three years) and is structured as a dual model. Each year theory phases at HSBA alternate with practical phases in the partner company:
- About 20 weeks per year you attend lectures, seminars and exercises at HSBA in Hamburg – entirely in English.
- Approx. 32 weeks per year you gain practical experience in your partner company, apply theoretical knowledge directly and actively participate in projects.
- Practical relevance is a key feature: content from the university is concretely applied and reflected upon in the company.
- Specialisation from the third year: You choose an individual minor and specialise in a subject area, such as Finance, Digital Business or Shipping.
- Integration of excursions and stays abroad: Optionally, international summer schools, exchange programmes or project-based company stays abroad are offered.
- Individual AI coaching: With the digital coach PINKpro you develop future-proof competences and receive personal feedback.
- The programme concludes with the Bachelor’s thesis, which you prepare on an international business topic.
What career prospects does the dual degree in International Management open up?
With a Bachelor of Science degree in International Management, you possess practical business knowledge and international experience. This opens up a wide range of career paths for you:
- Direct entry into the profession: Many graduates start directly in the partner company after completing their studies or receive job offers during the practical phases.
- Functional areas: Project management, international marketing, export/sales, supply chain management, international accounting, human resources, consulting and business development.
- Corporate environments: Large corporations with international activities, medium-sized companies, consulting firms, start-ups or organisations in an international context.
- Additional experience: Intercultural skills, fluent business English skills and networking with over 300 corporate partners open up additional opportunities.
- Further study options: Master’s programmes or part-time continuing education at home and abroad are possible with the Bachelor’s degree.
98% of HSBA graduates receive a job offer from the partner company. According to their own statements, 91% feel very well prepared for the world of work.
Where does the dual degree in International Management take place?
You complete the theory phases on the campus of the Hamburg School of Business Administration (HSBA) in the heart of Hamburg:
- Address: Willy-Brandt-Straße 75, 20459 Hamburg.
- Central location: The campus offers modern learning environments and direct connection to the city’s economic centre.
- Practical companies: The practical phases take place in one of over 300 partner companies based in Hamburg, across Germany or internationally.
- International experience: Optionally, you can complete part of the studies or practical phases abroad.
What costs and financing models should you expect for the dual Bachelor’s International Management?
The total tuition fees for the six-semester dual Bachelor’s degree amount to €23,940 (as of 2024). The payment is made in monthly instalments of €665 each or €3,990 per semester.
- Financial relief: In the dual model, the partner company often covers part or all of the tuition fees and additionally pays a monthly salary.
- Scholarships and funding: There are various funding programmes and (partial) scholarships. Student loans for financing are also possible.
- Additional costs: Depending on your living situation, you should plan expenses for accommodation, living costs or stays abroad.
- Faster entry into the workforce: Thanks to the monthly salary, you are financially more independent during your studies than in a traditional full-time programme.
Advisory Service
Have questions about Academic Programs International Management? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution Hamburg School of Business Administration or the editorial team will answer you.
German language proficiency is required for admission, as proof of good grades in German (alongside Mathematics and English) is expected. Specifically, the requirement is an average of 10 points from two certificates at senior level or 9 points in higher-level courses. If these grades are not met, an admission test must be completed. However, the programme itself is taught entirely in English.
Regarding your question about the application process: since this is a dual study programme combining university study with practical phases in a company, you typically need to secure a training position with a partner company before enrolling at the university. So, applying to the company first is advisable, followed by your university application.