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The Central State Office for Distance Learning (ZFU) has approved the course International Management under the number 1123221. Who this online Master fits – and what you need to qualify
This programme suits you if you want a recognised European master while studying fully online from your home country. Typical profiles include: a business or economics graduate aiming at roles in international marketing, finance or supply chain; a working professional in sales, HR or controlling who needs a flexible, part-time route to leadership; or a graduate from a related field prepared to complete entry modules to pivot into international management. You learn and take exams online, so you can combine study with a job and family – without relocation or a visa for Germany.
Admission requirements
To enrol you need a first degree and, depending on background, one of the following routes:
- Bachelor’s degree with a business/economics focus of at least 180 ECTS from a state or state-recognised university; minimum final grade “satisfactory”.
- If your grade is lower: admission is possible with additional evidence (e.g. 40 ECTS of relevant Master/MBA study, a completed relevant Master/MBA, or recognised DQR-7 equivalent further education).
- If your first degree is not in business/economics: access via a Master entrance exam by successfully completing two specified modules within 12 months; these modules are fully credited towards the degree.
- International degrees and diplomas are admitted if they are comparable and issued by a recognised institution; individual checks apply. Recognition of prior learning can reduce study time and fees by crediting relevant ECTS.
- Language of instruction: German or English (online). For the German-taught track you must provide one of these proofs: TestDaF (TND3, at least 3 points in all parts), DSH1, telc Deutsch B2, or ÖSD B2. English language skills for the English-language study programme: TOEFL ≥ 80, IELTS ≥ 6.0, Duolingo ≥ 95, or Cambridge (overall grade B); exempt for those with an English-language undergraduate degree or native speakers. Certificates are usually accepted if issued within the last five years.
- Technical setup for distance study: a reliable PC or laptop, webcam and stable internet connection.
Personal requirements
Success in a distance master depends on discipline and planning. Expect around 20–40 hours per week depending on the chosen model (48, 36 or 24 months). You need solid self-organisation for weekly reading, assignments and online exams, plus perseverance to work through data-heavy modules such as applied statistics and performance management. Strong command of the programme language you choose (German or English) is essential for academic reading and writing. Create a realistic schedule, block quiet slots for proctored exams, and secure a distraction-free workspace with dependable internet. If you study alongside a job, align peak study periods with your work calendar and build buffers for deadlines. Being comfortable with spreadsheets and basic quantitative reasoning helps, as do intercultural communication skills for case work and group tasks.
What will you study in the International Management (M.A.) at IU International University of Applied Sciences?
This 120 ECTS online master builds advanced capability to lead and grow businesses across borders. You cover strategy and markets, finance and performance, people and culture, plus research skills. The programme culminates in a 30 ECTS master’s thesis. IU is a staatlich anerkannt (state-recognised) Fachhochschule – a university of applied sciences with practice-oriented teaching.
Global strategy and governance: You explore Management in a Globalised World and Strategic Management, and examine Business Ethics and Corporate Governance to align international growth with responsible practice.
Markets, brands and negotiation: International Marketing and Negotiation Techniques build your capacity to position offerings across countries and handle multi-party deals and partnerships.
Finance, accounting and performance: International Financial Management and International Accounting provide the tools for cross-border investment and reporting, while Performance Management focuses on KPIs and steering logic in multinational settings.
People, culture and analytics: Intercultural Management and a seminar in International HR Management prepare you for leading diverse teams. Research Methodology and Applied Statistics strengthen the analytical base you need for evidence-led decisions and your thesis.
Electives to shape your profile: You select two specialisations from areas such as Business Intelligence, E-Commerce, Project Management, IT Management, Supply Chain Management, Strategic Finance, Strategic Marketing and Branding, Communication and Public Relations, Customer Journey, New Work, or Recruitment and Personnel Development. This lets you tailor the degree to roles in controlling, sales, HR, data or tech.
How does studying in the International Management (M.A.) work?
You study fully online with flexible pacing and monthly exam options. Start dates are possible year-round. Learning happens on IU’s digital campus, supported by multimedia content and the Syntea learning AI. Exams are offered 24/7 online or at test centres if you prefer an in-person setting.
Teaching language: German and English – choose your track
The programme is offered in German or English. You choose the language track for your modules and assessments. For the German-taught track, non-native speakers must provide a German certificate at roughly B2 level: accepted options include TestDaF (min. 3 in all parts), DSH 1, telc Deutsch B2 or ÖSD B2 (issued within the last five years). If you choose the English-taught track, you study and are examined in English.
Study model: 100% online from anywhere
This is a distance-learning degree; no relocation is required. You can begin “from today” and select one of three time models: 24, 36 or 48 months. Because study is online, you can remain in your home country while earning a European master’s. IU’s exam network also allows optional in-person exams at partner centres.
Learning format, group sizes and support
Learning takes place on IU’s online campus with scripts, videos, exercises, live sessions and forums. The Syntea learning AI supports comprehension and practice. You also have access to an extensive online library (including Statista and LinkedIn Learning) and Microsoft Office. Study and career coaching offer additional personal support.
Exams and thesis
Many modules end with online proctored exams available around the clock. Other assessments may include written papers, presentations or seminars. The programme concludes with the master’s thesis (30 ECTS), where you address an international management question in depth.
Visa and enrolment for international students
As a fully online degree, you do not need a German student visa or local enrolment steps tied to on-campus study. You study remotely and sit exams online, with optional visits to test centres if convenient for you.
What does the International Management (M.A.) cost?
Total tuition depends on your chosen time model. Regular monthly tuition is €499 per month (24 months), €379 per month (36 months) or €299 per month (48 months). Over the standard duration, this equals €11,976; €13,644; or €14,352 respectively. A one-off graduation fee of €799 is added at the end of your studies. Digital study materials, online campus access, the e-library and Microsoft Office are included.
Recognition of prior learning can reduce costs: for every ECTS credit recognised, your tuition is reduced by €30 per ECTS. If you prefer to sit an exam at a physical test centre, factor in travel and accommodation as optional extras. As a distance learner, you avoid relocation costs; you can remain in your current country of residence while studying. If you do choose to live in Germany during your degree, typical living expenses are around €900–€1,200 per month in many cities, higher in top-tier metros.
Fees are paid in monthly instalments aligned with your study model. Some students obtain employer contributions or scholarships. IU also offers guidance on financing options for distance learning.
What careers and recognition does the International Management (M.A.) offer?
IU is staatlich anerkannt (state-recognised) and operates as a Fachhochschule (university of applied sciences). The degree follows the Bologna framework and awards 120 ECTS credits, which supports international portability for further study or employment. As a distance-learning programme, it is also approved by the German state authority ZFU under number 1123221 – a formal quality gate for online programmes delivered in Germany.
For employers, state recognition signals that the university and degree meet national higher education standards. ECTS credits and the M.A. title align with European frameworks, aiding recognition in the EU and beyond. Graduates typically move into international roles in corporates, Mittelstand “hidden champions” and fast-scaling start-ups.
Example career paths include:
- Business Development Manager: market analysis, international expansion, partnerships and new revenue models
- Area Sales or Key Account Manager: regional sales responsibility, contract negotiations and channel management
- International HR Manager: global recruiting, mobility, HR projects and talent development across regions
- Supply Chain Manager: sourcing, logistics, risk and performance across multi-country networks
- Finance/Controlling Manager: international reporting, performance steering and investment decisions
The master’s thesis also provides a springboard for specialisation or entry into research; with strong results, a doctorate can be an option at institutions that accept Fachhochschule master’s degrees.
Who is the International Management (M.A.) right for – and who not?
This programme fits professionals who want a flexible, fully online route to an internationally oriented management career, and who value clear module structures, 24/7 online exams and elective depth to sharpen their profile.
- You want to study in English or German and appreciate the choice of language track.
- You need a 100% online master’s you can complete from anywhere, with start dates throughout the year.
- You aim for roles in marketing, finance/controlling, HR, sales, supply chain, project or IT management.
- You value personal support, a modern online campus, and learning tools such as the Syntea AI.
- You want to specialise via two electives (e.g. E-Commerce, Business Intelligence, Supply Chain, Project Management).
It is not for everyone. Read the points below carefully to avoid mismatches, especially if you plan to relocate to Germany primarily for campus life.
- You are looking for a traditional on-campus experience in Germany with fixed lecture schedules and face-to-face classes – this degree is designed for distance learning.
- You cannot study in either English or German at the required level; the German track requires recognised B2-level German certificates (e.g. TestDaF, DSH 1, telc B2, ÖSD B2).
- Your priority is the lowest-possible tuition at a public university; private-university fees here are higher than typical public options in Germany.
- You need a programme that provides grounds for a German student visa tied to compulsory on-campus presence – this online format does not require relocation or a study visa.
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