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Deutsch Who is the Master in International Business at WHU suitable for?
The Master in International Business at WHU is aimed at graduates from all fields of study who aspire to an international management career. It particularly addresses bachelor graduates without an economic focus, who have studied areas such as engineering, social sciences, law, or natural sciences and wish to develop practical business management skills. The programme is also suitable for applicants with initial experience from internships or work in entrepreneurial or business-related environments. You will benefit from an international community, a personalised course offering, and access to global employers.
These formal requirements you must meet
For admission to the Master in International Business, you need:
- A first completed university degree (bachelor’s or equivalent, regardless of field of study)
- Clear demonstrable interest in economics or management, for example through economics-related internships, relevant work experience, personal projects, or study-related activities
- Proof of analytical and quantitative skills, usually by a current GMAT or GRE test
- Very good English skills (the programme is taught entirely in English; formal proof such as TOEFL or IELTS is required)
- Maximum two years of relevant professional experience after the first degree, as the programme is aimed at “early careers”
Experience in business-related minors or courses, such as industrial engineering, business psychology, business law, hotel management or sports management, is advantageous but not an obligatory requirement.
You should bring a high level of self-motivation and commitment, as the course demands analytical thinking and goal-oriented work at master’s level. Communication skills, intercultural openness and the ability to work in teams are important since you will collaborate with people from various nations and address international issues. Furthermore, you should be prepared to take responsibility, actively participate in the community, and explore new areas with curiosity. A keen interest in management, global markets and entrepreneurial action forms the foundation for a successful course of study.
Study Content in Detail
In the Master in International Business at WHU Otto Beisheim School of Management, you acquire comprehensive management knowledge with an international focus. The programme is explicitly aimed at graduates without a business administration bachelor’s degree and provides you with a broad understanding of global economic processes.
- Core Curriculum: Eight core modules cover topics such as International Strategy, The Analytics' Edge, Managerial Economics, Strategic Marketing, International Accounting, Global Business Environment, Designing Sustainable Global Supply Chains and Psychology of Leadership.
- Specialisation Options: You choose four electives and can set individual focuses, for example on Business Negotiations, Finance or Brand Management.
- AI Competencies and Data Analytics: Handling Artificial Intelligence (OpenAI, ChatGPT Edu) and data-driven management are firmly integrated into the curriculum.
- Practical Orientation: Before graduation, a mandatory internship at companies such as adidas, BMW, DHL or Henkel is scheduled to gain early networking and practical experience.
- Master’s Thesis: At the end of your studies, you engage with a current issue in international management on an academic level.
The skills acquired include, among others, the integration of sustainability into global supply chains, leading multicultural teams, using analytics and AI for decision making, as well as sound expertise in strategy, marketing, and accounting.
Study Structure
The programme lasts 21 months and takes place as a full-time on-campus programme at the Vallendar campus. All courses are offered entirely in English. The start of studies is annually on 1 September. The schedule is organised in quarters and includes the following structured elements:
- Core Courses: In the first academic year, fundamental business administration skills are developed.
- Electives/Career Tracks: From autumn 2026, you can individually select thematic focuses, for example in consulting, finance, sustainability, innovation or data-driven growth.
- Mandatory Internship: A compulsory internship is an integral part for the direct application of what has been learned.
- Study Abroad Semester/Double Degree: Optionally, you have the opportunity to spend a semester at an international partner university or to complete a double degree programme.
- Master Thesis: In the final phase, you independently work on a research-oriented thesis.
The student group is deliberately kept small (approximately 25 students) to ensure interactive teaching and individual support.
Career Prospects & Employment Opportunities
With your Master in International Business, you qualify for diverse career paths in international companies, consultancies and start-ups. The average entry-level salaries are €66,655 (Source: Career Entry Report MSc 2020–2024).
- Consulting and Strategy: Starting roles as consultant at international consulting firms such as BCG, Roland Berger, PwC or EY
- Industry and Services: Positions in international project management, business development, finance, supply chain management or marketing
- Banks and Financial Services: Activities in corporate finance, mergers & acquisitions, investment banking or financial analysis
- Innovation and Technology Management: Roles as strategy developer, innovation manager or founder in the start-up sector
- Leadership Development: Career in management programmes of international corporations as well as in medium-sized enterprises
Graduates work, for example, as Global Marketing Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Business Analyst or Project Manager. Many use the exclusive WHU alumni network with over 7,000 members for their career entry or to start their own business.
Place of Study
The master’s programme takes place entirely at the WHU campus in Vallendar. Vallendar is located in Rhineland-Palatinate, near Koblenz, and offers a modern campus infrastructure with an international learning environment. WHU is known for its familiar, multicultural atmosphere: 56% of students come from abroad, representing a total of 14 nations. Optionally, you can complete a semester at one of the more than 200 global partner universities as part of exchange programmes or take advantage of the double degree programme.
Costs and Financing
The tuition fees for the Master in International Business programme amount to €9,300 per semester, a total of €37,200 for the regular 21 months (four semesters). A monthly instalment payment of €1,550 is alternatively possible.
- Scholarships: Performance- and need-based scholarships are available, such as the Deutschlandstipendium.
- Funding Programmes: Various programmes support financing, including education funds and student loans.
- Tax Deductibility: Study costs can be claimed for tax purposes depending on personal circumstances.
- Income from Internships: The mandatory internship can provide you with additional financial leeway.
WHU actively supports you in selecting suitable financing options.
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