Dual studies Business Administration - International Management (B.A.) – IU International University of Applied Sciences

👉 The dual Bachelor's programme in Business Administration - Specialization International Management at IU International University is aimed at school leavers with university entrance qualifications as well as applicants with a completed vocational training or advanced training. The course combines business fundamentals with internationally focused skills, such as management, intercultural cooperation, and global markets. Theory and practice are closely linked: alongside your studies, you work around 20 hours a week in a partner company that covers the tuition fees. The programme starts twice a year. Graduates qualify for roles including international marketing, human resources management, or management consulting.

Business Administration - International Management (B.A.) at a Glance

📜 Degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
⏳ Duration 7 Semesters
🏫 University IU International University of Applied Sciences, UAS based in Erfurt (Germany)
IU International University is a private, state-recognised university of applied sciences based in Erfurt, Thuringia, and one of the largest distance-learning providers in Germany. Its programmes span business, IT, health and engineering. For international students, the key draw is its range of fully English-taught online degrees – accredited in Germany, open to applicants worldwide, and studied flexibly from home or alongside work.
📋 Study Format Dual studies
🎓 Field of Study EconomicsInternational Management
🎯 ECTS 210 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Introduction to academic work for economics, management and communication, business administration, accounting and financial reporting, fundamentals of management, investment and financing, cost and performance accounting, Leadership 4.0, Managerial Economics, Marketing, Personnel and Company Management, Law, Statistics, Taxation, Business Planning and Control, Business Mathematics, Seminar: Current Topics in Business Administration, Practical Project: Agile Project Management, Practical Project: Corporate Social Responsibility, Practical Project: Digital Business Models, Practical Project: Megatrends in the Business Context, Practical Project: Business Start-up, Practical Project: Economic Policy, Practical Project: Generative AI in the Business Context, Practical Reflection 1: Business, Practical Reflection 2: Business, Practical Reflection 3: Business, Practical Reflection 4: Business, Practical Reflection 5: Business, Practical Reflection 6: Business, Practical Reflection 7: Business, Bachelor Thesis, Colloquium
📚 Electives Intercultural Management, Global Companies and Globalization, International Contract Management, International Market Research, International Human Resource Management, International Trade Strategies
📍 Location Aachen, Augsburg, Berlin, Bielefeld, Bonn, Brunswick, Bremen, Dortmund, Dresden, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Erfurt, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hanover, Karlsruhe, Cologne, Leipzig, Mainz, Mannheim, Munich, Münster, Nuremberg, Stuttgart, Virtual Campus
📅 Enrollment Winter or summer semester
🔗 More Info https://www.iu.de/en/

Who is suitable for the Bachelor of Business Administration - specialisation in International Management?

The dual Bachelor's degree programme Business Administration - Specialisation International Management at IU International University is aimed at all those who aspire to a career in internationally operating companies, want to understand economic contexts in a global context, and enjoy a practical, business-oriented education. It is particularly aimed at high school graduates with university entrance qualifications, but also applicants with completed vocational training or advanced training who are interested in a practice-oriented dual study programme. If you bring a high motivation for intercultural issues, think analytically, and want to actively contribute to international teams and dynamic work environments, you will find the right study programme here.

Admission requirements for the programme

  • General university entrance qualification (Abitur), subject-specific higher education entrance qualification (Fachabitur) or subject-specific university entrance qualification: You can be admitted to the programme directly with a conventional school leaving qualification such as Abitur or Fachhochschulreife.
  • Study without university entrance qualification: Alternatively, access is also possible if you have completed a professional advancement training (e.g. state-certified business economist or master craftsman's certificate).
  • Vocational training plus professional experience: With a completed vocational training and a minimum of three years of full-time work experience, you will also be admitted.
  • Practical partner: A practical placement at a company is required for the dual study programme. IU actively supports in the search for a suitable practical partner. During the programme, you will work an average of 20 hours per week at your partner company.
  • Start of studies: The study programme starts twice a year - in April or October.
  • Study models: Depending on the location, the dual study programme is carried out in the traditional model or as the Dual myStudy variant. Both models require parallel practical work in the company.

For international applications, possible evidence of sufficient German language skills must be provided. A personal consultation with the IU team may be part of the application process.

Personal prerequisites and qualities that promote success in studies:

  • Interest in business-related issues and international business relationships.
  • Analytical thinking and enjoyment of working with numbers and data.
  • Willingness to engage with intercultural peculiarities and international markets.
  • Ability to work in a team, communication skills, and self-motivation.
  • Organisational talent to combine study and practical training.
  • Openness to digital learning formats, flexible work, and the use of modern technologies.
  • Good German language skills (for German-language studies), knowledge of English is advantageous.

The dual study programme Business Administration - Specialisation International Management offers you the opportunity to directly link your commercial interests with entrepreneurial practice and an international perspective.

What do you learn in the Dual Study Programme in Business Administration - Specialisation International Management at IU?

The dual Bachelor's degree programme in Business Administration - Specialisation International Management at IU provides you with solid business fundamentals combined with internationally-oriented management skills. The curriculum is organized according to the modular principle and includes numerous modules that build on each other:

  • Basic modules such as Business Administration, Business Mathematics, Accounting, Balance Sheet Accounting, and Law establish the business foundation
  • Management Know-How through topics such as Leadership 4.0, Managerial Economics, Personnel and Corporate Management
  • International Focus: Specialization modules starting from the fifth semester such as Intercultural Management, International Trade Strategies, International Contract Management
  • Methodological Competence: Statistics, Cost and Performance Accounting, Investment and Financing
  • Practical Projects and Reflection: Practical projects on current topics such as Agile Project Management, Generative AI, or Corporate Social Responsibility as well as practical reflections take place throughout all seven semesters
  • Bachelor's Thesis & Colloquium as the conclusion of the study programme

You learn to analyze international markets, steer global business processes, manage intercultural teams, and develop international marketing and HR strategies.

How is the study programme organized: Study Models & Process

At IU, you study in the dual study programme in one of the following two study models: In the Dual Study Programme, classes take place two days a week on campus - occasionally also online via live video conference. Subsequently, the learned material is deepened using the study materials. The Dual myStudy combines flexible self-study with digital learning formats. You acquire the theory independently via myCampus - supported by innovative learning materials and Syntea, your personal AI learning assistant. Optionally, you can participate in weekly virtual companion events and use other interactive live formats for deepening knowledge.

  • Dual Study Programme: Two days/week classes on campus (or virtually) plus self-study deepening. In parallel, 20 hours per week in the practice company.
  • Dual myStudy: Self-study is done flexibly with digital learning materials and a Learning AI, complemented by regular virtual companion events

The study programme usually covers 7 semesters (3-3.5 years) and starts twice a year - on 1st April or 1st October.

Practice and theory are closely linked: From the beginning, you are part of a company team, gaining valuable work experience and directly applying study contents.

What opportunities do you have after the study programme?

  • International Brand Manager: Responsible for branding & communication of global companies. Planning and implementing international marketing campaigns, coordination with product management, sales, and management.
  • International Talent Manager: Development and implementation of strategies for recruiting and promoting (leadership) talents with an international focus. Organizing foreign assignments, intercultural training, and career development.
  • Management Consultant: Consulting companies on internationalization projects, management of global teams, or change management.
  • Positions in purchasing, sales, finance, HR, marketing, business development, or project management with an international focus are also available.

Due to practical training and international orientation, you are particularly in demand in globally operating companies in all industries, from industry to services.

Where can you complete the study programme?

IU offers the Dual Study Programme in Business Administration - Specialisation International Management at numerous locations nationwide as well as online.

On-site locations for the Dual Study Programme: Aachen, Augsburg, Berlin, Bielefeld, Bonn, Braunschweig, Bremen, Dortmund, Dresden, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Erfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Hannover, Karlsruhe, Cologne, Leipzig, Mainz, Mannheim, Munich, Münster, Nuremberg, Stuttgart

Dual myStudy: Online study via myCampus with accompanying virtual live events

  • Optional companion events for deepening knowledge - weekly via live video conference
  • All degree programmes at the Virtual Campus are accredited as dual distance learning programmes
  • Your theory takes place 100% virtually - flexible, independent of location, at your own pace
  • You learn independently on myCampus with innovative learning materials and the AI learning assistant Syntea
  • Digital, interactive live formats promote exchange with lecturers and fellow students

At the locations, you will find modern learning environments, small study groups, and personal support. In Dual myStudy, you experience the entire study programme digitally - with live lectures, online seminars, and a digital learning platform.

Costs and Financing - Who Pays for Your Studies?

Your tuition fees are fully covered by the practice partner, so there are no costs for you (0 euros!). For you, the Bachelor's programme at IU remains completely free of charge regardless of the chosen model.

More than 15,000 practice companies cooperate with IU and offer suitable positions for the Dual Study Programme - the university actively supports you in finding the ideal partner company.

Advisory Service

Have questions about Academic Programs Business Administration - International Management? Ask your question here, even anonymously. An employee of the institution IU International University of Applied Sciences or the editorial team will answer you.

Experiences & Reviews