International School of Management: Bachelor, Master & MBA — On Campus

What distinguishes the International School of Management?

The International School of Management, or ISM, is a private, state-recognised university of applied sciences specialising in business and management. It was founded in Dortmund in 1990 and now operates seven physical campuses in Germany. It also provides fully digital distance-learning programmes.

Unlike universities covering a broad selection of academic disciplines, ISM focuses on business-related subjects. Its programmes combine business fundamentals with specialisations such as finance, marketing, business psychology, data analysis, real estate, logistics, fashion, sport and sustainability.

The university offers several study formats within related subject areas. International Management and other business programmes may be available as full-time, dual, part-time or distance-learning degrees. However, not every programme is available in every format or at every campus.

A defining feature of many campus-based programmes is their international focus. A semester abroad forms a compulsory part of numerous bachelor’s and master’s curricula. ISM works with around 190 partner universities worldwide.

Teaching is organised in relatively small groups and includes practical projects, case studies, workshops, internships and lecturers with professional experience. The aim is to connect academic concepts with business practice.

How does ISM differ from other private universities?

ISM is not a general university offering subjects across all academic fields. It positions itself as an internationally oriented business school and concentrates on business, management and related applied disciplines.

The combination of international study, several study formats and a focused business portfolio may suit applicants who already have a particular industry or management role in mind.

Students looking for social work, nursing, general computer science, engineering, medicine or humanities will find a broader selection at other private universities.

Which study formats does ISM offer?

Full-time campus-based study

Full-time degrees follow a fixed semester and class schedule. Bachelor’s programmes generally take between six and eight semesters, depending on the curriculum. Full-time master’s degrees frequently comprise four semesters.

Typical elements include:

• lectures, seminars and exercises in smaller groups,
• practical projects with companies,
• workshops and excursions,
• compulsory internships or other practical phases,
• English-taught modules,
• a compulsory semester abroad in many programmes.

This format may suit students who prefer a fixed weekly timetable and regular face-to-face contact. Time must also be reserved for group work, examinations, internships and the international study period.

The available subjects and locations vary. International Management, for example, is offered at several campuses and may be taught entirely in English or in German with English-language modules. More specialised degrees such as Real Estate Management, Fashion Management or Data Science are limited to selected campuses.

Dual study

Dual bachelor’s programmes combine academic study with longer periods of professional practice. Teaching and company phases typically alternate in blocks of around three months.

Current specialisations include:

• International Management,
• Marketing & Communications,
• Logistics Management,
• Tourism & Event Management,
• Real Estate Management,
• Hotel Management.

Applicants need an agreement with a suitable partner company before enrolment. Depending on the programme, the dual model may include a long-term internship or a German IHK vocational qualification alongside the degree.

A compulsory semester abroad is also part of the dual programme. The regular alternation between ISM and the partner company is therefore interrupted for one international study period.

Before signing an agreement, students should clarify:

• who pays the tuition and enrolment fees,
• the amount of monthly remuneration,
• whether the company pays the costs of the semester abroad,
• how working and study time are organised,
• what happens if the degree is discontinued or the company is changed,
• whether employment after graduation is planned.

Partner companies frequently cover some or all of the tuition fees. This only becomes binding when it is stated in the individual contract.

Part-time study

Part-time programmes combine digital independent learning with virtual and face-to-face teaching. Campus sessions generally take place on Saturdays, supplemented by online classes in the evenings.

This model differs from dual study because applicants do not necessarily need a formal cooperation agreement with their employer. Students may also study during vocational training, alongside self-employment or without a current employer.

According to ISM, part-time bachelor’s groups contain no more than 32 students. The campus sessions provide a regular framework, while the digital components allow students to prepare and review content more flexibly.

Part-time master’s programmes frequently begin in September. Depending on the degree, a semester may start with an intensive block week. Regular campus sessions then mainly take place on Saturdays.

This model may be suitable if you:

• want to remain employed,
• value regular face-to-face classes,
• want to apply the academic content directly at work,
• need more fixed structure than a distance-learning programme provides.

Distance learning

ISM’s distance-learning programmes are fully digital. Learning materials, academic support and regular assessments are organised online. Regular travel to a campus or examination centre is not required.

Students can start throughout the year and select different study-duration models. Bachelor’s degrees comprising 180 ECTS credits are generally available over six semesters full-time or nine and twelve semesters part-time.

A 120-ECTS master’s degree is typically available over four, six or eight semesters. Programmes comprising 90 ECTS credits use shorter full-time or longer part-time models.

Digital learning resources include:

• textbooks and academic texts,
• video lectures and podcasts,
• interactive exercises and knowledge checks,
• live seminars and masterclasses,
• case studies, workshops and research projects,
• flashcards and practice examinations.

Online examinations are completed under digital supervision. Other assessments include academic papers, e-portfolios, presentations, case studies and project work.

Each study-duration model includes two additional semesters without further tuition fees. Students can use this period to complete outstanding modules or assessments.

How international is studying at ISM?

International study forms part of ISM’s core academic concept. The university works with around 190 partner universities across several continents.

A semester abroad is compulsory in numerous campus-based bachelor’s and master’s programmes. The available partner universities depend on the programme, teaching language and selected track. The International Office supports students with the choice of university, application process and recognition of credits completed abroad.

The international semester can lead to additional costs. At some partner universities, tuition is covered by the regular ISM fees. Other institutions charge higher fees. Travel, accommodation, insurance, living expenses and possible visa costs must also be considered.

Several programmes are taught entirely in English. These include variants of International Management, Business Administration, Business Intelligence & Data Science and other specialised master’s degrees. Other programmes are taught in German but contain individual English-language modules.

Information for international applicants

School-leaving and university qualifications obtained outside Germany must be recognised as equivalent to the required German entrance qualification. Certified copies, official translations and complete transcripts may be required.

English-taught programmes generally require English at a minimum of B2 level. Applicants to German-taught programmes must provide evidence of sufficient German. Additional English proficiency may also be required.

Applicants who are not citizens of the European Union or European Economic Area pay a higher enrolment fee for campus-based programmes. When accepting a place, they may also have to pay an admission deposit of €3,000. This amount is credited in full towards the fees for the first semester.

A fully online distance-learning programme does not automatically provide a right to a German student visa or residence permit. Students completing the programme from abroad should also verify how the qualification will be recognised in the country where they intend to work or continue studying.

How much does studying at ISM cost?

Tuition fees depend on the study format, degree and programme. The following amounts provide examples and general guidance.

These figures provide general guidance. Specialised programmes, MBA degrees and particular cooperation agreements may use different fee structures. The programme-specific fee schedule is binding.

Full-time study costs

A six-semester bachelor’s degree charged at €5,970 per semester results in tuition fees of €35,820. The enrolment fee must be added.

A four-semester full-time master’s degree charged at €6,480 per semester costs €25,920 plus the enrolment fee.

The current campus-based fee models do not list a separate thesis fee. Additional costs may nevertheless arise during the semester abroad.

Dual study costs

The current tuition fee for a dual bachelor’s degree is €730 per month. The enrolment fee and costs connected with the compulsory semester abroad must also be considered.

For a large number of partner universities, ISM lists a fee of €5,970 for the international semester. Different fees may apply at other partner institutions.

The partner company generally pays the tuition fees. Whether this includes enrolment and the semester abroad depends on the individual agreement.

Part-time study costs

A part-time bachelor’s degree may, for example, cost €2,040 per semester. Selected part-time master’s programmes are offered at €3,720 per semester.

As programme duration and fees vary, students should compare the total amount rather than focusing only on a monthly or semester payment. Additional modules may also affect the cost.

Distance-learning costs

The monthly payment and total price of a bachelor’s distance-learning degree depend on the selected study duration:

The total prices include the €600 enrolment fee and two additional semesters.

A 120-ECTS master’s distance-learning degree currently costs between €13,080 and €15,000 in total, depending on the selected duration. Specialised programmes such as Taxation may have higher fees.

Possible additional costs

• travel, accommodation and living expenses during the semester abroad,
• higher tuition fees charged by individual partner universities,
• computer equipment, software and internet access,
• academic literature and personal study materials,
• language tests, translations and certified documents,
• visa, insurance and residence expenses,
• Pre-Master programmes or additional modules,
• travel and accommodation for campus sessions.

Possible financing options include German BAföG funding in eligible study formats, scholarships, student loans, employer contributions and an income-dependent education fund. International students are not automatically entitled to BAföG.

Where can students study at ISM?

ISM operates seven physical campuses in Germany: Dortmund, Frankfurt am Main, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart and Berlin. The available programmes vary by location, study format and intake. Distance learning is location-independent and is therefore not counted as an eighth campus.

Not every programme or study format is available at all seven locations. Applicants should check the relevant programme page to determine which campuses offer the degree at the intended start date.

Online campus and distance learning

Distance-learning programmes are not tied to any of the seven physical campuses. Learning materials, live seminars, support and regular assessments are organised digitally.

The e-campus serves as a virtual student administration platform. Distance-learning students can manage modules, register for examinations, view results and communicate with lecturers, Study Coaches and fellow students.

Which subjects does ISM offer?

The academic portfolio focuses on management and business-related specialisations.

The precise title, teaching language and format may differ between campus-based and distance-learning programmes. A distance-learning Business Psychology degree, for example, is not identical to a campus-based Psychology & Management programme.

How are state recognition and accreditation regulated?

ISM has permanent state recognition from the responsible Ministry of Science in North Rhine-Westphalia. Its academic qualifications are therefore formally equivalent to degrees awarded by German public universities.

The university holds institutional accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, or AACSB. This accreditation evaluates the business school as an institution and is distinct from the accreditation of individual degree programmes.

Individual bachelor’s and master’s programmes are accredited under the applicable German quality-assurance framework. Distance-learning programmes are additionally subject to approval by the German State Central Agency for Distance Learning.

Applicants planning to enter a regulated profession or continue studying abroad should also check whether the specific degree fulfils the relevant professional or academic requirements.

How does admission work?

Bachelor’s admission

Applicants to a bachelor’s degree normally need:

• the German Abitur, Fachhochschulreife or a recognised equivalent qualification,
• complete application documents,
• evidence of the required language proficiency,
• successful completion of the ISM admissions process.

The Abitur and Fachhochschulreife are German school-leaving qualifications that provide access to higher education.

Many ISM programmes do not use a numerus clausus, or fixed grade-based admissions threshold. This does not mean that admission is automatic. ISM uses its own selection procedure.

Depending on the programme, the process may include:

• an online application and review of documents,
• a motivation or admissions interview,
• a short presentation,
• a mathematics or English assessment,
• further subject- or language-related tasks.

German-taught campus programmes frequently require German at a minimum of B2 level and English at a minimum of B1. Fully English-taught degrees generally require English at a minimum of B2.

Admission without the German Abitur

Admission through professional qualifications may be possible, depending on the degree. Eligible routes can include a master craftsperson qualification, Fachwirt certificate, advanced technical qualification or a comparable professional award.

For distance learning, ISM also lists admission through at least two years of commercial vocational education and three years of relevant professional experience. A separate entrance assessment may be required where the standard requirements are not met in full.

Admission routes differ by programme and personal background. Applicants should therefore obtain a binding assessment before signing the study contract.

Master’s admission

A master’s degree generally requires a first university qualification. Relevant ECTS credits, professional experience and language proficiency may also be required.

For distance-learning master’s programmes, the typical requirements are:

• A 120-ECTS master’s generally requires a previous bachelor’s degree comprising at least 180 ECTS credits.
• A 90-ECTS master’s frequently requires a previous qualification comprising 210 ECTS credits.
• Business-related master’s degrees may require a specific number of previous business credits.
• The LL.M. Taxation requires previous credits in business or law.

Missing ECTS credits may, depending on the programme, be compensated through relevant professional experience, internships, individual online modules or a Pre-Master programme.

How is prior learning recognised?

ISM may recognise modules completed at another university as well as vocational education and advanced professional qualifications. The previous learning must be comparable in content, scope and academic level with a module in the selected programme.

Recognition may:

• replace individual modules and assessments,
• shorten the study duration,
• allow entry into a later stage of the programme,
• reduce tuition fees in distance learning.

The assessment generally requires certificates, module descriptions, vocational curricula and further supporting documents. International documents may need to be translated or certified.

Applicants should request written confirmation of the recognised modules, remaining study duration and resulting fees.

When can students start?

Campus-based programmes begin in the winter semester and, depending on the degree, may also start in the summer semester. Part-time master’s programmes frequently begin in September.

Dual programmes follow fixed semester dates. As applicants also need a partner company and signed agreement, the process should begin several months before the intended start.

Distance-learning programmes can be started throughout the year. Students do not need to wait for the next conventional semester after admission and enrolment.

International applicants should allow additional time for the recognition of qualifications, certified translations and visa procedures.

Who is ISM suitable for?

ISM is particularly suitable for students seeking a practice-oriented and internationally focused business degree with a choice of several study formats.

ISM may be a good choice if you …

• want to combine business or management with a specialist subject,
• consider a structured semester abroad an important selection criterion,
• want to study in smaller groups with direct contact,
• want to choose between full-time, dual, part-time and digital study,
• are looking for an English-taught or internationally oriented degree,
• value company projects, internships and business cooperation.

The university may be less suitable if you …

• are looking for a subject outside business, management and related disciplines,
• place the lowest possible tuition fees above other criteria,
• expect a large traditional university with numerous faculties,
• do not want to complete a semester abroad or English-language modules,
• want a campus-based degree without an admissions procedure,
• expect a completely unstructured online programme without a curriculum or examination rules.

Frequently asked questions about the International School of Management