Who is the Master of Business Administration (MBA) at IU suitable for?

With your M.A. in Business Administration, you could work as a managing director, as an entrepreneur, or as a female business consultant.

The Master's degree program in Business Administration (MBA) at IU International University is aimed at all those who have completed a basic degree with a focus on economics or business studies and wish to deepen their knowledge. It is particularly aimed at professionals who aspire to challenging specialist or managerial tasks in companies, as well as graduates of related courses who want to focus their profile on strategic and quantitative methods in the business context. The course is ideal for those who want to study flexibly and independently of location, e.g. alongside work, during the family phase, or from abroad. Those who wish to specialise in specific areas of business – such as Controlling, Human Resource Management, Digital Business, or Financial Accounting – will find a tailor-made offering through the wide range of elective modules.

Admission Requirements: What do you need to bring?

University Degree: A completed, basic degree (e.g. Bachelor's) with a focus on economics or business studies, comprising at least 180 ECTS credits. The degree must be from a state or state-recognized university.

Final Grade: The final grade of the first degree should be at least "Satisfactory" (3.0) or better. Applicants with the grade "Sufficient" (3.5-4.0) have alternative access options (see below).

Alternative Access with Lower Final Grade (3.5-4.0): Applicants with a lower overall grade have alternatives, such as proof of relevant achievements from a Master's or MBA program amounting to at least 40 ECTS credits or equivalent non-academic further education at DQR7 level amounting to at least 40 ECTS credits.

No Suitable Bachelor's Degree? Those who cannot demonstrate a focus on economics or business studies in their first degree can gain admission through a Master's entrance examination. The requirement for this is usually a related professional focus or relevant professional experience. The exam involves successfully completing two specific modules from the curriculum within 12 months of starting the course.

German Language Skills: International applicants must provide evidence of German language skills (at least level B2; e.g., through TestDaF, DSH, Telc, or ÖSD). The certificate is usually not more than five years old.

Personal Requirements for a Successful Start

• A pronounced interest in economic issues, especially in quantitative methods and analytical work.
• Willingness to theoretically and practically grasp complex business problems.
• Independence and self-motivation to organize the flexible distance learning program purposefully.
• Good time management skills, as the course can be completed alongside work or other commitments.
• Readiness for digital learning and dealing with modern online learning platforms and learning apps.
• Basic knowledge of mathematics and statistics is advantageous, as the Master's program focuses on quantitative analysis and decision models.

 All information about the requirements, content, specialization options, and costs can also be found in your personal information package for the part-time online study program in Business Administration. With the brochure, you will also receive access details for a demo account of myCampus, the IU online campus. Request brochure now…

Study Process and Organisation of Distance Learning

The Master's in Business Administration at IU is 100% online and offers you maximum flexibility. You decide how much time you can invest: in full-time mode (24 months), part-time I (36 months), or part-time II (48 months).

Start Your Studies Anytime: You can start directly without fixed enrolment deadlines and test the distance learning programme for one month without obligation.

Individual Time Models:

• Full-time: 24 months
• Part-time I: 36 months
• Part-time II: 48 months
• You can also switch models during your studies if your circumstances change.

Digital Learning Environment:

• Access to the online campus, learning app (IU Learn), interactive learning scripts with embedded videos and quiz questions, podcasts, live online seminars, and digital lectures.
• The AI-based learning assistant "Syntea" supports you around the clock with questions about learning contents and exam preparation.

Exams and Support: Exams can be taken online (anytime, worldwide) or at in-person exam centres. You determine your pace. Experienced professors and tutors support you academically and organizationally. There are also study coaches and a career service.

Master's Thesis: In the final stage of your studies, you independently work on an in-depth topic of your choice and demonstrate your acquired competencies.

Career Opportunities & Job Prospects with a Master's in Business Administration (M.A.)

The degree opens up diverse options in management across all industries and types of businesses.

Specialist and Leadership Positions:

• Management and executive leadership
• Leading finance, controlling, or HR departments
• Strategy development and change management

Management Consulting: You can support companies as a consultant in strategy, organization, digitalization, and restructuring.

Specialized Career Paths: Data Science, Business Intelligence, Supply Chain Management, Controlling, Digital Business, or Risk Management – depending on the elective modules, you will be specifically trained as an expert in these areas.

Other Opportunities: Work in public institutions, NGOs, or start your own business.

With this Master's degree, you qualify particularly for challenging tasks that require analytical thinking, methodical skills, and digital affinity.

Costs, fees and financing options

The costs for the Business Administration distance learning programme (120 ECTS) vary depending on the chosen time model:

• Full-time (24 months): 499 € per month – total costs approx. 12.775 €
• Part-time I (36 months): 379 € per month – total costs approx. 14.443 €
• Part-time II (48 months): 299 € per month – total costs approx. 15.151 €

Regular discount promotions offer savings on tuition fees. The tuition includes all services such as digital learning materials, access to the online library, personal career coaching and optional live lectures. A non-binding trial month allows you to test the programme for free at the start.

• Financing options: Education funds, private student loans, tax deduction as income-related expenses and various regional funding programmes. IU also accepts individual recognition of prior learning (e.g. from previous studies or further training), which can further reduce costs.

Thanks to the digital learning concept, there are no expenses for textbooks or on-site travel. Semester breaks and extensions (up to 12 months) are available free of charge if you need more time.