Who is the distance learning programme in Business Administration and Leadership at IU suitable for?

With your degree in Business Administration and Leadership, you could work as a Team Lead IT & Technology, a Team Leader Marketing & Sales, or a Business Partner HR.

The Bachelor's degree programme in Business Administration and Leadership is aimed at individuals who want to combine solid business administration knowledge with modern leadership skills. It is especially designed for professionals looking to qualify for responsible roles in management or team leadership – for example in marketing, sales, human resources, controlling, or strategic corporate development. The study programme, with its various time models and completely digital learning environment, is suitable for both career starters and changers, as well as individuals with work experience in the commercial sector. Those seeking to prepare specifically for leadership positions in medium-sized or international corporate environments will find suitable specialization options here. The programme also offers a clear entry path for practitioners without a high school diploma, but with completed vocational training and work experience.

Admission requirements

To be admitted to the Bachelor's programme in Business Administration and Leadership at IU International University, the following formal criteria must be met:

With (specialized) high school diploma: You can be enrolled directly if you can provide evidence of

• General university entrance qualification (Abitur)
• Specialized university entrance qualification
• or the university of applied sciences entrance qualification (theoretical and practical part)

Without a high school diploma: Entry is possible if you can provide one of the following:

• An advanced training qualification (e.g. master craftsman's certificate, IHK specialist, state-certified business economist)
• Or a minimum of two years of recognized vocational training in Germany followed by at least 3 years of relevant full-time work. If education and work experience do not directly match the content of the degree programme, the start will initially be in a trial study. After successfully completing the trial study, regular enrollment is possible.

Applicants with international educational qualifications: For international qualifications, the university checks equivalence (according to Anabin/DQR-4 level), e.g. for the IB or for professional qualifications from the EU.

Proof of German language skills for international applicants: In a German-language programme, international students must provide a German certificate (e.g. TestDaF TND3, DSH1, Telc B2, or ÖSD B2).

No numerus clausus: There is no NC – admission is independent of high school grades or final grades.

For all applicants: A study start is possible all year round. The online application is without fixed deadlines. The programme can be started at any time. IU also offers a non-binding trial month.

Personal requirements: How to be optimally prepared

• Self-motivation and self-organization: Since the study takes place flexibly in distance learning format and you schedule your study times independently, a high degree of self-management is essential.
• Digital basic knowledge: The teaching materials are provided completely digitally. You should be familiar with using online campuses, learning platforms, and video conferences.
• Communicative and social skills: Those aiming for leadership positions should enjoy working in a team, have empathy, and be interested in modern personnel management and change processes.
• Readiness to perform and perseverance: The bachelor's programme consists of 180 ECTS, spread over 6 (full-time) to 12 semesters (part-time II). The willingness to regularly invest time in the study is crucial for academic success.
• Engagement for economic, ethical, and international issues: The study programme promotes a holistic management approach – interest in economic relationships and innovation processes is advantageous.

The degree programme offers maximum flexibility and is aimed at both first-time students and experienced professionals from all industries who want to qualify academically for leadership roles.

Study Contents and Competencies in Bachelor of Business Administration and Leadership

The distance learning program "Business Administration and Leadership" at IU International University provides you with a comprehensive and practical understanding of business administration and targeted leadership skills. The focus is on combining classic business administration content with modern management and leadership capabilities. You will delve into topics such as marketing, accounting and balance sheets, cost and performance accounting, investment and financing, as well as economic policy.

• Business Administration Basics: Modules like Strategic Management, Managerial Economics, or Cost Accounting ensure you have a solid foundation of business administration knowledge.
• Leadership and Management Skills: You will learn Advanced Leadership, Change Management, Corporate Management, as well as Communication and Negotiation Techniques.
• Specialization: During the course, you will choose three elective modules, e.g. in the areas of Future of Work, Personnel and Organizational Psychology, Positive Communication Management, International Management, Business Consulting, or Digital Transformation.
• International Perspectives: Subjects like International Brand Management and Intercultural Action Competence prepare you for global tasks in your profession.
• Practical Skills: Practical projects and business simulations train you to apply your knowledge using real-world examples - such as in the "Organizational Development" or "Corporate Social Responsibility" projects.
• Digital & Innovative Methods: During your studies, you will have access to IU Interactive Books, AI-based learning assistants, and a variety of digital educational content.

This distance learning program places special emphasis on independent work, entrepreneurial thinking, as well as communication, agility, and team leadership skills.

Study Structure: Organisation and Flexibility in Distance Learning

The program is designed for six semesters (full-time, 36 months) - however, with the flexible part-time models, you can extend the duration to eight or even twelve semesters. You determine when you start your studies and what your personal study plan looks like.

• Module Structure: Each module usually covers 5 ECTS points and is completed with an examination (exam, assignment, presentation, etc.).
• Learning Materials: All content is digitally available - through the IU Learn App, you can access interactive scripts, videos, podcasts, and quiz formats.
• Online and Offline Exams: You can take your exams entirely online - around the clock, at your preferred time - or, if desired, at an on-site examination centre.
• Virtual Campus: The online campus "myCampus" connects you with lecturers, professors, tutors, and fellow students. Intensive support is provided by Study Coaches.
• Self-paced Learning: Thanks to free choice of modules, you can set individual focuses and work on modules according to your schedule. You can also switch between time models during your studies.
• Practical Elements: Practical projects and simulations are integrated into the curriculum to strengthen the transfer of knowledge into practice.
• No Mandatory Attendance: You can complete the entire course independently of location and time.

The IU International University consistently focuses on digital innovation: an AI assistant supports you in learning at any time, and regular live online events help you deepen the content together with others.

Career Opportunities and Job Prospects after Graduation

With a "Bachelor of Arts" in Business Administration and Leadership, you are well-suited for challenging roles in national and international companies. You are particularly sought after for positions that require both economic excellence and team leadership skills.

• Leadership and Management Positions: You can work as a Team Lead in IT & Technology, Team Leader in Marketing & Sales, Business Partner in HR, or in Organizational Development.
• Specialist and Project Management: Areas of application range from Marketing and Sales to Human Resources and Consulting, as well as Quality Management and Change Management.
• Cross-industry Perspectives: The programme qualifies you for business enterprises, non-profit organizations, consulting, or public administration.
• Self-Employment and Entrepreneurship: The elective modules in Digital Entrepreneurship and Innovation provide optimal preparation for your own initiatives in the start-up sector.
• International Career: Expertise in International Management and intercultural communication opens doors worldwide.

The degree is nationally and internationally recognised. Many graduates quickly move into managerial positions after graduation or go on to pursue a Master's degree in areas such as Management, Human Resources, or Marketing.

Costs and Financing Options

Tuition fees for the distance learning program "Business Administration and Leadership" vary depending on the study mode:

• Full-Time (36 months): from €399 per month, total cost approx. €15,063 including graduation fee
• Part-Time I (48 months): from €344 per month, total cost approx. €17,211
• Part-Time II (72 months): from €259 per month, total cost approx. €19,347
• Graduation fee: approximately €699 to be paid once at the end of the study

Included Services: Access to digital library, LinkedIn Learning, Office Package, Study and Career Coaching. All study materials and exam fees are included in the price.

• Financing options are available depending on individual circumstances, such as BAföG, student loans, education funds, or tax deductibility of study costs.
• Recognition of professional or academic achievements saves time and fees (about €30 per recognised ECTS point).
• One-time payment or instalment payment is possible as needed.
• The IU regularly offers discount promotions for cost savings, as well as a 1-month free trial period to test the program.