Admission Requirements

The MBA program at IU is offered in 2 variants, each with different admission requirements: 

• Variant 1 with 60 ECTS in 2 semesters: Requires a completed first degree with a minimum of 210 ECTS (Diploma, Master, Magister) with a minimum grade of Satisfactory.
• Variant 2 with 90 ECTS in 3 semesters: Requires a completed first degree with a minimum of 180 ECTS (Bachelor, Diploma, Magister) with a minimum grade of Satisfactory.

You can see that graduates with Diplomas and Masters can shorten the duration of the course to 2 semesters.

Both variants also require the following:

• Professional experience. Requires 2 years of qualified work experience by the end of the study programme. This means that work experience during the MBA program counts. The work experience must have been gained after completing the first degree. Activities as a trainee or working student do not count as work experience.
• Language skills. Language skills in English must be proven before starting the MBA distance learning programme via TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo. The TOEFL must score at least 80 points and not be more than 2 years old. The alternative IELTS must be at least Level 6 and not be more than 2 years old. The alternative Duolingo English Test must have been passed with at least 60% and not be more than 2 years old.

From Leadership to Strategic Management: Study Contents and Specialisations

Open up opportunities for advancement in the global environment with this innovative and modern distance learning programme that you can complete bilingually in German/English, in German only, or in English only, even while working. You can choose to study full-time or part-time and specialise in a topic of your choice. 

The contents of the MBA distance learning programme differ slightly depending on the study variant.

• Variant 1 (2 semesters full-time): the courses include Leadership, Performance Measurement, Corporate Finance, International Marketing, Managerial Economics, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Strategic Management, Business Ethics and Corporate Governance, Operations and Information Management, Capstone Thesis and Defense
• Variant 2 (3 semesters full-time): the courses include Leadership, Performance Measurement, Corporate Finance, International Marketing, Managerial Economics, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Strategic Management, Business Ethics and Corporate Governance, Operations and Information Management, 2 elective courses, Capstone Project Thesis & Defense

You can see that in the 3-semester variant, elective modules are added, meaning that you can specialize particularly in a specific topic. At IU, there is a specialisation system with

• Functional Specialisations: E-Commerce, Behaviour and Research, Sales, Pricing and Brand Management, Accounting, Corporate Finance, Performance-oriented Controlling, Corporate Finance, Human Resource Management, IT Management, Management Consulting, Project Management, Strategic Marketing and Branding, Supply Chain Management
• Industry Specialisations: Health Care Management, Real Estate Management, Strategic Financial Management, Strategic Hotel Management, Strategic Aviation Management, Strategic Service Management, Strategic Tourism Management

You can study the programme in German or entirely in English. You can also choose to write your thesis in either English or German.

In addition to the traditional MBA, you can also pursue an MBA with a focus on Big Data Management, Digital Insurance, Engineering Management, Finance & Accounting, Health Care Management, International Marketing, IT Management, Clinical Research Management. If you opt for one of these specialisations, the study contents are adjusted from the first semester onwards. All content will be delivered in English.

How the MBA Distance Learning Programme at IU Works

Distance learning at IU allows you to study with maximum flexibility. Are you employed? Then earn your Master of Business Administration alongside your job and independent of location. You decide when and where to study. Distance learning means: after enrollment, you will receive all study materials by mail. In addition, you will use the digital study materials, learning for example via your iPad or laptop.

What's special about distance learning with IU: The IU International University offers the unique opportunity to take online exams anytime, anywhere, immediately, with live supervision. Alternatively, you can take one of the face-to-face exam dates, which are offered every month for all courses at over 39 study centres in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, or at over 130 Goethe institutes worldwide. Of course, IU also has an online campus with digital learning materials, self-tests, online tutorials, learning wikis, and much more.

By the way, you can also complete our MBA programme part-time. If you choose Variant 1, the entire programme lasts 18–24 months. If you choose Variant 2, you will study for your MBA degree between 24 and 36 months. If necessary, you can extend your studies by an additional 2 semesters, free of charge.

As a participant in our MBA programme, you can take advantage of our career coaching free of charge. The coaching includes 2 sessions, each lasting 45 minutes. Together, we will review your application documents and develop your personal career strategy. More information through our free telephone study consultation ...