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MBA
Master of Business Administration

Are you looking to move up the career ladder and elevate your management skills to the highest level? Start your Master of Business Administration now – and earn a state accredited and internationally recognised MBA degree. 

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Open doors to opportunities around the world

Apply by 26th October and save up to €1444 

Earn a degree that will elevate your international career prospects. Build a global network with students from over 140 countries around the world. 

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*You can start anytime. 

Open doors to opportunities around the world

Apply by 26th October and save up to €2,222 on your on-campus tuition! 

Learn on campus at IU and maximise your career growth in Germany. Socialise, build your professional network and soak up a new culture – all while earning an international degree.

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Overview

Start your journey into top-level management with our MBA online

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is the highest academic management qualification on the global education market. No matter what your professional background, with the online Master of Business Administration MBA programme at IU, you’ll expand your specialist knowledge with the addition of in-depth business know-how, and bring your leadership skills up to top international level. 

The content of our MBA complies with the EQUAL MBA Guidelines – an internationally recognised seal that certifies the quality of MBA programmes worldwide. Our broad range of compulsory electives offers you opportunities to specialise in innovative fiels like artificial intelligence, big data or digital business models. The practical orientation of our specialisations prepares you for current challenges in the world of work.

In addition, our online international MBA degrees focus on personal development, rounding off your studies with soft skills such as intercultural communication or leadership in an international context. Graduating with a Master of Business Administration degree gives you an advantage as a job seeker - you can unlock remarkable opportunities for prominent leadership roles in international management. 

Start your journey into top-level management with our on-campus MBA programme

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is the highest academic management qualification on the global education market. No matter what your professional background, with the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme at IU, you’ll expand your specialist knowledge with the addition of in-depth business know-how, and bring your leadership skills up to top international level.  

The content of our MBA complies with the EQUAL MBA Guidelines – an internationally recognised seal that certifies the quality of MBA programmes worldwide. The broad range of compulsory electives offers you a variety of innovative opportunities for specialisation, such as artificial intelligence, big data or digital business models, which will prepare you for the current challenges in the world of work thanks to their practical orientation.   

In addition, our  Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme focuses on your personal development, rounding off your studies with soft skills such as intercultural communication or leadership in an international context. Once you graduate, you’ll have your pick of lucrative leading roles in international management.  

Benefits of an MBA online degree

The online Master of Business Administration degree at IU allows you to easily incorporate your studies into your work schedule, to gain the knowledge and expertise required to thrive in prominent leadership roles in international business.

  • What makes MBAs so valuable to businesses? For one thing, MBA graduates can hit the ground running and have an immediate positive impact quickly. Overall, 9 out of 10 corporate recruiters are confident in business graduates to succeed in their company. Most recruiters say this is because MBA degree holders are equipped with high-value skills like being strategic thinkers and excellent communication skills.
  • An international MBA opens doors to higher-income positions.MBA graduates earn 22% to 40% more than those with a bachelor's degree. Salaries for online MBA students can increase by more than 30% after graduation. Not just recruiters - 79% of business professionals strongly agree that their MBA degree increased their earning potential.

Overall, 70% of MBA graduates rate the value of their postgraduate business degree as "Excellent" or "Outstanding". Most alums agree that an MBA degree is a driving force behind achieving specific career goals, especially increasing their earnings potential (79%), increasing their employability (87%), preparing them for leadership roles (77%), accessing opportunities for rapid career advancement (67%), and provided them with greater job security (63%).

If you want to study while working, access higher-level positions or boost your salary, an International MBA is for you.

This study programme is completely taught in English!

Your degree summed up

All the facts and figures about your study programme at a glance
OnlineCampus Study Model Degree
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
90 ECTS

Language
English
Accreditation & Recognition
Accreditation
Accredited in line with German and European standards
ZFU 153413c
90 ECTS - English

Recognition
Your degree is Internationally recognised and can easily be transferred to another country
Tuition Fees & Discounts
Tuition Fees
Starting from € 385 (US$ 424)* per month
*based on the exchange rate from 01.07.2023 09:05 AM (CEST)

Discounts
Discounts and promotions are available on a seasonal basis

Online application
No application fees
Study Duration
Study start
any time

Duration
18 - 36 months (depending on time model)
OnlineCampus Study Model Degree
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
90 ECTS

Language
English
Accreditation & Recognition
Accreditation
Accredited in line with German and European standards
ZFU 153413c
90 ECTS - English

Recognition
Your degree is Internationally recognised and can easily be transferred to another country
Tuition Fees & Discounts
Tuition Fees
Starting from € 676 (US$ 746)* per month
*based on the exchange rate from 01.07.2023 09:05 AM (CEST)

Discounts
Discounts and promotions are available on a seasonal basis

Online application
No application fees
Study Duration
Study start
January, April, July, October

Duration
18 months

Start your career in Germany
As a graduate of this programme, you’ll be eligible for an 18-month visa to Germany - so you can look for your first job in peace.
100 % flexible

You decide where and when you want to study

Versatile & Innovative

Your digital learning journey with personal support!

Top-Level Education

First-class study programmes with a recommendation rate of 96 %

German quality promise

All programmes are state accredited and recognized internationally. That's why 100,000+ students have put their trust in IU.

Kickstart your career in Europe

Benefit from 18-month post study job seeker’s visa as an IU student learning on campus and begin your career in Germany.

100% Flexibility

With IU you choose what, how and where you study. And depending on your preferred study format you can even start your first step towards your new career right away.

94% Job success

Our practice-oriented study programmes prepare you for your future career. This is why 94% of IU graduates find a job within 3 months after graduation.

Study contents

Online MBA Curriculum

Our Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme, available completely online, is highly practice-oriented, and will provide you with all the business administration knowledge and skills you’ll need as a future manager in international companies. 

In the course of your MBA education, you will:

  • Acquire in-depth expertise in strategy and leadership, categories of business organisations, management framework, management theory and tools.
  • Use decision theory as a basis for developing qualitative and quantitative strategies for identifying management problems and establishing effective solutions.
  • Follow international case studies (incl. Harvard Business Cases) that are regularly included in the course, strengthening your connection between theory and practice and positioning the study materials globally.
  • Thanks to our broad range of compulsory electives, you will also have the opportunity to specialise in many exciting areas such as artificial intelligence, big data, digital business models and creative working methods.

The order of courses presented below is for the online studies model of this programme.

Course overview

Our Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme is highly practice-oriented, and will provide you with all the business administration knowledge and skills you’ll need as a future manager in international companies.  

You’ll acquire in-depth expertise in strategy and leadership, categories of business organisations, management framework, management theory and management tools.  

You’ll use decision theory as a basis for developing qualitative and quantitative strategies for identifying management problems and establishing effective solutions.  

International case studies (incl. Harvard Business Cases) are regularly included in the course, strengthening the connection between theory and practice and positioning the study materials in a global context. 

Once you graduate, you’ll be able to take a responsible, ethical approach to decision-making and evaluation. Use your knowledge to critically reflect on your professional actions with regard to intercultural social expectations and consequences.  

Thanks to our broad range of compulsory electives, you’ll also have the opportunity to specialise in many exciting areas, such as artificial intelligence, big data, digital business models and creative working methods. 

Semester 1

Module

ECTS

Leadership

5

Performance Management

5

Corporate Finance

5

International Marketing

5

Managerial Economics

5

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

5

Semester 2

Module

ECTS

Strategic Management

5

Business Ethics and Corporate Governance

5

Operations and Information Management

5

Elective A

10

Elective B

10

Semester 3

Module

ECTS

Capstone Project Thesis & Defense

25

Electives & Majors overview

Electives & Majors

Elective A and B: choose your electives A and B freely within the columns, or follow the lines of the defined Majors

Majors

  • International Marketing

  • Finance & Accounting

  • IT Management

  • Engineering Management

  • Big Data Management

  • E-Sports Management

  • Artificial Intelligence

  • Healthcare Management

  • Human Resource Management

  • Innovation & Entrepreneurship

  • Supply Chain Management

  • Salesforce and Sales Management

Elective A + B

In your 2nd and 3rd semester, you'll need to choose an elective module, which you can choose from one of the following modules:

Module

ECTS

Accounting

10

AI in Practice

10

Artificial Intelligence

10

Big Data

10

Consumer Behaviour and Research

10

Corporate Finance and Investment

10

Data Science and Analytics

10

Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

10

E-Sports Management

10

E-Sports Marketing and Event management

10

Human Resource Management: Practice

10

Innovation and Design Lab

10

Internship*

10

IT Governance and Service Management

10

IT Project and Architecture Management

10

Manufacturing Methods Industry 4.0 and Internet of Things

10

Product Development and Design Thinking

10

Salesforce Consultant Specialization

10

Salesforce Sales Specialization

10

Sales, Pricing and Brand Management

10

Module guides

Module guide (90 ECTS)

Course schedules

Online Course schedule (90 ECTS)

On-campus Course schedule (90 ECTS)

Each course in this study programme has a live teaching session

At IU, we want you to feel supported, and to give you the best learning experience possible. 

In keeping with our mission, we now offer two-hour, monthly intensive live sessions in every course.The live events are recorded, so you can access them whenever you want. Each monthly session will cover all the course contents, so you only need to attend or watch it once. 

Each course within this MBA online programme has a live teaching session

At IU, we want you to feel supported, and to give you the best learning experience possible. 

In keeping with our mission, we now offer two-hour, monthly intensive live sessions in every course.The live events are recorded, so you can access them whenever you want. Each monthly session will cover all the course contents, so you only need to attend or watch it once. 

Syntea: IU’s revolutionary AI teaching assistant

Maximise your learning with Syntea, the GPT-powered AI teaching assistant.  

  • 24/7 availability 
  • Get answers to your questions within seconds 
  • Save precious time by pre-assessing your skills for each course 
  • Learn by chatting with Syntea to develop your understanding 
  • Graduate with experience in working closely with AI tools 

Syntea is available in all of our online study programmes. Learn more here. 

Admission

Entry requirements

The admissions documents must be provided in English or German. If they were not issued in one of these two languages, a translation is required. If you need to translate your documents, we can help refer you to our trusted translation partners. You can find more details here. 

General admission requirements

Requirements for Admission to the Master of Business Administration, 90 ECTS

  • Completed undergraduate degree with at least 180 ECTS.
  • Your degree must be from a state or state-recognised higher education institution/university
  • You must have achieved a final grade of at least “satisfactory” or Grade C equivalent in your previous undergraduate degree
  • Proof of at least one year’s professional work experience completed prior to the start of study programme. Work experience must have been gained after completion of your undergraduate studies

Work experience

Work experience for the Master of Business Administration, 90 ECTS

  • Proof of at least one year’s qualified work experience completed prior to the start of the study programme (the work experience must be gained after the completion of your undergraduate studies).
  • You can provide us a translation of your employment contract and your pay slip or you can ask your company to fill out this form in English, sign it, apply the company stamp and send it to us:

Proof of work experience (EN)
Proof of work experience (NL)
Proof of work experience (ES)
Proof of work experience (IT)
Proof of work experience (FR)

English language skills

Depending on your personal circumstances, you might be required to provide proof of your English language proficiency. Your skills would need to match the B2 level of the Common European Framework (CEF). 

We accept the following English language skills certificates*: 

  • TOEFL (minimum 80 points)* or 
  • IELTS (minimum Level 6)* or 
  • Duolingo English Test (minimum 95 points)* or 
  • Cambridge Certificate (minimum Grade B)* 

Is English your native language, or have you graduated from an English-speaking school or university? Then you do not need to prove your English language proficiency. 

Get in touch with our study advisors for more details. 

*Proof must not be older than five years. 

Online degree saver programme

Apply for the online Degree Saver programme and receive a discount on your tuition fees. 

Please get in touch with our Study Advisory Team for more details. 

On campus

Start your career in Berlin

Our German campus in Berlin is in the best position for IU graduates to gain access to labour market.

IU Berlin

Study in Germany’s capital city, home to some of the world’s biggest and well-known companies. Berlin boasts a thriving community of expats, a relatively cheap cost of living, and an energetic start-up scene that’s ideal for creatives and the self-employed. The redevelopment of Tegel Airport into a science and technology park will also create 20,000 new jobs in R&D for the tech, sustainability, and engineering. 

What does it mean studying on Campus?

  • A mix of online self-study and on-campus learning (2-3 days per week) in Germany
  • Full time only
  • 2-4 intakes per year – programme dependent
  • Pre-set study sequence with some flexibility online
  • All programmes taught in English

Other perks:

  • Free online German language course
  • Online career services, job listings platform & virtual networking events
  • Internship module (optional)
  • 18-month post-study visa eligibility
Careers

Your Master of Business Administration career outlook

After earning your online Master of Business Administration MBA degree from IU International University of Applied Sciences, you’ll have all the qualifications you need for entering top-level management roles. This will help you land a position as, for example:

Your Master of Business Administration career outlook

After earning your Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from IU International University of Applied Sciences, you’ll have all the qualifications you need for entering top-level management roles. This will help you land a position as, for example: 

Working professionals discuss at a table

Business Development Manager

In times of change, as a business development manager, you need to have a feel for changes and trends. You analyse developments and markets and develop new products and business ideas on this basis. To do this, you bring sound knowledge in the areas of finance, economics, and law to the right place.

Two business professionals look at a laptop

Consultant

As a consultant, you advise other companies. The subject of the consultancy can be, for example, the management or the handling of a change process. You have to adapt your basic consulting concept individually to the expectations of your client, without neglecting the goals of your employer.

Business professionals talking about business or investment management

Senior Brand Manager

As a brand manager, your job is to strategically develop, position, and coordinate the brand or image of a company so that it has a high recognition value and stands out from other companies in the competition. Your tasks, therefore, include cross-product strategic planning by means of effective external communication. In the course of this, as a brand manager you design innovative, cross-channel media campaigns that are implemented, analysed, and optimised nationally and internationally.

Your career enabler

94% of current IU graduates find a job within 3 months. Our practice based degrees stand out from the crowd and prepare you for a job at industry-leading companies.

Student reviews

This is what our students say

  • “I am 34 years old and study the MBA with the specialisations Management Consulting and HR Management in the online programme of IU. I currently work as a Project Leader at Flughafen Zürich AG.”

    Julia

    Online student

  • “I chose to pursue an MBA due to its practical relevance, especially the case studies, which were particularly exciting for me. Thanks to IU’s flexibility, I was able to combine my studies with my job, where I often apply what I was learning.”

    Nina Schwarting

    Graduate, Germany

  • Simon Zandberg

    Graduate, Netherlands

Read our success stories
Personal counselling
Have any questions?

Visit our FAQ page or get in touch with our Study Advisors. You can also find information about the application process under our Become a Student page.

Personal counselling
Have any questions?

Visit our FAQ page or get in touch with our Study Advisors.

*Available Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM CET

Tuition fees

Online Study models & fees for your MBA degree in Master of Business Administration

On campus study model and fees for your MBA degree in Master of Business Administration

Depending on your personal or professional circumstances, you may wish to complete your studies as quickly as possible, or you may prefer a more flexible study programme that is less time-consuming. That’s why we offer part-time options for all our study programmes. This allows you to study alongside professional or personal commitments. We adjust your study fees based on your chosen time model.

Are you unable to finish your programme within the given time? No problem! If you realise that you need more time, you can simply switch to another time model with one months’ notice before the end of the month.

No registration or administration fees are charged when you apply for studying – you’ll only be charged once your studies have started, and the trial month has ended.

Your trial month begins when you receive your login credentials. This will give you the opportunity to test our courses for one month without obligation, before being charged. During that month, you can then take your first courses and start learning right away!

Once the trial month is over, your studies continue. You’ll pay your tuition fees according to your contract.

At IU, we believe in full transparency – so there are no hidden fees. You only pay for your tuition and the one-time campus registration fee of €1,500.

No registration or administration fees are charged when you apply for studying – you'll only be charged once your studies have started. If you won't be admitted to a programme because you do not meet the admission requirements, no fees will be charged.

Full-Time

Duration 18 Months

Perfect for students who want to hit the ground running and shorten the period of study by increasing their studying pace.

US$ 825
US$ 745 /mth* Apply now
* € 675 based on the exchange rate from 01.07.2023 09:05 AM (CEST)

Part-Time I

Duration 24 Months

Excellent for talented all-rounders who want to give their studies everything they’ve got while holding down a job and keeping down their monthly costs at the same time.

US$ 650
US$ 590 /mth* Apply now
* € 535 based on the exchange rate from 01.07.2023 09:05 AM (CEST)

Part-Time II

Duration 36 Months

Ideal for students who would like to take their time completing their courses on top of their job and everyday life and keep down the monthly costs of their studies.

US$ 464
US$ 424 /mth* Apply now
* € 385 based on the exchange rate from 01.07.2023 09:05 AM (CEST)
Additional charges
Full-Time
Duration 18 Months

Participate in real-time tutorials with tutors and a small group of students, while still having maximum flexibility to combine work and studies.

US$ 825
US$ 746 /mth* Apply now
* € 676 based on the exchange rate from 01.07.2023 09:05 AM (CEST)
Additional charges

Boost your career.

Earn a dual degree.

With the IU and LSBU (London South Bank University) dual degree track, you get a unique opportunity – you can choose if you want to graduate with both a German and a British graduation certificate, without any extra academic requirements. The study programmes at IU and at LSBU are coordinated and therefore equivalent to each other.

Start your studies at IU, and if you want to apply for your British certificate* all you have to do is send in your application and pay the required fee. As an MBA student, please make sure that you have at least 2+ years of relevant work experience at the time of your application.** You’ll then be awarded a degree from LSBU following your graduation if all of your study requirements have been fulfilled successfully.

Graduate with a German Bachelor’s, MBA or Master’s degree – along with a UK Bachelor’s with Honours (Hons), MBA or Master’s.

About LSBU

London South Bank University is well-known for its impressive internationality, as testified by over 18,000 students from more than 130 countries. Similar to IU, LSBU has also been awarded multiple awards and praised for its focus on improving graduates’ career opportunities.

Our cooperation was born out of one goal: to help you get the best jobs in the world with a dual degree.

Here’s how it works:

Get in touch with our Student Advisory Team, send in your application form and receive your British graduation certificate after you’ve successfully graduated from IU.

*only available for selected study programmes: B.Sc. Data Science, B.Sc. Computer Science, B.A.A. Business Administration, B.A. International Management, M.Sc. Artificial Intelligence (120 ECTS), M.Sc. Computer Science (120 ECTS), M.Sc. Data Science (120 ECTS), MBA with electives 90 ECTS (Big Data, Engineering, Finance & Accounting, IT, Marketing, E-Sports Management, Supply Chain Management, Human Resource Management, Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Artificial Intelligence, Salesforce).

**A false declaration about this will prevent LSBU from awarding the certificate

All our study programmes include the following benefits

  • Teaching and study material
  • Marking of your end-of-module exams
  • 1-month trial
  • Monthly live and recorded tutorials
  • Use of the online campus
  • Individual study coaching
  • Online exams
  • Career coaching
  • Learn English for free
  • Teaching and study material
  • Marking of your end-of-module exams
  • Individual study coaching
  • Online exams
  • Career coaching
  • Learn English for free
  • On-campus tutorials, 2-3x week
  • Access to all on-campus services

FAQs

Is Master in Business Administration a good degree?

Yes, a Master in Business Administration (MBA) is considered a valuable degree, offering skills and knowledge in business management, leadership, and strategy. It can significantly enhance your career opportunities and earning potential! Join the community of international students at IU and complete your MBA degree online.

What is the difference between an EMBA and MBA programme?

The Executive Master of Business Administration programme is designed for seasoned senior managers. The distinction is evident in the EMBA/ MBA admission process: typically, executive MBA candidates need 10 years of management experience, while those pursuing MBA degrees can qualify with 1-3 years of experience.

How can I determine the right MBA programme for me?

The choice of your graduate business degree depends on your personal interests and career goals! You will also need to consider your professional background, business context, location, and willingness to travel when choosing your MBA programme. With IU, you could even do an international MBA from the comfort of your home country! You can also select online learning options, with online MBA programmes or part-time study to best suit your needs.

Who are the typical applicants to master of business administration programmes?

Tailored to either general management or industry-specific focus, our MBA programmes cater to applicants with diverse interests and international business goals. MBA applicants are typically early to mid-career professionals, career changers, entrepreneurs, international candidates, technical experts, nonprofit/government workers, military veterans, and executives pursuing EMBA programs. Admissions consider work experience, academics, leadership potential, and test scores.

What sets an MBA course apart from traditional Master's programmes like MSc or MA?

An MBA is a post-graduate business degree. Similar to MSc and MA degrees, an MBA is a graduate-level program requiring applicants to have completed their initial university education (earning a Bachelor's Degree). A Master of business administration programme stands out from traditional Master's programs like MSc or MA due to its focus on business and management education. MBA programs emphasize practical skills, leadership development, and real-world applications, often attracting professionals seeking career advancement or industry shifts.

Recognition

Recognition of previous achievements

Have you already completed a training course, studied at a university or gained work experience? Have you completed a course or a learning path through IU LinkedIn Learning, and earned a certificate? Then you have the opportunity to get your previous achievements recognised, and complete your studies at IU sooner.

  • Save time: Skip individual modules or whole semesters!

Even before you apply for a study programme, we’ll gladly check whether we can take your previous achievements into account: 100% online, no strings attached. Simply fill in our recognition application form, which you can find under the content section of each study programme's webpage, and upload it via our upload section. You can also e-mail it to us, or send it via post.

Send an email to study@iu.org to find out which previous achievements you can get recognised. You can get your previous achievements recognised during your studies.

Do you need help with your application for recognition? Our student advisors will be happy to help. Simply arrange a personal call-back appointment.Arrange a personal video consultation appointment to discuss recognition

Recognition files

Guide to recognition

Individual application for recognition (60 ECTS)

Individual application for recognition (90 ECTS)

Why IU International University of Applied Sciences is the best choice

Your Studies Are Flexible and 100% Online

Schedule when you want to learn and study 100% online. At IU you have the possibility to complete your degree fully from home, whether full-time or part-time. You can even take your exams online whenever it suits you. 

Accredited & Globally Recognised

IU is accredited and certified with a seal of approval from the German Accreditation Council. All IU study programmes, materials, and services meet high internal and external quality standards, which are regularly reviewed and updated. We can also provide you with an official Europass Diploma Supplement once you graduate, to ensure that your degree is recognised anywhere in the EU.

You Gain Full Support

We provide you with innovative learning tools, digital study material, tutorial videos, live teaching sessions, student advice and support. You also have 24/7 access to our large online library. Your tutors are always available to answer your questions. Our study coaches are also available to help at any time. 

The Ideal Mix of Theory & Practice

Our programmes provide you with essential theoretical knowledge and focus, above all, on practice-oriented studies designed to best prepare you for your future career. Thanks to our great variety of electives you can specialise in the specific areas that match your personal goals.

Accredited & Globally Recognised

IU is accredited and certified with a seal of approval from the German Accreditation Council. All IU study programmes, materials, and services meet high internal and external quality standards, which are regularly reviewed and updated. We can also provide you with an official Europass Diploma Supplement once you graduate, to ensure that your degree is recognised anywhere in the EU.

The Ideal Mix of Theory & Practice

Our programmes provide you with essential theoretical knowledge and focus, above all, on practice-oriented studies designed to best prepare you for your future career. Thanks to our great variety of electives you can specialise in the specific areas that match your personal goals.

Hybrid Studies = More Flexibility

By combining in-person tutorials 2-3 times per week with 24/7 access to online study materials, you get to benefit from a more flexible study schedule. This allows you to work alongside your studies, or combine other activities, with relative ease. 

You Gain Full Support

We provide you with innovative learning tools, intimate campuses, easy access to lecturers, live teaching sessions, student advice services, and career support. You also have 24/7 access to our large online library. Your tutors are always available to answer your questions – and so are our study coaches.  

Sounds good? Start your free 1-Month trial

Sign your contract, start your studies – and if you want to stop, cancel in the first month without being charged at all.

Apply now

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