MBA

International Business Management MBA

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Career made in Germany

We have developed this MBA programme especially for experienced professionals who think globally and want to get started in international business! Our lecturers have many years of international experience and will train you to become sought-after experts. Whether finance and accounting, marketing, human resource management and economics or the various facets of management – three semesters full of highly interesting challenges await you!

Do you fulfil all the admission requirements? You can easily check this with our Quick Check in the ‘Entry requirements’ section below!

  • ECTS: 90 ECTS
  • Programme duration: 3 semesters
  • Campus: Schwenningen
  • Faculty: Faculty IV: Business, Design & Media
  • Programme begins: winter semester (September)
  • Application deadline: 15 July (winter semester); students from non-EU countries: 31 March
  • Entry requirements: university degree (with at least 210 ECTS), excellent spoken and written English, a minimum of 24 months' professional experience
  • Teaching language: English
  • Accreditation: yes
  • Formats: Continuing education programmes
  • Tuition fees: Yes. Further information under Details of Programme below.
  • Value for money Excellent value for money - for relatively low tuition fees, you will receive a first-class MBA degree from us. We also organise exclusive excursions for you to world-leading companies in the region.
  • High-quality individual accredited teaching We create top study conditions and pay great attention to the quality of teaching and learning. Our class size is limited to 15 students so that we can support each and every student individually and appropriately. As an HFU degree programme, we are system-accredited.
  • Cultural diversity Our curriculum is designed to cover all important facets of global business. A core component of our programme is dealing with cultural diversity and developing a global mindset - both crucial for a successful career!
  • International environment The course is taught entirely in English and is aimed at students from around the world. Our diverse classes quickly develop a very close bond.

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Details of the programme

Programme content and structure

Our MBA is a three-semester full-time programme. Organisational leadership, strategic management and dealing with cultural diversity are core areas of the programme, with which we prepare you for careers in a constantly changing global business environment. 

In the first two semesters of the MBA programme, we provide you with fundamental, in-depth expert knowledge in all relevant business subjects.
In the third semester, you'll be writing your thesis - possibly in cooperation with a company. In the colloquium accompanying your thesis, you will experience an intensive exchange with your fellow students.

Entry requirements

For your application you need:

  • A university degree with at least 210 ECTS
  • At least 24 months of professional experience after graduation
  • Proficiency in written and spoken English, proven by
    • a degree taught in English
    • work experience in an English-speaking country
    • TOEFL (score >5), IELTS (score >7) or an equivalent test

Download file:MBA Admission regulations

Tuition fees

Our MBA programme offers exceptional value for money.

At HFU, you don't pay for the brand name. With us, students gain an exceptional learning experience that prepares them for an exciting career as a global business professional.

Tuition fees
Tuition fees are €4000 per semester - a total of €12,000 for the entire programme. In addition, all students pay a semester contribution which is currently €176 per semester.

Download file:MBA Tuition Fee Regulations

Scholarships
As one of the leading German business schools, we support talented and well-qualified people with a scholarship. For a maximum of two students who have achieved excellent grades in the first semester, we can offer a scholarship of €2000, reducing the tuition fee for the second semester to €2000.

Further scholarship opportunities:

What's covered
Special features

Cost of living

Cost of living
Living costs average €934 per month and are the sole responsibility of the student. For the student visa, you must prove that you have sufficient financial resources for the entire period of your studies. Please note that this is a minimum requirement. The actual cost of living may be higher depending on your choice of accommodation and use of local facilities. Financial support from the university for living costs is not possible.

Our hallmark - our support!

We make sure that your studies in Germany are not only an academic success, but also a personally enriching experience.

You can expect comprehensive and personal support at HFU. We organise an orientation programme for international students one week before the start of your programme. During this week, we clarify most administrative questions.

We also offer additional lessons in German as a foreign language. We do everything we can to make your stay at HFU Business School as pleasant as possible. Try it out and apply to us.

Your career prospects

Discover a variety of career opportunities after your MBA:

  • Management consulting
  • Finance (investment banking, corporate finance, etc.)
  • Marketing (brand management, digital marketing, etc.)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Business management
  • Human resources management
  • Management in the healthcare sector
  • International business
  • Non-profit management
  • Technology Management

Our MBA programme will take your career to the next level!

Testimonials

The HFU MBA has transformed my way of thinking and improved my negotiation skills. It has given me the flexibility to multi-task within the company.”

Oscar Beltrán, Colombia, alumni of 2015, Operation and Business Development at EKU Power Drives, Germany

“Taking the HFU MBA was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Especially valuable was the entrepreneurial atmosphere and close integration of real business cases. The staff and curriculum enabled me to integrate my engineering background completely.”

Tobias Lombacher, Germany, alumni of 2010, Head of R&D, Singapore

“My HFU MBA not only gave me additional business knowledge, but most importantly, a different perspective and the ability to examine any situation, myself and others in a broader context and to make decisions from a much wider range of perspectives.”

Ksenia Siipola, née Kovbasyuk, Russia, alumni of 2009, Marketing Operations and Insights Manager at LucaNet AG, Berlin

I found the courses in international marketing, strategy, human resources and managing cultural diversity particularly valuable. I believe that the MBA degree opens up a world of opportunity and it really provided me with a world view of business.”

Samuel Payne, Swaziland, alumni of 2005, Senior Manager at Deloitte Africa, responsible for corporate responsibility and sustainability

“The programme not only covers attractive and exciting topics and tasks, but also integrates the internationality and exchange of knowledge of students from all over the world. This, in combination with the chance to enjoy and learn the German culture and language, makes it a unique opportunity.”

Ingrid Rubiano, Colombia, alumni of 2010, Regional Marketing Manager at Payless ShoeSource, Panama

FAQ
When does this programme start?

In the winter semester (September). There is no summer intake.

How much does this programme cost?

Tuition fees amount to €4,000 per semester. In addition, there is a semester fee of €176 per semester.

Can the study fees be paid in installments?

Unfortunately not, tuition fees must always be paid in full.

What is the duration of this programme?

The programme lasts 3 semesters.

Are there any scholarships?

We are able to offer a scholarship of €2,000 to a maximum of two students who have achieved outstanding grades in their first semester, thereby reducing the tuition fee for the second semester to €2,000. In addition, both domestic and international students can apply for scholarships from a wide range of organisations:

How many places are available on the programme?

There are 15 places.

How many students apply for the programme per intake?

We select from around 200 applications.

On which campus is the HFU Business School located?

The HFU Business School is located on the Schwenningen campus.

What is the teaching language?

The programme is taught entirely in English.

Is the programme accredited?

Yes

What are the admission requirements?
  • bachelor's degree with a minimum of 210 ECTS

  • minimum of 24 months of relevant work experience in business after graduation (student internships or summer jobs do not count towards this)

  • proficiency in written and spoken English as proven by: 

    • an English-language degree programme

    • several years of professional experience in an English-speaking country

    • TOEFL (score >5), IELTS (score >7) or equivalent test

What application documents are required?
  • CV/resume
  • Letter of motivation (professional and personal reasons for studying at HFU Business School)
  • University entrance qualification
  • Academic transcripts
  • Employer references
  • TOEFL, IELTS or equivalent proof of English language proficiency, e.g. certificate from university or employer
  • APS (only applies to applicants from China, Vietnam and India)
Is GMAT/GRE required?

Participation in the GMAT or GRE exam is not mandatory, but is recommended for international applicants. Applicants who achieve a high score on the GMAT (min. 550) or GRE (min. 310) may be given preference in the selection process.

Where can I apply?

Applications are submitted via the External link opens in a new window:HFU Online application portal.

When is the application deadline?
  • 31 March for non-EU applicants
  • 15 July for EU and national applicants (and non-EU applicants who do not require a visa to enter Germany)
When is the decision of the Admissions Committee announced?

The decision is typically announced approximately two weeks after the respective application deadline.

Does the university offer German language courses?

Yes, we offer German languages courses free of charge.

Where can I find accommodation?

There are halls of residence run by Student Services (Studierendenwerk Freiburg). There is also Internal link opens in the same window:a wide variety of private accommodation.

Are there any student jobs available at the university?

A limited number of student jobs are available, however, the majority require good German language skills. The university also provides access to a job platform where students can search for employment opportunities beyond the university.

Does the university help students find jobs after graduation?

The university offers various initiatives to connect students with local businesses and to support them in their job search.

The HFU MBA was one of the best decisions I have ever made. The entrepreneurial atmosphere and the close involvement of real business cases were particularly valuable.
Tobias Lombacher, Germany, graduated 2010, Head of R&D, Singapore Tobias Lombacher, Germany, graduated 2010, Head of R&D, Singapore

What's new in the Business School

Find us on Instagram: External link opens in a new window:@hfu.business.school!

Faculty IV: Business, Design & Media

The HFU Business School prepares you for your future in international business with bachelor's and master's programmes providing space for your personal interests and potential with a variety of specialisations − International Business with specialisations in China, the Spanish or French-speaking world, Business Psychology, Business Law, or in combination with Engineering.

Internal link opens in the same window:More about the HFU Business School

As a university of applied sciences, our mission is not only to provide excellent teaching, but also to generate innovations in the field of research. We are currently working on several research projects in the field of business.

Internal link opens in the same window:To the current research projects

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