Master of Arts in International Business and Economics

Key facts

• Master programme (4 semesters) in English
• Dual degree programmes (M.A. & either MBA or MSc)
• Working in small groups of students
• High level of interaction between students and faculty members
• Located in the historic city of Schmalkalden in the center of Germany

Welcome to the accredited master programme offered by the Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Applied Sciences Schmalkalden. We are highly committed to being an educational institution of excellence in the fields of business and economics.

Located in a historic city almost in the geographical center of Germany, we aim at an international group of students and expect more than two-thirds of our master students to have an international background and to come from different countries. A modern campus building with state-of-the-art technology, a high level of interaction between students and faculty members, and small groups of students working together provide a learning environment you may not find elsewhere.

The Master of Arts in International Business and Economics programme reflects our idea to provide our most valued assets - our students - with a truly international approach in a unique programme and to prepare them for a successful professional career in business or for their subsequent research.

The Master of Arts in International Business and Economics starts each summer and winter semester, and is a two-year research-based quality programme with a strong international focus.
 

Overview

Form of study: Full time
Duration of study: 4 semesters
Teaching language: English
Degree: Master of Arts
ECTS: 120
Intake: Each Winter and each Summer term
Application deadline: 15 April for Winter term; 15 November for Summer term

Key facts

• Dedicated faculty to support your professional goals
• 2 semesters in Schmalkalden, 1 abroad and 1 master thesis
• Subject areas: management, international business, accounting, computer-based analysis, advanced economics, international economics and philosophy

Our areas of competence

The Faculty of Business and Economics considers itself a service organization. We constantly endeavor to provide a general setting and the prerequisites needed to ensure that our students get the best education possible: a comprehensive curriculum, well-structured lectures, and teaching material presented in an appealing way. You are an integral part of our service: The programme’s success depends both on your desire to learn and to occupy yourself with its contents, as well as on your willingness to communicate and collaborate with fellow students in your new environment.

The Faculty of Business and Economics is equipped with all kinds of seminar rooms, excellent technical facilities and state-of-the-art hardware and software.

Your goals

You want to

• deepen and broaden your understanding of advanced business and economics issues on an international level,
• examine the philosophical and methodological foundations of these subjects,
• develop and professionalize your international skills and talents and/or
• gain the social and academic qualifications required for acceptance into a doctoral program,

and, in doing so, you will benefit from this Master program in International Business and Economics.

Structure and content of the degree

In international business, it is no longer important to distinguish between business administration and economics when faced with specific decisions: government policies affect economic decisions; corporate behavior in turn influences international politics. Thus, from our point of view, it is important that an international master’s degree directs its attention to both the whole economic realm as well as to specific topics often dealt with on the business administration level. The view and the insights we like to develop and share with you are based on an understanding gained and derived from applied research. The Master of Arts in International Business and Economics is a four-semester program lasting 24 months.

The first two semesters take place in Schmalkalden. During this time, you will take part in an international seminar that is designed to prepare you for the semester abroad. All courses are offered as electives. A current list of courses can be found at our home page. They are for instance.

There will be an option to study a semester abroad (your third semester if you started in October of a year, your fourth if you started in April) each winter (autumn) semester of the second year of study. During the remaining semester you will write your master thesis - either in Germany or abroad - with the intend to further develop your personality, academic understanding and your ability to carry out research.

All of the courses are held in English. German language proficiency is not required. A total of 120 ECTS credits are earned. Due to the high number of elective courses even without German language proficiency you will still have a tremendous choice of courses.

The international office also provides optional German as a foreign language classes. Additionally, you will also be able to choose from further courses in German.

Admission requirements

• Outstanding academic degree in Business, Management, Economics or related disciplines (Bachelor, Diploma or equivalent degree). You should belong to the best 25% of graduates of your degree program. A confirmational letter from your university would be helpful for us to assess this qualification.
• Proof of English language ability for non-native speakers: ToEFL minimum score 86 ibT (internet-based) points or IELTS minimum score 6.5.
• APS certificate for applicants with a degree obtained in China, India or Vietnam

Notes on the application process

Applying to Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences is a step-by-step process. After registering and submitting your application documents, these will be checked at the university. If all requirements are met, you will receive the admission to the degree programme (subject to certain conditions, if applicable). Enrolment (= Immatriculation) can then take place if proof of existing health insurance and payment of the semester fee is provided after the corresponding re-registration.

Since October 2024, applications for study places at Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences have to be made online for most degree programmes. If you would like to apply, you must first register for the online application. Once you have successfully registered, you can submit your application(s) there.

To apply, documents no longer need to be printed to be sent to the university by post. Instead, the required documents will be uploaded online during the application process. Make sure you prepare the necessary certificates (especially proof of identity, degree or school certificates, proof of language proficiency) so that you can use them directly for your application.

Please be aware of the respective application deadlines.

Fees for certificate examination

When applying for a Master's degree programme, proof of a Bachelor's degree is required. If this degree was not obtained in Germany, it must be checked individually at the university. An administration fee of EUR 50 per process is charged to this end (amount per application for a programme). The fee is paid during the application process.
 

Application

Each applicant has to apply online.

The application deadlines are as follows:

• 15th April– for an intake in Winter term
• 15th November– for an intake in Summer term

Winter term usually starts on 01 October

Summer term usually starts on 01 April

Please upload online the required documents during the application process

• Curriculum vitae (in English)
• Scan of your birth certificate or copy of your passport or copy of your identity card
• Scan of your university entrance qualification (highest school leaving certificate)
• Scan(s) of your university degree(s) incl. transcript and certified translation(s) into English or German
• Personal essay (in English): Letter of motivation
• ToEFL or IELTS certificate (non-native speakers only)
• Passport photo (will be requested in a later step)
• APS certificate for applicants with a degree obtained in China, India or Vietnam.

You will also find instructions during the application process. The application platform for the next intake is open. 

1st of February - 15th of June (winter intake)
1st of September - 15th of December (summer intake)
 

Flyer (PDF) >