This degree program is taught in English. Therefore, excellent command of the English language is an essential prerequisite to completing the degree program successfully. The admission committee requires all applicants to submit proof of their English language proficiency, which can be met by providing a TOEFL score of 100+ or an equivalent certificate such as an IELTS 7.0+ score. Kindly note that neither UNICERT nor English-speaking Bachelor Degrees outside of the US, CAN, UK, IRE, AUS, or NZL are accepted as an equivalent.
Moreover, this reputable program receives over 1,000 applicantions each year. A very good bachelor’s degree GPA in a field relevant to International Business Studies is expected. Students must have completed at least 30 ECTS in the area of business and business administration and 5 ECTS in the area of statistics, econometrics, and mathematics. Due to the international orientation, the program also requires relevant work or study experiences abroad.
Current information
- Please use the Online Application Portal CAMPO to submit your application. Kindly note that applicants are required to hand in paper copies of several documents. Please inform yourself in a timely manner which documents are required and whether you need to provide a certified copy. Please find more detailed information upon entering your application into CAMPO and under “Admission” in the navigation bar on the left.
- The application portal opens on April 15 , 2025.
- Application deadline: 31th of May, 2025
- Kindly note that applications are only possible during this time frame. The admission committee does not offer pre-screening of application documents and does not accept applications via e-mail or applications outside of the given time frame. Kindly refrain from any requests regarding this aspect.
- Start of the program: 13th of October 2025.
Competencies
The emphasis is on increasing the students’ capacity to understand and analyze foreign operation modes and to make decisions related to foreign market entry and management strategies. The students develop essential communication and intercultural skills. Students have the opportunity to earn credits at one of our partner universities worldwide. The program includes company visits as well as lectures and workshops with executives from leading companies. The wide variety of business language courses complete the international focus of the program and prepare students for their career in an international setting.
Besides the profound theoretical and practical knowledge that students acquire in the program, the MIBS student group represents the idea of “practice what you preach”. Besides our highly international teaching and research focus, each year’s student group consists of approx. 60 students from more than 30 countries around the globe. We think that you can only teach internationally, when you live internationally, and we appreciate and foster diversity and interculturality.
Career opportunities
Master of International Business Studies Alumni started working after completion of their studies in highly reputated companies, such as:
- Adidas
- BCG
- BMW
- Bosch Rexrodt AG
- GfK Group
- MAN
- Mercedes
- Puma
- Rehau
- Remondis International
- Roedl & Partner
- Roland Berger
- Siemens
- … and many more.
Target group
The program is designed for outstanding and motivated students who have successfully completed:
- a bachelor’s degree in International Business, Business Administration, Management or a related subject, or a bachelor’s degree in another field, but with sufficient knowledge of international business,
- an internationally accredited English language proficiency test like TOEFL or IELTS, or being native speakers from an English-speaking country,
- their respective bachelor’s degree with an outstanding GPA,
- one or multiple abroad stays in foreign countries for work or studies.
- sufficient and detailed knowledge in business and statistics.
Detailed admission requirements can be found on the left side of this page.
The program is designed to give students a deep insight and profound knowledge in the field of International Business and enables them to act independently in a global business setting. The Master in International Business Studies qualifies students to work in companies, institutions or associations operating internationally. The program also prepares students for future research work in the field of International Business.
Course of study
The program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the complexity of international business. Students are supported in acquiring all the necessary skills required to succeed in an international environment. Special attention is given to the variety of approaches that firms choose to adapt their international operations due to the diversity of laws, business practices, and cultures across the globe.
Study progress
The program usually takes four semesters and is composed of nine core modules: Environment of International Business, Foundations of International Management, International Strategic Management, International Functional Management, International Information Management, International Finance and Change Management, Soft Skills, International Corporate Sustainability, International Relations, elective courses, and the master’s thesis. Teaching is conducted in English.
Core courses
A comprehensive and well-founded understanding of the field is provided by core courses in the following areas:
- Environment of International Business
- Foundations of International Management
- International Strategic Management
- International Functional Management
- International Information Management
- International Finance and Change Management
- Soft Skills
- International Corporate Sustainability
- International Relations
Detailed information can be found in the FAQ section under Downloads.
Elective courses
The elective courses focus on different area studies and allow the students to specialize in one specific region and its language:
- English speaking countries,
- Romance countries,
- Asia, or
- Europe.
The language of instruction in the electives depends on the chosen area.
Detailed information can be found on the left sides of this page in the download section.
Master thesis
The master thesis accounts for 30 ECTS. With the master thesis, the student will show that he/she is proficient in his/her area of study and he/she is able to work independently using scientific methods.
The master thesis should be written in one of the languages recognized in the MIBS (German, English, Spanish, and French) according to the lecture language of the respective module.
Details regarding the assignment of topics, the writing and research process, and grading of the master thesis can be found in the corresponding section of the examinations regulations (Prüfungsordnung).
Detailed information can be found on the left sides of this page in the download section.
Are you curious how courses look like in our MIBS degree at FAU?
Please find attached a short demo chapter that emphasizes our high quality teaching in regards to international business. Just click on the picture below to start the course.
The language can be changed in the top right corner at “Sprache”.
