International Business Development (IBD) - MSc

Management-oriented and with practical special knowledge

In the International Business Development degree programme, you will build upon your business administration basics and acquire further expertise in the areas of strategic management, international sales and business development.

Optimally prepared
Best possible training for a management career in internationally expanding companies (mission statement for globalisation managers).
Focus on new business fields
Imparting practical, in-depth knowledge for the development of new business ideas and fields of business.
Goal-oriented learning
Based on academic knowledge, practical and highly application-oriented.

Key Data
Structure
Events
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Key Data

All facts and figures for your degree programme at a glance

Duration of study

3 to 4 semesters
(depending on prior international experience)

Admission requirements

University degree and

very good proficiency in German and English

Language of Instruction

German and Englisch (50/50)

Start of studies

15 March in summer semester
28 September in winter semester

Costs

€199.30 for regular students
€97.30 for exchange students

Places in programme

22 in summer semester
23 in winter semester

All key data

Duration of study

3 to 4 semesters
(depending on prior international experience)

Study location

Reutlingen and location of partner institution

Start of studies

15 March in summer semester
28 September in winter semester

Application deadline

Winter semester: 15 July
Summer semester: 15 January

Places in programme

22 in summer semester
23 in winter semester

Admission requirements

Qualifying university degree from Germany or abroad in an economics degree programme of at least 180 ECTS and an overall average grade of "good" (2.5).
The final grades obtained abroad must be converted to the German grading system in advance by recognised authorities.
Documented English proficiency of level B2 under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. More info: "Regulations on Language Proficiency for Study".
Good German proficiency, documented by language certificate (DSH, at least level 2/ TestDaF at least 14 points) or equivalent
Proof is not required if you have a German university entrance qualification or a German-language higher education degree.
Relevant experience abroad (e.g. study semester or internship abroad). This may be acquired during the degree programme as part of an additional semester. Detailed information on this may be found in the IBD Study and Examination Regulations.

Language of instruction

German and English (50/50)

Degree

Master of Science (MSc)

ECTS

90

Costs

Semester fee: €199.30 for regular students and €97.30 for exchange students
The state of Baden-Württemberg charges a fee of €1,500 per semester on students from non-EU countries.

Admission requirements

Qualifying university degree from Germany or abroad in an economics degree programme of at least 180 ECTS and an overall average grade of "good" (2.5).
The final grades obtained abroad must be converted to the German grading system in advance by recognised authorities.
Documented English proficiency of level B2 under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. More info: "Regulations on Language Proficiency for Study".
Good German proficiency, documented by language certificate (DSH, at least level 2/ TestDaF at least 14 points) or equivalent
Proof is not required if you have a German university entrance qualification or a German-language higher education degree.
Relevant experience abroad (e.g. study semester or internship abroad). This may be acquired during the degree programme as part of an additional semester. Detailed information on this may be found in the IBD Study and Examination Regulations.

International Business Development students at the ESB Business School chatting in a lecture room.

Qualification in 3 semesters

In this internationally-oriented degree programme, you will learn to develop new business models and to evaluate and further develop both untapped and existing business fields. After graduation, you will be able to combine interdisciplinary approaches and actively respond to changing markets and economic conditions.

Structure and Content

You will complete the first and second semesters at Reutlingen University’s ESB Business School, where you will build upon your existing business knowledge and acquire expertise in areas including business development, strategic management and international sales. Individual thematic focuses can be set, e.g. via projects and the thesis topic.

There are two options for the third semester:
If you have already gained experience abroad before starting the Master's programme, you can take a voluntary study semester abroad or an internship semester after the second semester. Alternatively, you can directly write your Master's thesis.

If you have not yet gained any experience abroad before starting the Master's programme, you will complete a compulsory study semester or internship abroad in the third semester. That means that when you have completed the Master's programme, you can demonstrate qualified international experience. This extends your studies by one semester.

You can write your Master's thesis in a country of your choice.

Programme timeline depending on prior experience

The International Business Development programme addresses the following questions:

What is needed to develop business models?
How can you evaluate innovative business areas or business areas that have not yet been tapped by an organisation?
How can the role of information from the areas of product management, marketing, sales and customer care be classified?
What is the impact of the complexity of decisions?
How can interdisciplinary approaches be linked?
How do you actively respond to changing markets and changing economic conditions?

Options for double degrees

In cooperation with Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland, double degrees are possible: e.g. Master of Science International Human Resource Management or Master of Science Management.

Key areas

The programme includes the following modules:

Data Analytics & Business Research
International Marketing
Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management
Strategy & Business Models
Business Ethics & Sustainability Management
Market Research & Consulting Projects
Transformation Management & Management Workshops
Digital Marketing
International Sales
Electives z. B. Business Languages (English, French, Spanish, Chinese)
International Controlling, International Finance & International Accounting
Futures Thinking, Sustainability Dynamics

Study and work

Studying and working is possible if the employer is a little flexible. Our recommendation for the amount of time is up to 10 hours per week.

Studierende sitzen auf einer Wiese vor der ESB Business School.

Students relaxing on the ESB Business School Campus

Studying at ESB Business School

Where will I live, how will I finance my studies and what is the ESB Spirit?

FIND OUT MORE

Upcoming events

14.10.2026 / 16:00 - 17:00

Online Info Session: MSc International Business Development & MSc International Accounting, Controlling and Taxation (14.10.2026)

Speaker: Martina Traub-Kaiser

17.10.2026 / 10:00 - 16:30

e-fellows Master Day Fair

Come and visit the ESB Business School's stand!

05.11.2026 / 14:00 - 15:00

Online Info Session: MSc International Business Development & MSc International Accounting, Controlling and Taxation (05.11.2026)

Speaker: Martina Traub-Kaiser

All events

MS Team Link to our Online Info Sessions

Questions?

Martina Traub-Kaiser M.A.

+49 7121 271 6006

Send E-mail

Your application process

1.

Carefully read the admission requirements.

2.

Apply online by 15 January or by 15 July.

3.

Accept the invitation to the selection interview.

4.

If you receive notification of acceptance, you need to formally accept the place offered to you at the university.

Admission requirements

Qualifying university degree from Germany or abroad in an economics degree programme of at least 180 ECTS and an overall average grade of "good" (2.5).
Final grades obtained abroad must be converted to the German grading system in advance by recognised authorities.
English proficiency of level B2 must be proven according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. More information: "Regulations on Language Proficiency for Study"
Good German proficiency, documented by language certificate (DSH, at least level 2/ TestDaF at least 14 points) or equivalent
Proof is not required if you have a German university entrance qualification or a German-language university degree.
Programme-related experience abroad (e.g. study semester or internship abroad). This may be acquired during the degree programme as part of an additional semester. Detailed information on this can be found in the IBD Study and Examination Regulations.

This is how an online application goes

Applications are made exclusively online. You will upload all the necessary documents during the application process. A printout and signature are not required for the online application. A signed application form on paper is required later, when you formally enroll.

APPLYING

Please switch to the English version on the following (after pressing applying) page (Campus-PoRTal) if necessary. The button is located on the next page in the lower right corner.

Activate the email notifications to stay informed about the status of your application. You can also check the status of your application here.

Accept the invitation to the selection interview.

Have you received an invitation to the selection interview from us by e-mail? We look forward to an approximately 1-hour online interview with you!

What can you expect in terms of content?

We want to get to know each other
Discuss current business topics
Understand the challenges of previous practical experience
To understand your motivation for the study program, ESB Business School and Reutlingen University

For the further successful course of the application process, it is mandatory to accept the invitation to the selection interview. Therefore, please be sure to let us know if you are unable to attend the appointment.

You will receive an exclusion letter if you are not invited to the selection interview. Whether or not you receive an invitation is determined by your academic performance in comparison to your fellow applicants (§ 5 of the Admission and Selection Statutes).

Welcome to ESB Business School!

The following criteria are critical for admission:

Previous studies
Practical experience relevant to the programme
Experience abroad
Language skills

If you have received an admission notice and would like to accept the place, please return the signed application for enrolment together with the requested documents and pay the semester fee. What address do I send the application to? How do I pay the fee? Get the answers in our enrolment questions & answers.

You can find tips on finding a room or flat on the Reutlingen University website.

For international students: You can find information about studying in Germany, our range of preparatory courses, testimonials and much more on the Reutlingen University website.

Downloads & Links

General Study and Exam Regulations

Selection regulations

Reutlingen University calendar

Regulations on Language Proficiency for Study
pdf 696 KB
Curriculum and Syllabi Handbook (PDF)
pdf 3 MB

And after your studies?

As a graduate of the Master of Science International Business Development programme, you will have an enormous amount of specialist knowledge and will be ideally prepared for a career in consultancy or management - in a global corporation or at an ambitious start-up company.

ESB Career Center

ESB COMMERCIAL PARTNERS

ESB Reutlingen Alumni e.v.

Your qualification profile

You have a high level of business knowledge, which you have supplemented with the completion of this degree programme in the areas of Business Development, Strategic Management and International Sales.

Typical sectors

As a graduate, your knowledge and skills are the basis for a successful management career both in internationally-oriented SMEs and in globally active, large companies in all sectors.

Potential fields of business

With their high level of competence in the areas of business development, strategic management and international sales, our graduates find a wide range of applications in many areas of business.

Doctoral degree

Your Master of Science degree in International Business Development from Reutlingen University also provides you with the best foundation for a doctorate and an academic career.

The Master's programme at ESB ehanced my strategic thinking and intercultural competence an provides exactly the skills I use every day in my work. The international focus and close ties to industry in particular made it easier for me to enter the global business environment.
Robin Plitzko
Operations Performance Manager LHG Airlines @ Lufthansa Group
Graduate of 2024

The IBD Master programme provided valuable impulses for my professional development and equipped me with exactly the skills I now apply daily as a Strategy Consultant in global Key Account Management. The strong reputation of ESB was a real door-opener for many companies.
Matthias Zeh
Strategy Consultant – Global Key Account Management @ Würth Electronic Group
Graduate of 2022

Interdisciplinary projects, collaboration with international peers and real-world business practice deepened my business knowledge, my strategic thinking, intercultural competence, and leadership skills. All essential to develop our family business with a future-oriented approach.
Marie Moeck
CEO @ AV Möck GmbH
Graduate of 2017

The Master of International Business Development gives excellent preparation for an international career. I really appreciated the international focus, the practical orientation of the programme and the teamwork.

Meike Kastner
Head of Digital Services
Competence Center Software & Services @ Bosch Building Technologies
Graduate of 2014

With its practical lectures and projects, the Master's programme in International Business Development offers excellent conditions for a later career - nationally or internationally. The focus is on interactive study and promotes personal and interdisciplinary development.

Alexander Diernberger
Specialist Sales Operations Individualisation @ Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG
Graduate of 2014

IBD and ESB on social media

ESB news

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550 kilometres for a good cause

Students from Reutlingen cycle all the way to Switzerland and raise 20,000 euros for children in need

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Highly satisfied students and excellent prospects for new students – these are the hallmarks of the range of study programmes offered by Reutlingen University, a leading university of applied sciences in Baden-Württemberg. ESB Business School, the business faculty at Reutlingen University, has once again achieved excellent results in the latest CHE ranking.