HOCHSCHULE REUTLINGEN

International Business (IB) - BSc

Study in an international atmosphere

Acquire sound knowledge of international business administration and soft skills such as communication, presentation, intercultural competence and business ethics by studying in Germany and at one of over 60 international partner universities.

  • Intercultural
    English-language business administration bachelor's program in an international atmosphere (up to 50% students from all over the world)

  • Flexible
    Maximum options for individual study concentrations, semesters abroad, internships and degrees

  • Unique
    With "Fast Track" option, combined Bachelor's plus Master's/MBA degree in only 8 semesters

Further advantages:

  • In a completely English-language degree programme, you will acquire a sound knowledge of international business administration, perfect your English and learn another language
  • Up to 50% of the study places go to international applicants. From the very beginning, you will be part of a culturally diverse student environment.

  • There are many options available to you: internships (in Germany or abroad), electives in Marketing, Strategy, Finance, Leadership, Digital Business or Economics and various degrees (BSc or BSc plus MBA/Master).

  • With a Bachelor of Science after seven successful semesters, you can obtain an MBA or Master's degree from an international partner university in just one further semester.

We look forward to your application!

Application deadlines for German and EU applicants:15 July - winter semester
15 January - summer semester

Application deadlines for non-EU applicants:15 May - winter semester
15 November - summer semester

Virtual Info Sessions

In our virtual Info Sessions, we will introduce you to the programme with a short presentation and then answer your questions about study content, teaching formats, study structure and the organisational framework and admission process.

UPCOMING INFO SESSIONS

Application ticker

Stay up to date and automatically receive more information about the BSc International Business program. Our application ticker provides you with important information and reminds you in time of your application deadline.

REGISTRATION FOR THE IB APPLICATION TICKER

Ask a student

How do students experience the BSc International Business program? How do I find a room in Reutlingen, how do I find a place to stay abroad? What do I do during my internship semester? And where are the best parties?

E-mail to the ask-a-student team

Student for a Day

Want to get a taste of university life? Then visit our students on campus and take part in the "Student for a Day" program. You will go on a campus tour with an IB student and attend a lecture. During lunch, there is time for all open questions about the study program and student life.

STUDENT FOR A DAY REGISTRATION

Key facts and figures

All facts and figures for your degree programme at a glance

Language of instruction

English

Duration of study

7 semesters
+ 1 Semester for MBA/Master Fast Track Option

Admission requirements

Advanced technical college entrance qualification or German high school certificate (Abitur) and high proficiency in English

Start of studies

Summer semester: Early March

Winter semester: Mid-September

Costs

€167,30 for regular students
€97,30 for exchange students

Places in programme

140 annually

(up to 70 places for non-EU students)

All key data

Duration of study

7 Semester + 1 Semester for MBA/Master Fast Track Option

Study location

Reutlingen and location of partner university

Start of studies

Summer semester: Early March

Winter semester: Mid-September

Application deadline

Summer semester:

  • 15 November for international applicants (non-EU or EEA) with international higher education entrance qualification
  • 15 January for German and equivalent applicants (EU/EEA citizens and non-Germans with German Abitur)

Winter semester:

  • 15 May for international applicants (non-EU or EEA) with international higher education entrance qualification
  • 15 July for German and equivalent applicants (EU/EEA citizens and non-Germans with German Abitur)

 

Places in programme

140 annually (up to 70 places for non-EU students)

Admission requirements

  • German higher education entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife, Fachgebundene Hochschulreife, Allgemeine Hochschulreife) or a higher education entrance qualification from outside Germany which is the equivalent of a German higher education entrance qualification.
    Information on the higher education entrance qualifications recognized in the state of Baden-Württemberg may be found at Studienkolleg Konstanz and the German Academic Exchange Service, the DAAD.
  • Very good proficiency in English
  • German applicants with German higher education entrance qualification: Your Abitur or Fachhochschulreife certificate is proof of your language proficiency
  • Applicants with international higher education entrance qualification: Documentation of English-language proficiency, e.g. the IELTS, TOEFL iBT, TOEIC, PTEA (Academic), at least Cambridge First Certificate, Unicert II or proof, telc B2 or you have achieved at least 20 ECTS credit points or equivalent in an English-language course of study at a state or state-recognized higher education institution. If you have attended an English-speaking school or university, you can prove your English language skills by presenting a certificate documenting this from the school.

    A Higher education degree (university) in English of at least three years showing min. 180 ECTS credit points or equivalent is also accepted.

The following qualifications may positively influence your application, but are not admission requirements:

  • Practical work experience, e.g. commercial vocational training or commercial professional activity of at least two years.

  • International experience, e.g. a stay outside your home country of at least five consecutive months in the context of school attendance, studies, employment, internship, voluntary service, preparatory course, language course, work & travel or au pair

  • social commitment, e.g. gap year social projects (FSJ, FÖJ, BFD, EFD, WFD) of at least 5 months.

Language of instruction

English

Other languages

First compulsory language for all students: Business English

Second compulsory language for German students: Spanish, French or Chinese

Second compulsory language for international students: German

Non-compulsory elective languages: Additional language courses by the Institut für Fremdsprachen (as available): Arabic, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, etc.

Further information on language learning

Target degree

Bachelor of Science

Optional: additional MBA-/Master’s degree from partner university

ECTS

210 (Bachelor of Science)

Additional ECTS credits may be earned in the Honours modules offered.

Costs

Semester fee: €167.30 for regular students and €97.30 for exchange students

The state of Baden-Württemberg levies a fee of €1,500 per semester on students from non-EU countries.

Costs for the MBA/Master's programme at an international partner university: approx. €15,000 - 60,000

Admission requirements

  • German higher education entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife, Fachgebundene Hochschulreife, Allgemeine Hochschulreife) or a higher education entrance qualification from outside Germany which is the equivalent of a German higher education entrance qualification
    Information on the higher education entrance qualifications recognized in the state of Baden-Württemberg may be found at Studienkolleg Konstanz and the German Academic Exchange Service, the DAAD.
  • Very good proficiency in English
  • German applicants with German higher education entrance qualification: Your Abitur or Fachhochschulreife certificate is proof of your language proficiency
  • Applicants with international higher education entrance qualification: Documentation of English-language proficiency, e.g. the IELTS, TOEFL iBT, TOEIC, PTEA (Academic), at least Cambridge First Certificate, Unicert II or proof, telc B2 or you have achieved at least 20 ECTS credit points or equivalent in an English-language course of study at a state or state-recognized higher education institution. If you have attended an English-speaking school or university, you can prove your English language skills by presenting a certificate documenting this from the school.

    A Higher education degree (university) in English of at least three years showing min. 180 ECTS credit points or equivalent is also accepted.

     

The following qualifications may positively influence your application, but are not admission requirements:

  • Practical work experience, e.g. commercial vocational training or commercial professional activity of at least two years

  • International experience, e.g. a stay outside your home country of at least five consecutive months in the context of school attendance, studies, employment, internship, voluntary service, preparatory course, language course, work & travel or au pair

  • social commitment, e.g. gap year social projects (FSJ, FÖJ, BFD, EFD, WFD) of at least 5 months.
     

Costs

2 countries, 7 semesters

The completely English-language programme provides a broad overview of international business administration as well as personal and professional skills for successful cooperation in international teams.

Structure and content

In the basic studies, all International Business students receive comprehensive basic knowledge in international business administration.

From the 4th semester onwards, you are largely free to choose your electives, semester abroad and your final thesis. The integrated internship semester is possible in Germany or abroad.

Individual elective modules allow you to develop a professional profile in the areas of marketing, strategy, finance, leadership, economics or digital business at an early stage.

 

On the fast track to a master's degree

With the Fast Track Master's program, which is unique in Germany, you can obtain an MBA or Master's degree from an international partner university in just one additional semester after completing your Bachelor's degree (BSc).

Whether you spend one or up to two semesters of study at one of our international partner universities depends on the degree you choose (BSc or BSc plus MBA/Master).

Focus on content

The all-English program provides a broad overview of International Business Administration. Among other things, the course revolves around questions such as:

  • How do I manage a company?
  • What ethical and cultural aspects are important in running a business?
  • How do I measure the "real" corporate success of an internationally operating company?
  • Which marketing and sales tools do international companies use and how successful are they?
  • How do global players expand into international markets?

You can develop your own profile in Marketing & Strategy, Finance, Leadership, Digital Business or Economics via elective modules from different areas.

Students relaxing on the ESB Business School Campus
DIME Studierende beim Entspannen auf dem Campus der ESB Business School

Studying at ESB Business School

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

FIND OUT MORE

Application process

For German and EU/EEA applicants and non-Germans with German higher education entrance qualification
1.

Carefully read the admission requirements

2.

Apply to Reutlingen University online by 15 January (for summer semester) or by 15 July (for winter semester)

3.

If you are invited, take part in the selection interview and the test.

4.

Accept your place at the university

Admission requirements

  • German higher education entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife, Fachgebundene Hochschulreife, Allgemeine Hochschulreife) or a higher education entrance qualification from outside Germany which is the equivalent of a German higher education entrance qualification
    Information on the higher education entrance qualifications recognized in the state of Baden-Württemberg may be found at Studienkolleg Konstanz and the German Academic Exchange Service, the DAAD.
  • Very good proficiency in English
  • German applicants with German higher education entrance qualification: Your Abitur or Fachhochschulreife certificate is proof of your language proficiency
  • Applicants with international higher education entrance qualification: Documentation of English-language proficiency, e.g. the IELTS, TOEFL iBT, TOEIC, PTEA (Academic), at least Cambridge First Certificate, Unicert II or proof, telc B2 or you have achieved at least 20 ECTS credit points or equivalent in an English-language course of study at a state or state-recognized higher education institution. If you have attended an English-speaking school or university, you can prove your English language skills by presenting a certificate documenting this from the school.

    A Higher education degree (university) in English of at least three years showing min. 180 ECTS credit points or equivalent is also accepted.

     

The following qualifications may positively influence your application, but are not admission requirements:

  • Practical work experience, e.g. commercial vocational training or commercial professional activity of at least two years

  • International experience, e.g. a stay outside your home country of at least five consecutive months in the context of school attendance, studies, employment, internship, voluntary service, preparatory course, language course, work & travel or au pair

  • social commitment, e.g. gap year social projects (FSJ, FÖJ, BFD, EFD, WFD) of at least 5 months.
     

This is how the online application works

    Step 1: Register at hochschulstart.de, retrieve your applicant ID (BID) and applicant authentication number (BAN) there and select your desired degree program at Reutlingen University.

    Step 2: Register on the application portal of Reutlingen University and apply for your desired degree program.

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

    Application deadlines: January 15 for the summer semester / July 15 for the winter semester.

    Up to twelve applications are possible, three at Reutlingen University. If you activate the e-mail notification, you will be informed about the current status of your application.

    Step 3: Decide which of your desired degree programs you would most like to study and prioritize on hochschulstart.de. After an offer of admission, your applications with lower priority may be eliminated from the process. Therefore, be sure to prioritize your study program at Reutlingen University if this corresponds to your preference.

    Important note: If your documents are not in English or German, you must attach a German or English translation. The translation must be certified by the signature and seal or stamp of a certified translator.

    • University Entrance Qualification
      German applicants with international university entrance qualification:

      Please apply for the certificate recognition at the Regierungspräsidium Stuttgart. The certificate from the Regierungspräsidium Stuttgart must show an overall grade and the date of the university entrance qualification.
      Foreign EU applicants with international university entrance qualification:
      Foreign school and university certificates must be checked by the Studienkolleg in Konstanz to see if they correspond to the German university entrance qualification. Our service: If we receive your documents by e-mail by May 15 (winter semester) or November 15 (summer semester), ESB Business School will send copies of your school and university certificates to the Studienkolleg in Konstanz. The Studienkolleg will then inform us whether you have the university entrance qualification. Otherwise, please contact the Studienkolleg in Konstanz yourself and submit all necessary documents. The same applies to all international applicants if you are also applying for other courses in Germany where the language of instruction is German. The Studienkolleg does not charge any fees for checking your documents and issuing the required certificates.
      For more information, please visit the Website of "Studienkolleg Konstanz".
    • Further documents on (education) training/professional activity that substantiate the information you have provided in the application form, for example copies of grade overviews, certificates and degrees that prove previous school and/or university education or certificates of completed vocational training (IHK examination) and full-time professional activity.
    • Resume
      Please follow these examples exactly.
      Specifications: computer-written, maximum one page, in English.
      If you have a second citizenship, please indicate this in your resume.
    • Proof of English language skills
      German applicants:

      Proof of your language skills is your high school diploma/secondary school leaving certificate, provided that a B2 level is shown. If you have additional evidence of English language skills, please attach it to the application.

      Foreign applicants:

      Foreign applicants: Proof of English language showing at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages or equivalents, e.g. through IELTS (at least band 5.5), TOEFL iBT (at least 72 points), TOEIC (Listening at least 400 points, Reading at least 385 points, Speaking at least 160 points, Writing at least 150 points), PTEA (Academic, at least 50 points), at least Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE), Unicert II, or telc English B2.
      This level is also achieved if the student has achieved at least 20 ECTS credit points or equivalent in an English-language course of study at a state or state-recognised higher education institution.
      A Higher education degree (university) in English of at least three years showing min. 180 ECTS credit points or equivalent is also accepted.

       

    Video: How do I apply to Reutlingen University?

    Selection interview and test

    After evaluating the submitted application documents, we invite the best candidates to the second selection round (online test / in-person, 30-minute online interview).

    Dates for selection interview and test

    Approx. End of July for the winter semester

    Approx. End of January for the summer semester

    This is how the enrollment works

    Step 1: If the application was successful, you will be accepted on hochschulstart.de for your place at Reutlingen University.

    Step 2: Register for your course of study on the application portal of Reutlingen University and transfer the semester fees.

    Please find more information about enrolment on the Reutlingen University website.

    Application process

    Applicants from outside the EU/EEA with international higher education entrance qualification
    1.

    Carefully read the admission requirements

    2.

    Apply to Reutlingen University online by 15 November (for summer semester) or by 15 May (for winter semester)

    3.

    If you are invited, take part in the selection interview and the test.

    4.

    Accept your place at the university

    Admission requirements

    • German higher education entrance qualification (Fachhochschulreife, Fachgebundene Hochschulreife, Allgemeine Hochschulreife) or a higher education entrance qualification from outside Germany which is the equivalent of a German higher education entrance qualification
      Information on the higher education entrance qualifications recognized in the state of Baden-Württemberg may be found at Studienkolleg Konstanz and the German Academic Exchange Service, the DAAD.
    • Very good proficiency in English
    • German applicants with German higher education entrance qualification: Your Abitur or Fachhochschulreife certificate is proof of your language proficiency
    • Applicants with international higher education entrance qualification: Documentation of English-language proficiency, e.g. the IELTS, TOEFL iBT, TOEIC, PTEA (Academic), at least Cambridge First Certificate, Unicert II or proof, telc B2 or you have achieved at least 20 ECTS credit points or equivalent in an English-language course of study at a state or state-recognized higher education institution. If you have attended an English-speaking school or university, you can prove your English language skills by presenting a certificate documenting this from the school.

      A Higher education degree (university) in English of at least three years showing min. 180 ECTS credit points or equivalent is also accepted.

       

    The following qualifications may positively influence your application, but are not admission requirements:

    • Practical work experience, e.g. commercial vocational training or commercial professional activity of at least two years

    • International experience, e.g. a stay outside your home country of at least five consecutive months in the context of school attendance, studies, employment, internship, voluntary service, preparatory course, language course, work & travel or au pair

    • social commitment, e.g. gap year social projects (FSJ, FÖJ, BFD, EFD, WFD) of at least 5 months.
       

    This is how the online application works

      Register on the application portal of Reutlingen University and apply for the Bachelor in International Business:

      Apply now
      Please switch to the English version on the following (after pressing apply now) page (Campus-PoRTal) if necessary. The button is located on the next page in the lower right corner. On your mobile device the English version is accessible via the navigation bar / 'burger menu'.

      Application deadlines: November 15 for the summer semester / May 15 for the winter semester.

      Important Notice: If your documents are not in English or German, you must attach a German or English translation. The translation must be certified by the signature and seal or stamp of a certified translator.

      • University entrance qualification
        Important: We need both your school leaving certificate and the specific overview of grades.
        Foreign school and university certificates must be checked by the Studienkolleg in Konstanz to determine whether they correspond to the German university entrance qualification. Our service: If the documents are received on time, ESB Business School will send copies of your school and university certificates to the Studienkolleg in Konstanz. The Studienkolleg will then inform us whether you have the university entrance qualification. Otherwise, please contact the Studienkolleg in Konstanz yourself and submit all the necessary documents. The same applies to all international applicants if you are also applying for other courses in Germany where the language of instruction is German. The Studienkolleg does not charge any fees for checking your documents and issuing the required certificates.
        For more information, please visit the website of the Studienkolleg in Konstanz.
      • Other (education) training/professional activity documents that support the information you provided in the application form, for example, copies of grade transcripts, certificates and degrees evidencing previous school and/or university education, or certificates of completed vocational training and full-time professional activity.
      • Resume
        Please follow these examples exactly.
        Specifications: computer-written, maximum one page, in English.
        If you have a second citizenship, please indicate this in your resume.
      • Proof of English language skillsProof of knowledge of the English language with at least B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, e.g. by IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, PTEA (Academic), Cambridge certificate, Unicert II. If you have attended an English-speaking school or university, you can prove your language skills with a certificate from the school.

      Selection interview and test

      After evaluating the submitted application documents, we invite the best candidates to the second selection round (online test / in-person, 30-minute online interview).

      Dates for selection interview and test

      Approx. end of May / beginning of June for the winter semester
      Approx. end of November / beginning of December for the summer semester

      This is how the enrollment works

      If you are accepted for the program, you will receive a letter of admission as well as information about tuition fees for foreign students in Baden-Württemberg. Under certain conditions you can apply for an exemption from tuition fees:

      FIND OUT ABOUT Semester and TUITION FEES NOW

      Register for your degree program on the application portal of Reutlingen University and transfer the semester fee and tuition on time.

      Please find more information about enrolment on the Reutlingen University website.

      And after your studies?

      As an International Business graduate, you will have a degree from Reutlingen University with 210 ECTS credits and plenty of opportunities!

      ESB CAREER CENTER

      ESB COMMERCIAL PARTNERS

      ESB REUTLINGEN ALUMNI E.V.

      International Business Students at the ESB Business School collaborating on a project.

      Communication skills

      Graduates of the International Business programme possess a high level of intercultural competence, enjoy taking on leadership positions and enrich teams with their communication skills.

      International Business ESB Business School professors and students at the international business fair.

      For many sectors

      Whether it's the automotive industry, banking and finance, consulting, management consultancy, retail, consumer goods industry or start-ups, with a degree in International Business your skills and knowledge are in demand everywhere.

      International Business ESB Business School students on their way to a lecture.

      Executive position

      Your solution-oriented, analytical and value-based approach qualifies you for management tasks in marketing and sales, strategy, finance, controlling and human resources management.

      International Business Studierende der ESB Business School unterhalten sich im Gang

      Fast Track Master

      Get two degrees in 8 semesters? With the unique "Fast Track" option, an additional MBA or Master's degree at an international partner university is open to you.

      Insights into International Business Studies

      From "student for a day" to "ask a student" to the application ticker: we'd love to hear from you!

      Contact

      [Translate to English:]

      BSc International Business, Student Services

      Virtuelle Infosessions

      In our virtual info sessions, we will introduce you to the programme with a short presentation and then answer your questions about study content, study structure and the organisational framework and admission process.

      Ask a student

      How do students experience the BSc International Business program? How do I find a room in Reutlingen, how do I find a place to stay abroad? What do I do during my internship semester? And where are the best parties?

      E-Mail to the ask-a-student-Team

      Application ticker

      Stay up to date and automatically receive more information about the BSc International Business program. Our application ticker provides you with important information and reminds you in time of your application deadline.

      Registration for the IB Application ticker

      Student for a Day

      Want to get a taste of university life? Then visit our students on campus and take part in the "Student for a Day" program. You will go on a campus tour with an IB student and attend a lecture. During lunch, there is time for all open questions about the study program and student life.

      Registration "STUDENT FOR A DAY"

      The International Business program at Reutlingen was a great preparation for my career later on. The small class size enabled close friendships that made the study experience very enjoyable, and also better access to professors. The students were very well guided by the program coordinators. I have a very fond memory of Reutlingen.

       

      Shubho Ghosh

      Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer / Senior Vice President, Verizon Business
      Graduate of 2007

      IB and ESB on social media

      News

      Bright minds for exciting times

      285 graduates celebrate their graduation from ESB Business School

      Read more

      Outstanding employability

      ESB Business School receives ’Certificate of Recognition” in the Universum Career Test

      Read more

      ESB takes top place in the ranking of the German business journal WirtschaftsWoche

      HR professionals value the alumni of ESB Business School

      Read more

      Virtual Info Session: "IB or not to be" - BSc International Business (07.01.2025)

      We look forward to your application!

      Application deadlines for German and EU applicants:15 July - winter semester
      15 January - summer semester

      Application deadlines for non-EU applicants:15 May - winter semester
      15 November - summer semester

      Virtual Info Sessions

      In our virtual Info Sessions, we will introduce you to the programme with a short presentation and then answer your questions about study content, teaching formats, study structure and the organisational framework and admission process.

      UPCOMING INFO SESSIONS

      Application ticker

      Stay up to date and automatically receive more information about the BSc International Business program. Our application ticker provides you with important information and reminds you in time of your application deadline.

      REGISTRATION FOR THE IB APPLICATION TICKER

      Ask a student

      How do students experience the BSc International Business program? How do I find a room in Reutlingen, how do I find a place to stay abroad? What do I do during my internship semester? And where are the best parties?

      E-mail to the ask-a-student team

      Student for a Day

      Want to get a taste of university life? Then visit our students on campus and take part in the "Student for a Day" program. You will go on a campus tour with an IB student and attend a lecture. During lunch, there is time for all open questions about the study program and student life.

      STUDENT FOR A DAY REGISTRATION

      Rankings & Accreditations

      [Translate to English:]