International Accounting, Controlling and Taxation (IACT) – MSc

Management career in controlling and finance

In the International Accounting, Controlling and Taxation degree programme, you will deepen your knowledge of the fundamentals of business administration and acquire additional specialist knowledge in the areas of international accounting, international controlling, taxation and finance.

Goal-oriented Education
After graduating, you will be ideally prepared for a management career in accounting, taxation, finance and controlling.
International Focus
The focus on global business relations is a common thread running through all the subjects.
Learning and Doing
Academically sound and highly application-oriented.

Key Data
Structure
Events
Contact
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Key Data

All the facts and figures for your degree programme at a glance

Duration of studies

3 to 4 semesters

(depending on previous international experience)

Admission requirements

University degree as well as good German and English language skills

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

Study places

15 per semester

All key data

Duration of studies

3 to 4 semesters

(depending on previous international experience)

Location of study

Reutlingen and location of partner university

Start of studies

15 March in summer semester

28 September in winter semester

Application deadlines

Winter semester: 15 July

Summer semester: 15 January

Study places

15 per semester

Admission requirements

Degree in business/economics from a German or foreign university with at least 180 ECTS and a total average grade of "good" (2.5).
Final grades obtained abroad must be converted in advance to the German grading system by recognised bodies.
A good command of English at level B2 must be proven according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Further information: "Statute of required language skills".
A good command of German, proven by passing a language examination (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 degree qualifying for admission to a profession.
Study programme-related experience abroad (e.g. study or internship semester abroad). This can also be obtained during your studies within the framework of an additional semester. You will find detailed information in the IACT 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.
For students from non-EU countries the state of Baden-Württemberg charges a fee of €1,500 per semester.

Admission requirements

Degree in business/economics from a German or foreign university with at least 180 ECTS and a total average grade of "good" (2.5).
Final grades obtained abroad must be converted in advance to the German grading system by recognised bodies.
A good command of English at level B2 must be proven according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Further information: "Statute of required language skills".
A good command of German, proven by passing a language examination (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 degree qualifying for admission to a profession.
Study programme-related experience abroad (e.g. study or internship semester abroad). This can also be obtained during your studies within the framework of an additional semester. You will find detailed information in the IACT Study and Examination Regulations.

International Accounting, Controlling and Taxation students at the ESB Business School chatting in the hallway.

An international career in three semesters

In this degree programme, you will learn how to adapt companies to changing conditions, implement efficient controlling instruments and master challenges in international accounting and taxation.

Structure and content

You will complete the first and second semester at ESB Business School at Reutlingen University where you will deepen your existing business knowledge and acquire specialist knowledge in the fields of controlling, strategic management and accounting, among others. Individual thematic focuses can be set, e.g. via projects and the topic of the thesis.

There are two options for the third semester:

If you have already gained experience abroad prior to your Master's degree, you can take a voluntary study semester abroad or an internship semester after the second study semester. Alternatively, you can immediately write your Master's thesis.
If you have not yet gained experience abroad before taking up the Master's programme, you will complete a compulsory semester or internship abroad in the third semester. With the completion of the Master's programme, you can thus demonstrate qualified international experience. This will extend your studies by one semester.

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

Opportunity for double degrees

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

Key contents

The programme includes the following modules:

Data Analytics & Business Research
Controlling & Finance
Accounting & Tax
Strategy & Business Models
Business & Sustainability Management
International Controlling Projects
International Financial Reporting, Standards & Taxation
Tax Accounting & International Taxation
Transformation Management & Management Workshops
Electives: Business Languages (English, French, Spanish, Chinese)
Futures Thinking, Sustainability Dynamics
International Auditing & Consolidation

Teaching by experts with real-world experience

In addition to the teaching by the team of professors at ESB Business School, you will be taught by experts from tax advisory and auditing firms. This will give you deep insights into business and auditing practice as well as relevant, up-to-date teaching content. From day one, you will establish contacts with those involved in daily practice and can intensify these through internships, working student activities and your Master's thesis.

Our partner in teaching:

RWT Reutlinger Wirtschaftstreuhand GmbH
Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
Steuerberatungsgesellschaft

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 Teams Link to our Online Info Sessions

Questions?

Martina Traub-Kaiser M.A.

+49 7121 271 6006

Send E-mail

Your application process

1.

Read the admission requirements carefully.

2.

Apply online by 15 January respectively 15 July.

3.

Accept the invitation to the selection interview.

4.

If you are admitted, accept the offered study place.

Admission requirements

Degree in business/economics from a German or foreign university with at least 180 ECTS and a total average grade of "good" (2.5).
Final grades obtained abroad must be converted in advance to the German grading system by recognised bodies.
A good command of English at level B2 must be proven according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Further information: "Statute of required language skills".
A good command of German, proven by passing a language examination (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 degree qualifying for admission to a profession.
Study programme-related experience abroad (e.g. study or internship semester abroad). This can also be obtained during your studies within the framework of an additional semester. You will find detailed information in the IACT Study and Examination Regulations.

This is how the 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 decide on admission to the degree programme:

Academic performance
Study-related practical experience
Experience abroad
Foreign language skills

If you have been admitted and would like to accept the place, please return the signed application for enrolment together with the requested documents and transfer the semester fees. You can find out the address to send the application to and where to transfer the fees in our Questions & Answers on enrolment.

Tips on finding a room or flat can be found on the Reutlingen University website.

For international students: On the website of Reutlingen University you will find information about studying in Germany, our range of preparatory courses, experience reports and much more besides.

Downloads & Links

Study and Examination Regulations

Selection statutes

University calendar of Reutlingen University

Statute of required language skills
pdf 696 KB
Curriculum and Syllabi Handbook (PDF)
pdf 3 MB

And after my studies?

As a graduate of the Master's programme International Accounting, Controlling and Taxation you will have a wealth of specialist knowledge and will be ideally prepared for a management career in the field of finance and controlling in internationally operating companies and consulting firms.

ESB Career Center

ESB Corporate Partners

ESB Reutlingen Alumni e.v.

International Accounting, Controlling and Taxation Students at the ESB Business School collaborating on a project.

Your qualification profile

After completing this study programme, you will have a high level of business knowledge, which you will have supplemented with specialist knowledge in the fields of international accounting as well as international controlling and taxation.

International Accounting, Controlling and Taxation students at ESB Business School working on a project in one of the library rooms

Typical industries

As a graduate, your knowledge and skills will be the basis for a successful career in internationally oriented companies in all sectors as well as in tax advisory and auditing firms.

ESB Business School International Accounting, Controlling and Taxation Professor and student interacting with a company representative at the international buisness fair

Possible corporate areas

With their expertise in the areas of international accounting, controlling and taxation, our graduates find a wide range of fields of application in various corporate sectors.

Doctorate

Your Master of Science Accounting, Controlling and Taxation degree from ESB Business School at Reutlingen University also offers you the best prerequisites for an academic career and a doctorate.

The degree programme impressed me with its practical orientation, current topics and pleasant learning environment in small groups. I also had the opportunity to gain valuable professional and intercultural experience during a semester abroad in Australia.

Jan Litsch
Consultant @ Deloitte Consulting GmbH
Graduated in 2024

The personal interaction with professors, the practical insights provided by company representatives, and my internship abroad in South Korea are the three pillars that made the Master's programme in International Accounting, Controlling & Taxation unique for me.

Annik Frey
Company Director @ SG Finance & Treasury Limited, Schwarz Gruppe
Graduated 2020

Thanks to ESB Business School's excellent networking with national and international companies, students on the Master's programme in International Accounting, Controlling and Taxation are able to establish contacts with potential employers at an early stage.

Manuel Müller
Division Controller / Controller Reporting Automotive @ Robert Bosch Automotive Steering GmbH
Graduated in 2018

IACT provided the ideal foundation for my career as a tax advisor specialising in international corporate tax law. The international focus and practical projects helped me to master complex topics with confidence and quickly find my feet in the demanding field of consulting.

Maximilian Brändle
Senior Manager, International Tax and Transaction Services @ EY Tax GmbH
Graduated in 2018

As part of my Master's degree in International Accounting & Taxation, I gained valuable international experience during my semester abroad with a focus on Finance at Swinburne University in Melbourne, Australia.

Silke Baumann
Senior Tax Manager VAT @ TRUMPF
Graduated in 2016

IACT and ESB on social media

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