The curriculum of the bachelor’s degree program in International Business is closely based on the Business Administration degree program at Mainz University of Applied Sciences and applies to both degree programs (Nationals and Internationals) with its wide range of required modules. Study in an international environment, acquire intercultural skills, and make important contacts for your career. The modalities of the examinations are regulated by the General Examination Regulations (APO) and the Subject-Related Examination Regulations (FPO).

Finance & Accounting: The foundation of success in business

Accounting documents, monitors, and analyzes all business transactions. These modules offer practical insights into the central methods and tools of corporate finance. The course content builds on one another: from the Principles of Accounting to Management Accounting to Investment & Finance.

Financial Accounting

The Financial Accounting (IFRS) module provides basic knowledge of international accounting. Students learn to understand the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), apply them to practical accounting problems, and analyze their impact on the annual financial statements. They also acquire skills in financial analysis and the valuation of companies under IFRS. The course promotes critical thinking, presentation skills, and working in international teams. Topics include IFRS accounting, the preparation of consolidated financial statements, and the analysis of financial performance indicators. This module prepares students for working in a global accounting environment.

Human Resource Management: The driving force within a company

Employees are a central pillar of every company. In the bachelor’s degree program in International Business, students learn about the key tasks and organizational fields of HR management and understand how they contribute to a company's success. The Human Resource Management and Organization module teaches basic HR concepts such as work time systems and incentive systems. The aim is to increase productivity and retain employees in the long term.

Management: Your roadmap within a company

In the Management module, you will focus on corporate management, strategic and international management, business planning and business administration in general.

Cross-Cultural Management

The Cross-Cultural Management module develops intercultural competence through collaborative work in internationally diverse teams. Students learn to understand cultural influences on the global business environment, to recognize the norms and practices of other cultures, and to overcome intercultural barriers. The module enhances students’ awareness of their own cultural influences while providing practical insights that foster both intercultural understanding and team building within the group of students. Students reflect on ethical considerations in international management contexts and develop the necessary skills to apply cultural concepts across various professional settings.

Marketing: Focusing on the customer

Marketing and market-oriented corporate management play a central role in international business. This module focuses on innovation, digitalization, internationality, brand management, and customer behavior. In the marketing module, students acquire in-depth knowledge of the importance of marketing within companies and the targeted use of relevant instruments.

Materials Management, Logistics & Production: The operational input

This area highlights modern developments and their influence on operational processes. Practical examples show the links with IT systems, business models, and competitive strategies. In the third semester, you will acquire basic knowledge in procurement, materials management, production, and logistics.

Mathematics & Statistics: Understanding and applying numbers

The courses in mathematics and statistics provide you with essential foundations. You will learn how to analyze and solve business issues mathematically and statistically—a  key skill for making sound decisions in the business world. The first semester focuses on working scientifically and using mathematical methods, the second on statistics. In the third semester, you will apply your knowledge to a practical research project and use statistical software.

Check your knowledge of mathematics in our self-test.

Methodology: The fundamentals of working scientifically

In the first semester of the bachelor’s degree program in International Business, the Methodology, Systematics, Presentation (MSP) module teaches essential knowledge and skills for working scientifically. The module’s focus is on research techniques, text editing, structured wording, logical organization, and correct citation. In the fifth semester, you will be given the tools to write your bachelor’s thesis in the Academic Papers module.

Economics: A look at the economy as a whole

Economics examines and explains economic relationships at the societal level. The curriculum combines empirical analysis of current conditions with theoretical (model-based) approaches and develops potential solutions to economic challenges. The third semester focuses on microeconomics, covering market mechanisms and government intervention, while the fourth semester explores macroeconomics, including all economic actors.

Introduction to the German Commercial Code (HGB) and Tax Law

This module corresponds to the Law I and Law II courses in the Business Administration degree program and is one of the first German-language modules in the International Business bachelor’s degree program. In the fourth semester, it teaches basic knowledge of commercial and tax law. Students learn the basic concepts of commercially relevant private law, the principles of contract law, and the purposes of financial statements. They also acquire the ability to analyze the relationships between the balance sheet, profit and loss statement, notes, and management report. Another focus is on the relevance of the commercial balance sheet for the tax balance sheet and the main types of business taxes.

Information Systems: IT and digital economy insights 

In the modules Project Management, Business & IT, and Digital Economy, you will acquire essential knowledge of information systems. These fundamentals are crucial for the effective use of IT systems in companies. On your way to a Bachelor of Science in International Business, you will learn about project planning, IT technologies at companies, and digital business models.

Semester abroad & mandatory internships

In your third year, both mandatory internships and a semester abroad are an integral part of the International Business bachelor’s degree program.

International students (Internationals program version) complete a 24-week internship in Germany to prepare for the German job market. This practical phase also counts as the Internationals’ experience abroad. National students (Nationals program version) complete a 12-week internship and also spend a mandatory semester abroad, either at a partner university or an institution of their own choosing.

You can find more information about the language courses that must be completed during the degree program in the “Studium Integrale” section.
 

The bachelor’s degree in International Business is the meeting place for business students from countries around the world. The national and international versions differ mainly in terms of international experience and individual language acquisition.

German graduates qualify for the global job market, while students with international university entrance qualifications (HZB) can gain a foothold in the German market—people who want to move to Germany or are already here are very welcome! This fosters the growth of skilled professionals for the German economy.

The International Business bachelor’s degree program largely corresponds to the bachelor’s degree program in Business Administration in terms of its curriculum. The degree program particularly emphasizes the acquisition of intercultural and foreign language skills. You can choose from our extensive range of language courses. 

• Nationals program version: German students choose additional language courses (except English) and additional modules from the Studium Integrale.
• Internationals program version: Foreign students choose courses in German as a foreign language (Deutsch als Fremdsprache, levels from B1.1 to B2.2 that buildon one another).

By choosing options, usually in the fifth semester, students in the International Business bachelor’s degree program have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge in specialized areas of business administration in Germany or abroad. Alternatively, students can choose from a wide range of business administration subjects. 

Nationals program version - for students with a German university entrance qualification (HZB)

You study abroad for one semester and have the opportunity to take in-depth courses (options). The variety of courses available at our partner universities allows you to expand your skills. You can choose from numerous attractive courses at over 85 partner universities worldwide. You must acquire a minimum of 25 ECTS credits outside of the country from which your higher education entrance qualification originates.

Internationals program version - for students with a foreign university entrance qualification

You complete a longer internship in Germany. This gives you the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the German job market and further improve your German language skills – ideal preparation for a potential career start.

In addition, you also choose from over 30 options in these specializations: Accounting, Auditing & Taxation, Controlling & Finance, Digital Business, Global Sustainability, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Marketing, or Human Resource Management & Psychology.

You can find a detailed description of the available options in the Options Guide.

You acquired your higher education entrance qualification in Germany and are pursuing jobs in an internationally operating environment with the bachelor’s degree in International Business – either at companies abroad or globally operating companies based in Germany.

You can improve your language skills by attending courses in English. You can also expand your knowledge of another language or learn a completely new foreign language. Nationals complete a semester abroad to deepen their language skills and further develop their multicultural competence. You will also gain practical experience during a 12-week internship in Germany or abroad.

For students who obtained their higher education entrance qualification abroad, the bachelor’s degree in International Business provides access to the German job market. The aim is an internationally geared career in German companies or companies based in Germany.

International students gain their experience abroad during the integrated practical phase in Germany. In 24 weeks, you will develop multicultural skills and intensify your German language skills to reach language level B2 at the end of the degree program. Even if you do not have the German language skills required for a degree program in Germany, you will acquire them during your studies by taking suitable language courses.

• English level B2/C1
  English: At least level B2/C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This can be documented by 6.5 points on the IELTS or 92 points on the TOEFL iBT or 237 points on the TOEFL CBT or 800 points on the TOEIC or level III UNICERT.
   
• German level A2
  German: At least level A2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This can be documented by the TELC or Goethe certificate. If the higher education entrance qualification was acquired in Germany, the requirement to submit proof does not apply. Exchange students from partner universities must provide proof of German language proficiency before completing their studies.
   
• An additional language on level B1
  Additional language: At least level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This can be documented by the university entrance qualification or other language certificates.

When you complete the Bachelor of Science in International Business, you will have an excellent education in business administration, extensive knowledge about working in a multicultural environment, and language skills at a level that will enable you to work professionally in a global setting. This combination of language skills and international content opens up promising job opportunities in national and international companies across a wide range of industries after graduating with our bachelor's degree in International Business.

As a university of applied sciences, real practical relevance is very important to us, and it optimally prepares you for your professional challenges. All our lecturers at the School of Business come from practical backgrounds and make theoretical knowledge tangible. Guest lectures, workshops, and field trips are integrated into the lectures, for example in the Business Planning module (5th semester), where students have the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge in real business contexts.

In addition to their studies, nationals complete a twelve-week mandatory internship at one or more companies, which can also take place abroad. This allows you to directly combine the knowledge acquired during your studies with practical experience and gives you broad insight into business activities. Internationals raise their German language skills to a higher level during a 24-week practical phase.

You also have the opportunity to write your bachelor’s thesis in International Business in collaboration with a company , which gives you even higher practical relevance and is closer to the workplace environment.

The very international approach of the Bachelor of Science in International Business enables students to make multicultural contacts during their academic education, which can be of great value for their professional future.

In addition, the annual Company Fair brings students and over 50 companies together to network at Mainz University of Applied Sciences. Guest lectures by well-known companies as part of the M3 lecture series also offer an opportunity to expand your horizons. The top priority here is to encourage an open exchange of ideas.

The job portal jobteaser supports you in your search for current jobs while studying, internship offers, and opportunities to start your career.

As the student body is internationally diverse, intercultural collaboration is taught and actively experienced. The influence of different ethnicities and cultures directly enhances the courses by providing different perspectives that can be directly integrated into the teaching process.

As a result, you will learn to work effectively in multicultural teams, take different perspectives into account, and master intercultural challenges with confidence. You will reflect on your own behavior in international contexts and develop a responsible professional attitude. In addition, you will be prepared to assess economic issues with regard to internationalization and sustainability in a realistic manner.

German and international students expand their language skills with a comprehensive selection of languages offered.

Nationals can learn additional languages at Mainz University of Applied Sciences - from French, Italia,n and Spanish to Russian and Chinese. In addition to our language courses, you can also take advantage of the language courses offered by Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. This cooperation includes not only the language courses, but also the internationally accepted language examinations.

International students (without a German HZB) intensify their German language skills in four semesters through advanced modules to B2 level. This serves as preparation for the courses taught in German from the 4th semester onwards: Introduction to the German Commercial Code and Tax Law, Digital Economy, Business Planning, and an additional option of your choosing. In addition to the language modules, you will have the opportunity to improve your German in everyday student life – both on and off campus. The longer practical phase in particular offers a good opportunity to improve your language level.

In addition, all students have the opportunity to learn or improve their language skills flexibly using the online language platform Rosetta Stone.

The aim is for you to master several languages so that you can communicate effectively with stakeholders from different cultural backgrounds. After all, it is not just learning the language that we value, but also the interaction and personal contact with other cultures. You will learn this by working on projects with students around the world - combining professional work and intercultural learning.

During the mandatory semester abroad, German students get to know a different culture, improve their language skills, and develop additional international contacts. They also have the opportunity to study specializations at foreign partner universities that are not offered at Mainz University of Applied Sciences.

Thanks to the financial support offered by Erasmus+, you can easily study in another European country. There are also a variety of exchange opportunities for your semester abroad outside Europe on almost every continent, including in Seoul, Osaka, Kuala Lumpur, Bogota, Lima, San Diego, Charleston, Kyambogo, Bangalore, Sydney, and Melbourne.

With more than 85 partner universities worldwide and programs like the Summer Schools in the UK, Africa, or China, we provide you with opportunities for a career in an international environment.

Students with a foreign university entrance qualification replace the semester abroad with a 24-week internship in Germany. This gives them the opportunity to hone their German language skills and get to know the local job market, facilitating a potential career start.

• Small semester groups of around 40 students for individual guidance
• Open workspaces with free Wi-Fi
• Library with flexible OpenPlus access
• Modern Mensa and cafeteria
• Dedicated streetcar stop directly on campus
• Semester ticket for unlimited mobility
• Good cooperative relationship with the Studierendenwerk (offer of dormitory spots)

During the orientation week, we make it easier for you to start your university life. You will get to know your fellow students, take part in introductory courses, and get valuable tips from the student representatives (AStA, student councils, and StuPa).

Mainz is one of the most popular student cities in the Rhine-Main region – which is hardly surprising given the young, lively atmosphere that characterizes the cityscape here. Statistically speaking, every fifth person in Mainz is a student, making the city of Gutenberg one of the most important university locations in Germany. Thanks to its central location, you can quickly travel to Wiesbaden, Frankfurt, or the airport. Mainz also has a lot to offer as a media location: Big names such as ZDF, SWR, and the Rhein-Main publishing group have their headquarters here.

In the charming old town with its winding alleyways, owner-operated small stores, original bars, trendy pubs, theaters, and museums ensure that city life is diverse and adds variety to everyday student life. If you really want to experience Mainz, the traditional market breakfast with Weck, Worscht und Woi, which translates to a roll with sausage and some wine, is a must – an integral part of the Mainz way of life. And on sunny days, the Rhine riverbank attracts plenty of students to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

A true highlight in the city's annual calendar is the Mainz Carnival, with its famous Rose Monday parade that attracts tens of thousands of revelers every year. Mainz University of Applied Sciences is also right in the thick of it, bringing a breath of fresh air to the “fifth season of the year” with creative projects.

Mainz also offers the best conditions for soccer fans: The Mainz 05 stadium is located right next to the university and students at the university benefit from attractive rates for home games – which are especially interesting when opponents such as BVB or Bayern Munich are visiting. But Eintracht Frankfurt fans are also not too far away from their club.

You can choose from a variety of master’s degree programs that will enable you to specialize further and prepare you perfectly for the start of your career and your next milestone.

Does studying with people from all over the world and from different cultural backgrounds still sound exciting and challenging to you? The English-language International Business M.A. program picks up where your bachelor's degree leaves off and offers you the opportunity to specialize abroad, graduating with a double degree.

The Management M.Sc. program prepares you to take on demanding specialized and management responsibilities in private companies or public organizations in higher civil service. 

Are you interested in Latin American culture and you also speak Spanish well? Then you can gain expertise on Latin America in international business with the International Management – Latin America M.A.

Auditing is your thing? The career-integrated master’s degree program Auditing M.Sc. (AuditXcellence) from the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management and Mainz University of Applied Sciences will perfectly prepare you for your career as an auditor.

With a bachelor’s degree in International Business, attractive jobs are already accessible to you all over the world and in countless industries. The degree program qualifies you for demanding specialized and management responsibilities in all areas of business administration in the industrial, public administration, and service sectors. Your well-rounded studies and the intercultural experience gained during your semester abroad will increase your chances of obtaining rewarding management positions and an attractive starting salary after completing the International Business Bachelor’s degree.

Potential career fields include:

• Procurement, production
• Process and quality management
• Marketing and sales
• Human resources and organization
• Finance and accounting, controlling
• Digital processes

We also support international students in this area in particular. The International Young Professionals Academy (IYPA) provides assistance with the transition to the career world.

Applicants with a European higher education entrance qualification submit their application documents using the application portal of Mainz University of Applied Sciences. If you obtained your higher education entrance qualification outside of Europe, please apply through uni-assist. You can find the application deadline in the Info box on the application period. You can find more details on the application process here.

If your proof of “university entrance qualification” comes from a country that is not on the list of exempt countries (EU countries, USA, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, etc.), you still have to submit one of the three required English tests (TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS).

If this third language is your native language and your classes (high school degree) were held in this language, you do not need to submit an additional certificate. For example, if you obtained your university entrance qualification in French in France, you do not need any further proof of French as your 3rd language.

It takes a few weeks to process applications. The first admission letters are usually sent out around 4 weeks after the application deadline. Please check regularly your status in the application portal. Only applicants who meet all requirements ( suitable university entrance qualification, language certificates in English and German and another language at B1/A2 level) can be admitted.

The program begins in the winter and summer semesters. Lectures usually start (depending on the calendar) in late September or early October (winter semester) or early March (summer semester). An orientation week takes place before the first semester, which is a prerequisite for a smooth start to your studies. National students spend the 5th semester of their bachelor’s degree program abroad (either at a partner university or at another foreign university of their choice). International students complete an internship in Germany.

Classes in the winter semester usually start in late September/early October, in the summer semester usually in mid-March. Our students have a lecture-free period, meaning semester break, after the winter semester from the end of January to the middle of March and after the summer semester from the middle of July to the beginning of October. The given periods may shift slightly. The bachelor’s degree program in International Business is a full-time program – classes are held Monday through Friday during the semester.

If you are looking for a room in a student residence, you can contact the Studierendenwerk Mainz. They can also help you find private accommodations. You generally have the opportunity to live in any of the halls of residence. As not all rooms are available in sufficient numbers, it is best to enter several residences or types of accommodation in the “Residence selection” (Wohnheimauswahl) section of the application form according to your priority. The Studierendenwerk will do its best to fulfill your housing wishes.

The rooms are assigned in the order in which applications are received. Application deadlines are July 15 for the winter semester and January 15 for the summer semester. Please apply even if you have not yet been accepted by the above deadlines.

You will then receive a rental contract from the Studierendenwerk, usually by e-mail. You must sign this contract and return it to the Studierendenwerk. The rental contract is binding.

The orientation week for all first-semester students serves as a systematic introduction to studying. You will get to know your semester group and the university, attend introductory events, and have the opportunity to ask each other questions. The orientation week always takes place one week before classes begin – in the summer semester usually in the second week of March, in the winter semester usually in the last week of September.

The two-week exam period regularly takes place aat the end of the semester directly following the lecture period. In the winter semester this are the last two weeks of January, in the summer semester the first two weeks of July. In some modules, assessments do not take the form of a written exam, but are instead completed during the semester, for example in the form of a project.

If you have planned your semester abroad at a partner university of Mainz University of Applied Sciences that has an Erasmus agreement, you will not pay any tuition fees. In addition, you will automatically receive a monthly Erasmus grant. This monthly grant does not cover all your monthly living costs abroad. The exact amount is usually determined in the short term.

Outside the Erasmus network, there are also numerous partner universities which we have agreements with so that you do not have to pay any tuition fees. Exceptions to this include most English-speaking countries, such as the USA, UK, Ireland, and Australia; studying in these countries is subject to tuition fees.

If you would like to study at a non-Erasmus partner university, you can apply for a merit-based scholarship (PROMOS, HAW scholarship, Rhineland-Palatinate scholarship, Deutschlandstipendium). You will be informed of the details in good time.

For students at Mainz University of Applied Sciences, the Deutschlandticket is included in the semester ticket. The semester ticket is a ticket for local public transportation and is valid for one semester. It can be used 24 hours a day throughout Germany. With this ticket, students can travel on city and regional buses, streetcars, subway trains, suburban trains, and regional trains (RB and RE) throughout Germany.

The general university athletics (AHS) for our students are organized by JGU Mainz. The range of activities is varied – from A for aerobics or American football to archery, capoeira, jiu-jitsu, sailing, and underwater rugby to Y for yoga. The athletic program includes health and general sports activities along with competitive sports. All you need to participate is your student ID. You can find both the complete list of activities and the registration procedures in the program booklet (only available in German).