Plan your studies

How to become a student at ISM?

You can boost your future career chances and be more than just a student with a study degree at ISM: Benefit from small learning groups, a perfect, pratice-oriented learning atmosphere, internationality and professors from the real business world. No matter if Bachelor's, Master's or MBA: ISM offers ideal programs for everyone interested in outstanding management studies.

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Step 1: Get an Overview

Bachelor’s Programs start twice a year in spring term (March) and fall term (September).

Consecutive Master’s Programs start once a year in the fall term (September/October). The M.A. International Business and the preparatory semester (Pre-Master) start in the spring term (March).

The full-time MBA program starts in September, the part-time MBA in March.

Important note: If you do not need a study visa for Germany, there is no official application deadline for you. If you must apply for a study visa the deadlines are: July 15th (for fall term) and December 15th (for spring term). Applications submitted after these dates will be considered, but at your own risk. In all cases, you are responsible for obtaining your visa and arriving on time for the start of the semester. If you do not receive your study visa on time, in certain cases we will allow starting your semester with online classes before you travel to Germany. Contact a study advisor for more information.

Step 2: Pre-Check of Eligibility (Fast check)

The Bachelor’s programs are designed for applicants who have achieved general qualification for German university admission or qualification for admission to universities of applied sciences. Please contact our study advisors and provide information about your degree, transcript of records and languages you speak and we're happy to do a fast check of your eligibility to study at ISM.

In order to apply for our Master's programs, you need to have successfully completed a Bachelor's degree comprising at least 180 ECTS points or an equivalent program at a university or university of applied sciences or a foreign university of equivalent level. Depending on the program, you may also have to prove acheivement of ECTS points relating to a specific field.

For the admission to the MBA General Management, the proof of a first successful degree with 210 ECTS points from a program at a university, or of a foreign university of corresponding rank as well, is required. Furthermore, you need to have at least two to three years' professional experience after the first degree.

No matter which program you apply for, we recommend to apply as early as possible so that our admissions team has enough time to check your eligibility to study at ISM. Please contact a study advisors for further instructions.

Step 3: Registration for the Admission Test

After successfully completed the pre-check of your eligibility, you can register online for the admission test. You can apply up to one year in advance from the beginning of your program as the successfully passed admission test is valid for one year.

The bachelor's and master's admission test will be taken online and is valid for all ISM locations.

An early application is recommended, as we directly allocate study places. Please contact a study advisors for further information.

Apply for an Admission Test

Step 4: Sending Your Application Documents

Bachelor’s Application Documents

Master’s Application Documents

MBA Application Documents

Step 5: Participation in the Admission Test

Bachelor Admission Test

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Master and MBA Admission Test

The admission process for master’s and MBA applicants consists of two parts:

Part 1: Case study preparation (in advance)

If you're a Master applicant, prior to your admission test day you will have to prepare a case study presentation.

This case study presentation can include presenting the:

main results/summary of your Bachelor's thesis, or
an essay or term paper that you elaborated during your studies or - alternatively –
can be on a predefined case study topic that our study advisors will send you in advance, upon demand.

It is essential to show the connection between your chosen topic and the study program of your choice. You will receive an email with exact instructions on the requirements of the case study from us. We require a Power Point presentation (15 to 20 minutes, equivalent of about 8 to 12 slides).

Part 2: Online interview & case study presentation (on admission test day)

Upon registering for an admission test online via our website, you will receive an email confirming your admission test day on which you will have an interview with the study program director. In this appointment you will also present your results of the case study in an oral presentation.

Afterwards, there will be a personal interview covering your personal background, professional goals and your motivation to study in order to assess your general suitability for the program of your choice. We look forward to getting to learn about your goals and your motivation for your studies. All you need to do is rehearse you presentation and show up on time for the online interview.

Important note:

Our application and admission test dates are very flexible. Nevertheless, applicants who require a student visa for Germany and who do not have a visa (student visa) yet, please try to apply no later than the following dates:

July 15th for all programs starting in the fall term of the respective year
December 15th for all programs starting next year in the spring term

Apply for Admission Now

Step 6: Getting Your Results

The result of your admission process will be communicated to you usually within a few days after your interview. A positive admission result is valid for one year for all ISM locations.

Important note: Weaknesses in language knowledge or mathematics may not lead directly to a rejection of your application. In this case, you have to take some intensive courses at ISM or with external providers to reach the required level prior to the beginning of your studies. We are here to help you reach your full potential.

Step 7: Making a Decision

After successfully passing the admission test, you will receive the ISM study agreement within a few days. Please read it carefully and get in touch with us if you have any concerns or questions. After signing the study contract and transferring the deposit fee (varies by program type, see each program page), you will receive the official letter of admission needed for applying for visa.

Step 8: Applying for a Visa (if required)

Non-EU students need an appropriate visa for entry in Germany in order to study here. You need to apply at the responsible German embassy or consulate in your home country. Please apply as early as possible because it may take up to three-four months to receive your national visa in your country. The letter of admission confirms that you are officially enrolled at ISM (the entry with a tourist or visitor visa is not sufficient).

Furthermore, non-EU students need to provide proof that they have sufficient funds available to sustain their stay in Germany. This is done in the form of a so-called "blocked account". With a blocked account, you can provide evidence during your visa application process that you have adequate financial resources for the duration of your studies. In this account you must have sufficient credit in order to cover the costs arising for the duration of your planned stay in Germany, unless other proof of financial support is presented in the visa procedure. For more information about this, please visit the website of the German Federal Foreign Office.

Do you have questions concerning your studies? Please contact us!

+49 151.41 97 68 03

Feel free to send us your questions from Monday to Friday. We'll respond to you from 10 am to 3 pm (CET) on weekdays. Looking forward to chat!

Student Advisor Bachelor's Programs