International Programmes 2026/2027

International Business and Intercultural Management (MSc) International Business and Intercultural Management (MSc)

Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences • Heilbronn

Degree
Master of Science
Course location
Heilbronn
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

The course is taught entirely in English.

Full-time / part-time
  • full-time
Programme duration
3 semesters, 4 semesters
Beginning
Winter semester
Application periods
The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the winter semester:
until 15 July
More information on application periods
Please find more details on this website.
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

The MSc in International Business and Intercultural Management comprises three major stages:

The programme starts with an induction period and foundation stage, during which students assess their current level of subject knowledge. Students will gain sound insights into internal and external business environments. They will further deepen their knowledge of internal company processes, specifically in human resource management and leadership, global marketing, and international finance and economics. Intercultural communication will be thoroughly addressed during this stage, as it remains a major challenge in corporate entities.

Semester two offers advanced studies in intercultural management and the business environment. Adopting a cross-disciplinary approach, this phase offers students the opportunity to broaden their expertise in the business environment while enabling them to focus their studies in areas of personal interest.

Semester three is the Master's thesis stage, which requires in-depth empirical research in each student's chosen area. Ideally, the thesis is based on real situations in international companies or organisations, with a focus on sustainability / corporate responsibility. During the first two semesters, this programme offers various courses on quantitative and qualitative research, which will prepare students for this stage.

Students also have the possibility to integrate an internship or a study abroad semester into their Master's studies. If they choose to take advantage of these opportunities in the third semester, the Master's thesis will be completed in a fourth semester.

Course organisation

Students experience a period of intensive independent study. This allows them to progress at a speed suited to their individual needs and to work on their own initiatives in areas which are of interest and value to them. Some more specific objectives of this approach are:

  • to introduce students to the techniques of researching, organising, and presenting the results of their work
  • to stimulate critical thinking and logical analysis
  • to develop a sense of responsibility for attaining their goals and to increase and foster consciousness regarding sustainability issues

The course content is founded on a sound theoretical basis and includes experience-based and hands-on forms of learning, such as guided business simulations, case studies, project work, and role plays.

A tutorial support service is offered for students on both an individual and a group basis.

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A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
  • International guest lecturers
  • Training in intercultural skills
  • Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
  • International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
Integrated internships

Optional in the third semester

Course-specific, integrated German language courses
Yes
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester
The following tuition fees apply for applicants from: non-EU countries
1,500 EUR
More information on tuition fees
Please find more details on this website.
Semester contribution

159 EUR per semester

Costs of living

The cost of living for a student is about 1,000 EUR per month.

Funding opportunities within the university
Yes
Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

There are various scholarships that provide financial aid:

  • Deutschlandstipendium
  • Scholarships exclusively for students of Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences

For more information, see: https://www.hs-heilbronn.de/en/scholarships.

Academic admission requirements

An excellent or good European first degree in business studies or in a business-related discipline (210 ECTS* credits and a grade point average of 2.5 or better according to the German grading scale) or an equivalent international qualification

*Applicants holding a degree with only 180 ECTS have the opportunity to obtain the missing 30 ECTS within the Master's programme by attending additional courses in the International Business — Intercultural Studies Bachelor's programme offered by Heilbronn University.

Applicants with a first degree in business studies or a business-related field who have been trained in course-related jobs or have successfully studied abroad may receive bonus points that will facilitate their admission to the Master's programme.

Applicants with a first degree awarded by a non-German institution must prove that their Bachelor's degree is equivalent to a German first degree before applying to Heilbronn University.

In order to have their qualifications validated, applicants have to contact the "Studienkolleg Konstanz" or "uni-assist". The Studienkolleg Konstanz or uni-assist will assess the foreign Bachelor's degree and decide if it meets the requirements for entering a Master's degree programme in Germany. Applicants should contact the Studienkolleg Konstanz or uni-assist directly to learn about the documents that need to be handed in for the validation.

German language skills
No minimum language level required
English language skills
B2 required, please provide an official language certificate, e.g.:
  • Cambridge English Qualifications: C1 Advanced
  • TOEFL iBT (before 2026): 79
  • IELTS Academic: 6
Language requirements exemptions
Please find details on the course website.
Application periods
The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the winter semester:
until 15 July
More information on application periods
Please find more details on this website.
Submit application via
Please check this website.
Possibility of finding part-time employment

The Office of Student Services has set up a job database for part-time jobs.

The job portal of the Career Service of Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences will provide you with information about current job vacancies, internships, student jobs, and final thesis jobs. For more information, click here.

Accommodation

There are several halls of residence in Heilbronn, Künzelsau and Schwäbisch Hall. The Office of Student Services of Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences offers a special database for finding accommodation. This database will provide you with a list of commission-free rooms available on the private housing market. For more information, click here.

Career advisory services and programmes for future professionals

The International Career Service assists international students at Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences in launching their careers in Germany. We provide assistance in navigating the German job market and support in the application process, whether for internships, part-time positions, or career entry after completing your studies. For more information, see: https://www.hs-heilbronn.de/en/international-career-service.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Specialist counselling
  • Visa matters
  • Help with finding accommodation
General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

The International Student Support Service assists international degree-seeking students at Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences.

Services for international students:

  • Pre-arrival support
  • Advice on handling administrative formalities after arrival
  • Individual assistance with personal questions
  • Advice on other suitable programmes and services on campus

Contact: international-student-support@hs-heilbronn.de

For more information, see: https://www.hs-heilbronn.de/en/international-student-support.

Support available to students with disabilities

Removing barriers. Enabling access. To ensure you can focus fully on your studies, we want to provide you with the best possible support. For more information, please visit: https://www.hs-heilbronn.de/en/studying-with-disability.

Support available to students with dependants or children

Our Family Service is happy to help you with any questions or challenges you may have regarding studying and parenthood: https://www.hs-heilbronn.de/en/family-service-f753c967627fd13f.

Support available to students with a refugee background

This page provides information for refugees on how to start or continue your studies at Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences: https://www.hs-heilbronn.de/en/info-refugees.

Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences

Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences offers study programmes in engineering, business, and computer science and is located in one of Germany’s leading economic and commercial regions. It is close to metropolitan cities and cultural centres such as Stuttgart, Mannheim, and Heidelberg. Known for its commitment to teaching, learning, and research, the university has campuses located across the Neckar region in Heilbronn, Künzelsau, and Schwäbisch Hall. Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences is very well connected and linked to over 220 reputable international universities all around the world, so students can also gain intercultural experience while, at the same time, improving their language skills.

7,200 Number of students
93 Nationalities

University location

The university has campuses located in Heilbronn, Künzelsau, and Schwäbisch Hall.

Heilbronn

With over 130,000 inhabitants, Heilbronn is a fascinating city and great for student life. It boasts a long and intriguing history and has evolved into an exciting, lively city with a diverse cultural scene. The city pulsates with activity, offering a large number of cafés, beer gardens, and pubs. For active students, numerous sports clubs, public parks, and the banks of the Neckar River provide ample opportunities for jogging, walking, cycling, inline skating, and more.

Künzelsau

Künzelsau is situated in a region with established hidden champions, global players, and leading companies in global markets. In this diverse landscape, you will find numerous recreational activities and cultural events.

Schwäbisch Hall

Schwäbisch Hall is a city known for its family-friendly environment, medieval flair, high quality of life and work, and an arts and culture programme with importance beyond the region. It is a hospitable and cosmopolitan city where tradition and innovation blend excellently.

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