International Programmes 2024/2025

International Business Administration, BA International Business Administration, BA

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences • Kamp-Lintfort

Degree
Bachelor of Arts in International Business Administration
Course location
Kamp-Lintfort
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

Courses are held entirely in English.

Full-time / part-time
  • full-time
Mode of study
Less than 50% online
Programme duration
7 semesters
Beginning
Winter semester
Application deadline

All applicants: 15 July for the following winter semester

Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

Study locally, act globally

Are you interested in earning a degree in business economics and later embarking on an international career? Then this degree programme is for you!

Our cosmopolitan English-speaking learning environment and our strong international focus make us almost unique among German universities. Our goal is to equip you with a broad range of expertise in both business economics and key areas beyond.

Not only will you learn not only to think like an economist and understand nuanced economic interrelationships, but you will also expand your portfolio of skills to include project management, presentation techniques as well as academic research and writing. Naturally, you will learn to use a wide array of digital media and tools along the way. This overall approach will prepare you for the challenges associated with increasing levels of internationalisation and digitalisation in all economic and social areas of activity. At the same time, we attach great importance – and attention – to how these challenges relate to the special conditions and characteristics found at international companies and organisations in particular.

International Business Administration BA offers answers to questions like:

  • How can I recognise emerging market trends?
  • What is the psychology behind consumer behaviour?
  • How do I correctly calculate prices for my products?
  • How is innovation managed effectively?
  • How do I create a business plan for a start-up?
  • How do I choose which stocks to invest in?
  • How is profit calculated?
  • How does a national economy function (using the example of Germany), and how is it affected by the European Union?
  • How can I protect a company that exports products to other countries from currency fluctuations?
  • How can a company remain both profitable and true to principles like ethics and sustainability?
  • How can I manage complex projects with a large number of contributors?

Career Prospects
A Bachelor of Arts in International Business Administration qualifies you for leadership positions across a variety of teams and departments in local and international companies or non-profit organisations, for example, in the areas of purchasing, distribution, financial management and marketing. Graduates are also qualified and well prepared to found their own business as well. Many of our students opt to continue their studies with a Master’s degree either in Germany or elsewhere in the world thanks to not only their excellent command of English but also their extensive knowledge base.

Which additional qualifications can I acquire?
The proficiency in English you gain throughout your studies will provide you with a distinct edge in the job market. Exceptional students will also have the opportunity to pursue a double degree at Fitchburg State University, USA (Bachelor of Science in Economics or International Business and Economics) following the completion of their fourth semester. Spending two semesters in Fitchburg will enable you to apply for both the American degree and the German degree.

Course organisation

You will start out by learning the inner workings of companies in the first-semester module, Fundamentals of Business Administration, before then branching out and expanding your growing expertise in areas such as:

  • Marketing
  • Strategic and Corporate Management
  • Accounting
  • Human Resource Management
  • Innovation Management
  • Corporate Finance and Investment

You will also explore the decision-making processes of both manufacturers and consumers from an economic perspective and learn, among other things, how central bank interest rate changes can affect the commercial lending market. You will learn about and practice using the fundamental instruments of business mathematics and statistics so that you can comfortably apply them to real-world examples.

Not only that, but you will also learn key methods from the field of business economics in the module Research Methods in Management. This will put you in a position, for example, to conduct a meaningful analysis of market research results and thus gauge if and how changes in consumer prices are affecting unemployment levels. Beyond that, you will also learn about the various legal forms available for companies and how companies are affected by EU law.

International Business Administration BA combines independent data collection methods (empirical knowledge) with the study of theory-based models and methods in order to define and answer economic questions as sharply and cleanly as possible. We incorporate numerous forms of modern teaching like flipped classrooms and research-based learning, creating ample opportunity to apply your knowledge and also hone your problem-solving skills. We also place great importance on expanding your set of universal professional skills in modules such as Project Management and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Have you toyed with the idea of founding your own start-up after graduation? Then modules like

  • Innovation Management
  • Entrepreneurship and Business Planning
  • Design Thinking

will equip you with essential tools and know-how for success.

In your fifth semester, you will collaborate with students from other degree programmes on a large interdisciplinary project. Your team will investigate and develop potential solutions for challenges affecting real companies and organisations at the local or national level.

Your fourth and fifth semesters are also when you can choose the emphasis areas of your degree depending on your personal interests and career aspirations. For example, you can specialise in:

  • Trend Research
  • Business Ethics
  • Digital Technology and Data Analytics
  • Consumer Psychology
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Political Economy

Your sixth semester is dedicated to applying what you have learned. You can choose to embark either on an internship semester in a company or other organisation, or put your intercultural skills to the test in an exchange semester at a partner university abroad. The seventh and final semester is dedicated to your thesis and colloquium (viva voce/oral defence).

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
  • Content-related regional focus
  • Language training provided
  • Courses are led with foreign partners
Diverse intercultural background of students
Yes
Integrated internships

An eight-week internship has to be completed before the start of the fourth semester. You can also do this internship in your home country before applying to Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences.
In the sixth semester, students have the chance to either study abroad or do a 20-week internship (in Germany or abroad). We provide support in selecting partner universities and institutions as well as in raising funds.

Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Pace of course
Mixed (e.g. fixed exam dates and duration, study content can be studied at any time)
Phase(s) of attendance in Germany (applies to the entire programme)
Yes, compulsory
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Semester contribution

Enrolment fees amount to approximately 295 EUR per semester. This covers nominal administrative fees and a public transport ticket valid for the entire federal republic of Germany.

Costs of living

The average cost of living for students in Germany is around 870 EUR per month. This includes rent, utilities, personal expenses, and general expenses (https://www.study-in-germany.de/en/plan-your-stay/money-and-costs/cost-of-living_28220.php).

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

The university offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships ("Deutschlandstipendium") to both current students and students who are soon to be enrolled with excellent marks. This scholarship consists of a monthly stipend of 300 EUR and applies to international students as well. Further information is available on our website: https://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/academics/students/costs-scholarships-and-grants/scholarships-and-financial-aid

Academic admission requirements

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences welcomes applications from nationals of all countries. Please see our website for general admission requirements.
Other requirements for the International Business Administration BA programme include the following:

  • a sufficient level of English language proficiency (level B2 CEFR or better)
  • interest in business and management as well as scientific work.

This degree programme has restricted admission. Please find more information on our website: https://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/academics/prospective-students/current-application-period/bachelors-programmes

Language requirements

Please note that English language skills at level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference are required for our Bachelor's degree programmes. Please be aware that all applicants' test report form numbers will be checked. The following certificates are accepted:

  • IELTS: level CEFR B2 or better
  • TOEFL: level CEFR B2 or better.

The TOEFL code of our university: 6962

Application deadline

All applicants: 15 July for the following winter semester

Submit application to

Applications must be submitted online through uni-assist. Please do not submit any applications in hard copy. See our website for details: http://www.hochschule-rhein-waal.de/en/academics/prospective-students.

Possibility of finding part-time employment

Non-EU students can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year without requiring an additional visa. Student jobs within the university can be solely in English, but the vast majority of off-campus jobs will require at least basic proficiency in German. German courses are available for students through our International Center.

First-year students are strongly advised to focus primarily on their studies and to begin learning German. This will open up many more part-time job opportunities in later semesters.

Accommodation

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences strongly urges you to arrange your accommodation before arrival. One option is accommodation at the residence halls run by student services ("Studierendenwerk Düsseldorf") with one-, two- or three-room flats and rent starting around 260 EUR per month (with a security deposit equivalent to three months' rent). Availability is limited, so register online as soon as possible. See our website for details.

Most students live in private flats shared with other students. There are a number of popular online portals for finding a flat in Germany. Contact the Welcome Centre for more information or look into social media platforms because some students might be graduating when you plan to start. Additionally, the Welcome Centre is always ready to offer advice or help with conversations or correspondence in German.

Career advisory service

Internship, student job, or first steps in a new career – Rhine-Waal’s Career Service is here to help with a broad range of useful services.

Correspondingly, we act as bridge builders between students and fresh graduates, the university, and companies or organisations from industry, science, social sectors, etc. Our overall goal is to "help others help themselves" by supporting capacity development in students and fresh graduates with respect to their individual career paths.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Buddy programme
  • Tutors
  • Specialist counselling

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences

Content Bild
Kamp-Lintfort campus © Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, with two campus locations in Kleve and Kamp-Lintfort and over 6,700 students, is an innovative, interdisciplinary, and international university of applied sciences. The university currently offers 36 undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in engineering, the natural and social sciences, technology, design, and more. Our programmes are geared towards your employability, addressing current and future needs of industry by giving you valuable expertise and experience in your field of study. We are unique in that some 75% of our programmes are taught exclusively in English, resulting in a vibrant campus culture and a rich, intercultural exchange of ideas, experience, and knowledge.

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences prides itself on top-notch teaching, excellent research, and a strong network of international partnerships with research institutions and industry. Our team of professors bring a fresh, dynamic approach to teaching and continuously support, encourage, guide, and inspire students. Professors are often on a first-name basis with their students. Teaching takes place in a range of cutting edge facilities, laboratories, work spaces, smart classrooms, and auditoriums.

The result is a memorable and valuable university experience, which will help you grow as a person and set you on the path to your chosen career. We look forward to welcoming you!

54 Percentage of international students
75 Percentage of study programmes in English

University location

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences is centrally and conveniently located on the Lower Rhine between the Netherlands and the Rhine-Ruhr metropolis.

Kleve, where our main Campus is located, is a city rich in tradition and history, and it has approximately 50,000 residents. It offers the best of both worlds: the bustle and excitement of nearby cities like Nijmegen, Düsseldorf, and Cologne with the safety, comfort, and ambience of a smaller town. The flat landscapes, mild climate, and good infrastructure of the Lower Rhine make it ideal for getting around by bicycle. Noteworthy sights include the Swan Castle, Baroque-style botanical gardens, museums, and art galleries. The town is home to large department stores and smaller boutiques, pubs, cafés, and more. Students can also participate in a range of sports offered both by the university and local clubs.

Kamp-Lintfort, our campus for the Faculty of Communication and Environment, has a current population of around 39,000 and is located 60 km (37 miles) south of Kleve. Kamp-Lintfort takes its name from a nearly 900-year-old monastery, maintained in its original style to this day. The city's proximity to the Rhine-Ruhr metropolis made it an integral part of post-WWII coal production in Germany. In recent years, Kamp-Lintfort has redefined itself as a hub of technology, innovation, and higher education. The Kamp-Lintfort campus is centrally and conveniently located in the centre of town. In addition to its historical sights, Kamp-Lintfort offers a welcoming and safe atmosphere for students with numerous shops, pubs, cafés, and sports.

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