International Business and Management (M.A.)
Master of Arts
Think globally, lead internationally: Your Master’s degree for a management career
Are you looking to specifically prepare for an international management career?
In the International Business and Management Master’s program, you study entirely in English and develop practical, interdisciplinary management expertise for leadership roles in a global environment. You benefit from innovative teaching methods, motivated faculty with international experience, and a strong link between theory and practice. Through interaction with international students from around the world, intercultural teamwork, and a period spent abroad, you experience management in all its global diversity and hone your profile for an international career path.
Guided by the motto "rooted locally, studying internationally, experiencing the global," you develop the ability to understand global economic dynamics and act responsibly within international contexts.
In today’s globalized economy, there is a demand for professionals and leaders who understand markets, navigate cultural differences, and make sustainable decisions amidst international competition.
Are you ready to approach International Business and Management from a global perspective and play an active role in shaping the future of our interconnected world?
The Faculty of Business Management and Social Sciences is a member of EFMD Global. EFMD (European Foundation of Management Development) is a network of business schools and corporations dedicated to enhance excellence in management education and development globally.
Degree program film
Degree program at a glance
- Degree
Master of Arts (M.A.)
- Type of study
Consecutive master's program (full-time)
- Start of studies
Winter semester (September)
- Standard period of study
4 semesters
- Admission restriction
Yes
- Location
Osnabrück – Caprivi Campus
Career prospects
The Master program International Business and Management qualifies students for employment in various industries and trade branches as well as in various functions and departments of international companies or organisations. Depending on the specialisation chosen during the course of studies, our graduates work in diverse positions in marketing, sales, HR or purchasing and logistics departments, as well as in consulting. Past evaluations have shown that most graduates work in larger medium-sized or multinational companies, mainly in the manufacturing sector (automobile sector, food industry & others). Several students have decided to join start-ups after their graduation. Moreover, IT-based and consulting companies are also attracting our graduates, the same applies to logistics and other service-based companies.
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Curious about where our alumni are now? Read their stories and career insights at Alumni Testimonials.
The details of the qualifications that will be obtained during the studies are outlined here:
News
On Tuesday, April 21, at 5:00 p.m., the International Business and Management master’s program will be presented online, followed by a Q&A session. Learn all about the program, the opportunities for studying abroad, the application process, and the admission requirements.
Please register at ibm-ma@hs-osnabrueck.de with following information full name, bachelor program and home university. The Zoom link will then be sent to you.
We look forward to meeting you!
Applicants are required to apply based on their educational background and nationality:
- Non-EU applicants with foreign degree apply via uni-assist from Februar 1 to April 1, 2026, Short guide to the uni-assist application
- EU applicants with foreign degree apply via uni-assist from May 1 to July 15, 2026 - It is recommended to submit your application in June to ensure that uni-assist forwards it on time.
- All applicants with German degree apply via the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences application portal from May 1 to July 15, 2026
The Orientation Days for the Master’s in International Business and Management are scheduled for September 17–18, 2026. Attendance on both days is mandatory.
Another top result in 2026: 96% of students recommend studying at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences!
To the ranking
At the IBM Master’s program, students don’t just study—they apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Through traineeships and working student positions in companies, associations, and public institutions, our students gain hands-on experience in areas like innovation, consulting, digitalization, and international management. This combination of learning and practice builds intercultural competence and prepares them for successful international careers.
Cathrin M. Daniel, MIBM student: "During my IBM studies, I gained extensive international experience across European policy, innovation, and digital transformation. As a Blue Book Trainee at the European Commission’s EISMEA in Brussels, I worked closely with DG GROW on market surveillance and standardization; an intense and highly competitive traineeship offering a steep learning curve at the EU’s highest institutional level. Before that, I joined the German Retail Federation’s (HDE) Brussels office, contributing to its 2024 European election campaign for the election of the European Parliament and representing the association in various committee meetings on retail relevant topics e.g. sustainability, digitalization, single market. At HDE in Berlin, I focused on digital policy and AI as a working student, co-moderating panels, preparing strategic briefings and representing HDE at national digital governance events. I also participated in various European conferences, expert panels and led meetings with international delegations broadening my professional network and deepening my understanding of innovation policy and stakeholder dialogue in practice."
A conversation with Lia Braje about her path to and through her master's program
Lia Braje is in her second semester of a Master's degree in International Business and Management. Born in Munich, she spent a year at an Australian high school during her school years and later completed the International Baccalaureate in Germany at the same time as her Abitur (university entrance qualification) before completing her bachelor's degree in business administration at the University of Münster. A semester abroad in the USA sparked her interest in international management. After graduating, she worked in a luxury hotel in Australia, where she gained valuable practical experience. Since last year, she has been pursuing her master's degree at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences to further develop her skills in international business.
What motivated you to begin the Master's degree in International Business and Management at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences?
My interest in management developed during my bachelor's degree, and I wanted to deepen my knowledge. My semester abroad during my bachelor's degree showed me once again how much I enjoy studying in English. The International Business and Management program appeals to me with its international focus, which will benefit me in my professional future both in and outside of Germany. I therefore chose Osnabrück because the university combines excellent academic programs with an international focus. I also felt very well looked after during the application process.
What makes the master's program special for you?
My program is taught entirely in English and is characterized by its international diversity: around 50% of the students come from outside the EU, the rest from Europe and Germany, and each student brings impressive international experience. Furthermore, the master's program combines compulsory modules with practical electives and offers three specialization options: Markets and Processes, Human Resources and Change, and International Management. International Management is a perfect fit for my personal goals.
What challenges and successes have you experienced so far in your studies? How do you balance studying and leisure time?
The group work was challenging at first, but quickly developed into successes that enrich my everyday student life. The skills I learned and the team spirit enrich my everyday student life. Another success for me is my role as semester representative, where I promote good communication within the program, among other things. The many great events organized by students and faculty are highlights during my studies. The university supports us with well-thought-out timetables that allow for part-time jobs – we usually have one or two days off – and good organization helps us effectively combine studies and free time.
What are your professional plans?
In the winter semester, I plan to go to Australia to pursue a double degree, which will include an internship there in addition to my studies at ICMS. Long-term, I'm aiming for an international career in management. I could imagine returning to the hotel or tourism industry, but I'm staying open-minded and excited about the opportunities that will arise. The Master's program has already opened many doors for me, and I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead.
Do you have any tips for future students in your program?
It's important to be open to exchange ideas and the diverse events offered at the beginning of your studies. These opportunities for networking and deepening your knowledge should definitely be taken advantage of. Good preparation also includes considering early on which specializations and electives are of interest in order to optimize your course of study.
A new semester brings a new start and a new group!
We are excited to welcome a new study cohort in the winter semester of 2025. The students were warmly welcomed at the Master International Business and Management welcome event on our Caprivi campus on September 18th. We celebrated a diverse group of students from Germany, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nigeria, Peru, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen and Zimbabwe.
During this event, the new students were introduced to the details of the master’s program and the university's services. They were also given a tour of the campus and library to learn more about the university's infrastructure and facilities. As part of the team-building process, they participated in an intercultural workshop “One World, Many Cultures: Intercultural Kick-Off for Business Students” Highlights diversity and sets the tone for collaboration - tailored specifically for master's students. Various events will be offered throughout the semester to support their academic development and promote a strong sense of community.
In this year's CHE master's ranking, students evaluated their degree programs in the field of business administration – with positive results: The master's degree programs in Business Management, Controlling and Finance, International Business and Management, Management in Health Care and Management in Non-Profit Organizations are very well received by their students. In eight out of ten areas, there are above-average ratings compared to other universities, and in the Weser-Ems region, the master's degree programs in the business administration cluster at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences are also characterized by good ratings. The study programs belong to the top group in terms of, among other things, study organization, the general study situation, support during studies and practical orientation in teaching.
Detailed information
What makes studying at Hochschule Osnabrück unique for German and International students? Find out more on our Youtube channel what Hochschule Osnabrück means for our students: Studying at Hochschule Osnabrück & International students and lecturers at Hochschule Osnabrück.
Besides making a choice for Hochschule Osnabrück as a university, many of our students choose the Master program International Business and Management also for the following reasons:
Management competence
The Master's program in International Business and Management aims to guide young people on their way to executive positions in international companies and organisations.
Balance of theory and practical content
Courses such as Global Economic Framework, International Marketing and a choice of specialisations are linked to case studies to bring in expertise that can be transferred directly to an international working environment.
Intensive training of social and intercultural skills
Small international groups, individually counselled and supported, create a setting for a rich learning experience as well as for friendships that may last a lifetime.
Internationality at its best
Dual degree programs with universities in South Korea, France and Indonesia as well as cooperations with many international partner universities facilitate international experiences.
Teambuilding and companionship
Teambuilding seminars and regular get-togethers help the students to become a community.
The city and greater region of Osnabrück
Osnabrück with its green and historic city center and the surrounding region in the middle of Europe is home to many innovative and well-known companies in the high-tech, engineering, food and logistics sectors. Find out more here why the largest and research-intensive University of Applied Sciences in Lower Saxony may be a good choice for you.
We are convinced that the program provides our students with an ideal learning environment and experience.
Partner universities
Students who wish to intensify their international exposure as well as their language proficiency and intercultural competencies beyond the borders of Osnabrück, have the opportunity to spend the third semester of their studies abroad at one of the faculty's partner universities. In the Master program we work together with several partner universities abroad, where our students have already studied successfully (see below). Other universities from our faculty's general list of partner universities might be possible to attend for master students as well. The same applies to universities, which are not yet our partners. We will check and evaluate the possibilities at other universities individually with the student at the time of application for a study semester abroad.
The choice of the foreign university for a study semester abroad depends inter alia on the following criteria:
- Adequate offer of postgraduate courses at the partner university
- Compatible semester dates at the partner university
- Ability to study in the language of instruction at the partner university
- Proof that a minimum of 25 ECTS credits have been attained in the master program in Osnabrück by the time of the application for the semester abroad
Please note that the number of funded study places at each partner university is limited for each academic year.
Master students from the program International Business and Management have successfully completed their study semesters abroad at the following universities:
Europe
- Ecole de Management Normandie, France
- For a regular exchange semester, our students can choose any EMN campus, i.e. Caen, Le Havre, Paris, Dublin, Oxford or Dubai, depending on their interests and provided that suitable courses are offered at the respective campus and in the respective semester and for their study program in Osnabrück.
- Università degli Studi di Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
- Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
- Università degli Studi di Firenze, Florence, Italy
- University of Economics, Poznan, Poland
- Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- University of Economics, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Universidad de DEUSTO, San Sebastián, Spain
- Buckinghamshire New University, Buckinghamshire/Uxbridge, United Kingdom
- Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Overseas
- Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
- Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
- Vancouver Island University, Canada
- Meiji University, Tokyo, Japan - Testimonial by our student Leonard on LinkedIn.
- Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
- Universidad de Monterrey, Mexico
- University of Auckland, New Zealand
- James Cook University, Singapore
- Kyung Hee University, Suwon, South Korea
- Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea
- National University, San Diego, USA
- Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas, USA
Double Degree Programs
What about studying abroad and coming back with a second degree? Master students have the possibility of acquiring a double master degree at Hochschule Osnabrück and at universities in South Korea, France or Indonesia. In all three agreements students study two semesters at Hochschule Osnabrück and two semesters abroad, concluding with a master's thesis. Tuition fees are waived at the partner universities. Please note that the number of available places at each partner university is limited for each academic year.
Kyunghee University in South Korea
Number of funded study places: 3
Students of the Master's program International Business and Management have the possibility to acquire a Double Master's Degree through the cooperation with Kyung Hee University, a prestigious university in South Korea. If students study two semesters at Hochschule Osnabrück and two semesters at Kyung Hee University and write their master thesis at Hochschule Osnabrück they can receive their master's degree from both universities.
Universitas Gadjah Mada in Indonesia
Number of funded study places: 3
Master students of the program International Business and Management have the possibility to graduate with a double degree from Hochschule Osnabrück and Universitas Gadjah Mada in Indonesia. The dual degree agreement between both institutions was signed in January 2014 and the first students were exchanged in the winter semester 2014/15. The students study their first two semesters in Osnabrück and continue to study for another two semesters in the program Master of Management at Universitas Gadjah Mada. The dual degree concludes with a master thesis that is mainly assessed by lecturers of Hochschule Osnabrück.
Ecole de Management Normandie in France
Number of funded study places: 3
In February 2012 another double degree agreement was signed, enabling our master students to graduate from both Hochschule Osnabrück and Ecole de Management (EM) Normandie in France. After spending the first two semesters at Hochschule Osnabrück, the third and fourth semester will be spent in France (August-December and January-April). The studies must be concluded by writing a master's thesis that is assessed by either university. For the double degree program, our students can choose one of the following campuses depending on their interest and specialization:
- Caen Campus: International Marketing and Business Development
- Le Havre Campus: International Business, International Logistics & Port Management, Supply Chain Management
- Oxford Campus: Banking Finance and Fintech
- Paris Campus: Financial Data Management, Marketing and Digital in Luxury and Lifestyle, International Events Management, Sustainable Business Strategy
Université Paris-Est Créteil, Paris, France
Number of funded study places: 4
With 7 faculties, 8 schools and institutes and 33 research laboratories, the Université Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC) has been present in all fields of knowledge since 1970 and educates more than 40,000 students and professionals every year. Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences has been working with UPEC since 2013. The "double degree agreement" was negotiated in 2022 and the contracts are already ready to be signed. There is intensive cooperation between the two universities, including through a professor from UPEC who regularly teaches at Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences.
Every student enrolled at Hochschule Osnabrück has to pay enrolment fees of approx. EUR 350 per semester to cover administrative charges, contributions to the Student Welfare Services, membership fees for the Students' Union and the costs of the semester ticket. The semester ticket covers public transportation in Osnabrück and the Osnabrück greater area. The cost of living in Osnabrück amounts to approx. EUR 750 per month, depending on personal needs and habits. This includes rent health insurance, books, living and miscellaneous expenses. There is no tuition fee. There are various possibilities for students to get supported by state institutions, companies and foundations, such as:
German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD): The DAAD offers scholarships for foreign students and graduates and an overview over funding opportunities can be found on the data base. Fom 2021 to 2024, we have received four students coming from Kenya, Cameroon and Ethiopia who are funded by the scholarship progarm "Leadership for Africa". Some of our master´s students are funded by the ERP Study Scholarships for Graduates of Economics and Business Administration.
Hochschule Osnabrück: Scholarships, Foundations and other Financing Possibilities: The following website provides more information about scholarships and foundations as well as other financing possibilities for your studies: Hochschule Osnabrück: Scholarships and Financing Possibilities
International and German students speak about their scholarships:
Maria Mora, Syria, DAAD Scholarship
“’Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be’ - George Sheehan
Ever since I was in the university studying for my bachelor degree, I had big hopes for myself. In order to study what I love the most and to get that degree, I had to endure 4 years of war, but I never once regretted it! It got me to here. And to be able to say that I have a DAAD scholarship, it means that all the effort I put into my study, did not go to waste. The DAAD opened a door for me in a time where I needed just a small window of hope. And not only to succeed in my studies here in Germany, but also to enrich myself and my personality with the German culture and to try to leave a small mark in this amazing country and to give something back to the DAAD and to my country as well, through hard work and success. I’m more than honored to have been accepted by the Hochschule of Osnabrück to study the master program: International business and management and I’m deeply grateful for their help in every possible way.”
Abdalrahman Alfarra, Palestine, DAAD Scholarship
"Ambitious persons always seek their goals in life by taking giant steps. Since the finalization of my bachelor degree in Palestine, I began to prepare myself for this step when I applied to the DAAD scholarship to complete my Master’s study in Germany. My application to the scholarship was combined by accumulating a list of the most attractive Master’s programs in the field of Business and Management in Germany. I was very lucky to be awarded the DAAD scholarship and at the same time secure a place in the master program of International Business and Management in Osnabrueck University of Applied Science. DAAD scholarship is considered among the most prestigious scholarships for international students and it supports its holders to engage very well in the German community through, for example, learning the German language. Osnabrueck Hochschule as well enables its students to pursue their studies in a very supportive and convenient learning environment."
Mariam Meparishvili, Georgia, DAAD Scholarship
"Obtaining my master's degree in Germany is of great importance to me as this is the country with the leading European education system. I am now being granted this amazing opportunity through The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). It is the largest scholarship organization in the world that funds the international exchange of students and scholars. The program supports and encourages motivated students all over the world to study and experience German language and culture. Through close collaboration with many public universities in Germany, DAAD program provides students with a variety of potential universities and fields for their studies. I feel lucky to be a DAAD fellow and to have been accepted by Hochschule Osnabrück as a master’s student of International Business and Management. The experience that I gain within this program will help me to achieve my career goals and become a successful businesswomen."
Anna Zayats, Belarus, DAAD Scholarship
"I applied for a DAAD-scholarship in 2011 while still living in Minsk. It was a deliberate decision that is why I began to build my portfolio for the application much earlier. In 2012 together with the scholarship I was awarded the possibility to fulfill my dream – to obtain the international and high quality Master degree. DAAD-scholarship is not only the financial support which helps me to concentrate on my studies. DAAD itself inspires scholarship holders to constant personal improvement, for example to learn German language, to participate in conferences and forums as well as to integrate into the German environment in general."
Ahmad Zia Barekzai, Afghanistan, DAAD Scholarship
"After completing my Bachelor program in Kabul, I wanted to do an internationally recognized master degree in a multi-cultural university of a developed country through an opportunity of merit-based grant. My first choice was the DAAD, the world’s largest scholarship-awarding organization for all academic disciplines. Fortunately, I won the scholarship and now study International Business and Management in Osnabrück. I was really pleased by the selection process of DAAD. I was thrilled by the proper planning of the program for each scholarship holder and the guide provided for travel preparations, staying in Germany, intensive German language course, German cultural workshops, participation in DAAD seminars and the chance to network with other international elite scholarship holders. I am in the process of realizing my dreams because of the DAAD and would like to be an ideal DAAD alumnus in near future."
Kira Potowski, Germany, Scholarship Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung
"I applied for a scholarship at the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, one of the largest foundations in Germany. Since the beginning of my bachelor studies and later during my master studies, I received this scholarship which allows me to concentrate on my academic work only. However, not only financial support is assured, also the ability to join conferences, presentations and a huge network of other scholarship holders, alumni, professors, politicians, managers etc. Therefore, I would like to encourage other students to apply for a scholarship and hope many others will be able to take advantage of this kind of support while studying in Osnabrück."
Mirja Nordhoff, Germany, Deutschlandstipendium
"Last year I applied for the ‘Deutschlandstipendium’. This scholarship is financed one half each by the federal government and by a sponsor. My sponsor is the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung GmbH & Co. KG. Me and two other scholars, who are also sponsored by the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung, were already invited to their premises and we had a vivid discussion about their business model, strategy, and future plans. We also talked about the opportunities this scholarship could mean for us: anything from internships and project work to a possible career entry were mentioned during our meeting. In our next meeting we will visit the printing plant. So aside from the financial support this scholarship brings, it represents a great opportunity to gain experience and to network which is becoming more and more important in today’s business world."
Studying for a degree and living abroad in a foreign country and culture can be a challenge, albeit a very rewarding one. Degree-seeking students from all over the world come to Osnabrück for studying in the Master program International Business and Management and we offer several services to support our international students:
- Individual counselling through the program coordinator before and during the studies
- Arrangement of accommodation in a student dormitory
- Buddy program (support before and during arrival through a student from a higher semester)
- International Orientation Days before the first semester starts, offered by our International Faculty Office (IFO)
- Support with registration formalities at the local authorities and counselling on financing / scholarship possibilities through our Center for International Students (CIS)
- German Summer Language School and German classes during the studies
- Counselling on academic writing standards and self-management through our Learning Center
- Explore Germany (cultural program for international students)
Together with professors lecturing in the Master program International Business and Management some of our students and graduates have already participated in conducting research published in the academic world. A few examples of successful publications are listed below:
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Böhmer, Nicole; Griese, Kai Michael; Rahmawati, Lavinia Celina (2023): Social sustainability: Brand Management and SDG 5. In: Schuster, Gabriele; Wolter, Lisa-Charlotte (Hrsg.): Nachhaltiges Markenmanagement, Springer, S. 71-83.
- Harald Trabold and David W. Weaver, Pay What You Want - Möglichkeiten und Grenzen eines alternativen Geschäftsmodells. Vierteljahreshefte zur Wirtschaftsforschung, DIW Berlin, 85. Jahrgang, 02.2016, pp. 81 - 97.
- Mayer, P.; Freese, U.; Treptow, J.; Weaver, D.; A Comparative Analysis of Water Service Delivery in Germany and South Africa - Part 1: Water Service Delivery in Germany - A Synopsis of Issues. Discussion paper, Osnabrück, No. 1/2011.
- Steinert, C.; Halstrup, D.; Schlechte Führung wird toleriert, wenn die Zahlen stimmen. Stellenwert der Personalführung in deutschen Unternehmen. Personalführung, No. 7/2011; pp. 38 - 41. Note: This publication resulted from an empirical research project conducted by Master students taking part in the course "Strategic HR Management and Organization".
- Steinert, C., Wagner, L.; Globales Talentmanagement. Personalmagazin, No. 1/2010; pp. 16 - 19.
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Steinert, C.; Bockemühl-Simon, K.; Grenzenloses Wissen. Personalwirtschaft, No. 2/2009; pp. 51 - 53.
Contact
Would you like to talk to someone about the International Business and Management degree program, ask specific questions or simply find out more? Then we look forward to hearing from you via one of the following contact options.
Advice and information
Program coordinator
Here you can reach the program coordinator and get advice about the program:
Phone: 0541 969-3569
E-mail: ibm-ma@hs-osnabrueck.de
Program management
Program director
Application, admission and exams
Registrar's office