At a glance
About the IBS degree program
The part-time Master's degree program in International Business Management & Sustainability (IBS) is a business administration program for graduates of business and non-business bachelor's degree programs with professional experience (degree: Master of Business Administration, MBA). It is designed for (prospective) managers and provides them with a comprehensive and in-depth portfolio of skills, whereby the teaching of specialist knowledge in the field of sustainability is included in all modules. The overarching goal of the course is to train managers for companies in business markets with an ecological, economic and social understanding of sustainability for future organizational and market requirements in an international context.
SUSTAINABILITY, INTERNATIONALITY AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS CONCENTRATED IN ONE DEGREE PROGRAM
"Sustainability, leadership and internationality" play an important role, as do current trends in the field of digitalization and innovation management. In five semesters, you will acquire comprehensive knowledge and specific skills in a wide range of areas. You will be prepared for your tasks in an international environment by competent lecturers with many years of practical experience. You will receive individual coaching for your personal development. Another special feature of the degree program is an international, non-European study trip and the possibility of a double degree.
Familiar, practical and professionally integrable - our strengths from over 10 years of experience
We focus on the compatibility of family, career and studies. Our courses take place at employee-friendly times, mainly on Friday afternoons and Saturdays. There are generally no courses during the school vacations. In addition, the university relies on intensive support from the course management. With our degree program concept, we want to promote studying in small groups (maximum 20 students per year), which allows you to study in a family environment. The concept also includes predominantly application-oriented forms of examination instead of written exams and courses geared towards future employment in the company.
New momentum for your career
As a university in a dynamic economic region, we would like to support you in your professional and personal development! With the part-time MBA program "International Business Management & Sustainability", we prepare you for your tasks in a globally active company. Our graduates work in responsible positions in upper and middle management. Occupational and employment fields include divisional and departmental management, project and team management, executive management, business process management and management consultancy.
Interview with Thomas Fuss, graduate of the International Business Management program
Today, Thomas Fuss is Team Leader in Sales at Rafi GmbH & Co. KG. In spring 2017, he completed his MBA on the part-time International Business Management Master's course. Here he tells us what prompted him to choose this course back then and what he thinks about it today.
Dates
All eventsDownloads
- All information at a glance
- §32 of the Study and Examination Regulations for the Master's programs - version of January 16th, 2025
- Module Manual International Business Management & Sustainability MBA (PDF, 487.29 KB)Valid from SoSe25. Older module manuals are stored in the QM Portal.
- §32 of the Study and Examination Regulations for the Master's programs - version of June 27th, 2024
- Satzung der Hochschule Ravensburg-Weingarten über die Regelungen zum Hochschulzulassungs- und –auswahlverfahren für Masterstudiengänge vom 3. April 2025
Further information
Curriculum
The course takes place over five semesters and concludes with a Master's thesis. Lectures are held in English. However, the Master's thesis can be written in English or German.
The five-semester Master's program provides you with basic business, methodological and management skills. Fifteen modules are divided into five focus areas:
- General Management
- Sustainability and value creation
- Leadership
- Processes and digitalization
- International Business
Our lecture times take into account the compatibility of work, leisure and studies:
- Fridays, 2 - 8 p.m. and
- Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
There are no courses during vacation periods.
Admission
The application periods are September 1 to November 15 for the summer semester and February 2 to April 15 for the winter semester.
Please note: You will be informed of the status of your application electronically in the application portal. There will be no postal delivery.
Admission takes place in the winter semester and in the summer semester .
Admission requirements:
Prerequisite for admission is
1. a professionally qualifying university degree of at least 210 ECTS with an overall grade of at least 2.5
2. at least one year of professional practice in the relevant field of work
3. a letter of application / letter of motivation (1-2 pages)
4. proof of English language skills through alternatively
- an English language certificate at a level of at least B2,
- Completion of an English-language module in the Bachelor's degree program with an overall grade of at least 2.5,
- examination of language skills as part of a selection interview in accordance with § 11 of the statutes or
- equivalent proof
The selection committee examines the suitability for the degree program (yes/no) as part of a selection interview in accordance with § 11 of the statutes.
SELECTION PROCEDURE:
The overall grade is based on the grade of the university degree. This grade can be improved by up to 0.4 in total but by a maximum of 0.8 by
- the professional position achieved, as well as the duration and type of professional experience
- the result of a selection interview
Complete information on the admission requirements and information for applicants whose Bachelor's degree comprises 180 ECTS can be found in the current admission regulations for the Master's degree program in International Business Management & Sustainability.
The Master's degree can only be awarded if, including the previous degree program, 300 ECTS-points have been achieved.
News
News of this degree program
International MBA Study Week
Discovering Scotland: A Week of Learning, Networking, and Growth
In early June 2024, the International MBA Study Week took students and alumni on a transformative journey through the heart of Scotland.
International Academy
Study week in Vienna and Bratislava - A travel report
On a study trip to Vienna and Bratislava, the students gained cultural and professional-academic insights.
Faculty of Technology and Management
Outstanding achievements honored
78 graduates successfully completed their studies at RWU last winter semester. These achievements have now been honored and celebrated at the graduation ceremony of the Faculty of Technology and Management.
International Business Management
South India and all its facets
RWU MBA students gain a wide range of impressions in India. The international study week shows the economic dynamics of an up-and-coming country.
Project Study Week
Värmland, Sweden
As a part of the International Business Management & Sustainability (IBS) master program, 13 current and alumni RWU master students participated in the international study week in Värmland, Sweden.
International Study Week 2022
International Study Week to Vancouver/Canada
International study weeks have been an integral part of the part-time MBA program for over 15 years. This year we went to Vancouver!
Press release
Sustainable and international management
RWU is realigning its part-time business administration master's program. The focus lies on sustainability.
International Business Management
First inner German study week
The first inner German study week in the master's program International Business Management
Fees
The tuition fees for the entire course amount to a total of EUR 17,950.
In addition to the tuition fees, there is a semester fee per semester. The semester fee is €195.00 and is made up as follows:
Student Union fee: € 90.50
Administration fee: € 80.00
Student body fee: € 16.50
Student ID card: € 8.00
Total: 195,00 €
Payment terms
At the beginning of your studies, you will receive a notification of fees from Ravensburg-Weingarten University of Applied Sciences, which contains the payment targets for the tuition fees (5 payment amounts).
1st semester - EUR 3,590.00
2nd semester - EUR 3,590.00
3rd semester - EUR 3,590.00
4th semester - EUR 3,590.00
5th semester - EUR 3,590.00
Can the costs of studying be deducted from tax?
As a rule, you should be able to claim the costs on your tax return. In addition to tuition fees, you may also be able to claim travel expenses and specialist literature as training costs. As a rule, the tuition fee notice in conjunction with the certificate of enrollment serves as proof for the tax office.
Special features
Double Degree
Students have the opportunity to participate in a double degree agreement. The selection is made by the chairperson of the examination board and the selection committee after application for a double degree place. The double degree agreement provides for semesters 3 and 4 to be completed at the partner university. After successfully completing semesters 3 and 4 at the partner university and the Master's thesis, which can also be completed abroad after consultation with the Chair of the Examination Board, the graduate is awarded a double degree.
OUR PARTNER FOR DOUBLE DEGREES
IBS is in partnership with British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), Vancouver and offers students the possibility of a double degree. The BCIT Global Leadership Program focuses on leadership with an approach that embraces diversity and inclusion.
The program is designed to provide a systematic understanding of global leadership by starting with a solid foundation of personal leadership skills, extending leadership theory to organizations, and then applying cultural intelligence to strategic leadership decision making and implementation.
This program aims to enhance critical analysis skills, problem solving, effective team design, change management and cross-cultural communication.
The BCIT program flyer is attached in the download section.
For admission to the "Double Degree", please contact the Dean of Studies, Prof. Dr. Barbara Niersbach (Barbara.Niersbach@rwu.de).
Business Project
OTHER COUNTRIES, OTHER BUSINESS? - INTERNATIONAL AND NATIONAL STUDY WEEKS AS PART OF THE "INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS PROJECT" MODULE
For you as a future manager, it is not only important to understand the management of a company in Germany. Nowadays, many companies are internationally networked and do business on global markets. As an employee, you will have to face the following challenges: What is the culture of the country and what intercultural circumstances do I have to consider? What happens in this foreign market and what is possible here? And how do I reach my international business partners with my product or service?
In the MBA program International Business Management & Sustainability we offer you an exciting insight into other regions of Germany as well as into another country within or outside Europe. Our program is an interesting mix of business, culture and academic teaching. During the Business Project, you will have the opportunity to come into contact with German and international companies in the target country. By visiting universities, you will also be taught content from the target country. A varied cultural program with city tours, museum visits and culinary experiences rounds off our program. The aim of the study week is to give you the skills to approach a new and perhaps unfamiliar country skillfully and to act competently in it.
Our target countries include Canada, Hungary, Estonia, Thailand, Myanmar, Singapore, the USA and India. We offer you a travel date once a year. Each year we alternate between a European destination country and a non-European destination country. The International Study Week is led and organized by Prof. Dr. Barbara Niersbach, International Affairs Officer of the Faculty of Technology and Management and Dean of Studies. You will receive a certificate for the International Study Week with a list of the exact program points for your records.
Innovation Lounge
Dialogue platform "Innovation Lounge" established as a supplementary strategic program format in the part-time MBA program International Business Management & Sustainability (IBS).
At the start of the 2021 summer semester, Master's students were invited to the first online "Innovation Lounge".
"From Idea to Innovation" was the title of the evening "Lounge" with H. Dr. Hans-Jürgen August, member of the senior management team of the technology company TTTech Group, headquartered in Vienna.
"We want to offer our MBA students, some of whom are already working as managers themselves, another opportunity to acquire future-oriented skills that will help them in their personal development and professional career. In the Innovation Lounge, managers and consultants from various industries will report on their challenges and experiences," says Professor Dr. Eberhard Hohl, who developed the new format together with Dean of Studies Professor Dr. Barbara Niersbach.
Innovation as a strategic success factor in global competition
The purpose of the newly established dialog platform is, on the one hand, to supplement the teaching of current and future skills required to successfully shape management, change and innovation processes in companies.
On the other hand, it is intended to make an effective contribution to the establishment and further development of a professional exchange of experience in a powerful network of top performers, experts, managers and IBS students - as well as IBS alumni.
The Innovation Lounge has proven itself as a new format in the curriculum of the MBA program and will be continued on a monthly basis online and on-site. We will report on the guest lectures, initiatives and networking projects within the framework of the "Innovation Lounge" on our IBS homepage.
Coaching
These are our coaches
Introducing...
Prof. Dr. Eberhard Hohl
- Studied economics and social sciences with doctorate (Dipl. oec./Dr. rer. pol.) in Augsburg and Munich
- Supplementary studies in adult education (Munich School of Philosophy S.J.) and post graduate management program (Vienna University of Economics and Business and University of Texas in Austin/USA)
- Further training: Business Coaching, NLP, Scrum Master (scrum.org.)
- Consultant, coach, trainer and network coordinator (international) in the areas of management and corporate development. Industry experience in leading HR functions at BMW, EADS and ZF. Publications on HR and corporate management topics
- Main areas of work: International and intercultural management, human resources management, leadership and coaching, change and innovation management, agile project management
Topics and fields of action as a business coach:
Based on a self-developed and published role and competence model of leadership, coaching focuses on the coachee's reflection and options for action in the future ("Fit for the job"/"Fit for the career"). At its core, it is about developing potential and increasing performance ("Coaching for Personal Excellence & Performance"):
- personal assessment, challenges and goals
- Rethinking, changing / expanding your own frame of reference
- Strengthening thinking and acting in options
- Receive "clarification help" on current (leadership) situations in everyday working life
- Improve personal impact on the basis of "self-image / external image comparison" (reduce the "blind spot" through feedback)
Dr. Jutta Nübel
- Doctor of Philosophy with specializations in sociology, linguistics, computer science
- 20 years as a manager with responsibility for 100 employees in six teams in America, Germany and India
- 10 years as a representative of senior executives on a supervisory board
- Leadership & Diversity Management
- Technical communication
- Systemic business coach - KÖRBER Kommunikation certification, Steinbeis+Akademie
-
Topics and fields of action as a business coach:
Solution-oriented, systemic support and advice for (prospective) managers forms the basis of coaching:
- Coaching on topics such as communication in business and career advice for women
- "Get fit for the working world of today and tomorrow"
- Leadership Mindset - Diversity and Inclusion as Driver for Performance
- Empowerment of women in (aspiring) management positions
Katrin Pfleiderer
- After graduating with a degree in business engineering (FH) in Karlsruhe, I worked internationally in the automotive industry for 27 years. Most of this time was spent in leadership and management positions in sales, purchasing, product/project management in companies such as ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Behr GmbH, MAHLE GmbH.
- Additional training in humanistic psychotherapy (training at the Thalamus Heilpraktikerschule Stuttgart) with a focus on conversation/gestalt therapy, systemic counseling, trauma and body therapy.
- Supervisor according to the EASC standard.
- At the same time, I have been leading yoga and meditation groups and workshops for many years.
- Today I work independently with a focus on psychological counseling, coaching, supervision, in individual or group settings
Topics and fields of action as a business coach:
Empower YourselfHelping people to develop their potential and authenticity.
- Personality development, strengthening potential and further development
- Individual methods for coping with stress and strengthening personal resilience
- Overcoming anxiety, e.g. speaking in groups or in front of groups, as well as clarification help for the job, including the next career steps
- Improving interpersonal skills, communication, conflict resolution, assertiveness
- Further develop and deepen leadership skills
Thendral Rajendran
- MBA in HR from the Department of Management Studies, University of Madras, India with over 22 years of experience in Human Resources specializing in building strategic initiatives and leading talent attraction frameworks in the IT & ITES sector
- Directed Global Recruitment operations and managed teams across North America, Europe and Asia
- Developed a tailored coaching framework aimed at empowering professionals by enhancing their communication skills, leadership abilities, and team dynamics.
- Led leadership development programs for emerging leaders, focusing on strategic thinking, decision-making and emotional intelligence
- Currently an entrepreneur developing an edtech brand that focuses on upskilling college students with an interactive AI-powered curriculum
Topics and fields of action as a business coach:
The essence of coaching lies in its dynamic and interactive nature, fostering both personal and professional growth through constructive dialogues and introspective exercises, all aimed at unlocking one's utmost potential.
- Self-Discovery and Identity Exploration
- Goal Setting and Goal alignment
- Mindset shifts and challenging limiting beliefs
- Time management and productivity enhancement
- Networking and Relationship building
- Cultural competence and Diversity awareness: Adapting to a new environment
Dr. Josef Schneider
- Diploma and PhD in Theoretical Physics - University of Konstanz
- Daimler Group - Project Management Trainee - 1 year full-time
- 30+ years' B2B experience High-Tech and IT to large enterprise customers
- Working for Multibillion companies as well as small highly specialized niche players
- General management / line management / sales / business development / project management / customer success
- New solutions, new business models, M&A, reorganization
- International business/projects - Europe, US/Canada, China, India
- Since 2021 independent business coach, advisor, interim manager
- 6 DAN Karate / Self Defense Instructor
Topics and fields of action as a business coach:
Sun Tzu said, "If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles." While business isn't war, we continually face serious challenges. The stakes are high, making it crucial to know yourself - your true desires, strengths, and weaknesses. Real success comes from pursuing the right goals, leveraging your strengths, and finding solutions that prevent your weaknesses from holding you back.
- Be honest - at least with yourself
- Risk everything - but keep plan B
- Top-down approach
- Solution-oriented thinking
- Change of perspective
- How to win friends
- Be tough in the subject matter but keep the human relationship
- Thinking from the customer's perspective
Thomas Steinmeier
- 25 years of experience in leading positions in the pharmaceutical sector
- Responsibility for Key Account Management Hospital at Sanofi in Berlin
- Specialist focus: including the development and strategic integration of key account management in group structures, negotiation and contract management as well as product placements with operational implementation in the market
- Head of the European Center of Excellence: development of tools for the implementation and optimization of KAM structures in the European healthcare market (with KAM managers from 22 European countries)
Topics and fields of action as a business coach:
The coaching serves, among other things, to accompany (prospective) managers into new positions and to advise on contract negotiations. In addition, the coaching focus is also on sales, in particular key account management:
-
First steps as a manager
- Development from sales to strategic account management
- Transfer from sales to key account manager
- Negotiation and contract management
- Team design and creating a "team spirit"
- Interface management within the organization
Prof. Dr. Josefine Denzin
- Studied business psychology in Munich (Bachelor of Science, Ludwig-Maximilians University) and the United Kingdom (Aston Business School, Birmingham), with two scholarships
- PhD in cooperation with Mercedes-Benz AG on leadership development (Dr phil.)
- Further education: Systemic Coach (DGSF; Munich Centre for Systemic Development), Business Mediator (Munich Centre for Dispute Resolution), Leadership & General Management (ESMT, Berlin); Scrum Master, Product Owner (scrum.org), Test User: Occupational & Personality Tests (British Psychological Society), Yoga Teacher (Yoga alliance, Goa, India)
- Professional experience and leadership roles in various People & Culture/ Human Resources (HR) functions: in the DAX company Mercedes-Benz AG, including a traineeship in the Board of Management; TÜV SÜD AG and in medium-sized companies. Co-founder of two start-ups.
- Topics and fields of action as a business coach:
- My vision: To accompany people on their life journeys in a curious and appreciative exchange in order to develop new perspectives, attitudes and solution ideas
- Attitude: task-, resource- and solution-oriented coaching
- Discover your networks: Systemic coaching approach
- Strengths Finder
- Application Sparring Partner
- Creating your board of directors, mentors, advisors, and role models
- Positive affirmations and goal setting methods
Partners
FAQ International students
1. What are the application requirements for the MBA program in RWU?
- a university degree with a professional qualification of at least 210 ECTS with an overall grade of at least 2.5
- at least one year of professional practice in the corresponding field of work
- a letter of application /motivation (1-2 pages)
- proof of English language skills through alternatively
2. Can I apply if I don't speak German fluently?
Yes! All training is conducted exclusively in English, as we have many international students.
3. Is work experience required for the MBA program? If so, how much?
At least one year of professional practice in the corresponding field of work.
4. What documents do I need to submit with my application?
- Your previous university degree
- Motivation letter
- Proof of English language proficiency (but not required)
5. How long does the application process typically take?
The process itself takes about a month or two. But it depends on what country you are from and your visa situation. Since it can take several months to get a visa, we advise you to apply in advance as well.
6. What is the visa application process for international students?
It is better to check with the German embassy in your country. But from our experience, we can say that the best option is a student visa (it can be issued for 2 years). And it takes less time.
7. Are there any specific health insurance requirements for international students in Germany?
No. All students can take out insurance and choose their own insurance company.
8. Can I work part-time while studying in Germany on a student visa?
Of course! All our students work part-time or full-time in various industries. This makes it convenient to combine study and work, as lectures are held on Friday afternoon and Saturday.
9. What are the estimated living expenses for a student in Germany?
It's all very individual. As for housing, it depends on you: whether you want to live alone or share an apartment (WG). Living in a WG costs about 400 euros per month.
10. Are scholarships or financial aid available for international students pursuing an MBA in Germany?
There are several opportunities to get scholarship while you are studying MBA in Germany.
11. Are there any internship opportunities or career services provided by the MBA program?
In Germany, there are countless internship opportunities & options available to international students so the chances of you finding one are pretty high. International students enrolled at a German university can do an internship within the limits of their student visas. We support students with our network companies, but there’s no official program that bring students in internship or job situations.
12. What are the options for housing or accommodation for international students?
There are different possibilities such as shared apartment, own apartment or a room in a student dormitory depends on your individual wishes and needs but also on your financial situation. For more information, please see below link: https://www.rwu.de/en/student-life/mobility-and-living#tab-5727
Image galleries
Photo galleries of this degree program
Contact & People
General contact details
| Phone | |
|---|---|
| nayan.kadam@rwu.de | |
| Room | B 007 |
| On campus |
Building B
Leibnizstr. 12
88250 Weingarten |
| Postal address |
RWU Hochschule Ravensburg-Weingarten University of Applied Sciences International Business Management & Sustainability MBA P.O. Box 30 22
88216 Weingarten Germany |
Secretariat
Program advising and coordination
Head of degree program
Coordination of International Study Weeks
Examination office
Fees
Professors
Foreign representatives
Deanery