International Management B.A.

All applicants are required to prove their English language proficiency either by taking the TOEFL test with a paper-based score 575/computer-based score of 232/ or 91 iBT score or by achieving an IELTS score band of 6.5.
Website ETS: www.ets.org/toefl
Website IELTS: www.ielts.org/
Only citizens and English native speakers from the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States of America, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand do not have to hand in an IELTS or TOEFLS test result.

The TOEFL code is 1608, but this is the TOEFL code for the whole South Westphalia University of Applied Sciences, which has several campuses in different cities.

When submitting your TOEFL score, please clearly indicate that it should be forwarded to the Department of Engineering and Economics, FB IW, International Management Program, Campus Meschede.

No, the TOEFL and IELTS test expire after two years.

In order to enrol in the programme you must provide an equivalent to the German higher education entrance qualification.

Once you have sent in your application, your formal eligibility will be checked on the basis of your school certificates and your previous academic career.

Non-EU/ EEA citizens:

Begin your application using uni-assist which is the online university application service for international students.

Note: The application deadline for the winter semester is the 15th of July.

EU/ EEA citizens:
Begin your application using the online application system of our university.

Application deadline 15th of July every year.

In both cases, the first step is completing an online application form, after which you will have to send your documents as hardcopies. Applying only by e-mail is not possible.

Applications which are incomplete or not submitted by the set deadline will not be accepted!

Please follow the instructions on our online application system. Click here.

Please do not send original documents as they cannot be returned.
All documents that are copies of the originals have to be notarised by a notary.
We reserve the right to require that certain documents be notarised at the German Embassy in your country, and you will be informed if this is required for your country.
Documents not in English or German must be accompanied by a notarised translation into English or German.

We recommend getting your copies certified at a German Embassy or any German diplomatic representation. Notarised copies may also be authenticated as true copies of the originals with a stamp and signature from the school or university which conferred the degree. You can also ask a notary public or, if you are already in Germany, the municipal authority or your church community office.

If you apply through uni-assist, please send your official copy to uni-assist along with the other required documents.

If you are on the list of candidates who can apply directly, please send your official copy, along with the other required documents, to the address printed on the application form.

In many cases, it is possible to transfer credits from already passed similar modules from other programmes comparable to the BBA courses at an academic level. The decision will be made by the head of the examination board on the basis of the transcript of your previous records plus module descriptions. Please apply and contact the head of the examination board after enrolment in your first IM semester.

In general, it is possible to apply for our program in a higher semester. Once you have been admitted, you have to contact the examination board for acknowledgement of your credits from your previous university. The examination board will then decide about the credit transfer.

For non-German or non-EU applicants: once you have applied through uni-assist, they will forward your application to the university in electronic form if it fulfils the formal admission criteria. The university will then continue the admission process and issue letters of admission or rejection. You will be notified about the result of your application within approximately two weeks by post.

For German or EU applicants, your application will be checked by the university. You will be notified about the result of your application after sending the documents to the Studierenden Service Büro.

Beside the acceptance letter or admission note, the most important prerequisite is the evidence of financial means to pay for a 1-year stay in Germany. One should calculate a min. 720 € per month (including accommodation), in total 8.640 € for one year.

Since regulations vary among countries, please contact your German embassy or consulate for the current information.

Foreign students who do not come from an EU country must prove that they are able to cover their own studies and support by themselves. Proof of funding is usually required when applying for a visa and is a prerequisite for a residence permit in Germany.
In order to provide such proof, a blocked account is often necessary. This is a special account, which the owner can not dispose of freely. The student has to pay a statutory minimum amount to the blocked account: this is currently 861 € for each month the student stays in Germany. This amount remains blocked until the account holder arrives in Germany. Another special feature of the blocked account is that the owner can not withdraw or transfer as much money as they wish; students are allowed to use a maximum of 861 € per month.

Do not enter the country as a tourist to study at a German university!
A tourist visa cannot be converted into a student visa.

Immigration regulations are subject to change; therefore it is advised you get in contact with the German embassy in your home country in due time to obtain specific information concerning entry requirements for foreign students in Germany.

According to German law, a residence permit for the purpose of seeking higher educational opportunities cannot be granted if you have already entered Germany with a visitor’s visa or on a visa waiver programme without a visa. If you want to study in Germany, you must enter the country with a valid student visa. Once you are in Germany, you must apply for a residence permit, and this residence permit will be extended at regular intervals to cover the period of your studies.

This is largely dependent on the German immigration authorities. Please contact the respective authorities as soon as possible to obtain detailed information about the visa application procedure and the expected duration.
Experience has shown that the visa application period can take up to four months.

Most foreign students in Germany do not receive a scholarship. This is why you should make a realistic estimation of your financial situation. It is necessary for you to show evidence to the German consulates and the authorities responsible for foreigners that you have the necessary means to pay for the duration of your stay. At present the average cost of living is 853 € per month.
You will be required to pay a registration fee of about 113 € per semester, but there are no tuition fees.
Do not expect to finance your studies by working, see also: opportunities for student job. Your residence permit is only valid for studying, and if you abuse it, you can be asked to leave the country.

When you renew your residence permit, you will also have to prove that you have enough money to finance the rest of your stay in Germany. This certification must be a bank account showing sufficient funding. A letter from your parents is NOT sufficient. Without this, you will not be able to continue your studies.

To extend your residence permit, you need to prove your financial situation, that you have health insurance and that you are enrolled at the university. An extension is granted for a maximum of two years. Then you need to re-apply.

After your arrival in Germany, you must replace your travel insurance with a student health insurance policy. Every student in Germany is required to have health insurance before enrolment. The health insurance certificate must be submitted to the university together with the application documents (a chip card only or a membership certificate is not valid!). The student rates for statutory health insurance currently amount to approx. 90 € per month.

Some countries’ health insurance schemes are accepted in Germany, so you may continue being insured in your own country. The decision rests with the insurance company in the place where you are studying.

For information on insurance questions, please contact the public health insurance company of your choice, such as:

Allgemeine Ortskrankenkasse (AOK)

Techniker Krankenkasse

Further information and online application (in German):

www.krankenkassen.de/meine-krankenkasse/student/ausland

Further information (in English) by Techniker Krankenkasse:

https://www.tk.de/en

In general, it is recommended to have a health insurance. However students over 30 years of age are in a special situation: Tariffs of public health insurance do not include students older than 30 years. They can get voluntary health insurance, but at higher rates. We advise students over 30 years of age to get a private health insurance policy, e.g. with Care Concept or Mawista.

After the final enrolment you will get the details for the payment.

Payment of your fee is the prerequisite for official enrolment. The fee can only be paid by bank transfer; it cannot be paid in cash. You will receive your student ID, university credentials and the link for downloading the semester ticket approx. one week after you transferred the fee. It will be sent to the postal address you have registered with during enrolment.

Enrolment is possible from the moment you receive your letter of admission. Enrolment is online, so you do not need to be in Germany to complete it successfully. Please note the deadlines and instructions in your admission letter.

Start and end of winter semester: 1st September until 28th/29th February

Lecture period in the winter semester: around 1st October until around 31st January

Start and end of the summer semester: 1st March until 31st August

Lecture period in the summer semester: around 1st April until around 10th July

The closest international airports to Meschede are Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) and Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN). We generally recommend arriving at Düsseldorf Airport, as it usually offers more convenient train connections to Meschede.

Approximate travel times by public transport:

• Düsseldorf Airport (DUS) → Meschede: approx. 2–3 hours
• Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN) → Meschede: approx. 3–4 hours
• Dortmund Airport (DTM) → Meschede: approx. 2–3 hours
• Frankfurt Airport (FRA) → Meschede: approx. 3.5–5 hours

Please note that travel times may vary depending on the train connection and usually require one or more transfers.
We strongly recommend checking current connections before travelling and planning enough time for transfers.
Useful website for travel planning:

• Deutsche Bahn (DB) Journey Planner

Meschede is a small town located in the Sauerland region of North Rhine-Westphalia, surrounded by forests, hills and lakes. It has a population of around 30.000 inhabitants and offers a welcoming environment for students.

Meschede combines nature, outdoor activities and student life. Although it is smaller than major German cities, students can enjoy cafés, restaurants, shopping facilities, sports opportunities and a peaceful atmosphere for studying.

The town is also known for its proximity to the Hennesee lake, hiking trails and recreational activities. At the same time, larger cities such as Dortmund, Cologne and Düsseldorf can be reached by public transport.

Meschede offers a supportive and personal study environment with close contact to lecturers, university staff and fellow students.

For further information about the town, please visit:
City of Meschede

We recommend arriving a few days before the semester begins to allow enough time for accommodation, registration procedures and getting familiar with the campus and surroundings.

Living costs vary depending on accommodation and lifestyle. Students should consider expenses such as rent, food, health insurance, transport and personal costs.

Yes, supermarkets, pharmacies, doctors and other essential services are available in Meschede and can usually be reached easily from the campus.

Once you have been admitted and confirmed your plans to travel to Meschede, please visit our accommodation website as early as possible.

There, you will find information and direct links to student residences and private accommodation providers in Meschede. As accommodation is limited and waiting lists may apply, we strongly recommend contacting the listed providers and starting your search as early as possible.

International students in Germany are generally allowed to work during their studies. Regulations may vary depending on nationality and residence status.

Students from EU/EEA countries and Switzerland generally have the same working rights as German students. However, depending on working hours and income, taxes and social insurance contributions may apply.

Students from non-EU countries are usually allowed to work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per year, according to current German regulations. Specific conditions are stated in the residence permit. Students should always check their individual residence status and legal requirements.

There may be opportunities to work on campus, for example as:

• Student assistant (Studentische Hilfskraft / SHK)
• Tutor
• Support in university projects or administrative departments
• Assistance for professors or international programs

Vacancies for student jobs at the university are usually published internally or communicated by departments and lecturers.

Students interested in working as a student assistant (SHK) should contact professors or university departments directly. Requirements depend on the position and may include academic performance, skills or previous experience.

There are also opportunities to work off campus, for example in:

• Retail and supermarkets
• Gastronomy and cafés
• Hotels and tourism
• Administration and offices
• Industry and local companies in the Sauerland region

Job offers can often be found through:

• University notice boards and internal communication channels
• Fellow students and personal networks
• Local companies and websites
• Online job portals

We recommend starting your search early and ensuring that your employment complies with your visa or residence regulations.

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We recommend bringing warm and weatherproof clothing, as temperatures in winter can occasionally drop to around –10°C, including wind chill, and weather conditions may include rain or snow. Summers can be warm (20–30°C) but may also be cooler and changeable.

In addition to clothing, please make sure to bring:

• Valid passport
• Visa and residence documents (if applicable)
• Admission letter
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of financial resources (e.g. blocked account confirmation, if required)
• Important academic documents
• Digital and printed copies of essential documents

This will help make your arrival and registration process in Germany easier.

You will need a German bank account as soon as possible, as many regular payments in Germany are made via bank transfer (e.g. rent, health insurance or mobile phone contracts).

Most banks require the following documents to open an account:

• Passport or ID
• Proof of residence registration (Anmeldung)
• Accommodation contract
• Residence permit or visa (if applicable)

Some online banks may offer faster account opening processes with different requirements. In addition, students may consider using international bank cards or digital banking services before opening a German account, depending on their individual situation.

We recommend arranging access to international banking services before arrival and opening a German bank account shortly after arriving in Germany.

Yes, internet access is generally available in private accommodation in Germany. Many shared flats (WGs) or student accommodations already include an internet connection in the monthly rent.

If internet is not included, students can arrange their own Wi-Fi contract, mobile data plan or eSIM service. Costs vary depending on the provider and contract.

We recommend checking with your accommodation provider before arrival to find out whether internet access is already included.

After arriving, students should complete important administrative steps such as:

• Registering their address (Anmeldung)
• Opening a bank account (if needed)
• Organising health insurance
• Activating a German SIM card or internet access
• Accessing university platforms and information

Knowledge of German is not required for admission or for studying in the International Management programme, as courses are taught in English. However, if you have the opportunity to learn some basic German before arriving, we strongly recommend doing so, as it can make everyday life in Germany easier.

Basic German skills may also be required for visa applications, depending on your country of origin. Please check the requirements of the German Embassy in your country.

In addition, German language courses may be offered at the university to support international students during their studies.

Learning German can be helpful for daily life, internships, part-time jobs and social integration in Germany.

Bringing your own laptop is strongly recommended, as it will make studying, accessing online platforms (e.g. Moodle), completing assignments and participating in lectures much easier.

However, the university also provides computer facilities, internet access and printing services for students. The available software may vary depending on the programme and modules.

If you decide to bring your own device, please check compatibility with German electrical standards (voltage and plug types). An adapter may be required.

Moodle is the university’s online learning platform where students can access course materials, assignments, announcements and important study information.

Students will receive access information from the university before or at the beginning of their studies.

Bringing books is not necessary, as the university library provides access to a wide range of printed and digital resources, including books, journals and databases in English and German.

Most required literature will be recommended by lecturers during the semester. Students also have access to study spaces and library services on campus.

Most study materials will be provided by lecturers during the semester or made available online. We recommend bringing or purchasing basic study supplies such as notebooks, pens and other stationery.

A laptop is strongly recommended for accessing online platforms, course materials and completing assignments.

Additional supplies can easily be purchased in local supermarkets or stores in Meschede.

The weekly number of teaching hours may vary depending on the semester and selected modules. On average, students can expect around 20–30 hours of classes per week.

In addition, students are generally expected to spend a similar amount of time on independent study, including preparing for lectures, completing assignments and studying for exams.

Good time management and continuous learning throughout the semester are strongly recommended.

The type of examination may vary depending on the module and can include written exams, presentations, reports or projects. Detailed information is usually provided by lecturers at the beginning of the semester.

Yes. “Find a Friend – Meschede” is a buddy program for International Management students. It connects new international students arriving for the winter semester 2026/27 with current students, ideally before their arrival in Meschede.

Your buddy can help you settle into life in Meschede and at the university, answer practical questions about the campus, public transport, the canteen, Moodle and the library, and help you connect with other students.

Further activities, including the Welcome Week from 28 September to 2 October 2026, a campus tour and shared events, are also planned. Registration details and access to the WhatsApp community.

Yes, international students may have opportunities to participate in welcome events, social activities and networking opportunities organized by the university or student communities.

The university may support students through networking events, internships, practical projects and contacts with regional or international companies.

Students are also encouraged to connect with professors and participate in university events to build professional networks.

For specific questions, please contact the relevant program coordinators or university departments.