Master of Business Administration (MBA) in General Management
International School of Management , Hamburg · Munich, Germany
QS World University Ranking: #501
Quick Overview
Apply Now📘 Program Overview
The MBA in General Management at ISM is designed to prepare you for management positions with practical relevance, supported by coaching and modules including opportunities for study abroad.
The program is taught in English and uses an online admissions process that includes an admissions test assessing personality, motivation, and skills, followed by information about document submission and an interview.
🎯 Course & Curriculum
Course structure
- Corporate Governance & Business Ethics
- Negotiation, Communication & Executive Presentations
- Cross Cultural Leadership
- Strategic & International Management
- Transformation in the Global Environment
- Global Supply Chain Management & Global Sourcing
- Strategic Marketing & Current Trends
- Digital Marketing
- Innovation Management
- New Business Models
- Design Thinking
- Data Science & Business Intelligence
- IT-enabled Information Systems
- IT Management
- Strategic Project 2: Capstone AI & Societal Impact Project
- Master's thesis
Curriculum
The 60 ECTS full-time MBA is completed over two semesters and combines leadership, strategy, marketing, finance, innovation, digital transformation, strategic projects and a practice-oriented master's thesis. ISM's official study plan does not publish individual module credits or semester credit totals.
| Semester | No. of modules | Module / subject category | ECTS / CP | Semester total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Leadership, strategy, marketing, project management and finance | Corporate Governance & Business Ethics | ||
| Negotiation, Communication & Executive Presentations | ||||
| Cross Cultural Leadership | ||||
| Strategic & International Management | ||||
| Transformation in the Global Environment | ||||
| Global Supply Chain Management & Global Sourcing | ||||
| Strategic Marketing & Current Trends | ||||
| Digital Marketing | ||||
| Advanced Market Research | ||||
| Project Management | ||||
| Strategic Project: GenAI & Digital Transformation | ||||
| Corporate Finance | ||||
| Managerial Accounting | ||||
| Financial Reporting & Analysis | ||||
| Semester 2 | Innovation, IT-enabled transformation, strategic project and master's thesis | Innovation Management | ||
| New Business Models | ||||
| Design Thinking | ||||
| Data Science & Business Intelligence | ||||
| IT-enabled Information Systems | ||||
| IT Management | ||||
| Strategic Project 2: Capstone AI & Societal Impact Project | ||||
| Master's thesis | ||||
| Total | Two semesters of management modules, strategic projects and master's thesis | 60 ECTS | ||
Career outcomes
- You build leadership and executive communication capabilities through modules focused on negotiation, presentations, and cross-cultural leadership, helping you step into manager and team-lead roles.
- You gain a practical, end-to-end view of corporate strategy and transformation via strategic management and global sourcing modules, strengthening your profile for roles in strategy, corporate development, and transformation.
- You become well-prepared for analytics- and technology-driven business careers by studying data science and IT-enabled information systems alongside management decision-making.
- You develop innovation and business model thinking through modules such as innovation management and design thinking, giving you a strong foundation for product, innovation, and growth roles.
- You graduate with project-based capabilities from two strategic projects (including GenAI & Digital Transformation and a Capstone AI & Societal Impact Project), which helps you demonstrate impact in interviews and recruitment processes in Germany.
- The study abroad semester supports a more international profile that can be valuable for multinational employers and globally oriented roles after graduation.
Employability rate
MBA graduates in Germany typically have an employability rate of around 85% and an unemployment rate of about 15%, reflecting solid demand for business management skills across consulting, corporate strategy, and operations.
Together, these figures point to a stable career outlook for international graduates who can demonstrate practical project and leadership competencies.
✅ Entry Requirements
Academic qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree equivalent (foreign qualifications) | International applicants need a completed bachelor’s degree with at least 210 ECTS (or an equivalent foreign degree from a recognized university or university of applied sciences). If you have fewer ECTS, the university states you may be able to compensate missing credits through relevant qualified professional experience or by participating in online courses from ISM distance learning. |
| Professional experience (international applicants) | For the full-time MBA, the program requires at least two years of qualified professional experience after your first university degree. |
Language requirements
The MBA in General Management is taught in English. If your previous degree was not fully taught in English, international applicants must provide official English language proof at least at B2 level.
IELTS Academic
TOEFL iBT
MOI (Medium of Instruction)
💶 Fees & Funding
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | EUR 9900 / per semester | MBA General Management (full-time) tuition is 9,900 EUR per semester. |
| Thesis fee | EUR 2200 / one time | MBA General Management (full-time) thesis fee is 2,200 EUR. |
| Semester fee | EUR 1500 / per semester | Enrollment (immatriculation) fees are 1,500 EUR for other students (non-EU/EWR). |
Proof of financial resources
International applicants who need a German student visa must show proof that they can finance their studies. For visa processing, follow the official German requirements for financial proof (often including a blocked account) and keep the required documents ready for your application and visa appointment.
- Blocked account or equivalent proof of funds for studies in Germany, as required for your German student visa process
- Any additional bank/financial documents requested during your visa process
Important dates
Application window
| Milestone | September - Winter intake |
|---|---|
| Application portal opens | N/A |
| Application deadline (final submit) | June 15, 2026 |
| Application deadline (EU students) | N/A |
| Application deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A |
| Recommended apply-by | June 01, 2026 |
| Semester begins | N/A |
Pre-application & reviews
| Milestone | September - Winter intake |
|---|---|
| VPD request - recommended | N/A |
| VPD result expected | N/A |
| APS - recommended | N/A |
| Start eligibility check | N/A |
Document submission deadlines
| Milestone | September - Winter intake |
|---|---|
| Application submission deadline | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (EU students) | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A |
| Language certificate deadline | N/A |
| Official transcripts deadline | N/A |
| Certified translations deadline | N/A |
| Postal / hard-copy documents deadline | N/A |
| Missing documents (if requested) | N/A |
📝 How to Apply
Prepare your eligibility and documents for international admission
Confirm that your completed bachelor’s degree meets the required minimum ECTS and that you have at least two years of qualified professional experience after your first degree. Gather your English language proof (or documentation for an English-medium background case-by-case review). Prepare a complete document set so you can upload everything during the online application.
Submit the online application for the MBA General Management
Submit your application online using the university’s application form during the intake period. Upload the required documents that the admissions team will use to assess your eligibility (including degree documents, transcripts, and language proof if applicable). ISM states that visa-required international applicants should submit the application no later than June 15 for the fall term.
Complete the admissions selection process
ISM uses an admissions selection process that includes preparing a presentation and a structured online selection interview. The interview focuses on your personal background, your goals, and your motivation to study. Make sure your professional experience and study goals are well explained in your application materials.
Receive the admission decision and enroll
After a successful application and selection process, study places are allocated and you proceed to enrollment. Check any remaining document steps requested by the admissions team. Then plan your travel and visa appointment based on your enrollment timeline and the university’s guidance for international students.