Study Guide is your digital personal assistant to studying in Germany.
Master's programme

Master of Business Administration in International Business Management (Internationale Betriebswirtschaftslehre) Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society

Duration
4 semesters
Language of instruction
English
Tuition fees
2,250 EUR
Next application deadline
15 January 2027 (summer semester)
Language level required
English: B2
German: None

Always know what comes next

Study Guide gives you a personal to-do list tailored to your background, qualifications and interests, so you always know what to do next.

First impressions

Our voices

Taking part in the MBA programme at Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society gave me the opportunity to handle international professional challenges and paved the way to my career!

Wijdane Bouaoud
© Wijdane Bouaoud

Wijdane Bouaoud

MBA International Business Management, France Campaign Manager at eGentic

Take a closer look

Master of Business Administration in International Business Management (Internationale Betriebswirtschaftslehre)
© Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society

Master of Business Administration in International Business Management (Internationale Betriebswirtschaftslehre)

Why study in this MBA programme? Watch our top ten video to join our online MBA International Business Management programme at Ludwigshafen University for Business and Society!

Play video

Programme overview

Quick facts

Degree
MBA
Duration
4 semesters
Full-time / part-time
Part-time (study alongside work)
Intake
Winter and summer semester
Joint degree / double degree programme
Yes
A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
Yes

Language of instruction

English

Courses are held in English (100%).

Programme description

This MBA distance learning programme provides students with a four-semester programme that imparts comprehensive, cross-industry business management know-how as well as extensive social skills.

The work-related course of study is organised in modules (compulsory modules and one elective module in the third semester) and is divided into self-study and online phases. During the first three semesters, there are live online sessions in which students are involved. Alternatively, students can then listen to the online sessions, which are recorded and uploaded to the e-learning platform where they can also find tutorial notes. Case examples, case studies, and projects have a practical relevance. All exams are online, including presentations, case studies and oral exams. 

The MBA programme can also be taken as a certificate programme by selecting individual modules of the programme.

There is also the possibility to do a Double Degree with SAMK, our cooperation university in Finland; with Barcelona Technology School or City University of Seattle!

The course of study is accredited by AQAS and has a workload of 90 ECTS. It is an offer of Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society in cooperation with zfh (Centre for Distance Learning at Universities).

This Master's degree programme opens up access to the higher civil service and the possibility for doctoral studies.

Programme structure

The content of the programme is designed in such a way to not only impart theoretical knowledge but also practical competencies in order to make students able to solve problems of professional practice. The online seminars are particularly helpful to develop such competencies.

The MBA programme in International Business Management comprises the following modules: 

First semester

Marketing

  • Marketing as market-oriented management
  • International marketing

Social competency

  • Philosophy (Ethics)

Logistics

  • Manufacturing logistics
  • Distribution logistics

Scientific Work

Second semester

Management

  • Strategic management
  • Controlling
  • Business simulation

Social competency

  • Rhetoric

International competencies

  • International market research
  • International corporate management
  • Cross-cultural communication

Third semester

Human resource management

  • International human resources management
  • Psychology of work and organisational behaviour
  • Organisation

Social competency

  • Creativity

Optional compulsory modules (two of four selectable)

  • Law
  • Sociology
  • Managerial finance
  • Macroeconomics

Fourth semester

Master's thesis and colloquium

The first three semesters are used for self-study with the aid of up-to-date tutorial notes, which are complemented by online seminars. Online seminars are recorded and uploaded to the e-learning platform.

The fourth semester is used for the completion of the Master’s thesis. The colloquium will also take place online as an online seminar.

Mode of study

  • Fully online
    Phase of attendance: none
    Pace of course: mixed (e.g. fixed exam dates and duration, study content can be studied at any time)

In cooperation with

Zentrum für Fernstudien im Hochschulverbund (zfh)

The programme is supervised by the Rhein-Neckar Graduate School.

International elements in the curriculum

The curriculum of this study programme includes international elements that support global perspectives and cross-cultural learning:

  • Training in intercultural skills
  • Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
  • International guest lecturers
  • Specialist literature in other languages
  • Courses are led with foreign partners
  • International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context

Integrated internships

The MBA International Business Management distance learning course of study offers students the possibility of an international network trip and participation in a workshop at regular intervals!

Application and admission

Application period(s)

Winter semester

Applicants from Applications begin Application deadline
All countries
1 April 2027
30 June 2027

Summer semester

Applicants from Applications begin Application deadline
All countries
1 October 2026
15 January 2027
Information on application periods

Academic admissions requirements

Ideally, you should have a first university degree or an accredited Bachelor's degree of a university of cooperative education ("Berufsakademie") with a good average grade (at least 2.5 when translated to the German grading system) and additionally, you have at least one year of work experience in the commercial field.

If your average grade is lower than required, admission can be possible after a personal interview showing your motivation for the programme.

For applicants without a first university degree, there is – under certain conditions – the possibility to receive admission after passing a qualifying examination. These applicants must be in possession of a university entrance qualification according to the legal provisions in Rhineland Palatinate and prove relevant professional work experience of at least three years. This work must comprise sufficient content-related connections to the course of studies chosen, above-average qualifications of the applicant, and international experience that is relevant for the programme. The qualifying examination is based on a motivational letter, an exam lasting approx. one hour and an interview of approx. 20 to 30 minutes.

Language requirements

Please check all requirements directly with the respective higher education institution. Exceptions may apply. See our website for further details.

German language requirements

German: None

English language requirements

English: B2

Accepted certificates include
Certificates Minimum result
TOEIC
Total: 785 / 990
Reading: 385 / 495
Listening: 400 / 495
Writing: 150 / 200
Speaking: 160 / 200
TOEFL Essentials
Total: 8 / 12
Reading: 8 / 12
Listening: 8 / 12
Writing: 8 / 12
Speaking: 8 / 12
telc English
Total: telc English B2-C1 University
IELTS Academic
Total: 5.5 / 9
Cambridge English Qualifications
Total: B2 First

How to apply?

Website

Please check this website.

Click here

Costs and funding

Tuition fees per semester

Applicants from Tuition fee
All countries
2,250 EUR

Semester contribution

The social contribution at Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society is currently around 160 EUR per semester.

Part-time employment

Since this MBA programme is part-time and all students have a full-time job in addition to their studies, the motto is that the studies can be completed alongside work and family responsibilities. You are welcome to contact Eva Nefen for more guidance (eva.nefen@hwg-lu.de).

Special promotion / funding of the programme

  • Other (e.g. state level)

Living & services

Support for international students

  • Welcome event
  • Tutors
  • Accompanying programme
  • Specialist counselling

About us

Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society

The Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society (German: Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft Ludwigshafen) is a public university located in Ludwigshafen, Germany. It was founded in 1965 as Higher School of Commerce Ludwigshafen. In 1971, it became part of the University of Applied Sciences Rhineland Palatinate, which split up into seven autonomous universities in 1991. The university offers Bachelor's and Master's degrees in several areas of business administration and social affairs.

https://www.hwg-lu.de/en/

Location

Study in Ludwigshafen, the "Economic Powerhouse of the Metropolitan Rhein-Neckar Region".

Ludwigshafen am Rhein is a young city. It was first established in 1853 when the founding fathers laid the foundation of the Rheinschanze bridgehead and the winter harbour. With 168,347 inhabitants (2010), Ludwigshafen is the second-largest city and the economic centre of Rhineland-Palatinate. Ludwigshafen forms, together with Mannheim (located on the opposite side of the Rhine), the centre of the metropolitan Rhein-Neckar region, an economic powerhouse with over 134,000 companies, excellent infrastructure, and around 770,000 workers. It is the region with the largest chemical industry cluster in Europe and with BASF, the largest chemical corporation in the world, Ludwigshafen belongs to the three leading “life sciences locations” in Germany, along with Munich and Berlin. The region is also a top location for material sciences and boasts the second-largest IT-network in the world—not only because of SAP, which is located in the neighbouring city of Walldorf. Goods are delivered to the entire world from the Mannheimer Hafen, one of the largest inland harbours in Europe, and from the Rangierbahnhof, the second-largest rail yard in Germany.

The economic success of the region is closely linked to its superior scientific and research environment. With the universities of applied sciences and universities of Ludwigshafen, Mannheim, and Heidelberg, and numerous external research institutions and educational establishments, the metropolitan Rhein-Neckar region is well known for its distinctive culture of innovation. National and international rankings continually confirm the quality of the local higher educational environment. Regionally rooted and internationally connected, the metropolitan Rhein-Neckar is a popular destination for students from Germany and the entire world.

The "Kurpfälzer" Way of Life

In addition to the dynamic economy and top-class research and teaching, the region brings together history and culture with quality of life. Places of historical interest include Worms, the centre of the Nibelungensage (ancient heraldic poem), Speyer with the Kaiserdom cathedral, and the Hambacher Schloss, the birthplace of German democracy, to name just a few. The Pfälzer forest, picturesque wine villages, and the proximity to the Odenwald and Alsace enchant visitors with delightful landscapes, a Mediterranean-like climate, culinary delicacies, and a wide range of recreational activities.

Culturally, Ludwigshafen itself has a lot to offer. With the appointment of Hansgünther Heyme as director of the Pfalzbau Theatre, the Ludwigshafen Festival was launched. Its popularity radiates far beyond the city limits. The nationally renowned Wilhelm-Hack-Museum features interesting visiting exhibitions, which regularly attract large audiences. The German Film Festival on the Parkinsel is one of the loveliest festivals in Germany. Ludwigshafen is also well-ranked in competitive sports. Everyone knows the TSG 1899 Hoffenheim soccer club. In ice hockey, the German Ice Hockey League (DEL) record holder Adler Mannheim celebrates home games in the SAP arena and the Rhein-Neckar Lions handball team plays in the first division of the national German league.

Map of Germany

Activate map

To activate the map, please click on the "Show map" button. Please note that after activation, data will be transmitted to OpenStreetMap. You can find more information about this in our privacy policy.

Contact

Main contact

Department of Marketing and Human Resources Management

Name
Eva Nefen
Address
Ernst-Boehe-Straße 4, 67059 Ludwigshafen am Rhein
Email
E-mail

Discover other scholarships

Loading scholarships...

These scholarships might be available to this degree programme. Please select a country of origin first. 

Always know what comes next

Study Guide gives you a personal to-do list tailored to your background, qualifications and interests, so you always know what to do next.