The International School of Management (ISM) is a top-ranked, state-approved Private University of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschule) and an ideal destination for those looking to study abroad. Located in the vibrant city of Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia, ISM offers over 30 practice-oriented bachelor's, master's, and preparatory programs taught in both English and German. Every year, ambitious international students choose the International School of Management (ISM) to advance their global education. You can seamlessly begin your application through ApplyBoard for their two main intakes, typically in September and March.
About International School of Management (ISM)
Established in 1990, International School of Management (ISM) enrolls over 3,200 students across campuses in Frankfurt am Main, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, and Berlin. The main campus is at the Dortmund Technology Park, located centrally in the Ruhr metropolitan region. The region is a hub for innovation and business, making International School of Management (ISM) an excellent choice for students targeting careers in international business, finance, and marketing.
International School of Management (ISM) delivers career-focused programs developed in close partnership with industry. The university is consistently ranked among the top institutions in Germany for student satisfaction and academic excellence.
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International School of Management (ISM) Fees for International Students
Unlike most public universities in Germany, International School of Management (ISM) is a private institution and charges tuition fees for its degree programs. Students are required to pay international tuition fees of approximately €11,940–€12,960 per year, depending on the degree level and study model (Bachelor, Master, or MBA). A traditional public university Semester Contribution (Semesterbeitrag) does not apply in the same way, though students may opt to pay for a regional public transport pass (Semesterticket). Note that non-EU/EEA students are typically required to pay a one-time enrollment fee of €1,500.
Note: Fees at International School of Management (ISM) vary depending on the program level and campus. The figures shown here are estimates only. Always confirm the exact cost for your specific program on the individual program page before applying.
Programs at International School of Management (ISM)
International School of Management (ISM) offers over 20 programs across multiple disciplines. The university has several academic faculties, with particular strengths in Business Administration, Finance & Management, Marketing & Communications, and Business Psychology.
Business and Management
ISM provides a strong foundation in global business practices with programs like BSc International Management, BA Global Brand & Fashion Management, and MSc International Business, ensuring graduates are ready to lead in competitive corporate environments.
Finance and Real Estate
Students aiming for careers in the financial sector or property markets can pursue specialized degrees such as the BSc Finance & Management and MSc Real Estate Management, offering deep analytical skills and industry-specific knowledge.
Marketing and Psychology
Combining creative strategies with consumer behavioral analysis, ISM offers degrees like the BSc Business Psychology and MA Strategic Marketing Management to train students in effective, modern communication and data-driven marketing.
Note: Check the ApplyBoard platform for currently available programs, teaching languages (German vs. English), and campus options for International School of Management (ISM).
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements at International School of Management (ISM) vary by program level. The general minimums below are a guide — always confirm specific requirements for your chosen program before applying.
- Bachelor's Programs: You must have a university entrance qualification (Abitur equivalent). If your high school diploma is not directly recognized in Germany, you may be required to complete a one-year foundation course (Studienkolleg) and pass the Feststellungsprüfung (FSP) before beginning your degree.
- Master's Programs: A recognized bachelor's degree in a related field with at least 180 ECTS credits (or 210 ECTS for Fast Track options). MBA programs additionally require at least two years of relevant professional work experience.
- APS Certificate: Applicants from India, China, and Vietnam must submit an Akademische Prüfstelle (APS) certificate proving the authenticity of their academic documents to apply for a student visa.
- Passport: A valid passport is required.
Language Requirements
Proof of language proficiency is mandatory. For English-taught programs, applicants must submit scores corresponding to a B2 level or higher, such as IELTS (minimum 6.0), TOEFL iBT (minimum 80), or equivalent. For German-taught programs, accepted tests typically include TestDaF, DSH, Goethe-Zertifikat C1, or telc C1 Hochschule. Minimum scores vary by program — confirm the requirement for your specific degree on the International School of Management (ISM) program page.
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How to Apply to International School of Management (ISM) Through ApplyBoard
You apply to International School of Management (ISM) through the ApplyBoard platform. There is no application fee to submit your initial application. International School of Management (ISM) issues an Admission Letter (Zulassungsbescheid) once your complete application has been successfully evaluated and you have passed the admission interview. Processing begins as soon as the institution receives all required documents.
Note: Submission processing timelines are optimized for rapid turnaround. For applications from India and Nigeria, ApplyBoard typically reviews, verifies, and completes the submission pipeline within 24 hours of receipt. For all other countries, the standard submission turnaround time is 48 hours. Once successfully submitted to the institution, standard university evaluation steps apply. If additional post-submission clarifications are required, the overall decision timeline can extend to 14–16 working days.
Before applying, prepare your official academic transcripts, language test results, passport, and CV. If you are applying from India, China, or Vietnam, apply for your APS Certificate as early as possible.
Submit your application through the ApplyBoard platform. Choose your program and preferred intake (Winter or Summer semester).
If successful after your interview, International School of Management (ISM) will issue an Admission Letter. Review it carefully to pay any required non-EU enrollment fees and secure your spot.
To apply for your student visa, you must open a German Blocked Account and deposit a minimum of €11,904 (as of 2025/2026) to prove you can support yourself for your first year of studies.
Apply for a National Visa (Type D) at the German embassy or consulate in your home country using your Admission Letter, Blocked Account confirmation, APS certificate (if applicable), and valid health insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions: International School of Management (ISM)
International School of Management (ISM) is located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The main campus is in Dortmund, with additional facilities located in Frankfurt am Main, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, and Berlin.
Yes. Non-EU/EEA students must open a Blocked Account to prove they have sufficient financial resources to receive a student visa. For the 2025/2026 academic year, the German government requires a deposit of €11,904 (€992 per month). Once in Germany, you can withdraw a maximum of €992 per month to cover living expenses.
A Studienkolleg is a one-year preparatory college for international students whose secondary school leaving certificate is not considered equivalent to the German Abitur. It prepares you for the university assessment exam (Feststellungsprüfung or FSP) required to begin your bachelor's degree.
Yes. Under current German immigration laws, international students from non-EU/EEA countries are permitted to work up to 140 full days or 280 half days per calendar year. During the lecture period, students are generally restricted to working a maximum of 20 hours per week. Always verify your specific work permissions on your residence permit.
Yes. After graduating from International School of Management (ISM), international students can apply for an 18-month Job Seeking Visa to stay in Germany and look for employment related to their field of study. Once you secure a relevant job, you can convert this to an EU Blue Card or a standard work residence permit.
International School of Management (ISM) offers international students a high-quality education in the heart of Germany, with strong industry pathways and excellent post-graduation opportunities. If you are ready to explore programs and apply, your ApplyBoard counsellor can guide you through every step.
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Browse all available International School of Management (ISM) programs on the ApplyBoard platform and apply today.