International Business Administration (BIBA)

The International Business Administration (BIBA) program at the Otto Beisheim School of Management offers a comprehensive and globally oriented education designed to prepare students for the dynamic challenges of today’s international business landscape. This rigorous program combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, empowering students to develop critical thinking, leadership skills, and cultural awareness essential for successful careers in various industries worldwide. Students will engage with core subjects such as strategic management, marketing, finance, organizational behavior, and international economics, alongside specialized courses in cross-cultural communication, global trade, and digital transformation.

Throughout the program, students have the opportunity to participate in international exchange semesters, internships, and study trips, fostering a truly global perspective and practical experience. The curriculum emphasizes innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, ensuring graduates are equipped to navigate and influence the evolving business environment responsibly. Small class sizes and close interaction with faculty promote personalized learning and mentorship, while interdisciplinary projects and case studies encourage teamwork and problem-solving skills. Additionally, the program offers various extracurricular activities, networking events, and industry collaborations that enhance professional development and industry insights.

Graduates of the BIBA program are well-prepared to pursue careers in multinational corporations, consulting firms, financial institutions, or to embark on entrepreneurial ventures. They possess the ability to analyze complex international markets, develop strategic solutions, and communicate effectively across diverse cultural contexts. With a strong foundation in business principles and a global outlook, alumni are equipped to contribute meaningfully to organizations operating across borders or to create innovative solutions that address global business challenges. The program’s focus on practical skills, international exposure, and academic excellence makes it a distinctive choice for aspiring business leaders seeking a truly international career profile.

Educational organisation

The Bachelor in International Business Administration programme combines five modules. In the first semesters these include:

• Foundations of Business Administration
• Foundations of Economics
• Quantitative Methods (Mathematics and Statistics)
• Language and Intercultural Competence
• Business Law

Except for the courses in "Language and Intercultural Competence", all courses in the above modules are mandatory. By dividing the students into three small groups for the completion of their core courses, we ensure excellent student support.

Languages
Language courses are an integral part of the curriculum. Students choose at least one language from the following options:

• Chinese
• English
• French
• German
• Italian
• Japanese
• Russian
• Spanish

Advanced knowledge of at least one of the above languages prior to the start of the programme is mandatory. Language courses are taught exclusively by native speakers. The course size varies from six to a maximum of fourteen students.

The language of instruction is English (with the option to choose a German-English track). International students are encouraged to take German courses as part of, or in addition to, their studies.

Elective courses
Building on the knowledge and skills obtained in the first three semesters, students choose their elective courses beginning in the fourth semester. The course size typically varies between 20 and 30 students.

General Studies demand outside-the-box thinking
WHU's "General Studies" module offers courses ranging from philosophy, psychology and engineering to history, culture and politics. In particular, ethical questions concerning individual behaviour, the influence of emotions on the human decision-making process, basic philosophical questions of the present, conflict behaviour, learning strategies and methods, as well as important historical events and cultural/technological change are addressed in these courses. All in all, they enable students to think outside the economic box.

Research-oriented courses allow for different focuses
The module "Research-Oriented Courses" offers econometrics, market research methods, and seminars in the areas of accounting and controlling, economics, finance, innovation and entrepreneurship, marketing and sales, as well as strategy and organisation and supply chain management. Students choose four courses from four different areas.

Emphasising different modules
Students choose six courses from a wide range of focus areas, typically offered in the fourth and fifth semesters.
Likewise, the module "International Management" is taught in the second semester, concluding with the study trip "Management Abroad Course".

Study abroad unit(s)

All students spend one semester at one of WHU's approx. 200 partner universities worldwide to deepen the knowledge and skills acquired within the first semesters at WHU. The semester abroad also provides students with the opportunity to gain insight into the social, cultural, and economic environment of their host country.
We offer a variety of language and intercultural training opportunities to prepare students for their semester abroad. All courses completed abroad are incorporated into the student's diploma supplement.

Internships

Our students complete two internships (each four weeks minimum), the first one during the summer break between the second and third semester and the second between the fourth and fifth semester. Our Career Center team will assist you in finding an appropriate internship and help you build your professional network starting from day one.

Forms of assessment

Various modules may use more than one type of assessment, enabling students to demonstrate their capabilities in different ways, e.g., working both individually and in teams. Methods used include formal written examinations, individual coursework, essays and assignments, reports, and case study analyses.

Course objectives

The Bachelor of Science in International Business Administration at WHU is designed as an undergraduate university degree in business administration.
Offering a unique blend of a broad-based curriculum, practical experience, and international exposure, the programme equips students with the professional skills and comprehensive mindset needed to thrive in today's rapidly changing global business environment.

Language requirements

As the teaching language is English, applicants have to provide proof of their English skills.

WHU accepts the following tests and results:
TOEFL score of at least 100 points (95 bilingual track) (internet-based); IELTS of 7.0 (6.5 bilingual track) (Academic Module), or Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE-A/CPE) (CAE-C bilingual track)

Academic requirements

• Secondary school diploma or higher education qualification equivalent
• Biographical questionnaire and CV (WHU application materials are available on our website)
• Advanced English skills
• Internship of six weeks, or equivalent practical experience prior to beginning the programme
• Upon request, two letters of recommendation (e.g., from school principal) confirming outstanding academic performance/social commitment
• Successful participation in our personal admission test

Enrolment fees

Between 65 and 105 EUR

Costs of living

Approx. 800 EUR per month to cover personal expenses

Job opportunities

Two internships completed in the summer semesters

Funding opportunities within the university

Inability to pay the tuition fee has never prevented anyone from attending WHU. WHU's goal is to admit the most qualified candidates, regardless of their social background and national origin.
Please visit our website at http://www.whu.edu/en/programs/bachelor-in-international-business-administration-biba/tuition-financing for current information about financing options offered to our international students, or contact us at bachelor@whu.edu.
http://www.whu.edu/en/programs/bachelor-in-international-business-administration-biba/tuition-financing

Arrival support

WHU's Admissions and Student Services teams provide support throughout the programme, including arrival, visa, accommodation, life in Germany, etc.

Services and support for international students

WHU's Admissions and Student Services teams provide support in matters concerning both academia and daily life.

Accommodation

Vallendar and its surrounding area offer excellent accommodation opportunities, ranging from private apartments to residence halls, right up to "last-minute beds". Rent ranges from 250-500 EUR, including utilities.
Most students choose to live near the campus, taking advantage of the proximity to lectures and the opportunity to get together at any time.
We offer extra support in finding accommodation to our international students.
In addition to public services such as internet portals, WHU students can access apartment lists of available apartments.
An overview of the various types of accommodation we offer can be found at: http://www.whu.edu