International Business Administration (M.Sc.)

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Key Facts

Degree

Master of Science (M.Sc.)

Duration of study

4 semesters

Mode of study

Full-time, part-time

Main course languages

German, English

International double degree

optional

Start of studies

Winter and summer semesters

Admission

Restricted admission (with numerus clausus)

Costs

no tuition fees

Application period

Winter semester: 1 to 31 May
Summer semester: 1 to 30 November

Launching into the global economy with research and leadership skills

Are you aiming for a leadership role in international business or an academic career? On the Master’s programme in International Business Administration, you will deepen your understanding of how businesses operate in an environment characterised by global supply chains, cultural diversity and dynamic markets.

On the International Business Administration Master’s programme, you will tailor your studies to your interests and career goals, laying the foundations for leadership roles in business and academia – with a research-oriented, multilingual and interdisciplinary approach. You will study for four semesters in an international environment and complete an integrated semester abroad at one of our more than 290 partner universities worldwide. You will choose one of six study options (tracks) and thus specialise according to your interests and strengths:

  • Accounting, Taxation & Law (ATL)
  • Data Science & Decision Support (DSDS)
  • Finance, Accounting, Controlling & Taxation (FACT)
  • Finance & International Economics (FINE)
  • Management & Marketing (M&M)
  • Inter-functional track

In addition to in-depth business expertise, you will acquire comprehensive skills in the application of scientific research methods. Small study groups and personal interaction with lecturers will support you on your path to successfully completing your degree.

As a graduate of the International Business Administration Master’s programme, you will possess in-depth expertise in business administration and comprehensive methodological skills, enabling you to take on challenging specialist and leadership roles in internationally operating companies. The analytical, intercultural and research-oriented skills you acquire during your studies are particularly sought after in international companies and organisations, as well as in audit and tax consultancy firms. Alternatively, the Master's degree qualifies you for a PhD and opens the door to an academic career.

Special Features

We are a university where everything is within easy reach and where personal interaction is key: you will study in close contact with your lecturers and in small, manageable study groups. The Viadrina Language Centre is your point of contact for language courses and exams. Throughout all stages of your studies, you will have access to a comprehensive range of advisory and support services, including a targeted Student Advisory Service, a supportive Centre for Teaching and Learning and a well-connected Career Center, which supports you on your path to a professional career whilst you are still studying. The Viadrina Start-up Center supports you if you wish to set up your own business. Through the Alumni Network, as a graduate, you can access important information, events and job vacancies.

On the International Business Administration Master’s programme, you will enhance your international profile. Individual tracks can be studied entirely in English. International students receive integrated German language tuition at the Viadrina Language Centre. A compulsory semester abroad and the option of an international double degree prepare you for the global job market – ideal conditions for successfully taking on responsibility in internationally active companies.

You will benefit from the European University’s unique location at the crossroads between Eastern and Western Europe, which offers you a unique pan-European perspective.



Qualifications and Career Prospects

On the research-oriented International Business Administration Master’s programme, you will deepen your specialist knowledge of economics, broaden your analytical and academic skills, and build an intercultural network. Through individual specialisation, you will refine your professional profile and prepare specifically for leadership roles in an international environment or an academic career.

The international environment at Viadrina and the wide range of study abroad opportunities offer you the chance to build your personal and professional international network whilst you are still studying.

With a Master’s degree in International Business Administration, a wide range of career paths are open to you both at home and abroad. Business management expertise is in demand in almost every sector – from international companies and start-ups to small and medium-sized enterprises, non-profit organisations, hospitals and public institutions. Depending on your interests and specialisations, you could, for example, work in the following areas:

  • Corporate Governance and Strategic Management
  • Advisory and Consultancy
  • Finance and Controlling
  • Data Analytics and Business Intelligence
  • Marketing and Sales
  • Production and Logistics Management, Supply Chain Management
  • Auditing
  • Project Management
  • Academia and Research

USPs

Why study with us?

  • International expertise thanks to an integrated study period abroad and international double degree options
  • Tailored to your interests thanks to individually selectable tracks
  • A combination of economic expertise and research competence
  • Interdisciplinary perspectives through optional modules in the fields of culture, law and digital transformation
  • Personal guidance and individual support
  • Consistently at the top of the CHE rankings
  • On a campus that encourages direct interaction and short distances, in the heart of Europe, conveniently located near Berlin

Track-specific Requirements

Academic requirements

To study the track Accounting, Taxation & Law (ATL), you will need:

If your degree does not meet the specified subject requirements, admission is generally not possible.

Language requirements

For the ATL track, you must demonstrate English language proficiency at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The following are recognised:

  • Cambridge Advanced or Proficiency: at least 176 marks,
  • IELTS (academic): at least 6.5 marks,
  • TOEFL (iBT only; not ITP, not Essentials, not MyBest™ Score; TOEFL ID code: 4782): a minimum of 4.5 (from 21 January 2026) or a minimum of 80 (until 20 January 2026),
  • UNIcert II certificate.

In the ATL track, German is the language of instruction and examination, as is English. If you did not obtain your further education admissions certificate in Germany, you will need proof of German language proficiency in the form of a pass in the German Language Examination for University Admission of Foreign Applicants (DSH) or an equivalent test.

Academic requirements

To study the track Data Science & Decision Support (DSDS), you will need:

If your degree does not meet the specified subject requirements, admission is generally not possible.

Language requirements

For the DSDS track, you must demonstrate English language proficiency at level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The following certificates are accepted:

You do not need to provide proof of German language proficiency when applying for the DSDS track. International students without German language skills will receive German language training during their studies and must successfully complete level B1.

Academic requirements

To study the track Finance, Accounting, Controlling & Taxation (FACT), you will need:

If your degree does not meet the specified subject requirements, admission is generally not possible.

Language requirements

For the FACT track, you must demonstrate English language proficiency at level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The following certificates are accepted:

In the FACT track, German is the language of instruction and examination, as is English. If you did not obtain your further education admissions certificate in Germany, you will need proof of German language proficiency in the form of a pass in the German Language Test for University Admission for Foreign Applicants (DSH) or an equivalent test.

Academic requirements

To study the track Finance & International Economics (FINE), you will need:

If your degree does not meet the specified subject requirements, admission is generally not possible.

Language requirements

For the FINE track, you must demonstrate English language proficiency at level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The following certificates are accepted:

In the FINE track, German is the language of instruction and examination, as is English. If you did not obtain your further education admissions certificate in Germany, you will need proof of German language proficiency in the form of a pass in the German Language Examination for University Admission of Foreign Applicants (DSH) or an equivalent test.

Academic requirements

To study the track Management & Marketing (M&M), you will need:

If your degree does not meet the specified subject requirements, admission is generally not possible.

Language requirements

For the M&M track, you must demonstrate English language proficiency at level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The following certificates are accepted:

In the M&M track, German is the language of instruction and examination, as is English. If you did not obtain your further education admissions certificate in Germany, you will need proof of German language proficiency in the form of a pass in the German Language Examination for University Admission of Foreign Applicants (DSH) or an equivalent test.

Academic requirements

To study the inter-functional track, you will need:

If your degree does not meet the specified subject requirements, admission is generally not possible.

Language requirements

For the inter-functional track, you must provide evidence of English language proficiency at level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The following certificates are accepted:

You do not need to provide evidence of German language proficiency when applying for the inter-functional track. International students without German language skills will receive German language training during their studies and must successfully complete level B1.

If you do not yet hold a Bachelor’s degree, you may still apply provided that, based on your academic progress to date, it is likely that you will obtain the degree in time for the start of the Master’s programme. As proof, please submit a transcript of your academic record from your university showing your provisional average mark.

An individual preliminary assessment of the entry requirements is not possible. Whether the requirements are met will be assessed on the basis of the application documents submitted after the application deadline has passed.

Please note the following regarding proof of language proficiency:

Proof of the required language proficiency must be submitted in the form of a verifiable document. If you do not submit proof of the required level by the deadline, you will not be able to enrol on the degree programme.

Apart from the tests and certificates specified for each track, we do not accept any other proof of language proficiency.

The language certificate must not be more than three years old.

To ensure you meet the deadlines, we recommend that you make arrangements to obtain the relevant language certificate well in advance.

Only prospective students who have obtained their Bachelor’s degree in English in one of the following countries are exempt from proving their English language proficiency: Australia, Ireland, Canada, Malta, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, the USA. Otherwise, you must provide evidence of one of the language certificates listed below.

Proof of your current proficiency in German must be submitted with your application documents so that it can be determined whether this proficiency is sufficient for the degree programme or not; or whether you must take the German Language Test for University Admission (DSH) or an equivalent examination before commencing your studies. The European University Viadrina offers a pre-degree German course.

Prospective students are exempt from the DSH if they: Hold German-language A-levels (Abitur), have successfully completed a German-language degree programme at a German university with a standard duration of at least six semesters, or hold the German Language Diploma from the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs, Level II (DSD II) at level C1 in all four parts of the examination, hold the Goethe Certificate C2 from the Goethe-Institut, have obtained the TestDaF certificate and – have achieved at least level TDN 4 in all four sections, have passed the language examination ‘telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule’ with an overall grade of ‘good’ (i.e. at least 172 points), or have already taken the DSH.

Further information on the tracks

Application and Enrolment

Here you can find information on the subject-specific and language requirements for the various tracks.

Admission to this study course is restricted. Please note the application deadlines.

Application for the first subject semester is possible in both the winter and summer semesters.

If you obtained your school-leaving qualification abroad, you are classified as an educational foreigner. In this case, your eligibility for admission will be assessed by uni-assist e.V. and shorter deadlines apply. Our step-by-step guide will help you with your application. Once uni-assist has reviewed your application, your documents will be forwarded to us. You will receive your login details for our viaCampus portal and further information on enrolment from the Admissions Office.

If you have obtained your school-leaving qualification in Germany or hold German citizenship, you apply online directly in viaCampus. There, you will upload the required documents.

If you are coming to Viadrina as a visiting student for a semester abroad, or if you have decided to complete your entire degree programme at Viadrina, you will find additional information for incoming students here.

Admissions Office: Advice on the application and enrolment process
Central Student Advisory Service: further advice on starting your studies (housing, financing, arriving)
Viadrina International Affairs: specific information and advice for prospective students from abroad

Programme Structure

You will gain specialist knowledge in economics and law and specialise in the fields of accounting, taxation and business law. Current and practice-oriented topics, such as the digitalisation of tax processes or the systematic assessment of a company’s sustainability criteria, form an integral part of the curriculum. This expertise opens up excellent career prospects in crisis-proof sectors: from auditing and tax consultancy to management consultancy. If you wish, you can prepare for the tax adviser examination (Steuerberaterprüfung) by selecting specific modules.

You will analyse complex data sets and use statistical models, artificial intelligence and process optimisation methods to translate them into robust recommendations for action. Drawing on this expertise, you will gain data-driven insights, develop decision-making models and solve complex business problems within an international corporate context. As a data analyst, you are in high demand in sectors such as consultancy, retail, finance, pharmaceuticals and the automotive industry, as well as in public administration and non-governmental organisations. Roles such as Chief Information Officer, Chief Operations Officer or Chief Executive Officer are also attractive options for you.

You will specialise in the fields of corporate finance, international accounting, management accounting and taxation. You will analyse complex financial relationships, evaluate investments, risks and business decisions using quantitative methods, and develop well-thought-out approaches to the strategic and financial management of companies. You will be qualified for demanding specialist and managerial roles in consultancy firms, banks, research departments or in group controlling.

You will gain expertise in the structures, developments and distinctive features of international economic relations, as well as the complex economic interrelationships involved in European integration. You will examine international financial markets, the European Single Market, and European and international economic and monetary policy, and assess their impact on businesses, organisations and national economies. You will be ideally prepared for roles in multinational companies, international institutions and organisations, as well as internationally active consultancy firms.

You will acquire the academically grounded expertise required to analyse international corporate and market strategies, design organisational and change processes, and evaluate marketing concepts for international and intercultural markets. With your in-depth expertise in market analysis, organisational development and innovation, your career prospects include senior positions in international companies and organisations – particularly in Central and Eastern European markets.

You can freely choose modules from the full range of courses offered by the DSDS, FACT, FINE and M&M tracks, thereby specialising in the areas of your choice.

You may have non-economics modules worth a maximum of 18 credits recognised. These include courses offered by the Faculty of Social and Cultural Sciences and the Faculty of Law at Viadrina, the European New School of Digital Studies (ENS), and courses at other universities. Language courses, soft skills modules and internships are not eligible for credit.

Prospective international students who do not provide proof of German language proficiency at level B1 prior to commencing their studies will be offered a German language course worth 18 credits to be taken alongside their degree programme, which will count towards their module assessment.

During the second stage of your studies, you will complete at least one integrated semester lasting a minimum of three months at one of our more than 290 partner universities worldwide (study period abroad).

Our International Office will assist you with the planning, organisation and recognition of your period of study abroad.

Optionally, you have the opportunity to complete the IBA Master’s programme as an international double degree. You will study for one year at Viadrina and one year abroad, and receive your degree from both universities.

We offer double degrees with the following partner universities:

If you are applying for the IBA Master’s programme for the summer semester, the application deadlines for semesters abroad or double degrees usually fall before you receive confirmation of your place on the Master’s programme. In this case, we recommend that you apply for your planned study abroad placement before you receive confirmation of your place on the programme. Information on the application procedure for study abroad placements can be found on the websites of the Division of International Affairs.

Further information

You will complete your degree with a Master’s thesis and an accompanying final colloquium. In doing so, you will demonstrate that you are able to apply academic methods independently, address complex issues – such as those arising from business practice – and produce academically sound analyses.

Further information

Student Advisory Service

Porträt: Ingo Trenkmann

Ingo Trenkmann

Office hours

Information on office hours can be found here.

Study Documents and Links

Information for students and prospective students