MBA International Business Management and Leadership MBA
With its international EFMD accreditation, the MBA in International Business Management and Leadership belongs to the top group of German MBA programmes. Flexibility is a major priority: Choose the length of study that suits you, select a destination for your module abroad and decide on one of three tracks. Together with international fellow students, you will develop your leadership skills and your personality.
At a glance
alumni voices
programme structure
The MBA in International Business Management and Leadership is composed of the following modules:
1
Semester
- Accounting
- Business English
- Scientific Methods 1
- Cross Cultural Behaviour
- Leadership
- Business Ethics
- Digital Process Management
- Electives (also possible in London)
2
Semester
- International Strategy (optionally in Bangkok, Cape Town or Brisbane)
- International Marketing (optionally in Bangkok, Cape Town or Brisbane)
- Int. Economics & Finance
- Managing for Sustainability
- Leadership
- International Supply Chain Management
- Electives (also possible in London)
3
Track: General Management
- Change Management and Entrepreneurship
- International Market Analysis and Development
- International Human Resources Managemnt
- Projects
- Scientific Methods 2
3
Track: Supply Chain Management
- Internal Logistics Processes
- Management of Supply Chain Networks
- Strategic Supply Chain Management
- Supplier & Inventory Management
- Projects
- Scientific Methods 2
3
Track: Sales Management
- International Sales Strategy
- Sales Channel Management
- Sales Organisation and Key Account Management
- Projects
- Scientific Methods 2
4
Semester
- Master Thesis
Join us for our virtual information evening and get to know us personally. Our team will provide you with a comprehensive introduction to our MBA programme, and we will be available to answer any questions you may have. We’re excited to connect with you and look forward to meeting you virtually!
Would you like to know exactly what each individual module offers? In the PDF you will find a detailed description of each module.
In the MBA programme you can expand your knowledge from a previous Bachelor’s degree programme (e.g. engineering, computer science, medicine, pharmacy or social sciences and humanities). With its international orientation and focus on leadership, the programme is also interesting for Bachelor graduates in business administration and other fields.
Majors
Which focus would you like to choose?
General Management
Markets, customer demands, technologies and the availability of resources are changing ever faster. The same applies to the political and financial framework conditions for companies. As a manager, you are therefore constantly faced with the challenge of developing and implementing fundamental changes in your organisation. To do this, you need skills in the areas of market analysis, entrepreneurship, intercultural behaviour and change management. These skills are trained in the General Management Track. The final project offers you the unique opportunity to apply the full range of your MBA knowledge in a real business environment.
International Sales Management
Sales play an important role not only for established products, but also for complex, novel and accordingly consultation-intensive products. In addition to product satisfaction, customer satisfaction in sales and service is a central customer retention factor or, if not present, also a reason for customer churn. In this track you will learn how to develop innovative sales concepts, customer-focused advice and effective sales processes and systems. In the B2B sector, efficient key account management plays a special role, which must be precisely aligned with international sales structures and target groups. Lecturers from the private and business customer sectors help you to develop into a sales expert.
International Supply Chain Management
Supply chain management is more topical than ever. Not least the Corona pandemic has shown how important the topic is. Distribution channels suddenly shift, supply flows change because suppliers are unable to deliver or transport routes do not work. That is why the economy needs qualified managers with knowledge of logistics and supply chain management in an international environment. In this track you will learn to plan, implement and control logistics processes. In addition, you will gain an insight into SAP as an IT tool to handle the internal flow of information in process flows. Furthermore, the cooperation with suppliers and logistic service providers, the evaluation of outsourcing strategies and the negotiation of offers are examined in detail. Case studies and real projects in industry, retail and service companies are essential components of the project week.
With the General Management Track, the MBA offers you a holistic management programme. However, if you want to specialise, you can choose between two specialisation subjects: Supply Chain Management and Sales Management.
stay abroad
Explore the world
The programme is conducted entirely in English. A period of study abroad – in South Africa, Thailand or Australia – forms an integral part of the programme. You also have the option to study one week (one elective) at the Kingston University in London. Additionally, lectures are enriched by the experiences of international students and lecturers.
Where do you want to go?
The second semester includes the modules International Strategy and International Marketing. You can choose to complete these modules in South Africa, Australia or Thailand. Depending on the destination, the corresponding seminars are spread over 2 to 8 weeks:
South Africa
- Duration: 2 Weeks
- Destination: Cape Town
- Partner University: Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town
Australia
- Duration: 8 weeks
- Destination: Brisbane
- Partner University: QUT Graduate School of Business Brisbane
- Special features: This partner university is the first business school in Australia with ‘Triple International Accreditation’.
- Note: associated with additional costs
Thailand
- Duration: 3 weeks
- Destination: Bangkok
- Partner University: NIDA Business School Bangkok
- Note: Implementation depends on the respective group size
The MBA programme prepares you to communicate and
work in an international business environment. This is achieved through close cooperation with our internationally renowned partner universities.
Flexible study options
Studying despite a full-time job?
We offer you full flexibility so that you can balance work, private life and your MBA studies:
Alternative dates
The programme is structured in such a way that you can also complete the MBA alongside a full-time job. If you miss a seminar, that’s no problem: as we run several MBA classes at the same time, there is the possibility to catch up on seminars.
Individual study duration
Decide for yourself whether you would prefer to divide your MBA studies into 2 – 3 semesters (full-time) or 4 semesters (part-time).
Lectures at weekends and in blocks
The MBA is a part-time degree programme. You can complete this degree programme parallel to your job. The lectures take place (mainly) at the weekend.
- Weekend blocks: Usually Friday to Sunday from 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
- Introductory weeks: 2 weeks at the beginning of the programme, daily from 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
- Study abroad: 2 weeks in Cape Town, 3 weeks in Bangkok or 8 weeks in Brisbane
- Project week: usually once from Monday to Wednesday from 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
Time Schedule
Download the preliminary schedule for the start in October 2023!
Why the MBA at the KBS?
Combine your studies with practice
Many MBA students take advantage of the opportunity to combine the MBA with practical work in a company. In addition to projects, the Master’s thesis also offers a good opportunity to come into contact with companies. But the students themselves also create a direct link to practice by bringing examples from their own companies into the seminars and stimulating discussion.
Expand your network
Thanks to the flexible study structure, you will get to know your fellow students across all semesters. The shared exchange is one of the most valuable experiences of an MBA programme. You can expand your professional network and benefit from it. Our previous students work for the following companies, for example:
- Airbus Helicopters Deutschland
- Bundeswehr
- Continental – ADC
- Dachser
- DB Engineering & Consulting
- Deckel Maho Pfronten
- Deutsche Lufhansa
- Ehrmann
- Hansgrohe
- Hilti
- Ikea Augsburg
- Liebherr
- Robert Bosch
- Siemens Healthineers
- Webasto Roof & Componenst
- ZF Friedrichshafen
Achieve your career goals
Our regular statistical surveys show that up to 70 percent of our MBA students make a career move within two to three years of starting their studies. Our leadership development programme contributes significantly to this success:
You start your MBA studies with a self-assessment of your personality and skills, which is carried out with the help of proven psychological test procedures. Based on the test results, development plans are created that relate to the personal potential fields in the area of emotional intelligence and leadership tasks. You implement these plans for leadership development directly in your workplace and everyday life. With the help of status reports and supervision during our leadership seminars, the implementation of your development plans is practically supported during the course of the study.
Trust academic quality
The Kempten MBA is internationally accredited. To receive international accreditation, one must meet specific requirements regarding size, content and quality management.
EFMD Programme Accreditation
In June 2015, the MBA received international EFMD (European Foundation for Management Development) programme accreditation. In 2018 and 2021, the MBA was successfully re-accredited.
CHE-Ranking 2020/2021
The Kempten Business School is represented for the first time in the CHE ranking with its MBA programme in 2020. Among 101 MBA programmes, the Kempten MBA belongs to the top group in the CHE ranking in terms of teaching content as well as international orientation.
System accreditation
Kempten Business School (formerly Professional School of Business & Technology) was system-accredited by FIBAA in December 2019. Since then, we have been allowed to subject our degree programmes to internal programme accreditation ourselves.
Application
Admission requirements
You should meet the following admission criteria:
- Successfully completed higher education programme (university, advanced technical college, Baden-Württemberg Cooperative State University) gaining 210 ECTS Credit Points (applicants whose academic award amounts to less than 210 ECTS Credit Points must demonstrate commensurately longer vocational experience or attend additional seminars)
- At least two years of post-graduate vocational experience
- Good knowledge of English
Alternative qualifications to those cited above will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Admission process
Applicants with German citizenship (or valid residence)
- 15 July: Application deadline
- Selection interview
- Admission or Refusal
- September: Start of the semester
for international applicants
- 30 June: Application deadline
- July: Selection interview
- July : Admission or Refusal
- September/October: Start of the semester
Application deadlines
- To start in the winter semester: extended until 15 July (30 June for international students)
- To start in the summer semester: 15 January each year (30 November for international students)
Did you miss the application deadline? No problem! Just write us an email at [email protected]
Application documents
- Your curriculum vitae
- A photo for your student ID
- A copy of the certificate of your academic qualification
- Proof of more than two years’ vocational experience (confirmation from your employer or an older professional reference)
- Evidence of English proficiency (TOEFL test: min. score 80 or IELTS language test: min. band score 6.5 – please consult the Kempten Business School)
- A brief personal statement (explaining why you wish to enrol on our MBA programme and outlining your future career plans)
FAQ
General Topics
When do the lectures take place?
Most of the lectures take place at the weekend. However, we will arrange your lecture schedule individually for you – depending on which module abroad and which focus you choose.
When is the application deadline?
- To start in the winter semester: until 15 July (30 June for international students)
- To start in the summer semester: 15 January each year (30 November for international students)
Did you miss the application deadline? No problem! Just write us an email at [email protected]
Is there an information event?
Do you still have questions about the content, the programme or the application? At the virtual info evening on Zoom, we will introduce you to the MBA programme and answer your questions.
Any Questions?
Just send us an email at [email protected]. We will be pleased to assist you.
For Internationals
What is the quality of the education system in Germany?
Germany’s excellent education system makes it an great choice for anyone who values globally respected, robust academic training in courses such as business administration. A study conducted by the British Council placed Germany in pole position in the internationalisation of higher education in a comparison of the higher education systems in eleven different countries. The evaluation criteria were access, quality and reputation of qualifications, support for foreign students and encouragement for the country’s own academics to study and research abroad.
Does the MBA improve the chances of getting a job in Germany?
Do you dream of living and working in Germany? If so, consider studying at the Professional School as your first step towards making your dream come true. German legislation allows international students to take up employment in Germany. Many of our current students and alumni work for a German employer – or did so as a student, and got taken on after graduating.
International students from outside the European Union / European Economic Area can even work alongside their studies for 120 full or 240 half days per year. Foreign students granted permanent residence do not require a special work permit. You can find information about German employment law and the extent to which you can work as a student while studying for your MBA in International Business Management & Leadership on the website of the Deutsches Studentenwerk e.V.
Can I stay in Germany after my MBA?
After successfully completing your studies here, you have up to 18 months to look for an appropriate job in Germany. Having done so, you can apply for a residence permit for work purposes. After two years of employment, you will be eligible to apply for a permanent residence permit.
In addition, draft legislation is being considered to ease access for specialist workers from outside the EU. After graduating from a German institution of higher education, foreign students are to be permitted to make a living from any kind of work, not necessarily related to their qualifications. You can look for potential employers on the Career Platform at Kempten University of Applied Sciences.
Further information on employment opportunities and working in Germany can be found on the German Federal Government’s official website.
Studying MBA & Leadership in Germany – why Kempten?
Considered to be the oldest town in Germany, Kempten is a great place to live, set in picturesque southern Germany on the edge of Alps. Its proximity to Munich and the thriving economic hub around Lake Constance make Kempten an excellent destination for ambitious young professionals wishing to study for a Master’s in Business Administration.
The team of staff at the Professional School is on hand to help applicants abroad plan their studies, look for accommodation, find an internship and identify a suitable course in German, and it also runs tandem programmes for students.
We are here to help you get off to the best possible start on your MBA programme in Germany. So please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions. We have gathered useful information about organising your stay, such as visas, funding, health insurance and accommodation right here.
Which visa do I need?
EU citizens
All that EU citizens need to start studying in Germany – the same as a any local – is to register at the relevant Residents’ Registration Office. Citizens of countries that joined the European Union on either 1 May 2004 or 1 January 2007 are still subject to certain transition regulations regarding freedom of employment.
Students from Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea or the United States of America
Students from these countries can acquire the necessary residence permit after they have arrived in Germany. The same applies to citizens of Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco and San Marino, as long as employment is not sought. Everyone else will need to apply for a visa to the relevant German foreign representation.
Further information
International students wishing to study in Germany for more than 90 days require a visa.
The DAAD has summarised the legal requirements for immigration and residency here: www.study-in-germany.de/en
Are there any other scholarships for the MBA programme?
DAAD
The most important source of bursaries for international students is the German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst – DAAD). The DAAD website provides extensive information about Germany.
The DAAD also has information on the funding available to students. You can explore the various options in the Scholarships database.
Deutschlandstipendium scholarship
Talented students can apply for a Deutschlandstipendium scholarship. Applicants’ previous academic achievements (final grade for first degree), social commitment | voluntary activities, willingness to take on responsibilities and/or special personal circumstances are considered with regard to these bursaries. You can find our more about the Deutschlandstipendium scholarship and application process here.
BAYHOST: Scholarships for students and scientists from eastern Europe.
The Bavarian State Ministry for Science and the Arts is expected to once again award annual scholarships for graduates from Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Ukraine. These scholarships are intended to fund doctoral or other postgraduate studies at a Bavarian institution of higher education. You can find our more about the eligibility criteria and application process here.
What is the approximate cost of living in Kempten?
The cost of living in Kempten is moderate, but can vary immensely according to lifestyle. A breakdown of the average costs for food and drink, rent, clothing, health insurance and recreational pursuits is listed here.
Do I need health insurance in Germany?
All students in Germany are subject to mandatory health insurance – irrespective of how long they intend to study or remain in the country.
Social insurance agreements exist with some countries (member states of the European Union and the European Economic Area), whereby if you have statutory health insurance in your home country it is possible for this to be recognised by a German statutory health insurer. Please note that your insurance might not cover all the services provided in Germany, or perhaps not reimburse all costs. Please note that your insurance might not cover all the services provided in Germany, or perhaps not reimburse all costs.
Further information about this is available on the website of the Deutsches Studentenwerk.
Where can I live during my MBA studies?
Please visit the website of Augsburg Student Union for an overview of student halls of residence in Kempten.
Please note: You will need to apply to each hall of residence separately for a room there.
Furnished rooms are also advertised in the local daily press and online. Try the following links:
Do I have to register my residence?
As soon as you have found somewhere to live in Kempten, you must register with the Citizens’ Service for Foreigners at Kempten Town Council.
Registration forms and contact details can be found here:
We will be happy to help you with the registration process – just get in touch!
Can I work during my studies?
Current vacancies for work, internships or student jobs are advertised on the university notice board and online at Kempten University of Applied Sciences – Job Offers.
We can also recommend the EFMD Global Network jobs portal. Our international EPAS-accreditation grants us membership of the EFMD Global Network, offering our students exclusive access to its excellent job portal – advertising opportunities both in Germany and abroad.
Further information about all aspects of working in Germany can also be found above, in the section “Ticket to Germany’s job market”.
We will be happy to help you look for a placement for an internship.
