International School of Management (ISM)

The International School of Management (ISM) is one of Germany's leading private, state-recognised universities of applied sciences, specialising in business, management, finance, psychology, technology, and digital transformation. Founded in 1990, ISM has earned an excellent reputation for combining academic excellence with practical, industry-focused education.

The university offers internationally recognised Bachelor's, Master's, MBA, and doctoral pathway programmes designed to prepare students for successful global careers. ISM has a strong international outlook, welcoming students from 84+ nationalities and maintaining partnerships with approximately 190 universities worldwide, allowing students to gain valuable international exposure through exchange programmes and double-degree opportunities.

ISM is particularly recognised for its small class sizes, personalised teaching approach, close collaboration with industry, mandatory internships in many programmes, and strong graduate employability. More than 60% of ISM students begin their careers before graduation, thanks to the university's strong corporate network and career services.

Why Choose ISM Germany?

International students choose ISM because it offers:

• One of Germany's leading private business schools.
• State-recognised University of Applied Sciences.
• Prestigious AACSB Accreditation, held by only about 6% of business schools worldwide.
• Students from 84+ nationalities.
• Around 190 international partner universities.
• Strong focus on practical learning and industry projects.
• Small class sizes with a 1:15 faculty-to-student ratio.
• International exchange and double-degree opportunities.
• Excellent career services and internship support.
• More than 60% of students secure employment before graduation.
• Modern campuses located in Germany's major business cities.

Types of Courses (Study Levels)

ISM offers programmes across multiple academic levels.

Bachelor's Degrees

Students can choose from full-time, distance learning, or live online (Work & Study) options in areas such as:

• International Management
• Finance & Management
• Applied Data Science & Business Analytics
• Business Administration
• Business Psychology
• Information Systems
• Tourism & Event Management
• Marketing
• Real Estate Management
• Luxury, Fashion & Retail
• Sustainability & Business

Master's Degrees

Available in disciplines including:

• International Management
• International Business
• Finance
• Strategic Marketing Management
• Data Science & Business Intelligence
• Logistics & Supply Chain Management
• Luxury & Fashion Management
• Strategic Sports Management
• Psychology & Management
• Digital Marketing
• Entrepreneurship
• Human Resource Management

MBA Programmes

• MBA in General Management (Full-time)
• MBA in General Management (Part-time)

Doctoral Opportunities

While ISM does not award its own doctoral degrees, it offers doctoral pathways in cooperation with international partner universities, enabling eligible graduates to pursue PhD studies.

Highlights

• Established in 1990.
• State-recognised private University of Applied Sciences.
• AACSB Accredited (first private German University of Applied Sciences to receive this distinction).
• Seven campuses across Germany.
• Students from 84+ countries.
• Partnerships with approximately 190 universities worldwide.
• Small class sizes with a 1:15 faculty-to-student ratio.
• More than 50 international guest lecturers.
• Strong emphasis on practical learning and industry collaboration.
• Mandatory internships integrated into many programmes.
• More than 60% of students begin working before graduation.
• Extensive alumni and corporate network supporting career development.

Latest Updates (2026)

Recent developments at ISM include:

• Continued recognition in the CHE University Ranking 2026, with top-group performance in student support, practical relevance and career preparation.
• Ongoing recognition through AACSB Accreditation, reaffirming ISM's commitment to global standards in business education.
• Expansion of flexible study options, including distance learning and live online programmes.
• Scheduled online information sessions and campus open days for prospective students throughout 2026.
• Continued strengthening of international partnerships and corporate collaborations to enhance student mobility, internships and career opportunities. 

Scholarship

1. ISM Scholarship (Institutional Scholarship)

The ISM Scholarship is the university's main scholarship programme for new and current students enrolled in full-time Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes.

Scholarship Benefits

Successful applicants may receive:

• Partial tuition fee reduction of 25% to 50% for up to one academic year.
• In exceptional cases, a 100% tuition fee scholarship for two semesters may be awarded.
• Recognition for outstanding academic achievement and personal commitment.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, applicants generally must:

• Apply for or be enrolled in a full-time Bachelor's or Master's programme at ISM.
• Demonstrate strong academic performance.
• Show personal motivation and commitment.
• Meet the admission requirements for their chosen programme.
• Submit a complete scholarship application with all required documents before the deadline.

Selection Criteria

The ISM Scholarship Committee evaluates applicants based on:

• Academic achievements.
• Motivation to study at ISM.
• Leadership potential.
• Extracurricular involvement.
• Social or community engagement.
• Personal circumstances, where applicable.

2. Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship)

The Deutschlandstipendium is one of Germany's most prestigious scholarship programmes and is available to both German and international students studying at ISM.

The scholarship is jointly funded by the German Federal Government and private sponsors.

Scholarship Benefits

Recipients receive:

• €300 per month.
• Funding is usually awarded for one academic year (two semesters).
• The scholarship does not need to be repaid.
• Students may reapply for continued funding after the initial award period.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be enrolled (or accepted for enrolment) in an ISM Bachelor's or Master's programme.
• Demonstrate excellent academic performance.
• Show commitment through volunteer work, leadership, extracurricular activities, or community service.
• Submit the required scholarship application within the application period.

Selection Criteria

The selection committee considers:

• Academic excellence.
• Personal achievements.
• Social engagement.
• Leadership experience.
• Individual life circumstances and challenges.
• Motivation and future potential. 

3. Erasmus+ Scholarship

Students participating in an international exchange semester or internship through ISM may be eligible for Erasmus+ funding.

The programme supports study and internship opportunities across participating European countries. ISM holds the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE), allowing eligible students to benefit from Erasmus+ grants.

Scholarship Benefits

Depending on the destination country and mobility programme, Erasmus+ funding may include:

• Monthly mobility grant.
• Travel support (where applicable).
• Funding for study abroad semesters.
• Funding for internships abroad.
• Additional support for students with fewer opportunities. 

Eligibility Requirements

Students generally must:

• Be enrolled in an eligible ISM programme.
• Participate in an approved exchange semester or internship.
• Meet Erasmus+ programme requirements.
• Obtain approval from ISM's International Office before departure. 

4. External Scholarships

ISM encourages international students to apply for a variety of external scholarships offered by government agencies and independent organisations.

Examples include:

DAAD Scholarships (German Academic Exchange Service)

DAAD offers scholarships for selected Master's, research, and doctoral programmes.

Depending on the programme, funding may include:

• Full or partial tuition support.
• Monthly living allowance.
• Travel allowance.
• Health insurance.
• Research support.

Other External Funding Opportunities

Students may also be eligible for scholarships offered by:

• Political foundations in Germany.
• Private foundations.
• Corporate sponsors.
• International education organisations.
• Country-specific funding agencies.

General Eligibility Requirements

Although requirements differ by scholarship, international applicants are generally expected to:

• Apply to or be enrolled in an eligible ISM programme.
• Meet the university's admission requirements.
• Demonstrate good academic performance.
• Submit all required documents before the deadline.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress while studying.
• Comply with German visa and residence permit requirements, where applicable.

Documents Required

Scholarship applications may require:

• Completed scholarship application form.
• Academic transcripts and certificates.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Motivation letter or personal statement.
• Passport copy.
• Proof of admission or enrolment at ISM.
• Recommendation letters (if requested).
• Evidence of extracurricular activities, leadership, volunteer work, or community service.
• Financial documents for need-based scholarships, where applicable. 

English Language Requirements

Scholarship applicants must also meet the English language requirements for admission to their chosen programme.

Accepted English qualifications generally include:

• IELTS Academic.
• TOEFL iBT.
• Cambridge English qualifications.
• Other recognised English language certificates accepted by ISM.

Important Points for International Students

• ISM scholarships are competitive, and funding is limited.
• Applications should be submitted as early as possible.
• Strong academic results significantly improve the chances of selection.
• Leadership experience, volunteer work, and extracurricular achievements strengthen scholarship applications.
• Students may combine institutional guidance with applications for external scholarships such as DAAD or Erasmus+, subject to the respective programme rules.