International School of Management, University of Applied Sciences
Dortmund, Germany
International School of Management (ISM), University of Applied Sciences
Dortmund, Germany
Founded
1990
Institution Type
Private
Total Students
3,500+
Campuses
7 across Germany
Discover ISM: Germany's Leading Private Business School
Discover ISM: Germany's Leading Private Business School
The International School of Management (ISM) is a private, state-recognized University of Applied Sciences headquartered in Dortmund, Germany. Founded in 1990 as IDB-Wirtschaftsakademie by Klaus Evard, the institution was renamed ISM in 1992 and has since grown into one of Germany's leading private business schools with over 3,500 students from more than 75 nationalities.
ISM operates seven campuses across Germany's major economic centers: Dortmund, Frankfurt am Main, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, and Berlin. The university is distinguished by its strong international orientation, practice-relevant curriculum, small class sizes, and a personal learning atmosphere that fosters close interaction between students and faculty.
ISM holds accreditation from AACSB, FIBAA, and the German Council of Science and Humanities (Wissenschaftsrat), making it the first private German university of applied sciences to earn the prestigious AACSB accreditation. All degree programs bear the quality seal of the Accreditation Council, and ISM's degrees are fully equivalent to those from German public universities.
Key Milestones
- 1990: Founded as IDB-Wirtschaftsakademie in Dortmund by Klaus Evard
- 2004: First private university in North Rhine-Westphalia to receive Wissenschaftsrat accreditation for the maximum ten-year period
- 2006: Transitioned from Diploma to Bachelor and Master programs in accordance with the Bologna Process
- 2024: Achieved AACSB accreditation, becoming the first private German university of applied sciences to hold this distinction
Academic Programs at ISM
Academic Programs at ISM
ISM offers a comprehensive portfolio of Bachelor, Master, and MBA programs with a strong focus on business administration, management, and related disciplines. Programs are taught in English and combine theoretical knowledge with practical application through integrated internships, case studies, and a mandatory semester abroad at one of over 190 partner universities worldwide.
International Management
Programs focused on developing future global business leaders with strong intercultural competencies, foreign language skills, and hands-on management experience across international markets.
- B.Sc. International Management
- M.Sc. International Management
- M.Sc. International Business
Finance & Data Analytics
Specialized programs that equip students with quantitative skills and financial expertise to excel in banking, consulting, fintech, and data-driven business environments.
- B.Sc. Finance & Management
- M.Sc. Finance
- B.Sc. Applied Data Science & Business Analytics
Marketing & Sales Management
Programs designed to develop strategic marketing professionals with expertise in brand management, digital marketing, consumer behavior, and luxury goods markets.
- M.A. Strategic Marketing Management
- M.A. Luxury, Fashion & Sales Management
- B.A. Marketing & Communications Management
Technology & Information Systems
Technology-focused programs that bridge business management with IT, preparing graduates for roles in digital transformation, data science, and enterprise systems.
- B.Sc. Information Systems
- M.Sc. Business Intelligence & Data Science
- B.Sc. Business & Information Technology
Logistics & Supply Chain
Programs training specialists in global supply chain management, logistics optimization, and operations management for international business enterprises.
- M.Sc. International Logistics & Supply Chain Management
- B.Sc. Logistics & Supply Chain Management
- M.Sc. Operations & Supply Chain Management
MBA Programs
Full-time and part-time MBA programs designed for aspiring and experienced managers seeking to advance their careers with a globally recognized business qualification.
- MBA General Management (Full-Time)
- MBA General Management (Part-Time)
- Executive MBA
Admission Requirements at ISM
Admission Requirements at ISM
Undergraduate Admission
- School Leaving CertificateRecognized certificate qualifying you for higher education (e.g., Abitur or international equivalent)
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 80, Cambridge certificate, or proof of prior English-taught studies
- ISM Admission TestOnline admission test including a personal interview with the program director
- Documents RequiredCV, motivation letter, passport copy, digital photo, academic transcripts, and English proficiency proof
- Application FeeNo application fee; EUR 3,000 deposit required upon acceptance (deducted from first semester tuition)
Graduate Admission
- Bachelor's DegreeRecognized bachelor's degree with at least 180 ECTS credits, preferably in business or economics
- English ProficiencyIELTS 6.0, TOEFL iBT 80, Cambridge certificate, or proof of English-taught prior studies
- ISM Admission TestCase study presentation (based on bachelor thesis or assigned topic) followed by an interview
- Documents RequiredCV, motivation letter, passport copy, digital photo, degree certificate, transcripts, and English proficiency proof
- Pre-Master ProgramAvailable for candidates whose bachelor's degree lacks sufficient business or economics content
Deadline for international students requiring a study visa for programs starting in September/October.
Deadline for EU students and those not requiring a visa for the winter semester intake.
Deadline for programs starting in March/April. Early-bird tuition discounts may apply for early contract signing.
ISM has no fixed deadlines and encourages early application. Submit preliminary documents for an initial eligibility check as soon as possible.
Tuition Fees & Scholarships at ISM
Tuition Fees & Scholarships at ISM
As a private university, ISM charges tuition fees that cover high-quality teaching, small class sizes, and integrated international experiences. The university offers flexible payment plans, installment options, and various scholarship programs to support students financially.
| Fee Category | EU Students | Non-EU Students |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Tuition (per semester) | EUR 5,970 | EUR 5,970 |
| Master's Tuition (per semester) | EUR 6,480 | EUR 6,480 |
| One-Time Enrollment Fee | EUR 600 | EUR 1,500 |
| Security Deposit (deducted from 1st semester) | EUR 3,000 | EUR 3,000 |
| Total | Contact ISM for total program costs | Contact ISM for total program costs |
ISM Merit & Need-Based Scholarships
ISM offers partial and full scholarships to high-achieving international students pursuing Bachelor's, Master's, and MBA programs. These scholarships aim to make private education more accessible based on academic merit and financial need.
- Coverage: 25% to 100% of tuition fees
- Eligibility: Strong academic records and demonstrated potential for success
- Note: Scholarships cover tuition only, not accommodation or living expenses
External Scholarships & Financing
International students can access external scholarships from German foundations and organizations. ISM also cooperates with banks to offer student loans with favorable conditions and flexible installment payment plans.
- Resources: mystipendium.de, stipendiumplus.de, stipendienlotse.de
- Student Loans: Available through ISM's partner banks with special student rates
- BAfoG: EU students may be eligible for funding under the Federal Training Assistance Act
Campus & Facilities at ISM Dortmund
Campus & Facilities at ISM Dortmund
The Dortmund campus is ISM's largest and oldest location, situated in the modern Dortmund Technology Park just 15 minutes from the city center. With around 900 students, the campus offers a personal and dynamic learning environment surrounded by innovative companies and start-ups in the Ruhr region's leading technology hub.
ISM's flagship Dortmund campus in the heart of the Technology Park, featuring modern lecture halls and seminar rooms.
The campus library features a reading room, group study areas, and an extensive collection of business literature and research publications.
Small-group seminar rooms designed for interactive learning, case study discussions, and collaborative projects with international peers.
Housing & Dining
Accommodation
ISM does not offer on-campus student housing. The International Office assists students with finding off-campus apartments and shared housing in Dortmund.
- Off-campus apartments ranging from EUR 250 to EUR 1,000 per month
- ISM Accommodation Guide for prospective students
- Support from the International Office in finding housing
Campus Amenities
The Dortmund campus provides modern facilities designed for focused study and collaborative learning, with easy access to the surrounding Technology Park amenities.
- Library with reading room and group study areas
- Contemporary classrooms and AV-equipped seminar halls
- IT facilities and digital communication platform (ISM Intranet)
Student Life at ISM Dortmund
Student Life at ISM Dortmund
Life at ISM extends well beyond the classroom. The university fosters a vibrant, multicultural community where students from over 75 nationalities come together through clubs, social events, and professional development activities. The close-knit campus atmosphere and small class sizes create strong peer networks that last well beyond graduation.
Dortmund: Innovation Capital of Germany
Dortmund: Innovation Capital of Germany
Living & Studying in Dortmund
Dortmund is the largest city in Westphalia and a key hub within the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region. Once known for coal and steel, the city has transformed into a modern technology and innovation center, earning the European Innovation Capital award in 2021. With affordable living costs compared to Berlin or Munich, a thriving cultural scene, and excellent transport connections, Dortmund is an attractive destination for international students.
Dortmunder U & Cultural Scene
The iconic Dortmunder U art center, the German Football Museum, and numerous galleries and theaters make Dortmund a culturally rich city.
Westfalenpark & Phoenix Lake
Expansive green spaces and the modern Phoenix Lake waterfront area offer students excellent opportunities for recreation and relaxation.
Affordable Student Living
Dortmund offers significantly lower living costs than other major German cities, with off-campus accommodation starting from around EUR 250 per month.
Transport & Connectivity
Excellent public transport, Dortmund Airport, and proximity to Dusseldorf International Airport provide easy access to destinations across Europe.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Career Outcomes & Alumni Network
Where ISM Graduates Work
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
ISM's International Office supports students with visa guidance, semester abroad planning, partner university selection, and integration into German academic and social life.
Non-EU students requiring a visa must open a blocked account with a deposit of EUR 11,904. This allows monthly withdrawals of up to EUR 992 for living expenses.
International students can attend free German language classes during their studies, as well as courses in English, French, Spanish, and Italian to enhance their multilingual skills.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
ISM Rankings & Accreditations
ISM Rankings & Accreditations
ISM consistently ranks among Germany's top private business schools and holds prestigious national and international accreditations. The university is recognized for its strong international orientation, practical relevance, student mobility, and quality of teaching across multiple independent ranking systems.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Support at Beginning of Studies | CHE Ranking | #1 (Top Group) |
| Student Mobility | U-Multirank | Global Top 25 |
| Practical Work Experience | CHE Ranking | #1 (Top Group) |
| Business Administration | WirtschaftsWoche | #14 Overall in Germany |
Features
The International School of Management (ISM) in Germany, founded in 1990, offers a global, industry-focused education in business and management. With campuses in Dortmund, Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart, and Berlin, ISM provides undergraduate, graduate, and MBA programs in English and German. The school emphasizes practical experience through internships, case studies, and partnerships with over 100 global companies. ISM boasts a diverse student body of over 3,850 students from 75 nationalities. With strong industry connections, over 60% of graduates secure employment before finishing their studies. ISM’s faculty includes international scholars and industry professionals, ensuring a high-quality, career-oriented education.
Accommodation
Yes
Work While Studying
Yes
Co-op/Internship Participation
Yes
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
January - July
Location
Otto-Hahn-Straße 19, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
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