International Business Management combines economic expertise with social relevance. You will learn how to analyse markets, manage companies and connect cultures across borders. Your skills will make you a sought-after specialist or manager – today and in the future.
Factsheet
- Degree
- Bachelor of Science FHNW
Bachelor of Arts DHBW
Bachelor Universitaire de Technologie UHA / Licence Gestion UHA
in International Business Management - Study mode
- Full-time
- Learning mode
- Onsite
- ECTS credits
- 210
- Next start
- 14.9.2026
- Duration
- 3.5 years (incl. internship)
- Teaching language
- German, English, French (trinational)
- Place
- Colmar, Lörrach, Basel
- Stay abroad
- Recommended
- Application fee
- CHF 200
- Semester fee
- CHF 750 for residents of Switzerland (for details, see fees)
At a glance
- Trinational degree programme with stays in Switzerland, Germany and France.
- Four recognised degrees from three countries – for maximum international mobility.
- Teaching in three languages – French, German and English.
- Learn in a real business context: between semesters, you will complete a total of three internships – at least one of which will be outside the partner countries.
- Project work and interdisciplinary learning: each academic year, you will work in international teams on case studies, projects or simulations.
Why study this?
With International Business Management, you will shape the economy of tomorrow – multilingual, networked and practice-oriented.
As a graduate, you will develop economic solutions across borders, manage projects in international contexts and feel confident working in multiple languages and cultures. Your studies will teach you exactly what global companies, NGOs and international organisations are looking for today: economic thinking, cultural intelligence and entrepreneurial responsibility.
What sets you apart: Three internships in three countries and four internationally recognised university degrees:
- Bachelor of Science FHNW
- Bachelor of Arts DHBW
- Bachelor Universitaire de Technologie UHA
- Licence Gestion UHA
Career prospects
Our graduates work in the following areas, among others:
Project management & business development
Marketing and Communications
Human Resources & Leadership
Finance, Controlling & Business Analysis
Supply Chain & Operations Management
Consulting & Change Management
Structure and programme contents
Study content
You will acquire internationally oriented business and management fundamentals. The programme includes three integrated internships, which are completed during the lecture-free periods and in the final seventh practical semester.
Examples of subject content
Internships
Written assignments
Semesterplan
Semester 1 to 4 - Colmar (France)
Focus: Fundamentals of business administration, international communication, intercultural competence
Language of instruction: French
Semester 2 to 5 - Lörrach (Germany)
Focus: Accounting, economics, law, human resources management
Language of instruction: German
Semester 3 to 6 - Basel (Switzerland)
Focus: Marketing, finance, international business management
Language of instruction: English
Semester 7 - Internship and bachelor's thesis
You will complete a long-term internship at an international company and finish your studies with a bachelor's thesis – ideally abroad.
International
Take advantage of the wide range of international opportunities during your studies.
Semester abroad:
Students with good academic performance can spend a semester abroad at a partner university between the third and sixth semester. Credits earned abroad can be transferred to the degree programme, provided that the corresponding proof of academic achievement is available.
Internships abroad:
It is recommended that you complete at least one internship in a country outside the three partner countries (Switzerland, Germany, France) in order to gain international professional experience.
Buddy programmes:
Get involved in the buddy programme and support international students as they settle in at FHNW – an opportunity to strengthen your intercultural skills.
Summer Schools:
Take part in one- to three-week programmes that will open up new perspectives on international business, culture and society.
Study trips:
Broaden your horizons with study trips that offer insights into global markets and international business practices.
Requirements and admission
Direct entry
You can start your studies immediately after completing your gymnasiale Matura, Fachmatura or Berufsmatura.
Language skills
Good written and spoken German, English and French skills are required. These should correspond to at least level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Suitable candidates will be invited to an interview. During the interview, your suitability for the IBM programme will be assessed (including language skills).
Requirements
Previous education | Admission | Additional practical experience and skills |
|---|---|---|
BM kaufmännischer Richtung | Interview | None |
BM W & D Typ Wirtschaft | Interview | None |
BM andere Richtung | Interview | 1 Jahr erwünscht |
Gymnasiale Matura | Interview | 1 year preferred |
Wirtschaftsmittelschule (mit BM) | Interview | 1 year preferred |
Fachmatura (FMS) | Interview | 1 year preferred |
FH-Reife (alle deutschen Bundesländer) | No admission | – |
Eidg. Fähigkeitszeugnis als kfm. Angestellte:r | No admission | – |
Eidg. und kant. anerkannte Handelsmittelschule (ohne BM) | No admission | – |
Gewerbliche LAP, Diplommittelschule (DMS), Rudolf-Steiner-Schule | No admission | – |
Abschlussdiplom Höhere Fachschule für Wirtschaft (HFW) | No admission | – |
Admission sur Dossier | No admission | – |
Transfer from Universities and Universities of Applied Sciences | Determination of equivalence | – |
Residency Germany, France:
Prospective students residing in Germany:
Registration via dual partners of the DHBW. More information
Prospective students residing in France:
Registration via the UHA. More information
Organisational matters
Fees and Grants
Registration and deadlines
Preparatory courses
Compensation for disadvantages
Military and Civil Service
General information
Downloads
Advising and information events
Info-Events
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Contact
Prof. Dr. Jörg Wombacher
- Phone
- +41 61 279 18 87
- joerg.wombacher@fhnw.ch
FAQs
What is involved in the registration process to obtain a place in the IBM programme?
What happens at the interview?
Is work experience required for admission to the IBM programme?
A semester abroad is possible with "good grades" - what does that mean in concrete terms?
How does the internship search work?
Can the internships also be completed abroad?
How can I best organise my accommodation during my studies?
What is the best way to prepare for IBM studies?
Is it possible to work alongside IBM studies?
What kind of jobs can I apply for after my IBM studies?
Do I need a laptop for my studies?
Registration
Study places are limited and very popular. It is worth registering early.
Bachelor of Science International Business Management (trinational)September 2026
- Date
- 14.9.2026
- Duration
- 3.5 years
- Place
- Colmar, Lörrach, Basel
- Application start
- 3.11.2025