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 environment
- Onsite
- ECTS points
- 210
- Next start
- 14.9.2026
- Duration
- 3.5 years (incl. internship)
- Language
- German, English, French (trinational)
- Place
- Colmar, Lörrach, Basel
- Staying 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
You lead international teams, develop strategies and implement innovations.
Marketing and Communications
You position brands globally, conduct market analyses and develop intercultural campaigns.
Human Resources & Leadership
You recruit talent worldwide, develop leadership concepts and shape work cultures.
Finance, Controlling & Business Analysis
You analyse key figures, optimise processes and make data-based decisions.
Supply Chain & Operations Management
You manage international supply chains and ensure sustainable procurement and production strategies.
Consulting & Change Management
You advise organisations undergoing change, shape transformation and introduce new business models.
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
General Management
Organisation:
- to explain the key elements of organisational structure and design
- to comprehend the nature of organisational culture
- to identify the dynamic facets of an organisation in order to achieve company objectives
- to understand the forces for organisational change and development
Corpoate Finance:
- to derive a cash flow statement from a balance sheet
- to evaluate the financial performance of a firm
- to compound and discount a series of cash flows
Strategic Management:
- what is competitive advantage?
- what is competitive and what corporate strategy?
- how do we achieve and sustain it? who plays what role?
- evaluate the competitive, political, legal, socio-cultural, ecological, economic and technological factors which play a key role in determining both the direction and outcome of strategic business activity
- analyse and assess the possibilities and processes by which (international) business strategies are devised, developed and implemented
- to critically assess the limits and possibilities of implementing appropriate (international) business strategies
Cross Cultural Management & Marketing
Intercultural Management Styles:
- to describe models, processes & styles of management in contexts for intercultural business and management
- to develop and evaluate strategies relevant to managing cultural diversity and towards developing intercultural synergies
Marketing Research:
- to write a clear, structured and problem-oriented marketing research plan using the appropriate selection of techniques and methods available
- to develop an analytical approach to data collection
- to accompany the marketing research process up to the data preparation stage
- to present the findings
Conflict Management:
- to understand the relation between negotiation theory and conflict resolution theories
- to analyse the nature of conflicts
- to identify causes and potential amelioratory actions and methods
- to evaluate options for the application of the conflict models discussed
- to demonstrate a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities of conflict resolution
- to identify current and emerging trends in the field
- to understand and analyse conflict in depth applying the methods discussed
Economics, Methods and Law
Macroeconomics:
- to explain the cause and effects of the level of consumption and investment
- to develop and evaluate strategies relevant to managing cultural diversity and towards developing intercultural synergies
- to examine how government spending and taxes affect aggregate demand
- to consider output determination including foreign trade
- to define the key attributes and functions of money
- to analyse the role and function of commercial banks
- to explain the key roles of the central bank and the channels in which it can affect the money supply
- to analyse how money market equilibrium can be achieved
Information Systems:
- to understand the role of IS in today’s business world
- to understand the components of information systems (IS)
- to know the major components of IS infrastructure
- to know the major components of IS infrastructure
- to be aware of emerging technologies
- to understand how various types of IS provide the information needed to gain business intelligence to support decision making for the different levels and functions of an organization
- to understand how IS foster stronger relationships with customers and suppliers
- to understand how IS are used to enforce organizational structures and business processes
Cases in European Business Law:
- to understand the importance of EU law for business
- to understand the basics of EU law as relevant for business
Languages
English and French or German (opposite of native language):
- Development of key skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing) in a professional contextto explain the cause and effects of the level of consumption and investment
- Extension of business vocabulary (banking, insurance, customer service etc.)
- Country knowledge: current topics relevant to English/French or German speaking countries as well as for business and economy
- Writing business letters and academic/professional reports
- Effective oral presentations with use of aids
- Preparation for official exams such as the Cambridge Exam in English, the German Certificate of the Goethe Institute or the DFP AFFAIRES exam in French and/or others (depending on the student’s language level).
After an initial examination on the students’ language level in the two non-native languages (normally English/French or English/German), the classes split up in different groups according to their language level. Normally there are three English groups (B2, C1 and C2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), three French groups (B1, B2, C1) and two German groups (B1, B2). According to students’ language level, learning objectives may differ, but they generally include the objectives above.
Electives
Spanish:
- Development of key skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing) in a professional context
- Extension of vocabulary with business focus
- Country knowledge: current topics relevant to Spanish speaking countries as well as for business and economy
- Preparation for official Spanish exam DELE and/or others (depending on the student’s language level)
Depending on the students’ level of language, there might be different groups. According to students’ language level, learning objectives may differ, but they generally include the objectives above.
Leadership Models:
- awareness about underlying assumptions of different management models
- reflection of today's prevailing command-and-control management model
- knowing an alternative management model that is beyond command-and-control: Concepts and examples
- how to approach the implementation of transformational change Awareness about underlying assumptions of different management models
- reflection of today's prevailing command-and-control management model
- knowing an alternative management model that is beyond command-and-control: Concepts and examples
- how to approach the implementation of transformational change
Sociology, Media & Sports Management:
In addition to considering Sports Management and Media in general, students will be given examples of localization in sports marketing during the October 17 course. A task will then be set to see how this information can be used in a commercialmarketing campaign. The experience of this UK based course is intended to provide students with an increased awareness of the potential sensitivities of clients, co-workers and companies in an increasingly cultural diverse marketplace.
Internships
The programme is structured according to the dual principle: you combine theory and practice and gain at least 48 weeks of full-time practical experience in internationally active companies or organisations.
In these so-called live projects, you will directly apply your knowledge, take on responsibility and develop your skills in a dynamic working environment. This will not only strengthen your professional expertise, but also improve your career prospects after graduation.
The practical phases are an integral part of the programme:
- You will complete at least twelve weeks of full-time internship per summer.
- Additional placements are possible on a flexible basis during the shorter lecture-free periods in winter.
- In the 7th semester, you will complete a longer final internship that is closely linked to your bachelor's thesis.
Written assignments
Two major written assignments are a fixed part of the programme and combine theory with your practical experience.
You will write your BUT thesis in your second year of study. It will be based on your first internship and will be presented in an oral examination before a jury. You must successfully complete this thesis in order to progress to the third year of study.
The Bachelor's thesis is written as part of your final internship in the 7th semester. You will present it to a tri-national committee of experts. This will enable you to obtain both a German Bachelor of Arts and a Swiss Bachelor of Science degree.
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
Tuition fees qualify for attendance of any Bachelor course within FHNW, independent of the particular enrolment at a faculty.
Registration fee (1) | once | CHF 200 |
Personal course fee (2) | per semester | CHF 750* |
Hardware and software licences | per semester | CHF 50 |
students.fhnw contribution | per semester | CHF 10 |
(1) A separate registration fee has to be paid for each programme you register for.
(2) Applies to:
- Students whose civil law residence is in Switzerland or the Principality of Liechtenstein at the start of their studies
- as well as Swiss citizens living abroad
- or foreign students with civil law residence in a Swiss canton who hold a residence permit not issued for the purpose of studying.
For other students, please contact the admissions office.
*Personal course fee for EU or EFTA citizens: CHF 1 000.00 per semester
*Personal course fee for Non-European citizens: CHF 5 700.00 per semester
The determination of the semester fee requires the complete and correct completion of the Student Personal Data Form, which is sent to students before the start of their studies. The Student Personal Data Form including additional documents must be signed and submitted before the start of the studies.
Registration and deadlines
The programme begins at the end of September in calendar week 39. Only a limited number of places are available each year, and demand is high. There is no official application deadline – applications are processed in the order in which they are received. Due to high demand, early application is recommended.
Preparatory courses
The preparatory courses for studying at the FHNW School of Business are intended for future students who either have a non-commercial vocational baccalaureate, whose commercial vocational baccalaureate was completed some time ago or who feel insecure in one or more core subjects.
Further offers can be requested directly from the respective providers.
Compensation for disadvantages
Students with disabilities and chronic illnesses can apply for compensation for disadvantages.
The aim of compensation for disadvantages is to eliminate or reduce the disadvantages resulting from disabilities and chronic illnesses during studies by means of suitable measures. The term refers to the adaptation of the conditions under which learning and/or examinations take place, but not a modification of the learning objectives or a waiver of subjects. Compensation for disadvantages can be applied both in the admission procedure and in the degree programme.
Military and Civil Service
The FHNW will help you coordinate your studies and compulsory military service in the best possible way. You can find all the information on training credits, credit transfer options, postponements and advice centers under the following link.
General information
General information about studying at the FHNW (e.g. exchange and mobility programmes, childcare options or studying in Switzerland) can be found at the following link.
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?
You may apply if you have passed the gymnasial Matura, specialist school (FMS) Matura or vocational Matura (all specialisations possible), and have good language skills in French, English and German (level B2 is recommended, but language diplomas are not mandatory).
To submit your application dossier, the application form must be completed and sent to the IBM secretariat together with the necessary enclosures (a handwritten letter of motivation, a copy of your Matura certificate, a passport photo and any job references and language diplomas). Application dossiers can also be submitted before you obtain your Matura, in which case the latest certificate or list of grades must be enclosed. In this case, the diploma must be submitted as soon as possible.
There is no deadline for applications. However, the course is popular and application dossiers are processed upon receipt, so it is worth applying as soon as possible.
After an initial evaluation of the application dossier, potential candidates are invited to an interview. After the interview, the candidates will be informed in writing of the results. It usually takes about two months from submission of the application dossier to the final decision.
What happens at the interview?
An invitation to the interview will follow an initial evaluation of the application dossiers. The interview can be conducted in German, French or English and assesses the suitability of the candidate for the trinational course.
Is work experience required for admission to the IBM programme?
No previous work experience is needed to apply to IBM, as the internships form an inte-gral part of the course of study.
A semester abroad is possible with "good grades" - what does that mean in concrete terms?
Basically, the first and second semester must be passed with a “sufficient” grade (French grading system: grade 10 out of 20, in all modules). "Good” grades are also an important criterion that increases students’ chances of being accepted for their first choice of partner universities. Therefore it is advisable to give it your best right from the start.
How does the internship search work?
The internships offer a great opportunity to shape your career in a variety of directions in accordance with your interests. Therefore, internship searches are the responsibility of the students. This is usually done via online portals or by sending unsolicited applications to known contacts. A list of companies that have already had IBM students working for them and are happy to accept applications again is now being compiled.
Can the internships also be completed abroad?
Yes, it is highly recommended that you complete internships abroad during your studies (including outside of Switzerland, France and Germany).
How can I best organise my accommodation during my studies?
Many students decide to live in Colmar for the first semester in order to immerse themselves completely in the local culture - and this is highly appreciated. The search for accommodation is carried out entirely by the students and in most cases takes place online (for example via Immojeune, Explorimmo, Le-bon-coin, etc.).
Other students form car pools to share travel costs. The train journey from Basel to Colmar takes 55 minutes and students get reduced fares. This is why students often commute by train.
For the semesters in Lörrach and Basel, most students look for a room or a shared flat in Lörrach, Basel or the surrounding area, and then travel by public transport or bicycle for the two semesters.
At the end of June there is a welcome event where all Swiss students get to know each other. This is often also an opportunity to find colleagues to share a flat with or arrange car pools.
What is the best way to prepare for IBM studies?
In addition to refreshing your language skills (de, en, fr), whether through courses or a stay in the country concerned, it is particularly recommended that you improve your knowledge of maths, for the economics subjects. Self-study exercises on algebra, differential calculations and derivations are definitely helpful to ease you into maths- based subjects.
Is it possible to work alongside IBM studies?
IBM studies are full-time (Monday to Friday). Occasional student jobs in the evenings or at weekends may be an option. However, the timetable varies from week to week. This means that you cannot have a standard work contract with regular working hours. In addition, it should be borne in mind that there are many challenges during the semester, such as the different languages of tuition, the change of study location and looking for an internship on your own. This time expenditure should not be underestimated.
What kind of jobs can I apply for after my IBM studies?
The IBM degree is a generalist business administration programme with a strong international focus. This means that graduates can apply to both large and small international companies. Popular areas of work are marketing, communication, human resources, sales, project management, auditing and controlling, finance, product management and much more. The graduate survey showed that there are no limits for graduates and that almost all industry sectors are represented as employers.
Do I need a laptop for my studies?
Yes. To study, you will need a laptop or tablet with a keyboard, integrated camera and microphone. You must be able to download software. Further information can be found here: Mandatory Notebook Requirement for Students at the FHNW School of Business.
The Neptun project offers high-quality laptops at a very good price-performance ratio, which are specially tailored to the requirements of university 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