B.Sc. International Business

About the course

A three-year English-taught business degree (180 ECTS) covering business models, financial analysis, marketing, supply chain, HR, sales and digital technology. It includes a mandatory internship (10 ECTS), a fifth semester at a partner university abroad, and a sixth-semester industry track (Consulting, E-Commerce, Trade, Corporate Finance, Entrepreneurship or Emerging Markets) alongside the thesis.

Entry requirements for Irish students

• CBS asks for a general university entrance qualification or a recognised equivalent and does not publish a specific Leaving Cert rule. Under German recognition rules (KMK/ZAB) the Leaving Cert gives direct entry only with six subjects: at least two at Higher Level with H5 or better, the other four at O6/H6 or better, including two languages and Maths at O5/H6 or better. Confirm with CBS admissions how your results will be assessed.
• For business courses German rules also require Higher Level Maths at H5 or better, so avoid dropping to Ordinary Level Maths. CBS sets no minimum grade average and no entrance exam, but you must do a personal admission interview.
• English: CBS asks for TOEFL 83, IELTS 6.5 or a Cambridge certificate (B2 or C1 depending on programme), but says previous education in English may count instead. Ask admissions to confirm that your Leaving Cert English meets this.

How to apply

1. Check your subjectsMake sure your Leaving Cert will meet the German subject/level rules, including Higher Level Maths at H5 for business.
2. Apply onlineSubmit the CBS online application with your CV, motivation letter, ID and school results. You can apply during 6th year; places are limited, so apply early.
3. Admission interviewAfter CBS receives your application you are invited to a personal interview.
4. Accept and enrolAccept the study offer, pay the €600 enrolment fee, send your final Leaving Cert results and arrange accommodation in Cologne before the autumn start.

Costs

• Private, state-recognised university. The programme page lists tuition of €5,970 (status April 2025) without stating the unit; the site’s summary presents it as per semester, which would be about €11,940 a year or roughly €35,820 over six semesters. CBS says fees differ for EU and non-EU students and publishes exact figures in its ‘Tuition Fees for EU & Non-EU Students’ sheet, which should be checked. There is also a one-off enrolment fee of €600 and a semester fee of about €300 per semester (semester ticket, student services, sport). Fees can be paid monthly, per semester, per year or in full. No application fee is mentioned.

At a glance