International Business (IB), B.Sc.

About the course

A business administration degree taught entirely in English over 7 semesters, with an optional eighth semester for a Master/MBA fast track. The first semesters cover core business subjects in Reutlingen; later you choose electives, study abroad at a partner university and complete an internship semester.

Entry requirements for Irish students

• Germany’s recognition rules (KMK/anabin) say the Leaving Cert gives direct university entry only if your subjects and levels meet German requirements. You need six subjects, including two languages and Maths at O5/H6 or better. At least two must be at Higher Level at H5 or better, and the other four at O6/H6 or better. For business courses you also need Higher Level Maths at H5 or better. ESB says foreign school certificates are checked by the Studienkolleg Konstanz, so confirm with admissions how this works for the Leaving Cert.
• Two-round selection. Your application is assessed first, and shortlisted candidates take an online test and a 30-minute interview. At least two years’ work experience, or five or more consecutive months of international experience or volunteering, can help your application but are not required.
• English at B2 level: IELTS 5.5+, TOEFL iBT 72+, TOEIC, Cambridge First (FCE), telc B2 or UNIcert II. ESB also says students who attended an English-speaking school can submit a certificate from that school, which may cover Irish students. Confirm this with bsc.ib@reutlingen-university.de before booking a test.

How to apply

1. Check your subjectsMake sure your Leaving Cert subjects meet the German rules, including Higher Level Maths at H5 or better. Ask ESB whether a letter from your Irish school will count as English proof.
2. Register on hochschulstart.deRegister on hochschulstart.de to get your applicant ID (BID) and authentication number (BAN). If you want ESB to forward your documents to the Studienkolleg Konstanz, email them by 15 May.
3. Apply by 15 July 2027Apply on Reutlingen University’s online portal before the EU deadline for the winter semester, then rank your choices on hochschulstart.de.
4. Test and interviewIf you are shortlisted, sit the online test and a 30-minute interview. For 2026 entry these were on 23-24 July. Teaching starts in mid-September.

Costs

• No tuition for EU students. You pay only the semester fee of EUR 199.30 per semester (about EUR 399 a year). The EUR 1,500 per semester tuition charged in Baden-Württemberg applies only to non-EU students, so Irish citizens do not pay it. An optional eighth-semester Master/MBA Fast Track at a partner school costs extra (roughly EUR 15,000 to 60,000). The programme page lists no application fee.

At a glance