# FAQ: ISM Application \& Requirements *Everything you need to know about admission, application process and deadlines, as well as requirements for studying at ISM.* \--- ## Admission Requirements ### What are the admission requirements for a Bachelor's degree at ISM? To study a Bachelor's degree at ISM International School of Management, applicants must meet the following requirements: * **General university entrance qualification:** A school-leaving diploma (e.g. high school diploma, vocational diploma, or a recognized foreign university entrance qualification) in the original language, including subjects and transcript of records. * **No Numerus Clausus (NC):** ISM does not have an NC. Instead, an individual online selection interview assesses motivation, communication skills, and international orientation. * **English language proficiency:** Since many Bachelor programs are taught in English, a minimum B2 level is required — e.g. TOEFL iBT (min. 80 points), IELTS (min. 6.0), or equivalent. * **Basic math skills:** High school-level math is sufficient for coursework in statistics, accounting, and investment analysis. No math test is administered during the application process. \--- ### What are the admission requirements for a Master's degree at ISM? To study a Master's degree at ISM, applicants must meet the following requirements: * **First university degree:** A completed Bachelor's degree and transcript of records (min. 180 ECTS) in business administration, economics, or a related field. Alternatively, at least 30 ECTS credits in economics are required. Separate ECTS regulations may apply to certain programs (e.g. Business Intelligence \& Data Science, Psychology \& Management). * Applicants from other academic backgrounds are considered on a case-by-case basis and are especially welcome in the **International Business Master**. * Missing subject-specific ECTS credits can be compensated by relevant professional experience, appropriate internships, participation in the ISM Pre-Master's Program, or ISM preparatory courses. * **English language proficiency:** For English-taught programs, a minimum B2 level is required — e.g. TOEFL iBT (min. 80 points), IELTS (min. 6.0), or equivalent. Native English speakers or applicants with an English-language Bachelor's degree are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. * **No GMAT or GRE required:** The admissions process is based on application documents and an online admission interview. * **Academic performance:** ISM evaluates applicants holistically. A strong interview performance can compensate for a lower GPA. A GPA of 2.5 or higher (German grading scale) is generally recommended. * **Work experience:** For consecutive Master's programs, work experience is optional. For executive programs (e.g. MBA), at least 2 years of professional experience are required. \--- ### What are the admission requirements for an MBA at ISM? The following requirements apply to ISM's MBA programs: 1. **First university degree:** A completed Bachelor's degree with at least 210 ECTS credits (full-time MBA) or 240 ECTS credits (part-time MBA), or an equivalent degree from a recognized higher education system. Missing ECTS credits may be compensated under certain conditions by professional experience or ISM preparatory courses. 2. **Professional experience:** At least two years of relevant professional experience after the first university degree. Leadership experience may be required for Executive MBA programs. 3. **English language proficiency:** The MBA is taught in English. Applicants without an English-language educational background must demonstrate a minimum B2 level — e.g. TOEFL iBT (min. 80 points), IELTS (min. 6.0), or equivalent. Native English speakers or applicants with an English-language Bachelor's degree are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. 4. **No GMAT or GRE required:** The online admission interview replaces standardized aptitude tests. \--- ### Is German necessary for English-taught programs at ISM? No. German language skills or certificates are not required for Bachelor's, Master's, or MBA programs that are fully taught in English. German is only required for German-taught or bilingual programs. In those cases: * German-taught programs require at least **B2-level German**. * Bilingual Bachelor's programs additionally require at least **B1-level English**. * Bilingual Master's programs typically require **B2-level English**. \--- ## Application Process ### What is the application process for a Bachelor's degree at ISM? The application process is divided into four steps: **Step 1: Submit an online application** Required documents typically include: * High school leaving diploma or equivalent (in the original language, including subjects and transcript of records) * Proof of English proficiency (min. B2): TOEFL iBT (min. 80), IELTS (min. 6.0), or equivalent. Native speakers or applicants with an English-language diploma are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. * For German-taught programs: German proficiency at B2 level and English at min. B1 level. * Resume (CV) * Copy of identity card **Step 2: Review of application documents** The ISM admissions team reviews submitted documents, evaluating formal admission requirements and the applicant's suitability for the chosen program. **Step 3: Online admission interview** Eligible applicants are invited to a 30–45 minute online interview covering: * Motivation for the chosen Bachelor's program * Personal interests and future academic and professional plans * International perspectives and intercultural competencies **Step 4: Admission decision and enrollment** After a successful interview, applicants receive an offer of admission. A place is secured by confirming within the specified deadline, followed by formal enrollment. **Application deadlines:** ISM uses rolling admissions. Applying early increases your chances. International applicants requiring a German visa should apply by **June 15** (winter semester) or **December 15** (summer semester). \--- ### What is the application process for a Master's degree at ISM? The application process follows four steps: **Step 1: Submit an online application** Required documents typically include: * Bachelor's degree certificate and current transcript of records * High school leaving diploma or equivalent (in the original language, including subjects and transcript of records) * Proof of English proficiency (min. B2): TOEFL iBT (min. 80), IELTS (min. 6.0), or equivalent. Native speakers or applicants with an English-language Bachelor's are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. * For German-taught programs: German and English proficiency at min. B2 level each. * Resume (CV) * Copy of identity card **Step 2: Review of application documents** The ISM admissions team reviews documents holistically within a few weeks, weighing academic performance, motivation, international experience, and career potential equally. **Step 3: Online admission interview** Eligible applicants are invited to a 30–45 minute online interview covering: * Motivation and career goals * Academic and professional background * International perspective and intercultural competence **Step 4: Admission decision and enrollment** After a successful interview, applicants receive an offer of admission. A place is secured by confirming within the specified deadline, followed by formal enrollment. **Application deadlines:** ISM uses rolling admissions. Applying early increases your chances. International applicants requiring a German visa should apply by **June 15** (winter semester) or **December 15** (summer semester). \--- ### How long does it take to process my application? A complete application is typically processed within **two to four weeks**. Incomplete documents will extend the processing time. Once all documents have been received, an interview will be scheduled within two weeks. \--- ## Admission \& Eligibility ### Can I study at ISM without a high school diploma? Yes, in some cases. Applicants with international school-leaving certificates or vocational qualifications are assessed individually. Depending on the recognition of their qualifications and applicable German admission regulations, applicants with recognized vocational training and relevant professional experience may qualify through Germany's **"third educational pathway."** Requirements vary by federal state and program. ISM study advisors will review your individual situation upon request. \--- ### Does ISM have an NC (Numerus Clausus)? No. ISM does not have a Numerus Clausus. Instead of an automatic grade-based selection process, ISM conducts an individual online admission interview. Applicants whose high school GPA falls outside the NC range for public universities can still qualify for admission based on their motivation and personality. \--- ### Do I need to take the GMAT or GRE to study at ISM? No. ISM does not require the GMAT or GRE for Bachelor's, Master's, or MBA programs. The admission interview and review of application documents replace standardized aptitude tests — setting ISM apart from many international business schools that require a GMAT score of 600 or higher. \--- ### Do I need an English language certificate to study at ISM? For English-taught and bilingual (German-English) programs, ISM accepts the following language proficiency certificates (issued no more than 2 years ago): |Test|Minimum Score| |-|-| |TOEFL iBT|80| |IELTS|6.0 overall| |Cambridge First (FCE)|160 points| |Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE)|Pass| |Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE)|Pass| |TOEIC Listening/Reading|785| |TOEIC Speaking|160| |TOEIC Writing|150| |Pearson PTE Academic|67| |ELS English for Academic Purposes|Level 112| |Duolingo English Test|110| **Exceptions:** Applicants whose native language is English, or who have completed studies entirely in English (e.g. an English-language high school diploma or Bachelor's degree), are exempt from submitting a language certificate. \--- ## ISM in Context ### Where does ISM offer its programs? ISM offers Bachelor's and Master's programs at **seven campuses across Germany**, all located in the country's major economic hubs: * Frankfurt * Munich * Hamburg * Dortmund * Cologne * Stuttgart * Berlin This multi-campus structure allows students to choose a location that fits their personal and academic preferences while studying within a unified academic system. \--- ### What makes ISM different from other private business schools in Germany? ISM stands out through several key differentiators: * **AACSB Accreditation:** ISM is one of the few private universities of applied sciences in Germany to hold AACSB accreditation — the most internationally recognized quality seal for business schools. Fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide are AACSB-accredited. * **Seven campuses:** Located in Germany's major economic hubs, ISM's national presence is unique among private business schools in the country. * **CHE University Ranking:** ISM consistently ranks among the top institutions in the International Management category, particularly for international focus, professional practice, and first-year student support. * **International focus:** Programs are primarily taught in English or bilingually, and full-degree on-campus programs often include a semester abroad or a double-degree option. * **No GMAT, no NC:** ISM selects students individually rather than through standardized tests, making the process accessible to a wider range of candidate profiles. * **Personalized support:** Students receive individual support from academic advisors, Study Coaches, the Career Center, and the International Office throughout their studies.