Study Where the World
Does Business

The IMS semester abroad is not a break from your studies. It is where your studies come to life. Spend a full semester at one of our 43 partner universities across six continents, immerse yourself in a new culture and return with the kind of international perspective that no classroom can fully teach. Explore our partner universities around the world below.

Getting Started
General Information

A mandatory semester abroad is built into the IMS programme in your third semester. You choose from a wide range of partner universities across four continents, with options to suit different interests, languages and ambitions. When selecting your destination, three key factors are worth considering: your language skills (a minimum of B1 or B2 is usually recommended), your personal motivation and your financial situation.

Explore Our Partner Universities
What Counts
Credit Recognition

To have your courses from abroad recognised, three conditions must be met. Courses must be taught at Master's level, they must have a clear business or subject-related focus, and language courses cannot be recognised. You are required to complete a full 30 ECTS abroad and it is not possible to supplement your semester with modules from FH Münster.

Students collaborating on global marketing project – Sales Management module.
Step by Step
How It Works

Step 1: Choose your partner university and check the course offering
Step 2: Submit at least three preferences. Places are allocated based on availability, with MIMS students selected by lottery.
Step 3: Get your planned courses approved before you leave
Step 4: Complete your 30 ECTS abroad and submit your transcript on return
Step 5: Your credits are recognised and count towards your degree

Another Option
The Alternative

If a semester abroad is not possible, you can apply to complete an internationally oriented project with a globally active company instead. You choose the company, define your goals and work independently on a real business challenge. This option requires a formal application approved by the Examination Board and is supervised by a professor throughout.

Download: International Project Guidelines
Course materials for International Marketing and Sales Master program.
Leadership

What It's Really Like to Study Abroad

Discover Admissions
Discover Admissions
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Studying Abroad

Where can I study abroad?

You can choose from more than 43 partner universities spread across six continents. At Erasmus+ and bilateral partner universities, for example in Europe and Latin America, you generally do not pay tuition fees. Some destinations like the USA, Australia, and South Africa do require tuition fees. You can also study as a freemover at universities outside our partner network, as long as they use ECTS and meet our quality requirements.

How does the selection process work?

You submit at least three university preferences, one top choice and two alternatives. Places are allocated based on availability. MIMS students are selected by lottery, while other Master students are selected based on their application documents. If none of your preferred destinations are available, you will be offered suitable alternatives.

Do I need to apply to the partner university myself?

Yes, after being nominated by the Office for International Studies, you apply directly to your chosen university. The application is almost always done online. Make sure to check the deadlines as soon as you receive your nomination, as it is your own responsibility to submit all documents on time.

What language certificate do I need?

You need at least a B2 level in the language of instruction to study successfully abroad. Many partner universities accept the MSB language certificate from Academic Writing and Business Ethics or the DAAD language certificate. If you need proof of Spanish proficiency, you can contact Anibal Diaz Alvarez for a language test.

What funding is available?

There are several funding options depending on where you are going. Erasmus+ grants are available for students heading to European partner universities. The PROMOS scholarship supports students going to destinations outside the Erasmus+ region, such as Latin America, Asia, or South Africa. Auslands-BAföG and HAW.International are further options worth looking into. Check all deadlines early to avoid missing out.

How do I get my credits recognised?

You need to submit the recognition request form (VOR) to the examination office before your semester abroad, as soon as you know your destination. After coming back, you submit a follow-up form (NACH) together with your transcript of records. Please do not submit the request before you have received official confirmation of your placement.

What courses can I take abroad?

You need to complete 30 ECTS in Master-level business courses. Bachelor courses cannot be recognised. Language courses do not count toward the 30 ECTS but you are welcome to take them on top. If you take a preparatory language course before your semester, you may be eligible for a partial refund.

Do I need a visa?

This depends entirely on your destination. Countries like the USA and South Africa require a visa, and the process can take several months. Start looking into the requirements and gathering your documents as early as possible. If you need a supporting letter or confirmation of your semester abroad, get in touch with Lisa Schwabe at the Office for International Studies.

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