Profile
International Business Administration (IBA) Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society
International Business Administration (IBA) is a dual Bachelor's degree program that combines theory and practice in a unique way. Within six semesters, students earn an internationally recognized Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) with 210 ECTS credits. The degree programs are part of the Business and International Programs (BIP) at the Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society - a pioneer of dual and internationally oriented programs for over 30 years.
The IBA program was designed in close cooperation with leading companies such as BASF, JTI and Simona. It prepares students specifically for the challenges of a globalized economy and offers an excellent start to a career in a wide range of industries.
What makes the IBA program special
- Living internationality: A mandatory stay abroad in the fourth semester as well as courses with international guest lecturers promote intercultural competence.
- Small groups, big impact: Teaching in small semester groups ensures intensive support and an environment conducive to learning.
- Practical relevance right from the start: Through direct involvement in cooperating companies, students gain valuable professional experience and apply their knowledge directly.
- Personal development included: soft skills, foreign languages and project work strengthen personal and professional skills.
For those interested in studying business informatics, the university also offers the dual degree programs International Business Informatics - IBAIT.
Content & procedure
Dual. Structured. International.
The IBA program follows a clear rhythm of theoretical and practical phases. The modular structure and regular alternation between university and company create a consistently application-oriented learning environment.
Semester structure at a glance
- Start: Annually on August 1 with a two-month practical phase in the partner company
- Theory phases: Lectures in small groups at the university with a focus on international business administration
- Practical phases: Assignment in different areas of the company, such as marketing, logistics, controlling or human resources
- 4th semester: stays abroad in an international subsidiary of the partner company - including active participation in projects
Content with perspective
The course content is specifically tailored to the challenges of the international business environment. Students acquire, among other things
- application-oriented business knowledge,
- intercultural experience,
- foreign language skills
- and practical soft skills.
The degree offers the best prerequisites for a qualified career entry or further Master's programs - nationally and internationally.
International orientation
Intercultural competence as a study goal
The IBA program places particular emphasis on preparing students for international job markets and culturally diverse teams. In addition to English-language modules and a globally oriented curriculum, the mandatory stays abroad in the fourth semester are a central element of the international orientation of the program.
Semester abroad in the company
- In the fourth semester, all IBA students spend several months abroad - usually in a subsidiary or branch of their partner company. They actively work on projects there and gain valuable intercultural experience in a real business context.
- Period: Mid-May to the end of September
- Goal: International project work & cultural competence
- Support: The university provides support with planning and preparation
International teachers & language diversity
A high proportion of the courses are taught by guest lecturers from international partner universities - including professors from the USA, China and other countries. This allows students to experience different academic perspectives and deepen their understanding of global economic processes.
Foreign language skills are promoted to accompany the specialist studies - particularly in English and Spanish, but also beyond.
Career opportunities & further Master's programs
Direct career entry - with an international head start
Thanks to the close integration of theory and practice as well as stays abroad, IBA graduates are optimally prepared for their career entry. After graduation, many take on responsible positions in their partner companies or start careers in areas such as
- International Marketing & Sales
- Supply Chain Management & Logistics
- Controlling & Financial Management
- Human Resources & Organizational Development
The close connection to global companies also opens up excellent opportunities for international activities or an assignment abroad directly after graduation.
Our master options at a glance
University of West Florida, Pensacola, USA
Master of Business Administration (MBA, AACSB)
- Part-time, can be completed in 18 months
- Combination of classroom teaching in Ludwigshafen and online modules
- Two three-week intensive phases in Pensacola (USA)
- Degree: internationally recognized MBA, AACSB-accredited
Further information directly on the website of the Transatlantic Institute.
University of North Carolina at Greensboro, USA
MBA or Master of Science in Information Technology and Management (MSITM, AACSB)
- Five-month full-time program on the campus in Greensboro
- Option to follow on directly from the Bachelor's program or start flexibly within five years
- American campus life & networking included
- Both programs are AACSB-accredited and recognized in Germany
Continuing your studies - networked worldwide
The IBA program offers students the opportunity to earn additional credits for selected Master's programs in the USA during their Bachelor's degree and to reduce both the duration of their studies and the costs. The English-language courses take place in Ludwigshafen and are taught by professors from international partner universities.
Why a Master's with BIP?
- International accreditation (AACSB) guarantees the highest quality standards
- Flexible study models - part-time or full-time format
- Synergies with the Bachelor's program - early recognition possible
- Strong alumni networks in Germany, the USA and beyond
Cooperation partner
Practical studies - with strong partners from industry
The IBA degree program thrives on close cooperation with established companies from various sectors. Students are not only part of the university, but are also firmly integrated into a partner company - with an employment contract and monthly salary.
Both sides benefit from the long-term cooperation with our partners:
Advantages for students:
- Early involvement in real company processes
- Practical knowledge that goes far beyond internships
- Individual support & versatile development opportunities
- Financial independence through continuous remuneration
Advantages for companies:
- Recruitment of committed junior staff with an international profile
- Direct knowledge transfer from university and research
- High motivation through close company ties
- Network effects through cooperation with academia and other companies
Excerpt from our partner companies
The partner companies cover a broad spectrum of sectors - from industry and trade to media and technology:
Companies | Location | Sector |
|---|---|---|
| BASF SE | Ludwigshafen | Chemistry & Industry |
| Fortuna Media Group | Neustadt/Weinstrasse | Media & Marketing |
| JTI - Japan Tobacco International | Trier | Consumer goods |
| Simona AG | Kirn | Plastics processing |
| EM-Technik GmbH | Maxdorf | Mechanical engineering/technology |
Are you interested?
Are you a company and would like to become part of our successful partner network? Or have you already found a company that will train you, but are still looking for the right university partner?
We look forward to talking to you! Please contact us for further information on the cooperation or the individual application process via external training companies.
Application & Admission
Who fits the IBA study program?
The IBA program is aimed at performance-oriented, cosmopolitan applicants who think business internationally and want to study with a practical orientation right from the start.
What you should bring with you:
- General higher education entrance qualification or entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences (incl. examination of additional requirements if necessary)
- Interest in international economic issues
- Team spirit, independence and enjoyment of intercultural exchange
- Willingness to learn and work in a demanding intensive study program
The application process - how it works
As this is a dual study program, you do not apply via the university, but directly to one of our partner companies.
5 steps to a study place:
- Choose a company
Research suitable BIP partner companies from the current overview. - Submit your application
Apply early - ideally one year before the start of your studies - to the desired company. - Go through the company selection process
Depending on the partner company, you can expect job interviews, online tests or assessment centers, for example. - Receive a training contract
If you are successfully selected, you will sign a training contract with the partner company. - Enrollment at the university
The university will be informed by the company and will then contact you. Online registration is required for enrollment. You can find all the information here.
Not yet a company?
No problem. If you meet the formal admission requirements but have not yet found a company, we will be happy to advise you personally. Or perhaps your desired company is not yet familiar with the BIP program? Talk to us - we will help you take the next step.
The team at the Student Service Center (SSC) looks forward to meeting you
The SSC staff responsible for application management advise prospective students on all aspects of the application process. They are the right people to contact for all questions relating to application and admission/access to studies at the Ludwigshafen University of Business and Society.
E-mail: ssc-bewerbung@ 8< SPAM protection, please remove >8 hwg-lu.de
Telephone: +49 621 5203-0
For subject-related questions, please get in touch with the relevant contact person for your desired degree program.
Opening hours of the SSC
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