International Business Studies Jade University of Applied Sciences Wilhelmshaven/Oldenburg/Elsfleth

The International Business Studies programme is completely conducted in English.

The International Business Studies programme covers seven semesters. The first three semesters comprise the basic phase. Students gain various core competencies through compulsory modules. These include:

• business and economic competencies,
• methodical/analytical competencies, and
• cultural, social, and language competencies.

The fourth semester is the international phase. Students work for at least 20 weeks at an international organisation or company in a country that is not the country where they received their university entrance qualification. They integrate theoretical knowledge with practical experience by solving actual problems. Thus, they gain new practical experiences and deeper insight into their desired specialisation.

During semesters five and six, students have several options, and they can choose from four foci:

• sustainability management,
• international economics & emerging markets,
• digital business management, and
• business psychology.

The following options can be chosen:

• Option A: Students study two foci and choose two further electives.
• Option B: Students study at a partner university for two semesters.
• Option C: Students study at a partner university for one semester and choose from the modules offered at Jade UAS in the second semester (plus one elective).
• Option D: Students flexibly combine any modules.

During semester seven, there are again two options:

• Option I: Students complete an internship that is at least 10 weeks long.
• Option II: Students choose three modules from the foci or elective courses.

In addition, the students complete their profile by writing the Bachelor's thesis. The thesis can be done in collaboration with an organisation or company. After successfully passing the colloquium, graduates will be awarded the academic degree of Bachelor of Arts (BA).

We will offer "onboarding days" in Wilhelmshaven during the week before the study start.

Applications are possible for the semester starting around 20 September:

• from 1 June to 15 September of each year for applicants with a German university entrance qualification
• from 1 April to 15 August of each year for applicants with a non-German university entrance qualification

As an international student, you need a visa and proof of sufficient funds. The visa process can take several months, so we recommend applying for a visa in good time.

If you know you will face a visa delay, the IBS team can send you further information regarding late arrival and deferment (as there are no online classes). Please let us know via e-mail.

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Students have the possibility of continuing their international experience abroad on an academic level and doing their specialisations in the fifth and/or sixth semester at one of our partner universities. The International Office can support students in selecting a location from our partner universities worldwide and with the necessary application procedure.

In the fourth semester, students further intensify their international experience by applying the knowledge they gained in the first phase of the programme in an international internship. The internship should be done in a country other than the country of the student’s university entrance qualification. It should bridge the gap between the basic business skills acquired in the first three semesters and the specialisations of the fifth and sixth semesters by providing insights into real-life business practices.

No tuition fees

Students pay an administration fee of approx. 400 EUR that includes access to student recreational activities, sports activities such as sailing, and the state-wide public transportation semester ticket.

Please see this website for information on accommodation and the cost of living in Wilhelmshaven.

To enrol in the programme, students must

• have a valid university entrance qualification and
• provide proof of English language proficiency at a B2 level (details below).

You can find a more detailed list on the programme website.

With your application, you need to provide proof of language proficiency in English that is equivalent to a B2 level according to the CEFR: 

• TOEFL iBT min. 80
• IELTS min. overall band score 6  
• TOEIC min. 800
• Cambridge Certificates
• FCE (First Certificate in English): min. A/B
• CAE (Certificate in Advanced English): min. A/B
• CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English): grade A/B/C
• Successfully completed vocational language training in English (foreign language correspondent, foreign language assistant)
• Proof of an English-language school graduation certificate for university admission or an English-language university qualification

A proof of German language proficiency is not required, but we encourage you to attend a German language course, e.g. organised by our International Office. It is free of charge once you’re enrolled for the the International Business Studies course at Jade University of Applied Sciences. Learning German will make your everyday life in Wilhelmshaven and on campus easier, it will help you integrate and can increase your chances on the job market! Good to know: For IBS students with an international university entrance qualification, “German as a foreign language” (“DaF”) serves as an elective in the later semesters.

For further information, please refer to the programme website.

Applications are possible for the semester starting around 20 September:

• from 1 June to 15 September of each year for applicants with a German university entrance qualification
• from 1 April to 15 August of each year for applicants with a non-German university entrance qualification

Especially for international students, there are various funding opportunities. Please contact the International Office at the Jade UAS.

Students can look for part-time employment – depending on vacancies – in town or as a student assistant in different departments of the Jade University.

There are two student apartments in Wilhelmshaven (they are not run by the university): Studentenwohnheim Wiesenhof and Ansgari Campus. Unfortunately, they usually have a long waiting period (up to four to six months). That’s why it is recommended to browse the (online) offers from private landlords (for example here: immobilienscout24.de, immowelt.de, kleinanzeigen.de, immonet.de, wohnungsboerse.net, leg-wohnen.de). For short term rental, Airbnb is also an option.

The career centre of the Jade UAS offers an online platform where companies can publish their job or internship offers to the students.

The International Office of the Jade UAS is the main point of contact, whether you are a foreign student wanting to study at the Jade University of Applied Sciences or a student from the university planning to go abroad to a European country or elsewhere. The International Office offers individual assistance and supports you in planning and organising your stay.

If you are a foreign student planning on studying in Germany, the International Office offers extensive assistance to help you with your plans. Their wide experience helps them cater to your specific needs.