Bachelor of Arts in International Cultural and Business Studies University of Passau

Mostly German, but also some English, Spanish, French, Chinese or other languages, depending on the regional specialisation chosen by the student

Culture, business, economics and languages

The interdisciplinary BA International Cultural and Business Studies programme combines business administration and economics with up to two applied foreign languages and a cultural region of your choice. It is the only one of its kind in Germany.

Why study ICBS in Passau?

• Choose from six cultural regions: America and the British Isles; the French-speaking world; the Ibero-Roman cultural region; East and East Central Europe; South-East Asia; and the German-speaking world
• Twelve foreign languages to choose from: Business English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Russian, Czech, Mandarin Chinese, Indonesian, Thai and German as a Foreign Language
• Integrated study or internship abroad, excursion or study project in the chosen cultural region
• Valuable practical experience through a compulsory internship and a compact seminar on intercultural business communication
• Students have the opportunity to gain a double degree in Argentina.

The following is valid for applicants from: all countries
For the winter semester:
1 April - 15 July

The programme comprises four module areas:

Module Area A: International Cultural and Business Studies Principles

This introductory module group teaches the principles of intercultural communication and management as well as imparting a global understanding of the interrelationships between culture and business. Furthermore, you will acquire basic knowledge in cultural studies theories and methods.

Module Area B: Cultural Area Studies

In the Cultures, Texts and Media focus modules, you will choose one of the six available cultural regions and attend courses in cultural studies, literature or linguistics, or on the history and politics of your chosen cultural region. Furthermore, you will choose a further socio-historical subject in the History, Society and Space focus area. You will write your dissertation on a topic from module area B.

Module Area C: Business and Economics

In the Business and Economics module group, you will acquire a methodological foundation by studying courses such as mathematics, statistics and business accounting. Building on this, you will specialise either in examination modules from the areas of management (business administration) or economics. If a sufficient number of examiners are available, you may be permitted to write your dissertation on a topic derived from module area C.

Module Area D: Foreign Languages and Applied Interculturality

You will choose one or two of the following foreign languages: Chinese, Czech, Business English, French, German as a foreign language, Indonesian, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Thai and Vietnamese. The English language option requires good English language skills; however, no prior knowledge is required for the other languages. Any existing language skills are determined using placement tests and taken into account when you are assigned to the relevant course. For all languages except English, you can choose between the business/economics and cultural studies track.

The practical module, Applied Interculturality, enables you to hone your intercultural skills during a stay abroad and to set your own individual priorities.

For this degree programme, you are required to complete a minimum two-month internship abroad or spend at least one semester studying at a university abroad or working as a foreign teaching assistant. Furthermore, an internship of at least one month in Germany or outside of the country is required. The internships will not be arranged for you; rather, you are responsible for searching for the internship, negotiating the outline (i.e. the job description) and making all necessary arrangements. However, the university can help you with information and hands-on advice.

For details, see:

• Future: Careers and Competencies Section
• iStudi Coach
• kuwi.netzwerk international

None

The semester contribution fee is around 130 EUR per semester. This covers the student services association and bus pass fees. At the time of writing (April 2026), the University of Passau does not charge tuition fees.

You should budget a minimum of 992 EUR per month for your living expenses. If you need a visa to come to Germany, this is the amount you must have available to you (e.g. paid into a blocked account) for each month. Nevertheless, your actual cost of living will vary depending on your lifestyle, and so you should treat this figure as an absolute minimum.

A recognised university entrance qualification (e.g. German "Abitur" or a foreign equivalent)

• TestDaF: TDN 4
• Reading: TDN 4
• Listening: TDN 4
• Speaking: TDN 4
• Writing: TDN 4
• Goethe-Zertifikat: Goethe-Zertifikat C1
• telc Deutsch C1 Hochschule: Passed
• Deutsches Sprachdiplom der Kultusministerkonferenz (DSD): DSD II
• Reading: C1
• Listening: C1
• Speaking: C1
• Writing: C1
• Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang (DSH): DSH-2

No minimum language level required

The International Office awards a small number of scholarships to international degree-seeking students who have been enrolled in a Bachelor's programme for at least two semesters or in a Master's programme for at least one semester. You may also apply for a Deutschlandstipendium scholarship, which is open to students of all nationalities. This scholarship has a stipend of 300 EUR per month and runs for one year. You may reapply in subsequent years. Finally, there is a one-off emergency hardship grant available to international students in exceptional cases of unexpected financial difficulties.

For international students, a dedicated career adviser is on hand: the "iStudi Coach" will help you with all your questions about finding work or placements in Germany.

Please note that students from non-EU countries must apply for a work permit at the national job centre if they work more than 240 half-days per year. Students from EU member countries do not require a work permit.

The International Office has set up an accommodation service, which assists international students in finding accommodation.

Rooms in the halls of residence cost between 240 EUR and 510 EUR per month and are fully furnished. Kitchen and bathroom facilities are usually shared, although some rooms have en-suite bathroom facilities. However, please note that the demand for the rooms in the student halls is very high, and there is no guarantee that you will be able to rent one.

Luckily, there is a large number of flats and flatshares available on the open housing market. On average, you should expect to pay somewhere in the vicinity of 350 EUR to 550 EUR a month for these. Landlords usually require a two-month or three-month deposit when you move in, which will be returned to you at the end of the rental period, provided you leave your accommodation in good condition.

• Further details on housing in Passau
• Accommodation service for international students

The university provides advice on job hunting, jobs and career-entry positions at German and international companies, here and abroad. These include personal interviews, advice, and training courses on how to apply as well as intercultural and soft skills training.

International students have access to a dedicated career adviser – the "iStudi Coach" – who helps you find internships and apply for student jobs and career-entry positions at German companies; the iStudi Coach also coaches international students on German labour market practices, how to write applications, and so on.

Related links:

• Future: Careers and Competencies Section
• iStudi Coach