International Business & Management | Master
*Click here for non-EU tuition information
Before studying International Business & Management
The Master program International Business & Management redefines academic excellence by offering tailor-made educational pathways in our digital and globalized business world. It combines cutting-edge topics with hands-on projects and international study options, allowing you to tailor your studies – whether full-time or part-time – to suit you. This program is your ticket to a world of unlimited possibilities, where you will acquire skills that will make you shine in the international business world.
Overview
Our Master program International Business & Management not only prepares you comprehensively for the demands of the global economy, but also offers you a unique opportunity to shape your studies according to your individual career goals. Choose two of the four specializations on offer in the areas of Marketing Management, Digital Business, Innovation & Sustainability and Financial Management, or expand your profile with the additional specialization in HR, Leadership & Diversity from the Master in International Business & Law.
Individualization & Organization
The combination of flexibility, practical orientation and innovation also gives you the choice between full-time and part-time study options, both of which are embedded in the motto "Bridging University & Business". You will also benefit from the combination of academic theory and real business practice from the first semester. Develop your own start-up ideas as part of the entrepreneurship events or work on projects with top companies. The blended learning concept combines online and classroom teaching for an interactive and efficient education that prepares you ideally for global business challenges.
Internationalization
The Master program International Business & Management sees itself as a door opener to global networking and intercultural understanding. Our offer includes tailor-made short programs at partner universities worldwide (e.g. China, Canada, South Africa), the option of a semester abroad or a double degree in Italy or the Czech Republic. These opportunities enrich your studies and strengthen your position for a successful international career.
MCI | The Entrepreneurial School®
MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® is one of the most successful universities in the German-speaking region and Europe. Renowned business experts teach in small groups, distinguished lecturers ensure academic quality in all areas, and the dedicated MCI team supports students in their endeavors such as internships, research, and stays abroad.
Admission
Applications for admission are accepted on a rolling basis. The required documents are to be submitted online. Applicants are welcome to apply for multiple programs of study, as long as a plausible rationale is given. The final decision may be taken by the end of the application procedures.
For Internationals (full-degree), EU and Non-EU, you can find more information here.
| Application | Interview |
Date 1 | Nov 9, 2025 | Dec 3 - 4, 2025 |
Date 2 | Feb 8, 2026 | Mar 11 - 12, 2026 |
Date 3 | Apr 12, 2026 | May 6 - 7, 2026 |
Date 4 | May 31, 2026 | Jun 15 - 17, 2026 |
The program accepts:
Graduates of relevant bachelor programs such as Wirtschaft & Management, Business & Management, Business Administration, International Business Administration, International Economics.
Graduates of MCI bachelor programs such as Business & Management, Wirtschaft & Management, Business Administration (Online), Betriebswirtschaft (Online), Management & Law, Management, Communication & IT, Social, Health & Public Management (FT/Online) and Entrepreneurship, Tourism & Leisure Business.
Graduates of other Bachelor or post-secondary programs comprising courses in economics, strategic management, marketing, accounting, controlling, human resources management, and business process management (total of at least 80 ECTS).
Recognition of previous qualifications in the master program:
Applications for recognition of examinations or credits obtained through other study programs or previous scientific experience must be submitted to the Head of Department & Studies. A decision will only be taken in cases where the application for admission has met with a positive decision. Recognition of credits or previous experience is only granted for individual classes in the program.
In just two steps to your desired study program at MCI:
Step 1 – Online application: CV & motivation
A complete online application consists of a CV, a letter of motivation, information on educational background, qualifications, professional career, social achievements and academic as well as professional goals. We would like to know why you are applying to study at MCI.
You may apply for more than one degree program at the same time, provided you can conclusively explain your respective motivations in your letter of motivation.
Step 2 – Online admission interview
In the second step, all applicants will be invited to an online admission interview.
In this interview, we want to get to know you. We are particularly interested in your motivation to study at MCI as well as your professional and personal goals you want to achieve with the help of your studies.
Within three weeks after the admission interview, we will inform you about the admission decision.
While studying International Business & Management
In addition to in-depth interdisciplinary knowledge in global business strategies and cross-cultural management, the program offers extensive international study opportunities. The flexibility of the curriculum allows students to set individual priorities and deepen their intercultural skills. This program is therefore also ideal for future managers who want to be successful in the international business world by offering a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience on an international level.
The core subjects and interdisciplinary skills of the International Business & Management Master's program provide a modern management foundation in the first two semesters. In the third semester, students have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge by choosing two specializations. The partnership with the Department of International Business & Law also enables students to specialize further in the area of Human Resources, Leadership & Diversity. The practice-oriented courses in the area of interdisciplinary skills take place throughout the entire degree program and represent another exciting bridge between theory and practice.
Full-time
In the full-time studies, lectures and seminars take place on weekdays, with blocked units allowing intensive in-depth study of individual topics.
The classes usually take place from Monday to Thursday from 09:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. and/or from 01:30 p.m. to 04:45 p.m. + one online lecture per week (evening hours). In exceptional cases, the times may vary and the lessons and / or examinations may take place outside the specified times or possibly on Saturdays + one online lecture per week (evening hours).
Part-time
Part-time studies allow students to pursue full-time employment. The content and scope of part-time studies correspond to those of full-time studies.
On-campus lectures are usually held on Friday afternoons (approx. 02:30 p.m. to 09:30 p.m.) and Saturdays (08:30 a.m. to 04:30 p.m.) + one online lecture per week (evening hours). However, the times may deviate in exceptional cases, such as exams.
Graduates of the program are conferred the academic title of Master of Arts in Business, in short MA or M.A. This is attested by a leaving certificate, the Master diploma, the international diploma supplement, and further documents where relevant.*
MCI Alumni are entitled to combine their academic degree with the brand “MCI” to provide trust and orientation in an increasingly intransparent international education market. Example: MA (MCI).
Source: GZ BMWF-52.330/0195-I/6/2013
*Information about the recognition of the degree in Italy can be found here.
The master program International Business & Management offers Double Degree programs with a duration of two semesters in cooperation with selected partner universities:
UniversitĂ Carlo Cattaneo, Castellanza
Prague University of Economics and Business, Prague
Specializations
When applying for the master’s program, students chose two out of four specializations for the third semester. The specializations Digital Business and Marketing Management follow a primarily full-time schedule, running from Monday to Friday. On the other hand, the specializations Innovation & Sustainability and Financial Management are organized in a part-time format, with classes on Fridays and Saturdays, along MCI webinars in the evenings.
Students have the flexibility to choose any combination of two out of the four specializations, regardless of the time model of previous semesters.
In order to introduce students to the four specializations and provide an overview of the respective contents, an information session will be arranged during the second semester.
This specialization focuses on the extensive impact of digitalization on business and management. This includes deep-dives into the adoption of digital technologies, such as blockchain or artificial intelligence, focusing on how companies can leverage the emerging opportunities and address associated challenges. In addition to operational excellence issues, this specialization places particular emphasis on developing digital strategies and business models. Furthermore, the curriculum addresses the impact of digital technologies on work and leadership. Overall, students will gain an overview of the latest academic research and corporate practices in the field of digital business.
In today’s digitalized and highly competitive market, businesses face the challenge to align their marketing and sales activities with dynamic customer needs. This specialization equips students with expertise in using new technologies and innovative approaches to collect and analyze new customer data and develop targeted marketing and sales strategies along the multi-facetted customer journey. Taking a customer-centric approach, this specialization offers insights into consumer psychology, digital marketing and analytics, omnichannel commerce, cause-related marketing, global marketing strategy, and much more.
Embark on an exciting journey into the world of innovation management and sustainable business models. This specialization focuses on creative thinking and entrepreneurial action, with an emphasis on social and ecological perspectives. Discover how the emergence of new technologies is reshaping the business landscape and how these developments can be leveraged to promote sustainable innovations. Practical insights and stimulating discussions will enable you to develop innovative approaches and actively create solutions for a sustainable future.
The sound understanding of capital markets, international accounting, international taxation, and corporate finance is essential for a career in finance. We adopt a CFO's perspective, incorporating financial analysis, performance measurement, financial communication, and strategic recommendations. Core applications include strategic and operative planning and simulation, business model transformation, and mergers and acquisitions. This specialization will equip students with the state-of-the art financial knowledge to compete successfully in a global environment.
Learning Goals
In order to ensure the transfer of learning and to enable students to develop relevant competencies, MCI has defined clear cross-curricular learning goals. These describe, in detail, the knowledge and skills acquired by our graduates on completion of their studies at MCI.
International Outreach
International orientation plays a central role in every MCI degree program and is evident in the diverse backgrounds of faculty and students, in our curricula, and in international projects and internships. The master’s program in International Business & Management offers the following options:
- Double degree programs in cooperation with selected partner universities in Italy and Czech Republic
- Semester abroad or final thesis at one of our countless partner universities
- Two-week programs (e.g. China, USA, Canada, South Africa, Brasil)
- One-week programs in nearby cities (e.g. Prague, Budapest) with a second week at MCI
- International Studies online at MCI on current topics, such as “People. Planet. Profit: In the context of global rivalry, regional hegemony & social transition”
- Going abroad as a freemover
Study Abroad
at our partner universities around the world.
After studying International Business & Management
Studying at MCI is an investment in a successful future. Through close cooperation with industry and the practical orientation of all courses, MCI graduates are in particularly high demand on the job market and have several job offers even before graduation.
Professional opportunities
The interdisciplinary program opens up a wide range of career opportunities for graduates, including:
Digital Business & Data Science
Digital Transformation & Business Development
Marketing Analytics, Online- & Classic Marketing
Start-ups & Platform Business
Agile Innovation Management & Business Model Innovation
Sustainability & Circular Economy
HR Management & Personnel
Finance & Controlling
Consulting, Tax & Audit
Science & Academia
Continue studying
Graduates of the "International Business & Management" master's degree program are entitled to admission to doctoral studies in accordance with Federal Law Gazette II No. 241/2009.
News
International Business & Management
Questions & Answers
Our master's program at MCI is specifically designed to optimally prepare you for a global career. It is characterized by several core features that make it a first-class choice for your higher education:
practice-oriented content: We offer a curriculum that is closely linked to the real business world to ensure you gain real-world skills.
mentored by professionals: When selecting lecturers, we aim for a balanced mix of full-time and part-time university professors with practical experience, managers from the business world and experts from consulting and the liberal professions.
excellent reputation and accreditations: Our study program is known and accredited both nationally and internationally for its high quality and excellence.
flexible study design: You have the freedom to customize your master's program. This includes choosing your preferred time model, your specializations and your participation in international study options.
international and intercultural environment: We foster a highly international atmosphere by involving students and lecturers from different cultures. This contributes to an enriching learning environment and prepares you for the globalized business world.
global network: With our study program, you become part of an extensive global network that offers you countless opportunities for your future career.
Your path to a global leadership role starts here
The MCI master's program is not just an educational investment but a springboard for your international career. Discover how our program can help you achieve your professional goals.
Our courses offer two different module organization forms, with identical course content in both models, ensuring consistent high quality and uniform knowledge transfer regardless of the chosen form of study.
Full-time study: Ideal for students who want to focus entirely on their studies. Lectures are held from Monday to Thursday, typically between 09:00 to 12:15 and/or 13:30 to 16:45. The full-time study program usually begins in early October.
Part-time study: Perfect for working professionals who want to combine their academic advancement with their professional activity. Lectures are typically scheduled for Friday evenings (about 14:30 to 21:30) and Saturdays (08:30 to 16:30). This model usually starts in September.
Online lectures: Regardless of the chosen time model, online lectures in both study formats are mostly held on weekday evenings, once a week, with a few exceptions.
Tailor your study to your needs
This flexibility in the organization of lectures allows our students to optimally adapt their studies to their individual needs and lifestyle. Discover which model best suits you and begin your academic journey with us.
The Master program International Business & Management at MCI is uniquely designed, oriented around highly attractive competence strands leading to six exciting specializations. This program offers a combination of common core modules and the option to set individual focuses.
Specializations in the Master program:
Digital Business: Mainly offered in full-time format, ideal for those wanting to focus on digital business strategies.
Marketing Management: Also mainly in full-time format, this specialization teaches state-of-the-art marketing strategies and is therefore perfect for future experts in this field.
Innovation & Sustainability: This specialization is offered on a part-time basis and is aimed at students who want to focus on sustainable innovations.
Financial Management: In this part-time format, you can deepen your knowledge of capital markets, corporate finance and the latest technological developments in the financial sector.
Additional specialization from International Business & Law:
Human Resources, Leadership & Diversity: An optional specialization from our partner department dealing with modern challenges in HR management, leadership, and diversity.
Individualized study experience for your professional development
International Business & Management students have the opportunity to choose two of these specializations to tailor their studies to their professional goals and interests. This diverse and flexible study offer allows you to expand your skills in a targeted manner and prepare for the challenges of a globalized business world.
Yes, in the master's degree program in International Business & Management we offer you a flexible choice of specializations, regardless of the time model you have chosen for the first and second semesters. This flexibility allows you to tailor your specialization to your professional goals and interests.
free choice of specializations: You can choose any combination of specializations to sharpen your study profile.
consideration of time models: Please note that part-time students who opt for a specialization that is mainly offered in a full-time model should plan about 14 weekdays per full-time specialization. This may mean that you will need to take time off work for this period.
special regulations for International Business & Law: Special regulations apply to specializations in International Business & Law, which require individual planning.
Optimize your study for your career goals
By having the option to freely combine specializations, you can tailor your master's degree optimally to your future career plans. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary flexibility to align your academic and professional development.
Within our study program, we offer students comprehensive opportunities to individually shape their curriculum. This flexibility allows for a tailored academic experience, catered to the personal and professional interests of each individual.
Wide range of options: Students can choose from a variety of modules, specializations, additional courses, and electives. These options provide the opportunity to delve deeper into specific subject areas and develop skills in various disciplines.
Extracurricular activities: In addition to the academic curriculum, we also encourage participation in extracurricular activities. These provide valuable practical experiences and contribute to applying theoretical knowledge in real contexts.
Semester abroad and international networks: A key part of the study is the semester abroad at one of our numerous partner universities. This offers an excellent opportunity to gain international experiences, develop intercultural competencies, and build a global network.
Projects and Master thesis: Our students have the opportunity to further personalize their study through individual projects and thesis work. These projects are a platform to apply knowledge gained in the study program practically and deepen personal research interests.
Your individual path to academic excellence
With this wide range of design options, the study becomes a truly unique and personal experience. We support our students in finding their own path to academic excellence and professional fulfillment.
In our study program, we understand that interests and career goals can change over time. Therefore, we offer the possibility to change the originally chosen specialization to better accommodate our students' evolving needs and goals.
Option to change specialization: Students have the flexibility to adjust their specialization if their academic interest changes during the course of their studies.
Dependent on availability and group size: The change is subject to availability in the desired specialization and group size. We strive to ensure maximum flexibility while maintaining high-quality teaching and an effective learning environment.
Adapting your study path to your development
This flexibility allows our students to dynamically adjust their study path and ensure that their education always aligns with their current academic and professional goals. We support you in adapting your study direction to your evolving interests.
The international orientation is a central part of our master program. We offer a variety of exciting opportunities that allow both part-time and full-time students to experience the international business world first-hand.
Double Degree Programs: A two-semester study program in cooperation with selected partner institutions, such as Prague University of Economics and Business, Università Carlo Cattaneo, or Pôle Universitaire Léonard de Vinci in Paris.
Semester Abroad: Study at one of our global partner institutions, including renowned universities like Pepperdine University in the USA, Universidad ESAN in Peru, and many others.
Two-week Overseas Programs: Take the opportunity to gain international experience through short study trips, for example, at Royal Roads University in Canada or Fudan University in China.
One-week Programs in Nearby Countries: Explore educational opportunities nearby, such as in Lisbon (Portugal), combined with an additional study week at MCI.
International Studies Online: Engage in online courses on global issues to further sharpen your international perspective.
Freemover Options: Design your own international experience by going abroad independently as a freemover.
Discover the world with your master program
These diverse international options enrich your studies and open up new perspectives in the global business world. Our goal is to provide you with a unique and enriching educational experience through these comprehensive international opportunities.
Blended Learning is an advanced didactic concept that combines traditional classroom teaching with online lectures to create a comprehensive and interactive learning experience.
Combination of Learning Forms: This teaching method combines the best of both worlds – online and in-person instruction – enabling a flexible and effective learning environment.
Synchronous and Asynchronous Coaching: Blended Learning includes both synchronous coaching, where teachers and students interact at the same time, and asynchronous coaching, which allows for flexible learning at any time.
Interactive On-Campus Courses and Discussions: The on-campus course is interactive and encourages direct exchange and discussions between students and instructors.
Benefits of Blended Learning
This modern teaching method offers numerous advantages, such as the flexibility to participate from anywhere, the opportunity to deepen learning content individually, and the promotion of active participation and discussion. Blended Learning is ideal for today's dynamic and connected learning world.
To be admitted to our master program, a basic academic qualification is required. Candidates should have at least a bachelor's degree or an equivalent degree. Specifically, for programs in business administration and management, degrees in these fields are preferred.
Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent: A completed bachelor's degree or an equivalent degree forms the basis for admission.
Field of Business Administration and Management: Ideally, your academic qualifications should be in the fields of business administration and/or management to ensure the relevant foundations for the master program.
Lay the foundation for your further education
These academic prerequisites are crucial to ensure that all students have the necessary basic knowledge and skills to fully benefit from our demanding master's program.
We strongly recommend submitting your application for the desired course of study as early as possible to ensure that a study place is still available. Early application increases your chances of successful admission.
Early Submission of Application: To maximize your chances of a place in your desired course of study, submit your application at the earliest possible time.
Submission of the Current Transcript of Records: Include your current Transcript of Records with your application. This document provides information about your academic achievements to date and is an important part of your application documents.
Submission of the Bachelor's Certificate: If you have not yet completed your bachelor's degree at the time of application, you can initially submit the Transcript of Records. The official bachelor's certificate must then be submitted before the start of the study program.
Secure your place in our program
These steps are crucial to making your application successful and securing a study place in the program of your choice. An early application along with the required documents ensures that your application is carefully reviewed and considered.
Tuition fees vary depending on nationality and program of study. It is important to inform yourself about the specific fees for your status and chosen study program.
Tuition Fees for EU/EWR Citizens, Swiss and Certain Non-EU Citizens:
For nationals of the EU, EWR, and Switzerland, as well as for non-EU citizens who are considered eligible for funding under the Fachhochschul-Studiengesetz, the tuition fee is 363.36 euros per semester.
In addition, a contribution for mandatory membership in the Austrian Students' Union is required.
Tuition Fees for Non-EU Nationals:
For students from non-EU countries not falling under the eligible groups, the following tuition fees apply:
Bachelor's programs: EUR 7.500,- / Semester zzgl. gesetzlichem Ă–H-Beitrag
Master's programs: EUR 7.500,- / Semester zzgl. gesetzlichem Ă–H-Beitrag
Here too, the mandatory contribution to the Austrian Students' Union applies.
Checking Nationality in the Admission Process:
Your application documents regarding nationality will be thoroughly reviewed in the admission process.
**Scholarship Opportunities for Non-EU Applicants: Scholarships are available for applicants from non-EU countries. These can be applied for as part of the online application process.
Important information for your study financing
These details about tuition fees and financing options are crucial for planning your studies. We recommend informing yourself early about the specific fees and available scholarships to make an informed decision about your choice of study and financing.
Yes, attending lectures is generally mandatory.
Yes, it is possible. Admission to the study program requires the completion of an admission process, which can be done completely without being present at MCI.
Step 1 – Online Application: Background & Motivation
A complete online application consists of a curriculum vitae, a letter of motivation, educational background and qualifications, professional experience, social achievements, as well as study and career goals. Your application should clearly show why you are applying for the study at MCI.
Step 2 – Online Admission Interview
In the second step, all applicants are invited to an online interview.
In this interview, we want to get to know you. We are particularly interested in what motivates you to study at MCI and what professional and personal goals you aim to achieve with the study program.
Yes, the academic degree is recognized in Italy due to a grade conversion agreement (“Notenwechsel”) starting May 1, 2026.
This bilateral agreement between Austria and Italy provides a simplified procedure for the recognition of many academic degrees. Further information can be found here.