Outgoing
As part of the International Business and Economics programme, you have the opportunity to apply for a semester/year abroad at one of the prestigious universities within the IWW partner network. This network includes renowned international institutions, and we currently offer approximately 100 exchange spots each year. The application process is part of the official exchange spot allocation process, which is explained in more detail below.
For students seeking a more independent path, there is also the option to arrange a study-abroad semester outside the International Business and Economics partner network. These self-organized stays, known as non-exchange or "freemover" programmes, can be pursued under certain conditions and provide additional opportunities to your international experience.
The International Business and Economics programme stands out not only for its strong international focus but also for its emphasis on developing business communication skills in two foreign languages – English and either French, Italian, or Spanish. During your semester abroad, depending on the country you choose, you will study either in English or in the national language of your host country (French, Italian, or Spanish), further enhancing your linguistic and cultural competencies.
Erasmus+
- Across Europe
- Wide selection of prestigious host institutions
- Participation in the exchange spot allocation process
- Tuition fees are typically waived at partner universities
- Monthly Erasmus+ grant
Joint Study
- Study opportunities outside Europe
- Selection of prestigious host institutions
- Participation in the exchange spot allocation process
- Tuition fees are typically waived at partner universities
- In some cases, tuition fees may apply
- Monthly Joint Study grant available in most cases
Freemover
- Also called Non-Exchange
- No monthly grant available
- Available worldwide
- Independent search and application to a host university
- Prior approval required from the IWW Office for course recognition
- IWW partner universities cannot be selected
- No participation in the exchange spot allocation process
- Standard tuition fees apply
* Not all universities are offered annually
* Universities are divided into bachelor and diploma students depending on the better courses on offer
Erasmus and Joint Study
Non-Exchange/Freemover
Please note for Bachelor and Diploma students
- If the student has completed more than the required modules in the various blocks A, B, and C when registering for the test, the modules with the best grades are automatically used for the assessment.
- Free electives and specialization modules are not taken into account when registering.
Application procedure
Application Requirements
As the study abroad experience is mandatory in the International Business and Economics Bachelor's and Diploma programmes, there are specific rules and requirements to follow. The semester abroad is typically scheduled for the winter semester (usually the 5th semester) to ensure a smooth progression in your studies. Consequently, our exchange spots are generally allocated for the winter semester.
The application for an exchange position occurs approximately one semester prior to the planned study abroad period. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with this process during your first and second semesters.
The IWW Office provides detailed information about the application process and specific procedures during information events held each semester, as well as through the internal online learning platform (OLAT).
Below is a brief overview of the general conditions for the allocation of exchange spots:
To participate in the selection process, you must meet the following registration requirements:
Bachelor’s Programme Requirements
At least 60 ECTS of successfully completed modules* by the time of registration, including the following modules:
- Block A: at least 5 out of 10 core modules
- Block B: at least 1 out of 2 foreign business languages
- Block C: at least 2 out of 3 support modules
Diploma Programme Requirements
At least 90 ECTS of successfully completed modules* from the first part of the diploma programme by the time of registration. including the following modules:
- Block A: at least 6 out of 12 core modules
- Block B: at least 1 out of 2 foreign business languages
- Block C: at least 2 out of 5 support modules
* Only successfully completed modules are counted (module = PS + final examination).
* STEOP + core modules (VWL + BWL including GdM electives), support, and language modules.
Please note that there are only a limited number of exchange spots available for study abroad in the summer semester. Detailed information will be provided during our information events and on our e-learning platform, OLAT.
Selection procedure
The selection procedure consists of three components:
- Grade ranking (A + B + C)
- IWW test (D)
- Overall ranking (grade ranking + IWW test)
Due to the limited number of exchange spots available at our partner universities, only a corresponding number of students will be admitted to the IWW test and the allocation of exchange spots. If fewer students register than there are available exchange spots, all participants who meet the registration requirements will be admitted.
The following subsections explain which and how many modules make up the grade ranking, as well as the respective weighting.
Grade ranking – Bachelor
Block A: 5 out of 10 core modules, weighting 3
Block B: 1 out of 2 Business Languages II, weighting 2
Block C: 2 out of 3 support modules, weighting 1
Grade ranking – Diploma
Block A: 6 out of 12 core modules, weighting 3
Block B: 1 out of 2 Business Languages II, weighting 2
Block C: 2 out of 5 support modules, weighting 1
The IWW test is an additional element of the selection procedure for the allocation of study abroad places, which only takes place under certain conditions.
The decision as to whether the IWW test will be necessary or not is based on the number of applications that meet the requirements and the distribution of grades in the grade ranking. The IWW office provides detailed information on the internal online platform regarding the organizational procedure.
The best students according to the grade ranking will be admitted to the test.
The overall ranking is made up of the grade ranking and the IWW test ranking and thus forms the final ranking.
Allocation of places abroad
All students (Bachelor and Diploma students) who have qualified come together for the allocation of places abroad. Now the students can choose their future host university. This choice is made strictly according to overall ranking!
Students can choose an exchange place in the order of their overall ranking (1, 2, 3 ...) according to their foreign business languages.
Next steps
Once the host university has been chosen, many organizational steps are taken during the semester in close cooperation with the IWW office to prepare for a successful stay abroad.
The compulsory stay abroad can only be started after successfully completing 90 ECTS as a Bachelor's student or 120 ECTS from the first stage of studies as a Diploma student.
As a rule, 30 ECTS, but at least 24 ECTS must be successfully completed abroad. If fewer than 24 ECTS are passed abroad, the semester abroad will not be recognized.