German version

FAQ - Students

Studying at the International University of Cooperative Education

1. What can I study at the International University of Cooperative Education?

The International University of Cooperative Education (IBA) offers the following state recognised Bachelor programmes:
Business Administration

  • Graduation: Bachelor of Arts – with the specialisations Hotel and Tourism Management, Event, Fair and Congress Management, Food, Beverage and Culinary Management, Industry and Trade, Banking and Insurance, Taxation and Auditing, Marketing Communication/PR, Human Resource Management and Personnel Services, as well as Sports Management

Business Informatics

  • Graduation: Bachelor of Science

Industrial Engineering* (accreditation in preparation)

  • Graduation: Bachelor of Engineering – with specialisations Green Energy*, Systems Engineering* and Process Management*

The cooperative system combines academic content with continuous practical experience.

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2. How is the IBA programme structured and how long does it take?

The Bachelor programme begins, depending on specialisation and course capacity, every spring and/or autumn. The programme is divided into six semesters, each lasting six months. The content is taught in modules and assessed on a continuous basis. After four semesters of foundation studies, the intermediate exam is taken, leading to the Betriebswirt/in (IBA) qualification. The advanced level offers consolidation and individual differentiation through a series of elective modules. After successful production of the Bachelor dissertation – in which scientific methods are applied to an operational topic agreed with the training supervisor at the partner company and with the lecturer – the title of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science is awarded.

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3. What is special about studying at the International University of Cooperative Education?

The International University of Cooperative Education (IBA) offers a weekly model based on 20 hours of practical placement in the company, plus 20 hours of academic study at the IBA. This offers students a continuous and intensive integration in the operational processes of their partner company. The IBA and partner company work together closely in order to guarantee intensive specialist and personal support of the students.

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4. Which admission requirements do I need to fulfil?

Applicants must provide evidence of the general/subject-specific higher education entrance qualification or entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences, and conclude a training contract with a professionally suitable company. Furthermore, there is also a professional pathway to admission: for particularly capable employees with at least four years’ professional experience building on state recognised training and relevant continuing education, it is possible to evidence aptitude for study by successfully completing a higher education admission exam at a university in Hesse. There is currently no numerus clausus.

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5. How can I apply for a place on the programme?

Applications can be send by Mail to: w.schroeter@internationale-ba.com. Existing contacts to a partner company can be indicated here, along with any relevant preferences. The search for a partner company should take place parallel to the application – the IBA will offer active support in this process. Potential partner companies may include those listed on the IBA website, but also companies that have not previously cooperated with the respective study centre.

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6. Where can I find detailed information about the programme and its content?

For individual advice, please consult our study advisors. The content for the various subjects and specialisations is set out in the respective curriculum. These can be downloaded from the IBA website. The detailed module catalogues can be consulted in the administration office.

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7. What level of mathematics do I need for study at the IBA?

In general, for study at the IBA you should have an advanced level of mathematics. However, it is often difficult to accurately estimate one’s own ability, and the grade average does not always realistically reflect your current level of knowledge. For this reason, we have compiled a short Maths self test (links to German page) so you can put your current mathematics skills to the test.

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8. How are my academic achievements recognised?

For each module, points are awarded in line with the European standard ECTS (= European Credit Transfer System). The points are accumulated in a “study account” and in some cases contribute to the final graduation mark. The ECTS system also allows, in individual cases, for the recognition of academic achievements attained at other universities.

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9. What options exist for funding my studies?

The funding of the programme is stipulated in the contract concluded with the partner company. Companies and students can agree to one of the following options:
A) The company covers the cost of the tuition fees and also pays remuneration.
B) The company pays remuneration, however, the student is responsible for payment of tuition fees.
C. For students who prefer not to commit to one company and would like to first gain an insight into various firms and sectors, the self-financing model is the ideal concept. In this case, the student is responsible for payment of tuition fees, and remuneration is negotiated individually with the respective companies. To find out whether this option is offered at your preferred study centre, please contact the local study advisor.
D) As a rule, the company pays the tuition fees. The students enter into a commitment to remain in employment with the company for at least two more years after graduation.
Students at the IBA are currently not eligible to receive support through the Federal Education and Training Assistance Act (BAföG). However, in the case of low income (apprenticeship/trainee remuneration), students are eligible to apply for child allowance in line with the statutory regulations.

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Practical Phase in the Company

1. How do I find a partner company?

Potential partner companies may include the companies listed on the IBA website, but also companies that have not previously cooperated with the respective study centre. Prospective students are able to independently search for a company and make direct enquiries regarding the opportunity to complete a cooperative Bachelor programme. In any case, you should first apply to the IBA via the online application form so that we can, if necessary, support you in your search for a suitable partner company.

Note: Partner companies are not required to be training companies as defined by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK)!

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2. Are there guidelines for practical experience in the company?

The University of Cooperative Education has, in close cooperation with the partner companies, developed a framework that forms the basis for individual placement plans. These plans are formulated to ensure compatibility of the practical work with the academic content and study progression, both in terms of level and field of application.

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3. What regulations apply regarding the probationary period?

As a rule, a probationary period of four months is agreed with the company. Within this period, both students and the company can withdraw from the contract without stating a reason, and with immediate effect.

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4. Is there a semester break and/ or holiday?

Students are entitled to the statutory minimum holiday. However, this may be taken only during the practical phase and/or in the official IBA breaks (three weeks in summer, two weeks at Christmas/New Year and one week at Easter).

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5. How do failed assessments impact on the duration of the programme?

Failed assessments are repeated according to the examination regulations within a specified timeframe (e.g. failed module assessment: within four weeks at the latest). Except when due to illness, accident or similar (whereby it is not possible to participate in certain parts of the course), an extension of the programme is in principle permitted only if it is necessary to repeat the Bachelor dissertation.

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The IBC premium self-funding model

1. What is the self-funding model and who is it suitable for?

The premium self-funding model is aimed at prospective students seeking a fast-paced and practice-integrated course of study, and are keen to achieve a state recognised Bachelor degree in international Business Administration within six semesters. The practical phases parallel to academic study are carried out in IBC professional partner companies.

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2. What are the benefits of the self-funding model?

Students in the premium self-funding model benefit in particular from the insights they gain into various companies and sectors, and from the exceptionally flexible and individually tailored degree programme that the model offers. In addition to gaining essential knowledge of core operational processes, students assume progressively greater responsibility and autonomous work. Students are supported throughout their tasks by an experienced practical supervisor. It is possible to change to another non-IBC partner company at any time.

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3. How is the practical phase structured?

After 20 teaching hours at the International University of Cooperative Education, students complete approximately 16 hours per week in IBC professional partner companies. Students are thus actively integrated into the day-to-day operations from the outset. Within a very short time and with the support of our experienced business specialists, our students develop into highly qualified and confident employees with superior practical experience.

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4. What are the admission requirements and how do I apply?

Admission to the programme via the premium self-funding model requires evidence of the general higher education entrance qualification (Abitur), subject-specific higher education entrance qualification or entrance qualification for universities of applied sciences. Applicants should submit their completed application documents (tabular CV with photograph, evidence of eligibility of admission to higher education, other certificates and references from previous employers) by email only to: info@internationale-ba.de (please indicate preferred study centre). Suitable applicants will be invited by the IBA to take an aptitude test and to attend an interview. ?

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5. What options are available for funding?

It is possible to apply for a partial stipend from the F+U Group’s development company. Furthermore, several financial institutions offer student financing with favourable terms. Our student advisor will be happy to assist you further.

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* Accreditation in preparation
More course specialities planned