In the following FAQ list, we have gathered the questions that we are typically asked. In case you have a question that is not yet included in this list, please use the contact form or approach the Marketing Manager that is responsible for your area!
Does FHWS offer scholarships?
No, as FHWS is a public university, it does not offer scholarships. All MBA International Business students pay the same tuition.
Can I apply for other scholarships?
Yes of course, you can apply for other scholarships, offered by the DAAD or by other organisations. Once you have been admitted to our program, we can provide you with a confirmation of acceptance that you can use to apply for scholarships.
Is the MBA International Business an Executive MBA program?
No, the MBA International Business is a regular MBA program.
Do you offer specializations in specific industries?
No, our students choose one world region (Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia or Latin America) as their field of specialization in the MBA International Business.
Can I freely choose the partner university for my stay abroad?
No, as during your stay abroad, a specific module (Doing Business in Focus Region) is taught as an integral part of your studies, we have contracts with specific partner universities that teach the contents of this module for us.
How do I apply? Is there a application fee? Do I have to use uni-assist?
The application process is done completely online on our own website: please go the our easy-to-use application template and fill the information and upload your documents. Application is possible all year round, but the application deadline is July 30th for the programme start in October of the same year. You will automatically receive feedback whether you are admitted to our program within 2 weeks.
We do not charge any application fee and we also do not require you to use uni-assist.
When does the program start?
The program starts once a year in October.
Where can I get impressions of the program?
Please have a look at the facebook page of the MBA International Business, where we regularly post interesting news.
Are all classes taught in English language?
Yes, the MBA International Business is a completely English-speaking program. All classes are taught in English, and all communication is done in English as well. This is why you need English language skills at least on B2 Level.
Do I need to have German language skills as well?
Latest 12 months after the start of the program, you have to document German language skills on the basic A1 level. But you will easily be able to documents those skills just by living and studying in Würzburg.
What is Würzburg like?
Würzburg is a beautiful medium-sized city located in the center of Germany. It is both a historic city, with a fortress on top of the city and the Bishop’s residence (UNESCO World Heritage Site). In the city as well as all around the city, you will find the vineyards where the famous Franconian white wine („Bocksbeutel“) is produced. At the same time, Wuerzburg is a very young city, as around every fourth inhabitant of Würzburg is a student!
Where does the program take place, in Würzburg or in Schweinfurt?
Our university FHWS has two locations: the city of Wuerzburg and the city of Schweinfurt. They are about 40 kilometers apart with excellent train and highway connection between them. All classes of the MBA International Business take place solely in Wuerzburg, however. Here is the link to "the Villa", the University Building where the majority of classes of the MBA International Business take place:
What does „University of Applied Sciences“ mean?
„University of Applied Sciences“ means the we focus on business practice rather than on theoretical research. This is why doing an MBA program at a university of applied sciences is a good idea!
What does „FHWS“ stand for?
FHWS is the German abbreviation for Fach-Hochschule Würzburg-Schweinfurt, translated into English „University of Applied Sciences Wuerzburg-Schweinfurt“.
Can I work during my studies?
This is a double yes:
1) Your student visa allows you to work a maximum of 120 days full time (or 240 days part time).
2) As the courses are held mainly on Fridays and Saturdays, you will have the chance to work during the week in case you want to.
Who can give me further information and help me with the application process?
Depending on the region you come from, please contact the Marketing Manager that is responsible for your Region.
How do get a student visa?
All non-European Union students need a student visa. For your visa application at the German Embassy/Consulate in your country, we will provide you with a letter of acceptance once your application has been accepted by our admissions council. Please check your local German Embassy/Consulate for the process and requirements for obtaining a Student visa.
What are the requirements to be admitted to the program?
Please have a look at the application site, where the study requirements are listed.
Does the MBA degree entitle for Ph.D. studies?
Yes, the MBA is a regular Master degree that entitles to start a Ph.D. program in Germany.
Is the MBA International Business a full-time program?
Yes it is. Full time is defined by the amount of credits (30) that can be earned in one semester.
How does a typical batch of students look like?
Every year, our students literally come from all over the world. To give you an idea, the students from class 17 (2019-2021) come from the following nations: India, Thailand, Mexico, Iran, USA, Germany, Azerbaijan, Nepal and Russia. We typically have an equal distribution of male and female students. The maximum number of students is 25, while most batches have around 15 students.
Why do you require work experience?
MBA programs are always non-consecutive programs, which means you cannot study them right after your bachelor degree, but you need to bring at least 1 year of work experience. The work experience must by achieved after finishing your bachelor degree, which means work before or during the bachelor degree does not count.
Where do I find details about the courses in the MBA International Business?
All courses are described in detail in the module handbookhttps://fwiwi.fhws.de/studierende/studiengaenge/master-international-business/spostudienplan/.
Why is there a small „administrative fee“ on top of the tuition fee?
While the tuition fees goes to our university to cover the cost of the program, the administrative fee goes to the students‘ union. The administrative fee needs to be paid by every student at a German university. Out of this fee, the free students' ticket for the local public transportation system is financed, among other things!
Is FHWS a private university?
No, FHWS is a public university owned by the German state of Bavaria. Being a public university means that we are not profit-making. The tuition fee is calculated to cover the cost of the program.
Who is teaching the courses?
We have a well balanced mix of professors from FHWS, professors from other universities and practicioners that bring their job experience into the classes.
Is the MBA International Business an accredited program?
Yes of Course, we are accredited by the German Accreditation Council (Akkreditierungsrat) until 30.09.2028.

What is the cost of living in Würzburg?
This question is hard to anwer, as it depends a lot on your individual lifestyle. The students‘ union estimates that the average students spends about 700 Euros per month for living in Würzburg.
Can I stay in Germany after the MBA?
Yes, after you have successfully finished your MBA program, you are entitled to stay at least 12 more months in Germany to find a job.
How long does the program take?
The regular duration of the program is 3 semesters incl. Master’s Thesis. This means that the MBA degree is regularly awarded to you after 18 months.
If you start to study the MBA in modular studies (see separate FAQ) and then decide to continue, then the programme can take 4 or 5 Semesters.
How can I document my work experience?
In case you are/were employed: typically by a certificate of employment from your employer(s). Alternatively, you can provide a copy of your work contract, a payment slip etc.
In case you are/were self-employed: e.g. by customer orders
How can I document my English language skills?
We accept a certification from all known test centers including but not limited to TOEFL, Cambridge, IELTS, TOEIC. The certification must document that your English language skills are at least on Level B2 of the CEFR. In case English is your native tongue, we do not require a certificate. In case you have studied your graduate program completely in English language, a corresponding statement from your university is sufficient.
Where is Wuerzburg located?
Wuerzburg is located in the center of Germany. It lies in the north of the state of Bavaria and is the capital of the Lower Franconia region. It has excellent connection to regional trains and to national high speed trains. Moreover, Wuerburg lies at the intersection of two of the largest national highways (east-west-bound A3 and north-south-bound A7). The cities of Frankfurt (north-west) and Nuremberg (south-east) are about one hour away by either car or train.
Do I need official certifications and/or translations of my documents for my application?
Generally, we do not require official certifications, but you need to present the original documents when you enroll in person at our university office at the beginning of your studies.
In case your documents are issued in German, English, Spanish or French language, we do not need translations for the application process either. For all other languages, we require an officially certified translation into either German or English for the application process.
Will I find a job after the program?
Of course, we cannot give you a guarantee that you will find a job after successfully finishing our MBA program. But chances are very good that you will. In the region around Wuerzburg, there are plenty of companies and there is hardly any unemployment. In a 2018 ranking performed by the German business magazine „Wirtschaftswoche“, Wuerzburg ranked 10th place among the 71 large German cities when it comes to job availabilty! By the way, Wuerzburg also ranked 10th place in the same analysis when it comes to overall quality of life.
Which type of graduate degree entitles me to study the MBA program?
The graduate degree needs to be a Bachelor degree or similar from an officially recognized university. The regular duration of the graduate program needs to be at least 3 years. The graduate degree can be done in any subject.
Which extracurricular activities do you offer?
Apart from the activities that are open to all students of our university, we offer various events and activities specifically for our MBA students. Those activities include a Welcome Dinner, a visit to the local Christmas Market, a Summer Fete and many more.
Which resources can I use as an MBA student?
As an MBA student, you have access to all resources of our university. Those resources include:
- university canteen
- free use of local public transportation System
- university library
- sports facilities and Courses
- computer labs
- counseling services
For some of those offerings, small fees might apply (e.g. food and drinks in canteen, sports courses).
What does „MBA“ stand for?
MBA stands for „Master of Business Administration“. It is a degree that is awarded by universities around the globe and it is recognized worldwide. It is the standard degree for non-consecutive Master‘s programs in the fields of Business Administration, Management and Leadership.
When did the MBA International Business start?
Our MBA International Business started in the year 2003, at the time only offering the Focus Region Asia. It has taken place every year since then and meanwhile, we have broadened our offering and now offer the Focus Regions Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Latin America.
How do I find accomodation in Würzburg?
As a student of our university, you are entitled to apply for a place in student homes that are run by the students‘ Union (www.studentenwerk-wuerzburg.de/wohnen/wohnheime.html). Apart from that, there is an active market for shared or individual student homes.
Will I write a Master’s Thesis?
Yes, at the end of their studies in the third semester, all students write a Master’s Thesis as part of the program. The topic can be related to any course of the program and should have an international focus, ideally connected to the Focus Region you have chosen. You will be prepared to writing the thesis by the course „Research Projects“ and by writing papers in various courses of the program.
How does the timetable of the semesters look like?
Here you can find an exemplary timetable of the three semesters. Please note that this timetable is a non-binding example only and that changes might take place each year (e.g. depending on the location of public holidays etc.)
Is Würzburg a safe city?
Yes. The rate of criminality is very low in Germany overall, and especially low in the State of Bavaria.
Do you require GRE or GMAT?
No, we don’t.
Is there an age limit to studying the MBA International Business?
No, we do not have an age limit. It is never too late to qualify for higher positions!
Can I study selected modules of the MBA International Business only?
Yes, for many modules, this is possible (please see the modules marked with "yes" in enclosed table) This is called modular studies and it aims at persons that want to increase their knowledge in specific fields only.
Also, modular studies can be used to see whether the MBA Programme is the right thing for you. You can start by taking selected courses only (modular studies) and then transfer to the regular MBA Programme (regular studies). In this case, the courses that you have already taken and the study fees that you have already paid are of course taken into account. This way, the MBA Programme would take 4 or 5 semesters instead of the regular 3 semesters. Please have a look at enclosed tables to see how your curriculum would look like per semester in this case.
On which level are the language courses offered?
All language courses are offered on beginner level, that is A1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). For the Spanish, Mandarin and Russian language, only A1 level is offered. For the German language, students that already have a language level higher than A1 can alternatively join one of the language courses that are offered by our university’s Campus for Language Proficiency on the level they need.