IU International University of Applied Sciences

MBA in Finance and Accounting

1st Semester

• Leadership
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• International Marketing
• Performance Management
• Corporate Finance
• Managerial Economics

2nd Semester

Elective courses (choose 4 out of 5)

• Advanced Corporate Finance
• Investment Analysis & Portfolio Management
• Advanced Management Accounting & Control
• Current Issues in Finance
• Current Issues in Accounting

Regular courses

• Strategic Management
• Operations and Information Management

3rd Semester

• Business Ethics & Corporate Governance
• Capstone Project

How does the course of studies work?

In the second semester of your MBA programme Finance & Accounting, you choose your major and set your personal focus.

The MBA in Finance and Accounting is delivered as full-time, on-campus study at IU's Cologne campus. Face-to-face lectures from professors with a minimum of 5 years of industry experience are supplemented by self-study through MyCampus, IU's digital learning platform. Syntea, IU's AI-powered learning assistant, is available 24/7 for exam preparation and coursework support.

Accreditations, Rankings, and Memberships

	Accreditation  IU International University of Applied Sciences has received system accreditation from EQAR, FIBAA, the German Accreditation Council, and the German Council of Science and Humanities. This means that their courses, faculty and teaching materials meet the rigorous standards set according to European academic guidelines and they can now accredit their own programmes.
	Awards and Rankings  IU is the first German university to get 99/100 on the QS Stars Report, but they also topped 6 out of 25 categories in Germany’s largest university ranking by CHE. Recently IU’s online MBA programmes ranked 26th in Europe in the prestigious QS Online MBA Rankings, an impressive achievement and recognition on the international stage.
	Memberships  IU is a member of the Business Graduate’s Association, Online Learning Consortium, AASCB, and UNESCO's Global Education Coalition. These memberships give them connections to other institutions, companies, and NGOs as well as top-tier degree programmes and lifelong learning development courses. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, IU helps students in need to continue their education and pursue lifelong learning Since April 2023, IU is a member of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), the largest university association in the world with foreign universities as an associate member. IU is also the only European member of Association of African Universities (AAU), a network of over 420 universities and research centres from across the African continent

Global Recognition and Academic Partners

What you will learn

The MBA gives you expert and general management know-how and will help you develop your individual methodical skills:

• You will deepen your knowledge in the areas of business management and leadership through academic and practice-oriented modules.
• You will actively work on your soft skills such as communication skills and intercultural awareness.
• You develop expertise with regard to the preparation and execution of fiscal decisions in international capital markets.
• You learn how to handle financing options in international capital markets and how to meet international standards.
• You acquire in-depth expertise in investment analysis and portfolio management to optimise the financial performance of companies.

IU International University of Applied Sciences is Germany's largest state-accredited university, with over 130,000 students from more than 190 countries. Here is why ambitious professionals from around the world chose IU for their MBA — and why it could be the right choice for you.

Career-focused teaching by professors with real industry experience

At IU, every lecturer must have a minimum of 5 years of relevant industry experience. For the MBA in Finance and Accounting, this means your professors bring direct professional knowledge into every lecture — not just theory. The curriculum is regularly reviewed and updated against current industry demands, ensuring the skills you develop are relevant on graduation.

88% of IU students and alumni confirm their studies equip them with future-ready skills, including problem-solving, critical thinking, and digital collaboration.

A modern learning experience combining campus life with digital tools

On-campus lectures at IU's Cologne campus combine face-to-face teaching and small-group collaboration with self-study through MyCampus, IU's digital learning platform. MyCampus gives you 24/7 access to all course materials and Syntea, IU's AI-powered learning assistant, available around the clock for exam preparation and coursework support.

91% of IU students are satisfied with their courses, lecturers, and study materials. 85% feel confident using AI tools in their studies.

Comprehensive support — from visa application to graduation

IU provides structured support at every stage of your journey. Personal Study Advisors guide your academic progress. Study coaches offer one-to-one guidance. The Career Services team assists with CV writing, interview preparation, and employer introductions. Free visa concierge support via IU's VFS partner helps you navigate the German student visa process step by step.

Small class sizes ensure you receive individual attention throughout your studies.

96% of IU students would recommend IU. On average, IU graduates find a suitable job within 2.6 months of graduating.

A German state-accredited degree with global recognition

IU holds state accreditation from the German Council of Science and Humanities and the German Accreditation Council. Your MBA meets the same quality standards as any German university, taught entirely in English. IU degrees are recognised through WES Canada and the US, and the university holds a QS 5-Star Rating, FIBAA accreditation, and memberships with AACSB, EQAR, and the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

IU has over 25 years of experience in higher education, 15,000+ business partners, and 7,000+ international alumni.

Launch your management career in Germany — and beyond

Cologne is at the heart of one of Germany's most economically active regions, with strong employer presence across financial services, technology, automotive, healthcare, and logistics. Studying on-campus gives you direct access to IU's Career Services network and 15,000+ business partner companies throughout your studies.

After graduating, you can apply for Germany's 18-month post-study work visa and enter a labour market with a gross median salary of EUR 58,600 and an unemployment rate of 3.6%.

3 out of 4 IU MBA graduates work in an international environment. Alumni work at KPMG, BMW, Lufthansa, Allianz, Accenture, and MHP.

What jobs can you get with an MBA in Finance and Accounting from IU?

Financial management expertise is in strong demand across banking, consulting, insurance, and corporate finance functions. Graduates of the MBA in Finance and Accounting are equipped for specialist and leadership roles in the financial sector. Typical career paths include:

•Risk Manager — assess and mitigate financial and operational risks for banks, investment firms, and corporates, developing strategies to protect organisational assets.

•Financial Controller — measure and report company profitability using KPI systems, identifying improvement opportunities and overseeing financial compliance and implementation progress.

•Investment Analyst — evaluate investment opportunities across asset classes, providing data-driven recommendations to support portfolio management and capital allocation decisions.

•Finance Manager — oversee financial planning, budgeting, and reporting for a business unit or organisation, ensuring sound financial decision-making at the management level.

•Compliance Officer — develop and maintain compliance frameworks to ensure the business operates within legal, regulatory, and ethical boundaries.

•Management Accountant — provide financial analysis, forecasting, and management reporting to support strategic planning and operational performance improvement.

IU's Career Services team supports your job search throughout your studies: dedicated advisors assist with CV writing, interview preparation, and connecting you with IU's 15,000+ business partners across Germany and internationally. On average, IU graduates find a suitable role within 2.6 months.

Study with IU! Find out what it’s like to study at IU. IU's experienced study advisors will give you all the insights about the study programmes, online or on campus, study coaching and more. It’s also a great chance to ask your questions.

What is the MBA in Finance and Accounting at IU?

The MBA in Finance and Accounting at IU International University of Applied Sciences is a 18-month, English-taught, on-campus programme in Cologne, Germany. It combines advanced management and leadership training with specialist expertise to prepare you for senior roles in your chosen field. No prior German is required for admission.

Is the MBA in Finance and Accounting taught in English?

Yes. The programme is 100% taught in English. No prior German is required. Optional German language courses are available to support your integration into German society and expand your career opportunities in Germany.

How much does the MBA in Finance and Accounting at IU cost?

Tuition fees are EUR 5,017 per semester (discount included). Alternatively, you can pay EUR 9,833 per year or EUR 14,749 in full, with additional discounts for yearly and lump-sum payments. A one-time campus registration fee of EUR 1,500 applies. There are no hidden fees — 89% of IU students and alumni confirm their degree was a worthwhile investment.

What are the entry requirements for the MBA in Finance and Accounting?

You need a completed Bachelor's degree from a recognised university (210 ECTS for a 90-ECTS MBA) with at least a satisfactory or Grade C equivalent, plus at least one year of professional work experience before starting and a second year completed before graduating. A 15-minute admission interview is required for international applicants. English proficiency: TOEFL 95, IELTS 6.5, or Cambridge B2 First (score 176 minimum), not older than two years.

What topics are covered in the MBA in Finance and Accounting curriculum?

The curriculum covers investment analysis, portfolio management, advanced corporate finance, advanced management accounting, and current issues in finance and accounting, alongside core management modules including Leadership, Strategic Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Corporate Finance, and Business Ethics and Corporate Governance.

Can I work part-time while studying the MBA in Germany?

Yes. International students in Germany are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week alongside their studies. IU's programme schedule is designed to be compatible with part-time employment, allowing you to build professional contacts and apply your learning in a working environment while you study.

Can I do an internship during the MBA?

Yes. At IU, you can apply your knowledge during your studies through internships — either as a mandatory element or as a voluntary elective, depending on your programme pathway. Internships give you the chance to build direct contacts with companies that can support your career after graduation. You are permitted to work a maximum of 20 hours per week, and your attendance schedule is designed to be compatible with your working hours.

What jobs can I get with the MBA in Finance and Accounting?

Graduates of the MBA in Finance and Accounting are well prepared for roles including Risk Manager, Financial Controller, Finance Manager, and Compliance Officer. IU's Career Services team supports your job search with CV coaching, interview preparation, and access to IU's 15,000+ business partners across Germany and internationally.

Can I stay and work in Germany after completing the MBA?

Yes. IU graduates are eligible to apply for Germany's 18-month post-study work visa. Germany has a gross median salary of EUR 58,600 and an unemployment rate of 3.6%, with strong demand for management professionals across all major sectors.

Is IU an accredited university in Germany?

Yes. IU International University of Applied Sciences is state-accredited by the German Council of Science and Humanities and the German Accreditation Council, and holds a QS 5-Star Rating and FIBAA accreditation. IU is Germany's largest university with over 130,000 students. Its degrees are recognised through WES Canada and the US, and IU holds memberships with AACSB, EQAR, and the Association of Indian Universities.