Entry Requirements for Studying at Steinbeis University: Everything International Students Need to Know

Understanding German Higher Education Entry Requirements

Before diving into Steinbeis-specific requirements, it's helpful to understand the broader context of German higher education. Germany has specific standards for what qualifies as adequate preparation for university study, whether you're applying for undergraduate (Bachelor's) or graduate (Master's) programs. These standards ensure that students entering German universities have the foundational knowledge needed to succeed in rigorous academic programs.

The good news for international students is that German universities, including Steinbeis, recognize qualifications from around the world. Whether you completed your education in India, Nigeria, the United States, China, Brazil, or anywhere else, there's a pathway for you to study in Germany—as long as your qualifications meet the equivalency standards.

Master's Program Entry Requirements: What You Need to Know

If you're considering one of our specialized Master's programs—Data Analytics & AI, Digital Marketing, HR & Change Management, Business & Organizational Psychology, Digital Innovation & Business Transformation, or Management & Innovation—here are the specific entry requirements you need to meet:

1. Completed Bachelor's Degree (180-240 ECTS Credits)

The foundational requirement for admission to any Master's program at Steinbeis University is a completed bachelor's degree from a recognized institution. In the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), which is the standard for German universities, most bachelor's degrees require 180-240 ECTS credits to complete.

What does this mean in practical terms?

• 180 ECTS typically equals a 3-year bachelor's degree (common in the UK, many European countries, and some other systems)

• 240 ECTS typically equals a 4-year bachelor's degree (common in the United States, Canada, and many other countries)

• Each ECTS credit represents approximately 25-30 hours of student workload, including lectures, seminars, independent study, and assessments

If your bachelor's degree isn't measured in ECTS credits (which is common for degrees earned outside Europe), don't worry. Our admissions team evaluates international degrees based on their equivalency to European standards. A standard 3-4 year bachelor's degree from an accredited university in most countries will typically meet this requirement.

2. Relevant Academic Background

While Steinbeis University welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds, your previous studies should provide a reasonable foundation for your chosen Master's program. Here's what we typically look for:

For Data Analytics & AI:
A background in computer science, mathematics, statistics, engineering, business analytics, or related quantitative fields is beneficial. However, motivated students from other backgrounds with demonstrated quantitative aptitude and relevant work experience are also considered.

For Digital Marketing:
Backgrounds in business, marketing, communications, media studies, or related fields are ideal. Students with work experience in marketing, digital media, or related areas may be considered even with different academic backgrounds.

For HR & Change Management:
Degrees in business administration, psychology, human resources, organizational studies, or social sciences provide strong preparation. Professional experience in HR or organizational development is highly valued.

For Business & Organizational Psychology:
Psychology, business administration, sociology, organizational behavior, or related fields offer excellent preparation. This program particularly benefits students who want to bridge psychology and business.

For Digital Innovation & Business Transformation:
Business, management, engineering, technology, economics, or related fields provide solid foundations. This program is designed for those interested in how technology drives business change.

For Management & Innovation:
Business administration, economics, engineering, or related fields are appropriate backgrounds. The program suits those interested in strategic management and innovation leadership.

Important note: At Steinbeis, we take a holistic approach to admissions. If your academic background doesn't perfectly align with your chosen program but you have strong relevant professional experience, a compelling motivation, and demonstrated potential, we encourage you to apply. Our admissions team evaluates each application individually rather than applying rigid, formulaic criteria.

3. Proof of English Proficiency

Since all our programs are taught entirely in English, demonstrating English language proficiency is mandatory for admission. We'll cover this topic in greater detail in a separate section below, but the key point for Master's applicants is that you must provide evidence that you can successfully engage with graduate-level English academic content.

Accepted forms of proof include:

• IELTS (typically minimum 6.0-6.5 overall)

• TOEFL (typically minimum 80-90 iBT)

• Cambridge English qualifications (C1 Advanced or higher)

• English-medium degree certificate (if your bachelor's was taught entirely in English)

4. Additional Application Materials

Beyond your bachelor's degree and English proficiency proof, you'll need to submit:

• Academic transcripts showing your complete course history and grades

• Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailing your educational background, work experience, skills, and achievements

• Motivation letter explaining why you want to pursue this specific program at Steinbeis and how it aligns with your career goals

• Copy of passport or national ID for identification and future visa processing

• Any additional certifications or evidence of professional development relevant to your chosen field

Bachelor's Program Entry Requirements: Starting Your Higher Education Journey

For students interested in our BA in Business Administration specializing in Innovation, Technology & Digitalization, the entry requirements differ from Master's programs. Here's what you need to qualify:

1. High School Certificate Qualifying for Higher Education in GermanyThe primary requirement for Bachelor's admission is a high school leaving certificate that qualifies you for higher education in Germany. This is sometimes called "Hochschulzugangsberechtigung" in German, which literally means "higher education entrance qualification."

What counts as qualifying?

The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) maintains an extensive database showing exactly what qualifications from each country qualify for German university admission. Our admissions team can help you determine whether your specific qualification meets the requirements or what additional steps might be needed.

2. Academic Performance

While we don't publish a specific GPA or grade cutoff, successful Bachelor's applicants typically demonstrate strong academic performance in their secondary education, particularly in subjects relevant to business, technology, and innovation. We look at your complete academic record rather than focusing only on a single number.

3. English Language Proficiency

Just as with Master's programs, you must demonstrate English proficiency to succeed in our English-taught Bachelor's program. The requirements are similar to those for Master's students, though we may be slightly more flexible for Bachelor's applicants who are at an earlier stage in their academic journey.

4. Interest in Business, Technology, and Innovation

Our BA in Business Administration with a specialization in Innovation, Technology & Digitalization is designed for students passionate about how technology transforms business and society. In your application, we look for evidence of this interest—whether through coursework, extracurricular activities, work experience, personal projects, or your motivation letter.

The Critical Importance of English Language Proficiency

Language proficiency deserves special attention because it's one of the most common concerns for international students considering studying in Germany. Many students ask: "Do I really need an English test? My English is quite good." Let's address this thoroughly.

Why English Proficiency Matters

At Steinbeis University, all lectures, seminars, assignments, projects, and assessments are conducted in English. You'll be reading academic papers, participating in discussions, working on group projects, writing reports, and presenting findings—all in English. To succeed and fully benefit from your education, you need a strong command of academic English.

This isn't about casual conversational English or the ability to watch movies and understand them. Academic English involves:

• Understanding complex theoretical concepts explained in lectures

• Reading and analyzing academic literature and research papers

• Expressing sophisticated ideas clearly in writing

• Participating actively in seminar discussions and debates

• Collaborating effectively with international classmates

• Presenting professional-quality project work

Proving Your English Proficiency: Multiple Pathways

Pathway 1: Standardized English TestsThe most common way to demonstrate English proficiency is through internationally recognized standardized tests:

IELTS (International English Language Testing System):
IELTS is widely accepted and available in most countries worldwide. For Steinbeis programs, we typically look for:

• Overall band score of 6.0-6.5 or higher

• No individual component (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking) below 5.5

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language):
TOEFL is another globally recognized option, available in both internet-based (iBT) and paper-based formats:

• TOEFL iBT: typically 80-90 or higher

• Balanced scores across sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing)

Cambridge English Qualifications:
Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE) are also accepted and demonstrate high-level English competency.

Duolingo English Test:
Some students opt for the Duolingo English Test, which is increasingly accepted, more affordable, and can be taken online from home.

PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English):
PTE is another computer-based English test accepted by many universities, including Steinbeis.

Pathway 2: English-Medium Degree Certificate

Here's excellent news if you completed your previous degree entirely in English: you may not need to take an IELTS or TOEFL test at all.

If your bachelor's degree (for Master's applicants) or high school education (for Bachelor's applicants) was taught entirely in English at an accredited institution, we can accept an English-medium certificate from your institution instead of a standardized test.

What is an English-medium certificate?

This is an official letter or certificate from your previous university or school confirming that:

• Your entire program was taught in English

• English was the language of instruction for all courses

• All examinations and assessments were conducted in English

• This certificate should be on official letterhead, signed by appropriate academic authorities (registrar, dean, or equivalent), and include:

  • Your name and student identification

  • Program of study

  • Dates of study

  • Explicit confirmation that English was the medium of instruction

  Who typically qualifies for this exemption?

  • Students who completed degrees at universities in English-speaking countries (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, etc.)

  • Students who studied at international branch campuses where English is the medium of instruction

  • Students who completed international programs (such as American-style universities in the Middle East, English-medium universities in India, international programs in Europe, etc.)

  Important considerations:

  Even if you studied in an English-speaking country, if your program was not primarily in English (for example, if you studied a foreign language program taught in that language), you would still need to provide English proficiency test scores.

  Some institutions in non-English-speaking countries offer English-medium programs. If this applies to you, the English-medium certificate pathway is available—you just need the official documentation.

  Understanding ECTS Credits: A Deep Dive

  The European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) can be confusing for international students, especially those from countries that don't use this system. Let's demystify it:

  What Are ECTS Credits?

  ECTS is a standard for comparing study programs and performance across European universities. It measures student workload rather than just contact hours in class.

  Key principles:

  • One academic year of full-time study = 60 ECTS credits

  • One ECTS credit = approximately 25-30 hours of total student workload

  • This includes lectures, seminars, independent study, research, projects, and exam preparation

Converting Your Degree to ECTS

If your degree isn't measured in ECTS (which is the case for most non-European degrees), here's how to understand equivalency:

United States/Canada:

• A 4-year bachelor's degree (120-130 semester credit hours) typically equals 240 ECTS

• A 3-year degree may equal 180 ECTS

United Kingdom:

• A 3-year bachelor's degree (360 CATS credits) equals 180 ECTS

• A 4-year bachelor's degree (such as Scottish or integrated Master's) equals 240 ECTS

India:

• A 3-year bachelor's degree typically equals 180 ECTS

• A 4-year bachelor's degree equals 240 ECTS

Other Systems:
Most standard bachelor's degrees that require 3-4 years of full-time study will fall within the 180-240 ECTS range.

Don't worry if you're uncertain about your degree's equivalency—our admissions team routinely evaluates degrees from around the world and can quickly tell you whether your qualification meets our requirements.

Real Student Success: Meeting Requirements and Thriving

Understanding requirements is one thing, but seeing how real students navigated them and succeeded is another. Here are experiences from Steinbeis students who came from different backgrounds:

Daniel Guirguis reflects on his experience: "Content of the program was very very practical, it was very rich. It really helped me grow on the professional level. It challenged me and helped me expand my perspective."

Daniel's success shows that meeting the entry requirements is just the starting point. Once admitted, the practical nature of Steinbeis programs helps students grow professionally regardless of their starting point.

Josephine Amoako shares: "The knowledge I have gained at Steinbeis has been invaluable in helping to partner with leaders I support and becoming a more proactive involved employee. The interactive theory/real-life experience has been very helpful in applying the concepts in everyday working environments." Josephine's experience demonstrates how students who meet our entry requirements and engage with our practice-oriented approach gain knowledge they can immediately apply in professional contexts.

Special Considerations for International Students

Beyond the core academic requirements, international students should be aware of several additional considerations:

Recognition of Foreign Qualifications

Germany has specific processes for recognizing foreign educational qualifications. The good news is that as a private, state-recognized university, Steinbeis has considerable flexibility in evaluating international credentials. We work with:

• ANABIN (the German database for recognition of foreign qualifications)

• uni-assist (when additional evaluation is needed)

• Our experienced admissions team who regularly assess international applications

If there's any question about whether your qualification is sufficient, our admissions team will work with you to determine the best path forward, which might include:

• Providing additional documentation about your program

• Submitting credential evaluations

• In rare cases, completing bridging courses or demonstrating relevant work experience

After Meeting Requirements: The Next Steps

Once you've confirmed that you meet the entry requirements for your chosen program, here's what to do:

Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Collect all required documents: degree certificates, transcripts, English proficiency proof, passport copy, CV, and prepare your motivation letter.

Step 2: Apply Through Our Online Portal
Submit your application directly through our user-friendly online application system—no application fee required.

Step 3: Wait for Review (5-10 Working Days)
Our admissions team will review your complete application and contact you with a decision, typically within 5-10 working days of receiving all documents.

Step 4: Receive Your Offer and Confirm Enrollment
If admitted, you'll receive an offer letter and information about confirming your enrollment through the €1,500 enrollment fee.

Step 5: Begin Visa Process (International Students)
For students outside the EU/EEA, begin your visa application process with support from our team.

Step 6: Prepare for Your Studies
Whether you're preparing to move to Berlin or beginning online, start getting ready for your transformative educational experience.

Common Questions About Entry Requirements

What if my degree is from a non-accredited institution?
Accreditation requirements vary by country. If your institution is recognized by the higher education authorities in your country, your degree will typically be evaluated fairly. Contact our admissions team for specific guidance.

Can I apply if I'm still completing my current degree?
Yes! You can apply while completing your bachelor's degree (for Master's programs) or high school (for Bachelor's programs). You'll need to provide current transcripts and expected graduation date, with final documents submitted upon completion.

What if my English test score is slightly below the requirement?
Contact our admissions team. Depending on other strengths in your application, there may be flexibility or alternative pathways such as completing an English bridging course.

Do I need to get my documents translated?
If your original documents are not in English or German, you'll need certified translations for your application.

Are there interviews as part of the admission process?
Some programs may include an interview (via video call for international students) as part of the evaluation process, though this isn't required for all applicants.

Your Path to Studying in Germany Starts Here

Understanding and meeting the entry requirements for Steinbeis University is your gateway to quality German education, practical learning experiences, and enhanced career opportunities. Whether you're a recent graduate with a strong academic record, a working professional with years of experience, or somewhere in between, if you meet our requirements and share our commitment to applied learning, we welcome your application.

The entry requirements exist to ensure you're prepared for success in rigorous, practice-oriented programs. They're not designed to be barriers but rather to ensure that every student who joins Steinbeis has the foundation needed to thrive in our unique learning environment.

If you meet the requirements outlined in this guide—or if you have questions about whether your specific situation qualifies—we encourage you to take the next step. Our admissions team is here to answer questions, evaluate your credentials, and help you navigate the path to studying at one of Germany's most innovative, practice-focused universities.

Ready to check if you qualify? Review your credentials against these requirements, gather your documents, and apply through our online portal. Your future in Germany's dynamic business and technology landscape is waiting.

Steinbeis University - Schools of Next Practices is state-recognized by the Berlin Senate and internationally accredited, ensuring your degree is globally recognized and valued by employers worldwide.