The MBA 90 ECTS at ISM is a full-time, practice-oriented programme designed for professionals who want to strengthen their management skills while gaining international business exposure. Offered by the International School of Management (ISM) across seven campuses in Germany, the programme focuses on leadership, strategy, finance, and innovation through real-world projects and industry engagement.

ISM is a private business school with AACSB accreditation, a globally recognised quality standard held by only a small percentage of business schools worldwide. The programme is completed over three semesters (90 ECTS), with official tuition set at EUR 8,700 (approx. INR 9.3 lakh) per semester, making it a structured option for students seeking a career-focused MBA in Germany.

Key Highlights: MBA 90 ECTS at ISM

Why Study MBA 90 ECTS at ISM

As a private, specialist business school without a large undergraduate research base, it sits outside QS's main university table entirely, the same category smaller specialist institutions like Mannheim or ESMT fall into across Germany.

What ISM does have is a genuinely distinctive accreditation profile. It became the first private German university to earn AACSB accreditation, a mark held by roughly 6 percent of business schools globally, and CEO Magazine has ranked ISM's Global MBA in its top tier for three consecutive years.

A few reasons candidates still choose ISM over Germany's bigger business school names:

• AACSB accreditation, the highest international quality mark for business schools, held by only around 6 percent of institutions worldwide

• No GMAT and no Numerus Clausus requirement, making admission genuinely more accessible than test-heavy competitors

• Small, personal class sizes with a 7:1 student-faculty ratio across a diverse, international cohort

• A mandatory semester or internship abroad built into the programme, with the abroad tuition already covered by the standard ISM fee

• Direct industry ties through 8,000-plus partner companies, with graduates recruited by firms including IBM and LVMH

• A strong graduate outcomes record, with roughly 90 percent of master's and MBA graduates securing jobs within six months of finishing

Course Structure of MBA 90 ECTS at ISM

The MBA 90 ECTS at ISM blends core business subjects, applied strategic projects, international exposure, and a final master's thesis, built specifically around practice-based learning rather than pure academic theory. Students can choose between a full-time route, typically completed in three semesters including the thesis, or a part-time route spread across three to four semesters for working professionals.

Every student completes a mandatory abroad component, either a full semester or an internship, at one of ISM's 190-plus partner universities, with that international stint already folded into the standard semester fee rather than charged as an add-on.

Course Structure (Full-Time MBA):

Full-Time vs. Part-Time: Which Format Fits You?

The full-time route runs three semesters, with two semesters of coursework followed by a thesis semester, and suits candidates who can commit to studying without working alongside it. The part-time route stretches the same 90 ECTS credit load across three to four semesters, letting working professionals continue their careers while completing the degree.

Since ISM charges tuition per semester rather than as a flat programme fee, choosing the part-time route with an extra semester does add to your total cost, so it's worth weighing the trade-off between flexibility and total spend before deciding.

Eligibility and Admission Requirements for MBA 90 ECTS at ISM

Admission to the MBA 90 ECTS at ISM is evaluated on academic qualification, professional experience, and English language proficiency, with no GMAT or Numerus Clausus required at any stage of the process.

Academic Requirements

ISM requires a completed bachelor's degree comprising a minimum of 210 ECTS credits specifically for MBA applicants, a slightly higher threshold than the 180 ECTS required for its standard master's programmes.

• A recognised bachelor's degree with at least 210 ECTS credits

• Applicants with fewer than 210 ECTS may be evaluated for compensation through additional coursework

• Relevant professional work experience, assessed individually during the admissions process

English Language Requirements

Since all ISM programmes are taught entirely in English, proof of proficiency is required unless your prior education was conducted in English.

• IELTS: minimum 6.0 overall

• TOEFL iBT: minimum 80

• Cambridge certificates or documented proof of prior English-medium study also accepted

• If none of the above are available, applicants complete ISM's own online English assessment test as part of admissions

The Admission Process Itself

Unlike GMAT-driven business schools, ISM runs its own internal evaluation combining a document review, an online assessment, and a personal interview.

• Document review of academic transcripts, CV, and motivation letter

• Online Math and English assessment test

• Online interview assessing motivation, career clarity, and communication skills

• Successful applicants receive an official admission letter with tuition details and enrolment instructions

How to Apply for MBA 90 ECTS at ISM

Applying to ISM's MBA follows a structured but genuinely straightforward process, run through the university's own application portal rather than a centralised German admissions system.

Application Deadlines and Intakes

ISM runs two main intakes each year, and visa-bound applicants face earlier deadlines than those who don't need a study visa.

• Fall intake (September/October): Visa-track applicants must apply by July 15; general applicants by end of August

• Spring intake (March/April): Visa-track applicants must apply by December 15

• ISM recommends applying four to twelve months ahead of your intended intake for non-EU students specifically

Cost of MBA 90 ECTS at ISM

The total cost of the MBA 90 ECTS at ISM comes down to its official per-semester tuition rate, a one-time enrolment fee for non-EU students, and living expenses that vary by which of ISM's campuses you choose.

Official tuition is EUR 8,700 per semester (approx. INR 9.26 lakh). Across the standard three-semester full-time MBA 90 ECTS at ISM, the total tuition comes to EUR 26,100 (approx. INR 27.78 lakh), excluding the additional one-time enrolment fee of EUR 1,500 (approx. INR 1.60 lakh).

Tuition Fees for MBA 90 ECTS at ISM:

Note: Students who choose the part-time MBA 90 ECTS at ISM and spread the programme over four semesters instead of three should expect to pay for the additional semester. This increases the total tuition to approximately EUR 34,800 (approx. INR 37.0 lakh), plus the same one-time enrolment fee of EUR 1,500 (approx. INR 1.6 lakh).

Cost of Living for MBA 90 ECTS at ISM Students (2026)

Your tuition is only one part of the budget. If you're planning to pursue the MBA 90 ECTS at ISM, you'll also need to factor in everyday expenses such as rent, groceries, transport, health insurance, utilities, and personal spending. The exact amount depends on which ISM campus you choose. Students studying in Dortmund, for example, usually spend less on accommodation than those living in Munich or Frankfurt.

Tip: Renting a shared apartment or student accommodation is one of the easiest ways to reduce your monthly expenses while studying at ISM. Many international students choose this option during their first year to keep their overall budget under control.

Scholarships for MBA 90 ECTS at ISM

Financing your MBA 90 ECTS at ISM becomes easier if you explore the scholarship opportunities available before you enrol. ISM offers a range of institutional scholarships that recognise academic excellence, leadership potential, and international diversity. In addition, eligible students can also apply for selected German government and external funding programmes.

Note: ISM explicitly states that both full and partial scholarships apply only to tuition fees, not accommodation, study materials, or other living costs, so it's worth budgeting for those separately even if you secure a scholarship award.

Student Visa Requirements for MBA 90 ECTS at ISM

International students planning to pursue the MBA 90 ECTS at ISM must apply for a German National (D) Visa for study purposes, converting to a residence permit after arrival in Germany.

Financial Requirements for German Student Visa

International students must prove sufficient funds through a blocked account before their visa is approved, based on Germany's national requirement.

Visa Deadlines and Work Rules:

• Visa-track applicants for the master's/MBA intake face a firm deadline, generally mid-June for Fall entry

• International students can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year during their studies

• Health insurance is mandatory for all students in Germany, including ISM's MBA candidates, before enrolment can be finalised

After Graduation: Post-Study Work Visa:

Graduates of ISM's MBA, like all recognised German university programmes, are eligible for an 18-month post-study work visa, giving genuine time to search for and secure qualified employment in Germany before needing employer sponsorship.

Career Opportunities After MBA 90 ECTS at ISM

ISM reports that around 90 percent of its master's and MBA graduates secure employment within six months of finishing, with many receiving offers before graduation, supported by the school's network of over 8,000 partner companies.

Since ISM itself doesn't publish detailed city-level salary breakdowns, the most accurate honest benchmark for MBA-relevant roles comes from Glassdoor's Germany-wide salary data.

Germany-Wide Salary Benchmarks Relevant to ISM MBA Graduates:

Source: Glassdoor

Note: Companies like IBM and LVMH are cited among the employers actively recruiting ISM graduates, particularly for roles in data analytics, consulting, and brand management, reflecting the programme's practical, career-readiness focus.

Author's POV

The MBA 90 ECTS at ISM strikes a balance between affordability and international recognition. With a total programme cost of around EUR 27,600 (approx. INR 29.4 lakh), it's more expensive than a public university MBA but still considerably lower than Germany's top private business schools. What makes ISM stand out is its AACSB accreditation, small class sizes, and practical teaching approach that focuses on real business challenges rather than theory alone.

Another advantage is the straightforward admission process. Since ISM doesn't require a GMAT, experienced professionals can apply without spending months preparing for standardised tests. Career outcomes are equally encouraging, with strong industry partnerships and graduates finding opportunities across consulting, technology, luxury, and finance. If your goal is to earn a recognised MBA with solid employer connections at a reasonable cost, ISM offers good value. However, if global university rankings are your highest priority, a more research-focused university may be a better fit.

If you want clarity on your next steps, you can book a free counseling session with our experts. Someone from the team will walk you through your options and answer your questions.